Student Housing in Finland

In Finland there are two paths you can take to find housing. The first would be through a Student Housing Foundation and second would be through the private market.

Student Housing Foundations

Finland has a unique approach to dorms and student housing. Rather than universities owning and managing dorms themselves, they work with their city’s Student Housing Foundation (SOA), a non-profit organization dedicated to managing affordable housing for students.

This is the most popular choice of housing for both local and international students. As a result, the waitlist for a room can get long. It’s important to apply for housing as early as possible.

View of pink and beige residential buildings with dark metal roofs and balconies, trees, and a colorful sky at sunset.
A pastel-colored building with multiple windows, signage for a coffee and wine bar, and a chalkboard menu placed on the sidewalk near the entrance.
Colorful apartment building facades in pink, blue, yellow, and green with windows, balconies, and exterior details.
Interior scene with a white round table holding a bouquet of colorful flowers and a small tan vase, surrounded by wooden chairs. Several framed artworks are stacked behind the chairs, with a white wall and a white adjustable lamp overhead casting a shadow on the wall.
Modern multi-story apartment building with orange and red exterior, featuring glass balconies and a rooftop structure, against a clear blue sky.
A young man sitting at a small table with a laptop covered in stickers, holding his head and looking stressed.

Private Accommodation

Outside of the SOAs students may opt for private housing, such as a shared apartment, studio apartment, a serviced apartment, or a co-living space.

This is a more expensive option but allows students more freedom of choice. This can be an excellent option for students with families or older students who no longer wish to live in student housing.

However, choosing an apartment can be a challenge without being there in person. If you do choose to take this route it will be easier to go through housing managed by a company such as a serviced apartment or co-living accommodation.

Discover more about studying in Finland

Return to the Finland Country Profile