Congratulations! You’ve received your acceptance letter from a Finnish university. This is a huge achievement. Now, the next crucial step on your journey is finding a place to live. We know that searching for housing in a new country can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—it’s a manageable process when you have the right information.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from affordable student housing foundations to navigating the private rental market. Let’s get you settled!
Step 1: Understand Your Two Main Options
In Finland, student housing primarily falls into two categories. Your first step is to understand the difference.
Option A: Foundation Housing (Your Best First Bet)
This is the most popular and student-friendly option. Non-profit student housing foundations manage apartments specifically for students. They are affiliated with universities and universities of applied sciences.
Examples
- HOAS (The Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region): For students in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.
- AYY (Aalto University Student Union): For students at Aalto University.
- TOAS (Tampere Student Housing Foundation): For students in Tampere.
- SOA (The Turku Student Village Foundation): For students in Turku.
- JOYSO (Jyväskylä Student Housing Foundation): For students in Jyväskylä.
- KOAS (Kouvola Student Housing Foundation): For students in Kouvola. You can find their apartments directly at kouvolanasunnot.fi.
Advantages
- Affordable: Rents are significantly lower than the private market.
- Furnished: Apartments typically come with a bed, desk, chair, and basic kitchen appliances.
- Utilities Included: Internet, water, and electricity are often included in the rent.
- Community-Oriented: Great way to meet other international and Finnishstudents.
Disadvantage
- High Demand: There are more applicants than apartments, so apply the minute the application period opens!
Option B: The Private Rental Market
This involves renting an apartment directly from a private landlord or a rental company.
Advantages
- More Choice: You can find apartments in locations not covered by student foundations.
- More Variety: A wider range of apartment types and sizes.
Disadvantages
- More Expensive: Rents are higher.
- Often Unfurnished: You may need to buy your own furniture.
- Higher Costs: Requires a larger security deposit (often 1-3 months' rent).
- Competitive: Requires a fast response and a compelling application.
Step 2: Act Immediately! Timing is Everything
The single most important piece of advice is to START EARLY.
- Foundation Housing: Application periods are fixed. For the Autumn intake (September), application windows often open between March and May. For the Spring intake (January), they may open between September and October. Apply on the very first day!
- Private Market: Start searching actively about 1-2 months before your intended move-in date.
Step 3: The Foundation Housing Application Process Demystified
Follow these steps to apply for foundation housing.
- Identify Your Foundation: First, find out which foundation serves your city and university. A quick search for "[Your City] student housing foundation" will lead you to the right website (like kouvolanasunnot.fi for Kouvola).
- Prepare Your Documents: You will typically need, Your passport/ID details. Your official Certificate of Student Status or acceptance letter from the university.
- Master the Application Portal, Create an account on the foundation’s website. The Queue System - Housing is often allocated based on a queue system. You accumulate points for each day you are in the queue. The earlier you apply, the more points you have, and the better your chance of getting an offer. This is why applying on day one is critical!
- Choose Your Apartment Preferences Wisely, You will be asked for your preferences regarding the type of apartment (e.g., shared flat, studio apartment) and location. To maximize your chances, be as flexible as possible. Selecting "any available apartment" can significantly increase your odds of receiving an offer.
Step 4: Navigating the Private Rental Market
If you’re looking in the private sector, here’s what you need to know.
Key Websites
- Vuokraovi.com: The most popular rental website in Finland.
- Oikotie.fi: A major classifieds site. Look for "Vuokrattavat asunnot" (Apartments for rent).
- Facebook Groups: Search for groups like "Apartments for rent in Helsinki" or "Homes/Torille Tampere." Be cautious of scams here.
- City-Specific Sites: For example, students in Kouvola can also check the general rental listings at kouvolanasunnot.fi in addition to KOAS.
The Application Process
- Be ready to act fast. Good apartments go quickly.
- You will need to contact the landlord (usually via email or a form on the rental site) and introduce yourself. Write a polite, short message explaining that you are an incoming international student, responsible, and keen to rent the apartment.
Step 5: "Sanasta Miessä" – Understanding Your Rental Contract
This Finnish phrase means "a man is as good as his word," highlighting that a contract is binding. Before you sign, understand these key points
- Security Deposit (Vakuus): This is usually 1-3 months’ rent, payable before you move in. It is returned when you move out, provided the apartment is in good condition.
- Notice Period (Irtisanomisaika): Typically one month, but check your contract. This is the amount of notice you must give before moving out.
- What’s Included: Check if water, electricity, and internet are included in the rent (vuokra) or if you need to set them up yourself.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Search
- Use a Professional Address: If you don’t have a Finnish address yet for applications, consider using a reliable service. (Hint: Oikea Global can assist with this!)
- Beware of Scams: Never transfer money or a deposit without signing a contract. Be extremely wary of landlords who are "out of the country" and cannot show you the apartment. Always insist on a video tour if you can't see it in person.
- Have a Backup Plan: Consider booking a temporary Airbnb or a hostel for your first 2-4 weeks. This gives you a base while you finalize your long-term housing after you arrive.
You’ve Got This!
Securing housing is a key step in your adventure. While it requires effort and prompt action, thousands of international students successfully find a home in Finland every year. By starting early, using this guide, and applying strategically, you will too.
Still feeling unsure? Let Oikea Global handle the stress for you. Our support services include guidance through the entire housing application process, ensuring you have one less thing to worry about.
Contact Oikea Global today for personalized housing assistance!