Top 5 student cities in Finland
Discover the favourite cities for university students in Finland and what makes them unique.
If you’re looking for the top 5 student cities in Finland, you’ll surely want to find a destination that offers good educational quality, an international atmosphere, and a pleasant living experience during your stay. Finland is one of the highest-rated countries among international students, both for its internationally recognised universities and its safe, sustainable, and well-being-oriented lifestyle.
In this article, you’ll learn about the most recommended university cities in the country and what makes them attractive to international students. In each section, you’ll find practical and up-to-date information: the pros and cons of studying in each city, the leading universities, and the cost of student accommodation. This will allow you to easily compare options and choose the destination that best suits your preferences and budget. Also, remember that through our online student accommodation platform, you can find and book verified rooms, flats, and residences in various cities in Finland, with personalized criteria and 100% online.
Helsinki
Helsinki is Finland's largest and best-known university city. The country's capital attracts students from all over the world, both for its educational quality and for its multicultural atmosphere and cultural and employment opportunities. It’s a very modern city with a relaxed lifestyle, plenty of green spaces and good connections to the rest of the country and Europe.
Pros and cons of studying in Helsinki
Studying in Helsinki can be a great experience because of its advantages, although it also involves some challenges.
Pros of studying in Helsinki
- Large international community and active student environment.
- It’s a very safe city with good transport connections.
- Excellent educational quality, with prestigious universities.
- Extensive job and internship opportunities.
Cons of studying in Helsinki
- The cost of living is the highest in the country.
- High demand for accommodation, making it difficult to find affordable options near the city centre.
- Long winter, with little natural light and low temperatures.
Top Universities in Helsinki
The Finnish capital is home to some of the country's most renowned institutions.
Helsingin Yliopisto (University of Helsinki)
The University of Helsinki is one of the best institutions in the country and is often ranked among the best in the world. It excels particularly in social sciences, biology, medicine and humanities. It has four campuses in the capital, spread across different parts of the city.
In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find housing close to the University of Helsinki.
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu (Metropolia University of Applied Sciences)
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is considered one of the best universities of applied sciences in Finland, with a programme that is highly focused on employability. It has two campuses in Helsinki (Myllypuro Campus and Arabia Campus), one in Espoo (Karamalmi Campus) and one in Vantaa (Myyrmäki Campus).
Find out everything about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
Student housing in Helsinki
Rent for students in Helsinki is usually high compared to other Finnish cities. For this reason, the most popular type of accommodation is usually rooms in shared flats or halls of residence, which cost around €600 per month on average. Pay close attention to the location, as many affordable student accommodations are located in areas outside the city centre.
Looking for accommodation in Finland? Read our guide to student accommodation in Helsinki, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.
Tampere
Tampere is considered one of Finland's best student cities due to its youthful atmosphere, academic offerings and size. It’s a dynamic city with a strong cultural identity, surrounded by nature and lakes, ideal for enjoying the outdoors. Tampere is the country's second most important city and has universities offering high-quality education.
Pros and cons of studying in Tampere
Student life in Tampere has many positive aspects, but there are also some disadvantages that may affect your daily life.
Pros of studying in Tampere
- The university atmosphere is excellent, with a very active student life.
- Its medium size makes it easy to explore, as well as being safe and well served by public transport.
- The lifestyle is more relaxed than in the capital, with easy access to nature.
- You can get to Helsinki in an hour and a half by train.
Cons of studying in Tampere
- Less cultural and leisure activities compared to larger cities.
- Job alternatives are more limited.
- The nightlife is much quieter than in the capital.
Top Universities in Tampere
Many prestigious institutions call Tampere their home.
Tampereen yliopisto (University of Tampere)
Tampere University is another of the country's leading institutions, being the second largest in Finland. Its three campuses are located in different parts of the city: in the centre, in Hervanta and in Kauppi.
If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to housing close to the University of Tampere.
Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu (Tampere University of Applied Sciences)
Tampere University of Applied Sciences is affiliated with the University of Tampere, with a very practical approach to teaching. It’s divided into two campuses, one in the Kauppi district and one in the Tohloppi area, called Mediapolis.
Find out more details in the guide to accommodation near Tampere University cerca de la Tampere University.
Student housing in Tampere
Accommodation costs in Tampere are generally more affordable than in Helsinki. Many students choose neighbourhoods close to the city centre or campuses, which have good transport links and reasonable prices. As a reference, the average cost of rooms in Tampere is usually between €450-500.
If you’d like to see all the available options, please consult our guide to student housing in Tampere.
Oulu
Oulu is a university town in central Finland, very close to the famous Lapland. Although it is far from the country's major centres, every year it welcomes a large number of international students attracted by its academic programmes and its safe and relaxed lifestyle. It’s also known as the "European Silicon Valley" for being a global centre of innovation and technology.
Pros and cons of studying in Oulu
Oulu offers many academic opportunities, although it isn’t without certain drawbacks for students.
Pros of studying in Oulu
- A safe, peaceful city with a high quality of life.
- It tends to be more affordable than cities such as Helsinki or Tampere.
- It’s recognised for offering opportunities in technological and innovation areas.
- Seeing the Northern Lights is usually much easier in winter.
Cons of studying in Oulu
- It may be too quiet for those seeking a lively nightlife and cultural scene.
- The job market is more limited for those who do not know Finnish.
