Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in Reykjavík

Iceland, its amazing nature and its culture attract a lot of attention from young people from all over the world, which is why many international students usually have Reykjavík as one of their favourite destinations to go on an exchange. If you are one of them, keep in mind that the cost of living in Iceland is expensive, so sharing a flat is the preferred alternative for young internationals, since it fits a student's budget easily.

Living with flatmates in Reykjavík surely means that you will live in a multicultural environment. If any of your classmates are Icelandic, take the opportunity to learn more about their culture and language!

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Reykjavík

These are some of the pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Icelandic capital:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Reykjavík

• Having a cheaper rental cost, sharing a flat you will be able to use the rest of your budget to explore Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland. If you like nature you will be in paradise!

• You can choose between single and shared rooms that are parts of private apartments or residences. The latter are called “Guesthouses”.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Reykjavík

• Some of the shared flats are in neighbourhoods far from the city centre and public transport is not the best. Commuting can take a long time.

• Remember that the climate in Iceland is cold, so you should reach an agreement with your flatmates about the use of heating. Not only so that it is not too hot or cold, but so that everyone agrees on its use if they have to pay expenses outside of the rent.

Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Reykjavík

To make your mobility planning easier, we recommend that you use the Apps for Erasmus+ that you have at your disposal. In these apps, you can access information and instructions, as well as tips. One of the recommendations that you will see from students from previous years is that you join the student associations since they usually offer benefits for young people, such as discounts and offers on gastronomy and activities.

How to meet people in Reykjavík

In addition to considering the options we recommend below, try and befriend your roommates! You are going to spend a lot of time with them and they sure make the experience more fun.

Student associations in Reykjavík

There are several student associations at the various universities in the city, such as the University of Reykjavík or the University of Iceland. Thanks to these organizations you will be able to enjoy a large number of events and activities, meeting people with the same interests as you in them.

Facebook groups for Erasmus in Reykjavík

One of the Facebook groups you can join is the one called “International Students at the University of Iceland”, where you can not only meet other international students but can also sort your doubts and find out about different events that are going to happen in the city.

Whatsapp groups for Erasmus in Reykjavík

You will surely find the possibility of joining WhatsApp groups of international students in Reykjavík, both through associations and through Facebook groups. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself and find young people who want to share experiences with you.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Reykjavík

Here are some tips to keep in mind when living in the Icelandic capital:

• If you're going to be in the winter season, you can't miss seeing the northern lights! They are a unique and magical phenomenon that will make you spend special moments with your friends.

• A form of transport that you can use is the bicycle to get from one place to another more economically. See if your apartment has a good connection with your university and with the most popular leisure areas.

• Many shared apartments are located near lagoons and thermal baths, do as the locals do and enjoy them as much as you can!

Frequently asked questions about sharing a flat in Reykjavík