Student accommodation in Turku: a practical guide for exchange students
Editorial team at Mera
Student accommodation in Turku should be arranged as soon as the dates of your exchange period are sufficiently certain. Start with providers offering student accommodation and keep a backup option available. Accommodation is not confirmed until the dates, price, terms and payment method have been confirmed in writing.
The University of Turku recommends applying for accommodation well in advance because the university does not arrange or guarantee accommodation. According to its housing guide for exchange students, TYS is the most important provider of student accommodation for exchange students, but there may be fewer places than applicants.
| Option | When it is suitable | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| TYS accommodation for exchange students | When you primarily want a student-priced option | Application period, property, room type, insurance and offer deadline |
| General rental market | When you find a contract that suits the length of your exchange period | Contract period, deposit, furnishings, costs and termination terms |
| Furnished home | When you need a ready-to-live-in home for an exact period | Total price, equipment, access and services included in the offer |
Apply for TYS accommodation first, but make a backup plan
TYS is often a natural first option for exchange students. According to the University of Turku's guide, checked in September 2026, TYS has 420 apartments intended for exchange students at four higher education institutions. The rent mentioned in the guide is EUR 300–500 per month, including water, electricity and internet.
Accommodation is not guaranteed, however. There may be more applicants than places, especially during the autumn semester. According to the university, applications for the autumn and full academic year open on 1 May, while applications for the spring semester open on 1 October. Always check the dates and terms again in TYS's up-to-date application guide.
Monitor your email after submitting the application. An accommodation offer may have a short acceptance period, and the arrangement only becomes certain once the offer has been accepted.
Choose an area based on your daily routes
You do not have to live right next to the campus in Turku if the connection there is direct and suits your routine. Mark the campus, any workplace or internship location and your usual services on a map. Then check the routes by foot, bicycle and public transport.
A good location means different things to different people. A student with many morning lectures may appreciate a short journey to campus. For someone working in the evenings, a direct connection to the workplace and a quiet home may be more important. The Turku area guide helps you compare neighbourhoods without naming one area as the best for everyone.
Check the contract before making a payment
A short contract is not guaranteed on the private rental market. The University of Turku points out that finding short-term accommodation can be difficult, especially in August and September. A standard contract may be fixed-term for one year, and leaving early may involve a fee.
Before committing, request the following in writing:
- total rent or accommodation price
- deposit, payment schedule and accepted payment methods
- exact contract period and any extension
- cancellation and termination terms
- furniture, kitchen equipment and bed linen
- electricity, water, internet and other costs
- how to access the property and the contact person for problems
- any home insurance requirement.
Do not transfer money based solely on an urgent message. Verify the provider's identity, the contract and the payee. The University of Turku's guide specifically warns about accommodation scams and advance payments before arriving in Finland.
Include accommodation in your overall exchange budget
The price of accommodation is only one part of a monthly budget. Study in Finland, maintained by the Finnish National Agency for Education, estimates students' living costs in Finland at approximately EUR 900–1,200 per month. The actual amount depends on the city, type of accommodation and personal choices.
Compare accommodation options consistently. Add separately payable electricity, water, internet, insurance, transportation and any possible furniture purchases to the monthly price. A furnished option may be nominally more expensive but clearer in practice if you do not need your own contract or to purchase household items for the exact exchange period.
A furnished home is a backup option for an exact period
A furnished home is suitable when student accommodation is unavailable or you want a ready-made home for an agreed period. It generally does not compete with the price of subsidised student accommodation, so it is worth comparing options based on total cost and effort.
For Mera offers of at least 28 nights, the home, dates, final price and services included in the price are confirmed in writing. A student or researcher discount may be taken into account in the offer when the status can be verified. The discount is not automatic, and this static article does not confirm the price or availability.
If this option suits your situation, request an offer for accommodation of at least 28 nights. State the dates of your exchange period, number of people, institution and the most important everyday needs.
Make your decision using this checklist
Before accepting accommodation, make sure that:
- The address and the actual route to campus are known.
- The dates cover both arrival and departure.
- The total price and all separate costs are recorded.
- The furnishings meet your actual needs.
- The contract, cancellation and extension terms are clear.
- You can access the property at your arrival time.
- You know where to get help during your stay.
Once these points are clear, it is easier to compare the options calmly.
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Turku guarantee accommodation for exchange students?
No. The University of Turku states that students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. TYS is the most important provider of student accommodation, but there may be fewer apartments than applicants.
When should I apply for TYS accommodation for an exchange period?
According to the University of Turku's guide, applications for the autumn and full academic year open on 1 May, while applications for the spring semester open on 1 October. Always check the dates on TYS's own website before applying.
What should be checked in a private rental contract?
At least check the contract period, deposit, total price, separate costs, furnishings, cancellation or termination terms, home insurance and the payee's details.
When is a furnished home suitable for an exchange student?
A furnished home may be suitable when you need a ready-made home for an exact period and student accommodation is unavailable. Always compare the total price, services and flexibility of the contract.
Can students get a discount on Mera's long-term accommodation?
A student or researcher discount may be taken into account in the offer when the status can be verified. The final price, home and dates are always confirmed in the offer.
