

10
Ge t t i ng s t a r t ed a t t he c ampu s
Many courses require online registration
before the start of the course. This is done
through MinPlan (
https://minplan.abo.fi). If the
course information does not mention course
registration, no registration is needed. Note
that some courses have a minimum and/or
maximum of participants and that there may be
requirements regarding previous studies.
Study Counselling
If you need to consult someone about your
studies, contact International Affairs or the study
advisor of your department.
2.4 Degree Students
University Registration
Students who have accepted the study
entitlement by 15 July 2015 can register online
provided that the student has a Finnish Personal
Identity Code and Finnish banking codes to log
into the
studyinfo.fiservice with. The registration
online can be made from 1 July onwards. The
deadline for registration is 4 September. If a
new student can not use the online registration
service he or she can register in person during
the registration period between 24 August and 4
September 2015. First-year degree students who
have not registered by 4 September will lose
their right to register. Note that a student must
register every year. However, the registration
procedures for new students are different than
for those already enrolled. All students who have
been registered during the previous year receive
information via e-mail about registration as well
as a registration form before the start of the
autumn term.
All new degree students are expected to attend
the Orientation Course at the beginning of the
term. You will receive a lot of useful information
during these days. The Orientation Course
provides you with necessary information about
the university, helps you to adjust to Finnish
student life and to living in Åbo/Vasa.
Many courses require online registration
before the start of the course. This is done
through MinPlan (
https://minplan.abo.fi)
. If the
course information does not mention course
registration, no registration is needed. Note
that some courses have a minimum and/or
maximum of participants and that there may be
requirements regarding previous studies.
Study Counselling
Soon after the beginning of your studies you
will make a personal study plan. Usually, the
plan is discussed with your contact person at the
department. If you need counselling concerning
your studies, contact the study advisor of your
department or your teacher tutor. There is
also a study psychologist to talk to if you are
experiencing motivation problems, stress and
other study related issues. For more information
about the study psychologist, please see
www. abo.fi/student/en/studiepsykolog .2.5 PhD Students
University Registration
PhD students enrol in the university at the
Student Office (Gripen, Tavastgatan 13 20500
Åbo/Academill, Strandgatan 2 65100 Vasa).
Please bring your admission letter with you to
registration.
Student union membership
It is possible for the PhD students to join the
student union, but it is not mandatory. It should
be noted that the membership benefits for PhD
students are fewer than those of exchange/
degree students. For more information, please
see section 2.2 or
www.studentkaren.fi/english/ membership-fee/ .Study Counselling
If you need to discuss your studies, please turn
to your supervisor. He/she is the best person to
give you advice. Faculties and departments vary
on how study counselling for doctoral students
is handled.