In a student survey conducted by the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) and the Finnish Associations of Student Housing Organisations (SOA), price stood out as the most important criterion for choosing an apartment. Price was the most important factor for more than half of the respondents.
SYL and SOA carried out the survey in cooperation with SAMOK, student unions and student housing foundations. The survey collected information on students’ current housing situation, housing preferences and factors affecting housing choices as well as thoughts on communal housing.
“Students’ satisfaction with their current housing was definitely a positive aspect of the survey. Those who rent from a parent or relative are most satisfied with their situation, but after that, the most satisfied tenants are found in student housing,” says Board Member Heino.
Of the criteria for selecting an apartment, price clearly emerged as the most important one, and it was among the top three criteria for more than 84 per cent of the respondents. Other key criteria include the good condition of the apartment, the age of the building and its location near campus.
“Students’ income has undergone major changes during the current parliamentary term, and at worst, it has decreased by up to one third. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that price is a key factor when students choose an apartment,” Heino continues.
Communal housing divides opinions
The survey also examined students’ opinions on communal housing, such as shared accommodation. The major obstacles or most significant challenges to communal housing were concerns about cleanliness and hygiene (64%), the need for privacy (64%) and difficulties in finding a suitable flatmate (59%). About one third of the respondents (31%) would not consider shared housing, and it would be the last option for about one quarter (27%). On the other hand, 44 per cent of those already living in a shared apartment could live in one long term.
The survey also asked what kind of housing the respondents would look for and with whom if they were looking for an apartment right now. Slightly more than half of the respondents would look for an apartment alone (51%) and just over one third together with a partner (36%). The rest of the respondents would look for an apartment either together with a flatmate or with a partner and child(ren). The most sought-after apartment type was a student studio, which 41 per cent of the respondents would apply for. Of those looking for an apartment alone, 72 per cent would primarily apply for a student studio.
“Finding a suitable flatmate is challenging in practice. In addition to finding a like-minded person to share a flat with, many practical things must fall into place. You both need to be looking for an apartment or ready to move at the same time, your housing budgets should align and your needs for an apartment should be more or less the same. That’s a lot of moving pieces that need to click into place,” Heino says.
You can view the report compiled from the survey responses here.
SYL is investigating the future of student housing
The survey on students’ housing preferences is part of SYL’s project on the future of student housing. The reforms to student housing support systems, funding, construction incentives and administration during the current government term are changing the whole operating environment. This is why the future direction of student housing must be considered now and with particular care for the next parliamentary term. In 2026, SYL aims to define future scenarios for student housing, prepare a publication on the current conditions and future solutions, and present its own vision for meeting students’ housing needs in the future.
Further information:
Laura Heino
Board Member
+358 44 906 5005
laura.heino@syl.fi
Sonja Naalisvaara
Social Policy Adviser
+358 40 687 6353
sonja.naalisvaara@syl.fi
