Flats, rooms and residences near the RU

Founded in 1998 and called "Háskólinn í Reykjavík" in Icelandic, Reykjavík University (RU) is the largest private higher education institution in Iceland. One of the main advantages for exchange students is that most programs at Reykjavík University are taught in English. This makes it accessible for international students who do not speak Icelandic, allowing them to fully participate in their chosen field of study. Are you going to be one of these exchange students? Keep reading! In the following sections, you will learn important information to consider when searching for student housing near Reykjavík University. Having all this clear will make your search easier, and you will find your ideal accommodation more quickly.

Flats and spare rooms for students near the RU

In this section, we will tell you about the most convenient locations for your housing search.

Where is Reykjavík University located?

This institution has a single campus where all its faculties and facilities are located. Situated in the southern part of the Hlíðar district, it has very good public transport connections to the centre of the Icelandic capital, especially with bus lines.

Reykjavík University's campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and computer laboratories. This provides a conducive learning environment and offers various spaces for student activities and group work.

On this campus, you will also find recreational and dining areas. There are several cafeterias and restaurants, as well as gyms, sports facilities, and green spaces that you can enjoy during your free time between classes.

The departments that the RU has are the following:

• Psychology

• Sports Science

• Applied Engineering

• Business

• Computer Science

• Engineering

• Law

Best neighbourhoods to live in near the RU

We recommend considering some of the following neighbourhoods to live near the RU campus:

Hlíðar

Located southeast of downtown Reykjavík, Hlíðar is a neighbourhood with easy access to the university, located south of this neighbourhood. Hlíðar is known for its green spaces and parks, providing a pleasant living environment. It also offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, with shops, restaurants, and services nearby.

Nauthólsvík

Nauthólsvík is a popular neighbourhood near the university. It offers a mix of residential areas, student housing, and recreational spaces. Nauthólsvík Beach, with its geothermal hot tubs, is one of the main attractions in the area.

Háaleiti

Located in the eastern part of Reykjavík, Háaleiti is a quiet and family-friendly neighbourhood. It has a residential atmosphere with a wide range of accommodation options, including apartments and student rooms. This neighbourhood is within a short bus ride to the university campus and has a variety of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities for young people.

Reykjavík City Centre

Despite being a bit further from the RU campus, you can easily access it by bus from various parts of downtown Reykjavík. The journey is estimated to take about 30 minutes, sometimes requiring transfers between different bus lines. However, living in the city centre of Reykjavík will allow you to be close to the entertainment venues frequented by students, especially in terms of nightlife.

Student residences near the RU

Private student residences near RU are not very numerous, but the institution has some student residences where you can apply for a place. You'll have the option to choose between spare rooms, one-bedroom apartments, and family flats. However, keep in mind that in some cases, the entire flats in the university residences are unfurnished, so your expenses will increase when entering this type of accommodation.

Erasmus in Reykjavík University

Here are some important points to consider during your mobility at the institution:

• Attend the orientation programs organised by Reykjavík University and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). These events will help you familiarise yourself with the university, meet other students, and receive important information about campus facilities, academic procedures, and cultural activities.

• As an Erasmus student, you can benefit from various student discounts in Iceland. These benefits can be obtained by presenting your student identification card. Some common discounts include reduced prices for public transport, museums, cultural events, and certain shops and restaurants.

• Participating in student organisations and clubs is an excellent way to meet locals and other international students, explore shared interests, and immerse yourself in campus life. Reykjavík University offers a wide range of student organisations covering academic, cultural, and recreational activities.

FAQ about Reykjavík University