- Being further north than the other cities mentioned, winter tends to be longer, colder and with less daylight.
Top Universities in Oulu
Two higher education institutions in Oulu are particularly noteworthy.
Oulun yliopisto (University of Oulu)
The University of Oulu is one of the most important institutions in Northern Europe, with interesting programmes in technology, engineering, health sciences and education. The main campus is in the Linnanmaa district, while the campus dedicated to medicine is in the Kontinkangas district.
See the complete guide to accommodation near the University of Oulu for more information.
Oulun ammattikorkeakoulu (Oulu University of Applied Sciences)
Oulu University of Applied Sciences has a high standard of teaching and state-of-the-art facilities, offering a practical approach and good connections with local businesses. It has three campuses, two in Oulu (in Linnanmaa and Kontinkangas) and one in Oulainen.
If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to housing close to the Oulu University of Applied Sciences.
Student housing in Oulu
Rent for students in Oulu is generally cheaper than in other Finnish university towns. A room in a hall of residence or shared flat usually costs between €300 and €500 per month, with slightly higher options in the city centre.
Are you planning to study in Finland? Don't miss our guide to student housing in Oulu, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.
Turku
Turku’s one of Finland's oldest university towns and a very popular destination among international students. Its universities offer a wide range of programmes in English and provide high-quality education. This means that it has a large student community, as well as a very active cultural life and a pleasant atmosphere alongside the Aura River.
Pros and cons of studying in Turku
Being a student in Turku has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.
Pros of studying in Turku
- It has a lively and international student atmosphere.
- Its universities are highly regarded, with a significant academic tradition.
- It’s a quiet and safe town, with stunning natural surroundings.
- It has good connections to other Finnish cities and the rest of the world.
Cons of studying in Turku
- Medium-high cost of living, although more affordable than the capital.
- Fewer job opportunities than Helsinki.
- As it’s a small town, nightlife and leisure activities are more limited.
Top Universities in Turku
This Finnish city is home to two of the country's most prestigious institutions.
Turun yliopisto (University of Turku)
The University of Turku was founded in 1920 and is one of the most important universities in the city. Its main campus is located in the Kasarmialue area, very close to the city centre.
Turun ammattikorkeakoulu (Turku University of Applied Sciences)
Turku University of Applied Sciences is one of the largest applied science institutions in the country, focusing on the practical application of knowledge. It has two campuses in Turku (Kupittaa Campus and Linnankatu Art Campus) and another in Salo.
Find more practical information about the university and its faculties in the guide to accommodation near Turku University of Applied Sciences.
Student housing in Turku
Rent for students in Turku is usually in the middle range, similar to that in Oulu. The price of a room in a shared flat or hall of residence is usually between €350 and €550 per month on average.
If you’re going to study in this Finnish city, check out our guide to student housing in Turku, with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.
Espoo
Espoo’s a modern, tech-savvy city located next to Helsinki, known for being home to one of the country's most prestigious universities. Despite being very close to the capital, Espoo has its own identity, with quiet residential areas, nature and an atmosphere focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s a very good option for students interested in science, technology, design and business.
Pros and cons of studying in Espoo
Studying in Espoo can be amazing, although there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Pros of studying in Espoo
- It’s home to Aalto University, one of Finland's leading institutions.
- It has a more relaxed lifestyle than the capital.
- You can reach Helsinki in less than half an hour to enjoy everything the capital has to offer.
- It’s an eco-friendly city with plenty of green spaces and nature.
Cons of studying in Espoo
- Especially when it comes to accommodation, the cost of living is similar to that of Helsinki.
- There’s a more limited range of leisure and cultural activities.
- Due to the university's popularity, demand for student accommodation is very high.
Top Universities in Espoo
Two highly prestigious institutions are based in Espoo.
Aalto-yliopisto (Aalto University)
Aalto University is often ranked among the world's best design institutions. Its main campus is the Otaniemi Campus, located in the neighbourhood of the same name in Espoo.
Explore locations, neighbourhoods, and tips in the guide to accommodation near Aalto University.
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu (Metropolia University of Applied Sciences)
This renowned Finnish university of applied sciences, which we already mentioned in the Helsinki section, has one of its campuses in Espoo, the Karamalmi Campus.
Student housing in Espoo
Being so close to the Finnish capital, the cost of student accommodation in Espoo is usually comparable to that in Helsinki. Generally, a room in a shared flat costs between €550 and €600 per month on average.
For more information about university life, accommodation and areas to live in this city, you can read our guide on student accommodation in Espoo.
Find accommodation in Finland with Erasmus Play
Have you found your ideal destination among the top 5 student cities in Finland? Each city offers a unique experience, from lively urban environments such as Helsinki and Espoo to quieter, more affordable options such as Oulu, as well as medium-sized cities with strong academic traditions such as Turku and Tampere.
If you already know where you want to live during your university experience, remember that you can use our online platform to search for and book verified student accommodation according to your budget, dates and preferences. This will allow you to plan your arrival with peace of mind and start your new life in Finland with everything organised.
Other guides on studying and living in Finland
In the following guides, you’ll find more information about Finland and the cities mentioned in this article:
Studying in Finland
- Erasmus in Finland
- Erasmus in Helsinki
- Erasmus in Tampere
- Erasmus in Turku
- Erasmus in Oulu
- Erasmus in Espoo