0 Student halls of residence in Helsinki

If you’re in the process of organising your academic exchange or studies and are considering the possibility of renting a student residence in Helsinki, this article is for you! We tell you the most important things to keep in mind about them, including their advantages and disadvantages, the key differences between private and university residences, the best way to find affordable options and answers to frequently asked questions about this type of accommodation in the Finnish capital.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Helsinki

Here are the most important characteristics of this type of accommodation:

Pros of living in student dorms in Helsinki

• Some of them have an affordable cost, which allows access to accommodation at reasonable prices. Keep in mind that the cost of living in the Finnish capital is very high!
• It’s an excellent opportunity to meet students from other parts of the world, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Enjoy the multicultural environment that’ll greatly enrich your experience.
• They offer various amenities, such as laundries, common areas, and sometimes gyms, which is ideal in the cold Helsinki climate for indoor activities. Some even have a sauna!
• Another advantage that has to do with the Finnish winter is that the residences usually are well heated and insulated to avoid getting cold. Keep in mind that temperatures in January and February are usually below 0ºC.
• The cleaning of common areas is included, so this prevents problems arising between colleagues.

Cons of living in student dorms in Helsinki

• Residence life involves sharing common spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, which may affect personal privacy.
• Another disadvantage is that, living with so many people, the ability to concentrate on studies when necessary can be quite complicated. Try not to get FOMO!
• The vibrant social life in the residences can be overwhelming for some, especially those who prefer a quieter and more reserved environment.
• They have established rules that all residents must follow, including restrictions on visitors, quiet times, and sometimes the use of common areas.
• Shared facilities such as laundries or kitchens can be very busy, especially during peak hours.

Private student residences in Helsinki

There are a wide variety of private student residences in Helsinki, although you have to look at the location of each one and if it’s convenient for you. Some may be far from the Finnish capital, but all of them usually have good access by public transport to the central area. In general, young people who study in university campuses in areas surrounding Helsinki choose to live close to them, and move to the city in their free time to enjoy everything it has to offer.

When it comes to the type of accommodation they have, you can usually choose between spacious single rooms and studio flats. The rooms usually have a private bathroom, and sometimes they also have a small refrigerator so you can store your food without any problem. For their part, studio apartments also have a small kitchen, and its price can increase the larger the apartment.

Student residences in Helsinki usually have some common spaces to enjoy with other residents. These usually include study rooms, relaxation and game rooms, and even a sauna! These spaces are essential to share with friends, especially in the cold Finnish winter.

An important fact to keep in mind is that private student residences are usually furnished in their entirety.

University student halls of residence in Helsinki

The university residences in Helsinki, offered primarily through the HOAS Foundation (Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region), provide a variety of student housing options. HOAS is a non-profit foundation that cooperates with student unions from the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and other academic institutions in the region. The foundation manages almost 10,000 apartments in Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo, and Kauniainen, offering a wide range of accommodation options close to educational institutions.

The university residences managed by HOAS include accommodation from single rooms to larger apartments, thus adapting to the different needs and budgets of the students.

Regarding their location, they may be in the centre of Helsinki or in the surrounding areas, so you can choose if you want to live in an urban or more natural environment.

It’s important to note that, although these residences are an affordable option, availability can’t be guaranteed, so it’s advisable to consider alternatives in residences and private apartments.

University Residences of the University of Helsinki

This prestigious institution has an agreement with the HOAS, thanks to which you can request accommodation in those residences.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Helsinki, read this article.

University Residence Halls of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences

The University also has agreements with the HOAS. Keep in mind that, if you’re going to go to the Metropolia on exchange, places are limited and they can’t be guaranteed.

If you want to know about accommodation near Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, read this article.

University Residences of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

This institution has some residences of its own (on the Campuses in Porvoo and in Vierumäki). If you’re going to go to the campus of Haaga or Pasila, the university offers accommodation through the HOAS.

If you want to know about accommodation near Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Helsinki

Through the Erasmus Play platform, you have access to a wide catalogue of private and verified student residences in Helsinki, where you can apply price filters to discover the cheapest options. The tool also allows you to filter by other characteristics that are of interest to you, and view the location of the residences on the map, making it easier to find your ideal accommodation in Helsinki at affordable prices. Furthermore, we offer you the possibility of making reservations completely online and securely!

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Helsinki