How to find a home from Finland as a student

Have you been accepted to Xamk but you are not sure how and where to find a student home for yourself?

In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to find your perfect student house in Finland, making your study experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.

For international and local students, finding the ideal student house in Finland is an essential step towards a successful academic journey. Finland is renowned for its high-quality education and unique cultural experience, making it an attractive destination for students worldwide. However, the process of finding a suitable student house in a foreign country can be overwhelming sometimes.

Step one: Start your search early.

Finding a suitable student apartment in Finland requires careful planning and research, because there’s plenty of different options to choose from. Begin your search well in advance, preferably a few months before your intended move-in date or as soon as you get accepted to Xamk. Starting your research early will give you more time to explore different housing options and secure the best fit for your needs.

Step two: Understand housing options.

Finland offers various housing options for students, including apartments meant only for students, private apartments and shared houses. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so take time to assess which type of accommodation aligns best with your preferences and budget.

Step three: Research student housing.

Most Finnish university cities provide housing services for students. Check your campus city below and start search for student apartment from Kouvola, Kotka, Savonlinna or Mikkeli. To apply for an apartment in a student housing services, you need to fill out an application on the website. Filling out the application is easy. Enter your contact information and wishes about the apartment and then wait for the responce. Depending on your city, this may take from a few days to a few weeks. There are apartments with one room, family apartments and shared apartments. It can be easier to get into a shared apartment, so you should keep an open mind while looking for a home.

Step four: Online housing websites.

Online housing portals are valuable tools for finding student houses in Finland as well. Websites like oikotie.fi, vuokraovi.fi, tori.fi or even from Facebook groups which are for rental purposes are popular platforms that list various rental properties. Use advanced search filters to narrow down options based on your desired location, budget, and living preferences. There are also Facebook group for Xamk’s students, where everything important is announced. You can ask questions and inform about various things related to studying. Sometimes there are even apartments available, so keep your eyes open. Opiskelijan infotaulu / infoboard XAMK | Facebook

Step five: Consider sharing with other students.

Sharing a student house with fellow students can be a cost-effective and socially enriching experience. Look for online platforms or student-specific Facebook groups where you can find like-minded individuals searching for housemates or vacant rooms in shared houses.

Finding the perfect student home in Finland is a vital step in preparing for your academic year adventure. Starting your search early, exploring various housing options will empower you to secure comfortable and suitable home for yourself. Remember to be patient, proactive, and open to sharing your student house with other like-minded individuals if needed. With careful planning you’ll soon find a welcoming home that will enhance your academic and cultural experiences in Finland.

Blogpost by Ninni-Maria Mähönen, communication assistant at Xamk