What Campus Reviews Reveal About Studying at the University of Turku
The University of Turku, located in the southwest of Finland, holds a QS World University Ranking of 366 and carries a Google rating of 4.3 from 147 reviews. Students’ own words give a clear picture of what it is like to study here.
One reviewer, muhamad rausyan, gave it 5 stars and wrote:
“Very nice atmosphere to learn and study. I love the vibe of this university. All students look very smart. I visited this place to attend a seminar, and it turned out that I love to revisit, and there were many good restaurants near the campus too.”
Another 5-star review from Hamed Ahmadinia says:
“A leading Finnish university in research and teaching, I highly recommend applying and study in their international programmes.”
A more balanced view comes from Ruslan Hesenov, who rated it 3 stars:
“Okay-ish university. The way the courses are taught is great, allowing freedom for students to choose their exam schedule and also always promoting teamwork and research skills for students during courses. However, needs more collaboration with companies, international students and staff.”
These reviews point to a welcoming study environment with good teaching flexibility, but also highlight limited integration with the local job market. For international students, this means that finding housing that supports both study and networking becomes even more important.
City Context: Turku as a Student City
Turku is Finland’s oldest city and was the capital until 1812. With a population of roughly 190,000, it has a strong student presence thanks to two major universities and several polytechnics. The University of Turku’s main campus sits in the Kupittaa district, about 1.5 km east of the city centre. The city is compact: you can walk from the central railway station to campus in about 20 minutes, or cycle in 8–10 minutes.
The local housing market is dominated by two types of supply: student housing offered by the Turku Student Village Foundation (TYS) and private rental apartments. TYS manages more than 6,000 units across the city, making it the largest student housing provider. Outside TYS, private studios and shared flats are available through general rental agencies, but prices can be higher and contracts less flexible.
Finland’s rental market generally requires a deposit (usually one to three months’ rent), a signed lease, and proof of income or a guarantor. International students with no Finnish income often need a bank guarantee or payment of several months upfront. Most leases run for a fixed term (e.g., 12 months) with the option to renew.
Budget Bands for Student Housing
All figures below are indicative — confirm with the operator before signing any contract. Prices apply to the 2026−2027 academic year and reflect typical rents for student housing in Turku.
-
Low band (€250–€400/month): Shared apartments or student dormitory rooms (one room in a shared apartment with a communal kitchen and bathroom). Most TYS properties fall into this category for single rooms. Utilities (water, electricity, internet) are usually included or have a fixed monthly fee of €20–€50 extra.
-
Medium band (€400–€600/month): Studio apartments (20–30 m²) or larger shared flats with a private room but better location. Private studios near campus start around €450 while TYS studios are typically at the lower end of this band. Many international students choose this level for a balance of privacy and cost.
-
High band (€600–€900/month): One-bedroom flats (35–50 m²) or modern studios close to the city centre. These often come with better amenities (balcony, dishwasher, sauna in the building). Exchange students and those on shorter stays may find furnished options here.
Beyond rent, consider monthly utilities if not included (€30–€60), food (€250–€350), local transport (€45 for a student month pass), and fees for student union membership (about €100 per year). The total cost of living in Turku for a student is roughly €800–€1,200 per month, depending on accommodation.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-off
The University of Turku’s main campus (20014 Turku) is well-served by public transport. The bus line 2A/2B runs from the city centre to the campus in about 10 minutes. Cycling is extremely popular: the city has dedicated bike lanes and flat terrain. Walking from the central market square takes 20–25 minutes.
Advantages of walking distance
- Eliminates monthly transport costs (€45 for a bus pass, but €0 if you walk or bike)
- Convenient for early morning lectures and evening library sessions
- Proximity to campus restaurants, cafes, and the university sports facilities
- Less dependency on bus schedules (night buses are limited after midnight)
Advantages of transit-linked (5–15 min bus or bike)
- Lower rent per square metre — areas like Mälikkälä, Varissuo, or Runosmäki have cheaper TYS apartments
- More variety in flat sizes and building age
- Quieter residential neighbourhoods with parks and grocery stores
- Access to larger supermarkets and discount stores further from the centre
Trade-off summary
If your budget is under €400 and you want a private room, you will likely need to live 15–25 minutes away by bus. If you value time and convenience, a studio near campus (Kupittaa, IV district) will cost €500–€700. Most students choose a hybrid: a shared apartment within a 20-minute bike ride, costing €350–€450.
