New Students

Congratulations on being accepted into the Computer Science program!

We are Atte and Santeri, your fellow CS students as well as the international captains of Tietokilta — the Computer Science guild. As captains we are responsible for fuksi (new tech student) upbringing i.e. we are responsible for helping new international and Master's students integrate into university life at Aalto University and life in Finland in general

First thing we recommend all new students to do is read our wonderful Fuksi guide. It answers a lot of burning questions you might have and is filled with lot of great resources such as important dates and general knowledge about Otaniemi.

International and Masters Fuksi guide 2025

Second step we recommend joining our Fuksi group chat here:

Telegram Chat

If you have questions about studying here and can't find the answers on this page, contact the one of the International Captains Atte or Santeri through email: international​@tietokilta.fi or in Telegram: ​@arcTiKcaptain or ​@antarcTiKcaptain or ​@KVTiK. You can also contact the Bachelors captains Miia and Joonatan: fuksikapteeni​@tietokilta.fi or in telegram ​@TiKFuksikapteenit.

Ps. If you do not have time to do this now you can read some basic info down below.

A first-year university student in Finland is called a fuksi, a term used for somebody who just begins their university life and joins its community. Every student you will meet here in Aalto was once a fuksi themselves, so fuksis are always met with love and care by the older members of the community.

Even if your student life already began elsewhere, it can be quite different to what we have here, so take your chance to have new experiences, and, of course, don't forget about the studies! Remember, there are always people who went on the same journey as the one you're about to begin, so don't be afraid to ask help from other guild members.

Fuksi year culminates in a possible wappu, which may get organized by the decision of Fuksi Major and International Director in the spring. In case it is organized, worthy fuksis who proved their will to become Teekkaris get to put their teekkari caps for the first time.

Teekkari is a term used for the university students in the field of technology. There is a lot of culture and traditions associated with Teekkarius, so make the most of your stay here and meet the teekkari culture in its many forms.

Teekkarius, among other things, is about having fun, community and relaxed attitude. You will find Otaniemi's campus area swarming with life and different events: there is partying, singing, activities, music and of course just hanging out with your friends.

Tietokilta organises events which will help you discover the teekkari culture and meet other students, who may become your friends you have connections with long after you left Aalto.

Tietokilta ry (TiK) is a guild for students of the Computer Science programme at Aalto University School of Science. TiK works within the Aalto University Student Union (AYY), which represents the interests of all Aalto University students.

The guild organises various leisure activities for its students both inside and outside Otaniemi, monitors their interests in the university's institutions, maintains contacts with other student organisations and otherwise seeks to ensure their well-being. All the activities of the Guild are based on volunteer work and Teekkari traditions and on a common spirit of voluntary work.

Fuksi points are a way to motivate the new students participate in the teekkari culture, and by accumulating them the fuksi shows their will and worth to become a teekkari and obtain the teekkari cap. The end goal is not the points in themselves, but the experiences you got, memories and friends you made along the way. The points are given for a variety of activities, so you can experience different sides of the student life and find out what do you like most.

Encountering such a rich and active culture can be quite scary, but do not worry: there are many older students who would love to help you on your way. Expect to be contacted by your ISOs (guild tutors) who would be helping you in your journey. You have a wonderful year ahead of yourself, hope it will be full of fun and memories!

See you in the autumn!

Atte Ikola ja Santeri Ylitervo
International Captains '25