When studying abroad, it is important to plan your budget carefully and to take into consideration your living expenses, the type of accommodation you plan to take, how much travelling you plan to do and whether you would want to work part-time or not. Even though most Nordic countries are generally considered costly compared to other cheaper European destinations, you will however find that there are plenty of benefits and discounts to be had as a student living in Finland.

Monthly living expenses for students (including food, accommodation, travel, insurance, etc.) are on average around €700 – €1,000. These, of course, depend completely on where you will be living and on your personal habits. Expenses are typically higher in larger cities than in smaller ones. Fortunately, your student residence permit will allow you to work for up to 25 hours per week. Also, most Finnish universities provide career services for international students, whether you are looking for a student job or a full-time position after graduation.

Approximately one third of all Finnish students live in student apartments, the costs of which are quite reasonable. Usually, student apartments are within walking distance of the schools and universities and are easily reached by public transport. In case of a shortage of student housing, there are student housing organisations in certain localities with a specific quota for allotted housing, and in other localities exchange students take precedence over available apartments. All student apartment lease contracts fall under ‘The Act on Residential Leases’, which governs all housing rental contracts in Finland.  

There are various types of student housing available in several forms based on your situation and requirement. They are-

1. Shared apartment: Usually shared by 2-4 students. Each tenant has his/her own lockable room, and the kitchen and bathroom are shared along with a shared living room. Basic furniture, such as a bed and desk are usually included, and kitchens are also usually furnished with basic appliances.
2. Studio apartment: These are a bit more expensive and not always easy to obtain, as the number of studio apartments are limited, and so you may have to queue up on a waiting list.
3. Group apartment: If you want to live with a group of your friends, you can rent an entire apartment together. These come with individual bedrooms, kitchen, and a shared living room.
4. Family apartment: Family apartments usually have 2-3 rooms and a kitchen and are intended for couples and families with children. These are usually located near services such as playgrounds and kindergartens. 

To apply for a student apartment, you must be registered as a student in a post-comprehensive educational institution. All undergraduate students can apply for student apartments. 

To find an apartment, visit the website of the central organisation for student housing in Finland (SOA) which is https://www.soa.fi/en, and select the region in which you will be studying. You can then proceed to search the available apartments / accommodation. If you find something suitable, the housing application procedures and application forms are included at each of the sites. The website also includes valuable tips for both foreign and Finnish students, cultural information, and all other rules and guidelines for living as a student housing.

If you need more information on studying and living in Finland, just call us and connect with our education consultants. We are here to help you achieve success in finding the right course, university and accommodation for you. Get in touch today!