Electricity and Computers

Electrical Conversion

Voltage, cycles, and plugs are all different from those in the United States. Do not bring American electrical appliances unless they work on batteries or have switchable adapters and adapter plugs.

Smaller appliances such as irons, hair-dryers, and coffee-makers can all be purchased locally if needed. Such appliances are often part of the furnishing of the housing provided by host institutions for lecturers and research scholars.

Electricity Bill

Once you arrive, you should consult your building supervisor if you are a student or the host university contact person if you are a lecturer, for instructions and advice on how to handle the electricity bill.

Laptops and Public Computer Availability

Universities have student and scholar access computer classes, but it is recommended you bring along your laptop computer. Printing is available in the computer classes. All the campuses have WiFi, so check the university IT department for access.

City and local libraries in Finland provide free access to computers and the Internet. Advance reservation for the use of a computer may be necessary. Public libraries are good locations for Internet access when you have just arrived and do not have your university account yet.

University Email

Lecturers, researchers and students are able to obtain user IDs through their host institution, normally immediately after arrival and registration.

Standard Hardware and Software

Finland is highly computerized and most local hardware and software will be familiar to American computer users.

Unless you are quite familiar with installing and adapting computer equipment, it is best not to be too adventurous. Even the most experienced computer users usually have start-up delays. Both hardware and software should be modified on arrival to accommodate larger European A4 paper sizes as well as Scandinavian characters.