Moving to Helsinki as an international exchange student is a big step to take. The Finnish capital has a lot to offer, namely: world-class education at top universities like the University of Helsinki and Aalto University, environment that is among the cleanest in the world, highly efficient, well-integrated and reliable public transport, and vibrant Nordic culture.
Adjusting to life in a new country comes with its fair share of logistics: navigating housing, budgeting, surviving the harsh Nordic winter, and understanding the local etiquette.
This guide covers everything you need to know about living, studying, and thriving as an international exchange student in Helsinki.
- Finding Student Housing in Helsinki: All-Inclusive Living Made Easy
After the decision to study abroad has been made, the next big task is to find a place to live. The traditional student housing foundation residencies may be the go-to-choice, but there are also other options, which can provide greater sense of independence. When comparing student housing foundations against private market options, there are a few things to consider, such as location preferences, budget, landlord’s expertise, and overall renting experience.
Student Housing in Helsinki: Student Foundations vs Private Market Options
Residencies of student housing foundations might be considered the first choice, perhaps due to stronger visibility, affordability and perceived proximity to universities. However, the private market purpose-built and furnished offering is no different. Devenir Homes’ properties are located within proximity of universities in Helsinki, as well as from the city centre, providing tenants an easy access to shopping and activities. Devenir Homes offers a wide range of fully furnished accommodation types to support all budgets with transparent all-inclusive rates and dedicated 7-day a week English customer service.
With Devenir Homes you will avoid long queues and waiting times, last-minute housing decisions, unpleasant uncertainty or guessing of what to expect – we have you covered. Devenir Homes’ residences have been a popular choice for thousands of exchange students and young professionals all over the world for more than a decade.
2. Student Housing with Easy Access to Public Transport in Helsinki
Helsinki boasts one of the most efficient public transportation networks in the world, operated by HSL (Helsingin Seudun Liikenne). It integrates trams, buses, the metro, commuter trains, and even public ferries.
- Student Discounts: Full-time students in Finland receive a 45% discount on HSL travel passes.
- Get the HSL App: You can plan routes, purchase monthly student passes, and check real-time schedules right from your smartphone.
Living close to Public Transport with Devenir Homes
If you choose Devenir Homes’ student housing in Helsinki, you’ll be living in communities that have excellent public transport connections:
- Many Devenir Homes apartments are located in well-connected neighborhoods, in A and B zones, such as Pasila, Kannelmäki, Merihaka, and other central areas, with nearby train, tram, metro or bus stations.
- From Devenir Homes’ apartments you can typically reach Helsinki Central Station in about 10-20 minutes by train.
- Direct HSL routes, and ride sharing options make it easy to commute to University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and other campuses, as well as to shopping centres and the city cemtre.
By living in a student apartment in Helsinki close to HSL routes, and not to forget the city itself, you can save both time and money – no need for long, complicated commutes.
3. Student Budgeting & Cost of Living in Helsinki
The cost of living in Helsinki for students is higher than in many other European cities, but careful budgeting and student discounts make it very manageable. Exchange students’ biggest expense will usually be student housing in Helsinki, followed by food, transport and healthcare.
Below is an overview of typical monthly costs for an international or exchange student.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost | Money-Saving Student Tip |
| Housing | €499 – €749 | Housing costs include the rent, furniture, electricity, water, internet/TV, insurance and shared facilities e.g. Sauna, swimming pool. Choose all-inclusive student housing in Helsinki with Devenir Homes to keep rental costs fixed. |
| Student Lunch | €3.00 – €3.50 / meal | Eat at Kela-subsidized university cafeterias (like Unicafe) for a full, balanced warm meal. |
| Groceries | €200 – €300 | Shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl, S-Market, or K-Citymarket. |
| Public Transit | ~€35 – €45 | Activate your 45% student discount in the HSL app. |
| Healthcare | Fixed annual fee (~€73) | Higher education students pay the mandatory FSHS / YTHS healthcare fee via Kela for low-cost healthcare and dental services. |
Why AllInclusive Student Housing Helps Your Budget
Many international students are surprised by extra costs when they arrive: furniture, electricity, WiFi, water, insurance, multi-month security deposits, and sometimes even laundry can quickly add up.
With Devenir Homes’ furnished student apartments in Helsinki:
- Furniture, utilities, insurance, internet/TV are included in a fixed monthly rent.
- You avoid unexpected or hidden bills, extradeposits or wasting money on furniture you will only use for one semester.
- Fixed housing costs make it easier to plan your overall student budget in Helsinki.
Keeping your living costs predictable frees up more money for travel, social life and enjoying everything Helsinki has to offer.
4. Student Traditions & Culture in Finland
The student culture in Finland is one of the highlights of studying in Helsinki. International and exchange students quickly become part of a lively community with unique Finnish traditions and social events.
Student Overalls (Opiskelijahaalarit)
One of the most recognizable parts of Finnish student life is the colorful student overall (opiskelijahaalarit). Each field of study has its own color, and students wear these overalls to parties, campus events and celebrations. Over time, you collect cloth patches (haalarimerkki) from different events and sew them onto your suit—creating a personal memory of your study abroad experience in Helsinki.
Sauna Life
Sauna is a central part of Finnish culture and everyday life. It’s where locals relax, socialize and unwind after a long day. Most student housing complexes and apartment buildings in Helsinki have communal sauna facilities that residents can book. If you live in furnished student housing in Helsinki with easy access to a sauna, it’s a great way to experience authentic Finnish lifestyle with your friends and neighbors.
