Cost of Student Housing in Helsinki

[carolinemaher]

Hi

I am trying to find out some information for my niece and her friend who are considering moving from another EU country to study a Master's degree in Helsinki.

What is the average rent for a room in shared student accommodation?

She is maybe coming with a fellow student so how easy is it to find a 2 bedroom apartment for students? does the university help find accommodation for foreign students? maybe providing accommodation at reduced rates?

Many thanks in advance for any information.
Caroline

[jahasjahas]

Check out HOAS, the Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region. They can apply together for a "friends' apartment". It means shared housing for a group of 2 or 3 friends - a bedroom for every person and a shared kitchen and bathroom. If she's coming without her friend, the option to choose is "room in a shared apartment" which is basically the same deal but with random housemates. She can apply for a studio apartment later on, but new HOAS tenants have to live in a shared apartment (or a family apartment) first.

When comparing prices, note that the listed rent in HOAS apartments already includes water, an Internet connection, and in most cases electricity.

[carolinemaher]

Many thanks for the information and link