Student Housing in Finland
Finding safe, affordable, and convenient housing is a key concern for students coming to Finland. This guide provides official resources and tips for Nepali students studying in Finland.
1. Types of Student Housing
A. Student Housing Foundations (HOAS, TOAS, SYK, etc.)
Most universities collaborate with student housing foundations, which provide subsidized apartments and shared housing for students.
HOAS (Helsinki Student Housing Foundation) – Helsinki
Website: https://www.hoas.fi/en/
TOAS (Turku Student Housing Foundation) – Turku
Website: https://www.toas.fi/en/
SYK (Student Housing in Oulu) – Oulu
Website: https://www.syk.fi/
Features:
✔ Affordable monthly rent (usually lower than private market)
✔ Fully furnished or semi-furnished apartments
✔ Convenient locations near universities and public transport
B. Private Housing
Available through rental platforms or real estate agencies.
Common websites for private rentals:
Tips for Private Housing:
✔ Check the legitimacy of the landlord and the lease contract
✔ Never pay full rent before signing a formal agreement
✔ Beware of rental scams targeting international students
C. Shared Housing / Flatshares
Popular among students to reduce costs.
Managed via student groups, Facebook communities, or housing platforms:
✔ Facebook: Finland Ma Nepali or Nepalese in Finland
✔ https://www.airbnb.com/ (short-term temporary housing)
2. How to Apply for Student Housing
Register with the student housing foundation linked to your university
Submit required documents:
✔ Proof of admission to a Finnish university
✔ Student status verification
✔ Personal details and identification
Wait for offer or lottery-based allocation (some foundations use lotteries due to high demand)
Sign the lease and pay deposit/rent
Application periods vary by foundation. Apply as early as possible to secure accommodation.
3. Rental Costs & Deposit
Student housing typically ranges €250–€500/month depending on city and apartment type.
Private apartments are more expensive: €400–€800/month or higher in Helsinki region.
Deposit: Usually 1–2 months of rent, refundable at the end of tenancy.
4. Useful Tips for Students
✔ Apply early — student housing is highly competitive
✔ Familiarize yourself with lease terms, tenant responsibilities, and Finnish housing laws
✔ Know your rights if issues arise:
Tenant advisory services: https://www.vuokralaiset.fi/
✔ Consider proximity to university and public transport when choosing accommodation
✔ Check if utilities are included in the rent
5. Emergency / Short-Term Housing
If you arrive in Finland before securing permanent housing:
✔ University dormitories may offer short-term housing
✔ Hostels or Airbnb can be temporary solutions
✔ Always inform your university of your arrival date and housing status
Official Student Housing Resources
| Organization | Website |
|---|---|
| HOAS (Helsinki) | https://www.hoas.fi/en/ |
| TOAS (Turku) | https://www.toas.fi/en/ |
| SYK (Oulu) | https://www.syk.fi/ |
| General Tenant Rights | https://www.vuokralaiset.fi/ |
| Private Rentals | https://www.oikotie.fi/en/ |
⚠️ Important Reminder
Housing availability, rent costs, and application procedures may change annually. Always verify information on official foundation websites. Beware of scams and never transfer money without a signed lease. Report outdated information on our page so we can update it promptly.