🏠 Housing — Finland
How difficult is it to find student housing in Finland?
Finland is generally easier than Germany, France or Portugal if you apply early through the correct student housing foundation. However, Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa are competitive, especially in August and September. Tampere, Turku, Oulu and Jyväskylä may offer better value.
Study in Finland states that a single room in a shared student flat typically costs around €200 to €380 per month, while single and family flats are more private but have higher rents and longer waiting lists.
Student housing foundations
The most important student housing providers are:
- HOAS: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen.
- TOAS: Tampere.
- TYS: Turku.
- PSOAS: Oulu.
- KOAS: Jyväskylä.
- Other local foundations listed through SOA.
HOAS describes itself as a non-profit foundation offering affordable student housing near educational institutions in the Helsinki region. HOAS also lists example cheapest options in the Helsinki area, including rooms from €299 in Helsinki, rooms from €208 in Espoo and rooms from €294 in Vantaa, based on prices checked in May 2026.
The University of Helsinki lists HOAS housing options for international degree students, with 2026/2027 examples such as studio apartments at around €633 to €890, shared studio apartments around €398 to €485 and rooms in shared apartments around €454 to €584.
Private rentals
Private rentals are more expensive and less student-friendly than foundation housing. Students usually use private rentals only if they do not receive a student housing offer or if they need a family apartment.
Approximate monthly prices:
- Helsinki room in private shared flat: €450 to €750
- Helsinki studio: €750 to €1,100+
- Tampere room: €300 to €550
- Turku room: €300 to €550
- Oulu or Jyväskylä room: €250 to €500
In Tampere, the university states that it does not own on-campus dormitories and that TOAS is the main student housing provider.
Best platforms to find housing in Finland
- HOAS: Helsinki region.
- TOAS: Tampere.
- TYS: Turku.
- PSOAS: Oulu.
- KOAS: Jyväskylä.
- SOA: list of Finnish student housing foundations.
- Vuokraovi: private rentals.
- Oikotie: private rentals.
- SATO and Lumo: rental companies.
- University housing pages.
- Facebook groups for rooms and sublets.
Final advice
Finland is one of the best countries for organised student housing, but students must apply early. If you are going to Helsinki, accept a room outside the city centre if the transport connection is good. If you need help comparing Finnish cities, estimating living costs or preparing your university application, we can help.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start looking for student housing?
Start as soon as you receive your admission. In competitive cities, apply for dormitories immediately and begin searching for private rooms 2 to 4 months before arrival. Never send money before verifying the landlord, the contract and the address.
This is starter guidance and changes often — always confirm on the official source before applying.
Use the free Scholarship Finder and country comparison, then get a personal plan.