Housing for Students
Finding a comfortable place to live is essential for your academic success. This guide covers student housing options and the Helsinki rental market.
Your New Home in Helsinki
Helsinki's student housing market is competitive — especially for September intake. We strongly recommend starting your search as soon as you receive your admission offer. Options range from on-campus residences and student-specific buildings to private rentals.
Shared Apartments
Studio & Bachelor Apartments
On-Campus Residence
"Moving to Helsinki was a big step, but the college's housing guide made it so much easier. I found a great shared apartment in Centretown within two weeks of my acceptance."Sarah Johnson, MSc Student
Helsinki Student Housing Providers
HOAS
The main student housing foundation in the Helsinki region, offering affordable apartments and shared rooms for students.
hoas.fi →How to Secure Housing
Accept Your Study Offer
Begin your housing search immediately after receiving your admission offer. The Helsinki housing market is competitive, especially for autumn intake.
Choose Your Area
Popular student neighbourhoods include Kallio, Punavuori, Kampuri, Töölö, and Otaniemi (Espoo). All are well-connected by Helsinki's public transport (HSL).
Submit Your Application
Apply through housing providers' websites (e.g., HOAS, Attica) or rental platforms like Vuokraovi and Oikotie. Prepare proof of enrollment, personal details, and be ready to pay a deposit (usually one month's rent).
Sign Your Lease
Review the rental agreement carefully. Finnish tenancy law (Act on Residential Leases 481/1995) protects tenants. The deposit is typically one month's rent.
Private Rental Market
The Helsinki private market offers many listings. Use these trusted Finnish platforms to search for rentals. Always visit (or arrange a video tour) before paying any deposit.
Vuokraovi
Oikotie
Tori.fi
⚠️ Tenant Rights in Finland
Rental housing in Finland is governed by the Act on Residential Leases (481/1995). Security deposits are typically one month's rent. Learn more at Finnish Ministry of Justice →
Settling Into Helsinki Life
Helsinki is a welcoming, walkable city with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold (bring warm layers!) but beautiful, and summers are warm and festival-filled. Most apartment buildings include in-suite or shared laundry, and many are pet-friendly.
- Helsinki's Market Square (Kauppatori) has fresh food, cafes, and local crafts
- K-Citymarket, Prisma, and Lidl are popular for affordable grocery shopping
- The Helsinki tram network and metro connect all major neighbourhoods
- Most landlords accept online bank transfers — Finnish banks like Nordea, OP, and Danske Bank are common