Social Etiquette & Language
Understanding local etiquette will help you feel at home faster in Helsinki:
- Punctuality matters: Arrive on time or a few minutes early to classes, meetings and social events. If you’re late, it’s polite to apologize.
- English-friendly city: Most Finns speak excellent English, so everyday life is easy for international students.
- Learn a few Finnish phrases: Simple words like Moi (Hello) and Kiitos (Thank you) are highly appreciated and help you connect with locals.
Experiencing these Finnish student traditions—from overalls to sauna evenings—will make your time in Helsinki memorable, and they’re even easier to enjoy when you live in convenient international student housing in Helsinki with Devenir Homes. With 7dayaweek customer service and a detailed tenant’s manual to help you with everyday questions, you can focus less on logistics and more on taking part in student life and local culture.
5. Beating the Winter Darkness
For many international students, the winter in Helsinki is a completely new experience. From November to February, daylight hours are short and temperatures can drop well below freezing—but with the right habits and housing, you can stay healthy, active and happy throughout the season.
Helsinki winters are cozy, but the short daylight hours require a bit of mental preparation:
Take Vitamin D
During the darkest months, the sun is low and days are short, which can affect your energy and mood.
- Many students in Finland take a daily Vitamin D supplement from October to March.
- You can buy Vitamin D at pharmacies and supermarkets in Helsinki for a low price.
- Combined with outdoor walks and a regular routine, it helps you adapt to Finnish winter conditions more easily.
Dress in Layers
Good clothing is essential for enjoying Helsinki’s winter instead of just surviving it.
- Invest in a windproof and waterproof winter jacket, warm hat and gloves.
- Wear thermal base layers, a sweater or fleece and warm socks.
- Choose waterproof boots with good grip for snow and ice on streets and paths.
Having your own wardrobe space and proper storage in a furnished student apartment in Helsinki makes it easier to keep winter gear organized and ready to use.
Try Avantouinti (Ice Swimming)
Sauna is one of the best ways to warm up and relax during dark winter evenings.
- Many student buildings and student housing in Helsinki offer communal sauna shifts.
- Brave students also try avantouinti (ice swimming) – a quick dip in cold water followed by a hot sauna. It’s a popular Finnish way to boost circulation and mood in winter.
If you live with Devenir Homes, you will enjoy access to saunas and our customer service can help you understand how sauna bookings work in your building or neighbourhood, and where to find local saunas and winter swimming spots that students enjoy.
By preparing for the Helsinki winter with the right clothing, routines and support, you can stay comfortable in your student housing and fully enjoy Nordic life—even in the darkest months.
6. FAQ: Student Housing in Helsinki for International Students
How much does student housing in Helsinki cost?
For most international and exchange students, student housing in Helsinki typically costs around €450–€800 per month, depending on location, room type and whether it’s furnished. With Devenir Homes’ all-inclusive student apartments in Helsinki, furniture, utilities and internet are included in one fixed monthly price, making it easier to plan your student budget.
Is student housing in Helsinki furnished?
Many traditional student housing options in Helsinki are unfurnished or only partly furnished, which means you may need to buy furniture and household items yourself. Devenir Homes offers fully furnished student apartments in Helsinki, so your home is ready from day one with a bed, desk, storage and basic kitchen equipment.
How close are Devenir Homes apartments to universities and public transport?
Devenir Homes’ international student housing apartments in Helsinki are located in well-connected residential areas with excellent HSL public transport links. Many apartments are within easy commuting distance of the University of Helsinki, Aalto University and other campuses, with train or bus connections to Helsinki Central Station typically in about 10–20 minutes. This means you can reach both campus and the city centre quickly without needing a car or complicated commutes.
Can exchange students book housing with Devenir Homes?
Yes. Exchange students and international degree students can book medium- or long-term student housing in Helsinki with Devenir Homes. The all-inclusive, furnished apartments are especially convenient if you are staying for just one or two semesters and don’t want to invest in furniture or deal with utility, internet or insurance providers.
What is included in Devenir Homes’ all-inclusive rent?
In most Devenir Homes properties, the all-inclusive rent typically covers:
- Furnished room or apartment
- Heating, electricity, insurance and water
- High-speed internet
- Access to shared facilities (such as laundry, common areas and, in many buildings, sauna)
- 7-day-a-week customer service for maintenance and housing questions
- A detailed tenant’s manual to help you with everyday living in Helsinki
This setup helps international students avoid hidden costs and focus on their studies and student life.
7. Conclusion: Make Your Life in Helsinki Easier with the Right Student Housing
Living in Helsinki as an international student can be an amazing experience: high-quality education, efficient public transport, unique Finnish student traditions and a safe, clean city. The key to enjoying it fully is securing comfortable, well-located student housing in Helsinki before you arrive.
By choosing Devenir Homes’ furnished, all-inclusive student apartments, you get:
- A ready-to-move-in home close to universities and HSL connections
- Predictable monthly costs that make student budgeting in Helsinki simpler
- 7-day-a-week customer service and a helpful tenant’s manual
- A reliable base from which to explore Finnish culture, sauna life and winter traditions
With your housing sorted and the essentials of Helsinki student life in hand, you can focus on what matters most: studying, meeting new people and making the most of your time in Finland.
Plan your move to Helsinki today
- View all furnished student apartments in Helsinki
- Compare locations near your university
- Send us your questions—our team is available 7 days a week