Shortlist Logic for Nearby Residences
Because the University of Turku does not directly operate student housing in many locations, the following categories represent common options near campus. No specific operator or building name is endorsed; all are examples of what you can expect to find in the area.
1. Kupittaa district (closest to main campus)
- Distance: 0–5 minutes walk or cycle to university buildings
- Typical housing: TYS studios, TYS shared flats, private one-bedroom apartments
- Indicative rent: €420–€700 (studio), €300–€420 (shared room)
- Logic: The convenience of rolling out of bed and arriving to class in minutes outweighs the premium rent. Kupittaa also has a small shopping centre, the Kupittaa sports park, and a bus hub.
2. City centre (5–10 minutes by foot or bus)
- Distance: 1.5–2 km to campus; bus line 2A/2B covers it in under 5 minutes
- Typical housing: Older studios in apartment buildings, some TYS properties near the cathedral
- Indicative rent: €450–€650 for a studio; shared rooms around €350
- Logic: You get access to restaurants, nightlife, grocery stores (S-Market, Lidl), and the main train station. The walk to campus is pleasant alongside the Aura River.
3. Nummenmäki (10–15 minutes by bike or bus)
- Distance: 1.5–2.5 km from campus
- Typical housing: TYS student village with many shared apartments; some private studios
- Indicative rent: €280–€380 for a room in a shared apartment; small studios from €400
- Logic: This is the most student-dense area in Turku, with its own sauna, laundry, and small supermarket. Walking takes 20 minutes. The trade-off is space and community for a bit less convenience.
4. Varissuo (20 minutes by bus)
- Distance: 4–5 km from campus
- Typical housing: TYS block of flats, private apartments on the outskirts
- Indicative rent: €250–€350 for a room; studios from €380
- Logic: Among the cheapest options, but requires a bus (line 13, 20 minutes) or a 25-minute bike ride. The area is multicultural with cheap grocery stores. Good for those willing to trade time for savings.
Shortlisting method
- If you have a scholarship or larger budget: filter for Kupittaa or city centre studios
- If you want the most affordable independent living: Nummenmäki shared room
- If you need a short contract (e.g., exchange semester): ask TYS for their “flex” or short-stay apartment availability
- If you want to be near sports facilities: Kupittaa hosts the campus sports centre and a football stadium
All prices above are indicative — confirm with the operator for the 2026–2027 period.
FAQ – Student Housing Near the University of Turku
Can international students apply for TYS housing?
Yes. TYS (Turun Ylioppilaskyläsäätiö) accepts applications from all students enrolled at a higher education institution in Turku, including exchange and degree students at the University of Turku. You must register as a student and submit an application via the TYS portal. The wait period varies by apartment type and semester. For guaranteed availability, apply as early as possible (March for autumn, November for spring). All rent figures are indicative — confirm with the operator.
What is the typical notice period for student rentals?
Most TYS contracts require a one-month notice period. Private rentals often demand three months. Short-term leases (e.g., 6 months) are available but usually have a fixed end date. If you plan to leave before the lease ends, you may need to find a replacement tenant or pay a penalty. Always read the termination clause in your contract.
Are utilities included in the rent for student housing?
In TYS student housing, water and heating are usually included in the rent. Electricity and internet may be extra (typically €15–€30 per month for a studio). Private apartments often include heating but expect to pay for electricity and internet separately. Confirm with the operator — ask for a written breakdown of included costs for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Data as of 2026: ranks (QS 2024), Google rating and reviews (as of time of writing), rent bands reflect typical pricing for the 2026–2027 academic year. All figures are indicative — confirm with the operator before making financial commitments. No endorsement of any specific housing provider is intended.
See also: listing details · browse more