Student Housing in Finland
Find a home before you move to Finland. Student housing is usually cheaper than renting from a private landlord, but big cities have long waiting lists. Prices here are in euros (EUR) a month.
Housing Options
Most international students live in student housing or rent privately.
| Accommodation Type | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Student housing Flats and rooms for students, from student housing foundations. | EUR 450 to EUR 800 a month (Helsinki) Helsinki: EUR 450 to EUR 800 a month. |
|
|
Room in a shared flat Your own room in a flat shared with other students. | About EUR 230 to EUR 250 a month (Turku) Turku: about EUR 230 to EUR 250 a month. |
|
|
Private rental A flat from a private landlord, found online or in local newspapers. | From EUR 600 a month (Tampere) Tampere: from EUR 600 a month. |
|
|
Student Housing in Finland
Finding and Securing a Home
After your acceptance letter
- Apply to the student housing foundation in your city.
- Example: the Student Village Foundation of Turku (TYS) takes applications about 3 months before studies start. That is May for an August start.
While you wait
- Keep your application up to date.
- Look at private rentals online if you have no offer yet.
When you get an offer
- Sign the tenancy agreement.
- Pay the deposit.
Reliable Platforms
Hoas
Student housing in the Helsinki area. For full-time degree students.
Student Village Foundation of Turku (TYS)
Student housing in Turku.
Finnish Student Housing Association (SOA)
Lists student housing providers across Finland.
Your university
Ask where its students apply. Some universities have their own student buildings.
Required Documents
For off-campus housing in Finland, you'll typically need to provide the following documents:
- 1Proof of your study place
Student housing is for students. Hoas asks that your studies are full time and lead to a degree.
- 2Identity
Be ready to show your passport or ID.
- 3Proof of money
Landlords usually want proof of your income or savings to pay the rent.
Costs and Things to Consider
Housing is the biggest cost for most students. Rents are highest in the Helsinki area.
Regional Cost Comparison
Higher Cost Regions
- Helsinki
Average studio: EUR 665 a month, rent only (average studio, a one-room flat)
- Tampere
Average studio: From EUR 600 a month (private landlords)
Lower Cost Regions
- Turku (TYS student housing)
Average studio: About EUR 290 to EUR 450 a month (one-bedroom flat)
Shared apartment: About EUR 230 to EUR 250 a month
- Oulu
Average studio: EUR 477 a month, rent only (average studio, a one-room flat)
Additional Costs to Consider
Deposit
Example from Turku student housing. Paid once and returned at the end of your studies.
EUR 250 to EUR 500
Joining fee
Example from Turku. Paid once.
EUR 60
Home insurance
Many landlords require it.
Location Considerations
Waiting times
Helsinki has long waiting lists. Smaller cities often have flats free.
Giving notice
To end a rental you usually tell the landlord one month before (a calendar month). Check your agreement.
Important Tip
Tips for Getting a Home
Hoas is the student housing foundation in the Helsinki area. Update your application there about once a month.
Ask your university where to apply for student housing.
Landlords often ask for proof of your income or savings, and for your passport or ID.
Many landlords require home insurance.
If an agent finds you a flat, agree the fee in writing first. It can be a month's rent.
Housing FAQs
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