0 Student halls of residence in Espoo

If you’re looking for accommodation options and considering a student residence in Espoo, this guide is ideal for you! Here you’ll find all the key information about living in a student residence, including pros and cons, differences between private and university options, tips to save money on accommodation, and answers to the most common questions.

The first thing to bear in mind is that Espoo is a student city and finding accommodation with good features (price and location) can be quite difficult. For this reason, we recommend that you start looking as soon as possible, so that you have more options to choose from and can find the one that is right for you.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in a residence in Espoo

In this section we mention the most notable pros and cons of living in this type of housing:

Pros of living in student residences in Espoo

Many include saunas, an essential tradition in Finland, perfect to relax after a day of studying or to integrate into the local culture. You’re sure to enjoy them to the fullest!
Residences in Espoo are fully heated, ensuring a comfortable environment even during Finnish winters. What's more, the cost is included in the rental price, so you don't have to worry about extra expenses at the end of each month.
The city is an academic hub with international students, and living in a residence allows you to learn about different cultures and live in a multicultural environment.
Spaces such as shared kitchens, gyms, and coworking areas promote interaction among residents in private options.
Compared to renting a flat in Espoo, residences offer more economical options with essential services included.

Cons of living in student residences in Espoo

The most economical options are usually located far from the centre of Espoo, which may require more time and planning to access urban activities or transport to Helsinki.
Although they encourage social interaction, shared kitchens can be uncomfortable if there are many residents or if cleaning rules aren’t followed.
Some residences don’t include furniture or only have the basics, which means an initial expense to furnish the room.
They tend to have strict rules about schedules, guests, and use of facilities, which can be limiting for some lifestyles.
Securing a place can be difficult due to high demand, especially at the beginning of the academic year, which means you need to plan well in advance.

Private student residences in Espoo

The truth is that there isn’t a wide range of this type of accommodation in the private sector, but there are some options. Among those you can find, we can tell you that their locations are usually very convenient for student living. For example, some are in Otaniemi, located near the Aalto University campus, which is located there.

Among the types of accommodation typically offered by these student residences are fully furnished studio flats and others with basic furnishings, allowing residents to personalise their space according to their preferences. Those that are furnished are equipped with modern and functional furniture, including a bed, desk, chairs and storage space. Some residences also offer shared flats, where students can rent individual rooms while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room.

The communal facilities in these residences are designed to encourage an active and comfortable community life. These include gyms, saunas, and co-working spaces. Laundry facilities and recreational areas are also available.

The included services usually cover internet access, maintenance, and cleaning of common areas. Additionally, some residences offer extra services such as bicycle hire and activity and event planning.

University halls of residence in Espoo

University residences in Finland, and therefore in Espoo, don’t normally belong to each institution, but to non-profit organisations that are responsible for managing student accommodation. For example, in Espoo you can find the HOAS (Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region).

These residences are usually located in different neighbourhoods of the city and its surroundings, providing convenient accommodation for students according to their area of study and the campus where the faculty is located. Some of the areas where you can find options are Otaniemi and Teekkarikylä.

The types of accommodation available include single rooms in shared flats, family flats, and private studio flats. Rooms in shared flats usually have a monthly rent ranging from €250 to €500, while studios vary between €580 and €750. It’s important to note that most of these accommodations are unfurnished, so you'll have to incur extra expenses when you arrive in the city.

As for common areas for students, there are usually only laundries and saunas (you generally have to make a reservation to use them). Water and electricity costs are usually included in the rent, but you should check carefully to make sure this is the case.

Aalto University Residences

As mentioned above, this institution doesn’t have its own accommodation, but offers options through other organisations. Two of these are HOAS and MOAS.

If you’d like to know about accommodation near Aalto University, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Espoo

With our search engine Erasmus Play, you can easily compare different verified residences available in Espoo. Filter by price, type of accommodation and services included to find the option that best suits your needs. In addition, the platform allows you to make your booking completely online and securely. Don't wait any longer to book!

FAQ about student residences in Espoo

What are the requirements to apply for a place in a student residence at Espoo?

You’re generally required to be enrolled at a local educational institution, such as Aalto University or Laurea University of Applied Sciences. You must also complete an application process, which may include personal and academic documentation. Some residences may have additional criteria, such as prioritising international students or those with high academic performance.

Which is cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Espoo?

It depends on the type of accommodation you choose in the halls of residence. The cost of a room in a student hall of residence is usually around €350 per month, depending on the location and characteristics of the residence. On the other hand, renting a room in a shared flat has an average price of €550 per month, with variations between €430 and €2000 depending on the specifications of the accommodation. Therefore, in certain cases, student residences are usually a more economical option compared to shared flats.

When to book a student residence in Espoo?

As soon as possible! To secure a place, it’s advisable to start the booking process at least three months before the start of your studies. This timeframe allows you to meet the application requirements and increase your chances of obtaining the accommodation you want. Please note that places may be limited and demand high, especially at the beginning of the academic year.

Are there male and female dormitories in Espoo?

In Espoo, university residences are usually mixed, welcoming students of all genders in an inclusive and diverse environment. It’s not common to find exclusively female or male residences in this city.

What services do student residences in Espoo usually include?

They usually include basic services such as internet connection, heating and water. They also include cleaning services for common areas and regular maintenance. They also offer access to common facilities such as laundries, saunas and gyms, which are included in the rental price or available at an additional cost.