Student housing in Finland

Student housing is usually cheaper than ordinary housing.

Student accommodation is in high demand, especially in larger cities, so it is worth checking out the options well in advance. Demand is highest at the beginning of the autumn term. 

You can read about other types of housing in Finland on the page Housing in Finland.

You apply for student housing from the student housing associations. In addition to local student housing associations, a number of other organisations also rent student housing. You can find more detailed instructions on how to apply for student housing on the website of the student housing association or other organisation in your area.

You can find contact information for student housing associations on the website of the Finnish Associations of Student Housing Organisations (SOA).

The selection criteria vary, but in general you can apply for student housing if you are a full-time student and your studies lead to a degree. Check the conditions and selection criteria with the student housing association in your area.

You can find contact information for student housing associations on the website of the Finnish Associations of Student Housing Organisations (SOA).

Below is a list of different types of student housing in Finland. Some institutions also have their own dormitories. 

Rooms in shared apartments

Rents for rooms in shared apartments are considerably lower than normal rents, especially in the large cities. The bathroom and kitchen in shared apartments are often shared between a few students. Rooms in shared apartments can either be furnished or unfurnished

Studios

Studios are intended for one student. They are a more expensive type of housing and are harder to get. The number of studios is limited, so you almost always have to go on a waiting list. It is easier to get a studio on the private market, but then the prices are often higher.

Roomie apartments

You can rent a roomie apartment with friends, where the group have the use of the entire apartment. In addition to bedrooms and a kitchen, some apartments also have a shared living room.

Family apartments

Family apartments generally have 1-4 rooms and a kitchen/kitchenette. The apartments are intended for couples and families with children. You can generally apply for a family apartment if at least one partner is studying. 

For more information on the different types of student housing, contact the student housing association in your area. Contact information for the associations can be found on the website of the Finnish Associations of Student Housing Organisations (SOA).

You can rent an apartment either from a student housing association in your area or on the open market. Apartments for exchange students are often furnished. 

It can take time to find an apartment, so you should start looking well before you move to Finland. Find out more on the InfoFinland website.

The main form of housing support for students living in Finland is general housing allowance. Students who are entitled to student financial aid and live in the institution's dormitory receive the student financial aid housing supplement instead of general housing allowance.

Read more about the general housing allowance on the page Housing benefits in Finland.