Finding suitable student housing in Rovaniemi requires quick responses, flexibility, and an understanding of the city’s specific conditions. The rental housing situation is expected to ease already next year, when nearly 180 new student apartments are completed in Rantavitikka.

Have you secured a study place in Rovaniemi but are still searching for accommodation? High student numbers combined with strong tourism demand can make rental housing difficult to find, especially at the beginning of the academic year.

With good preparation and an early start to the housing search, you can significantly improve your chances. We have compiled the most important tips to help a new student get started with finding accommodation.

Key tips for finding student housing in Rovaniemi 

Apply for housing immediately 

Students are recommended to start looking for housing as soon as their study place has been confirmed. Early autumn is the busiest time on the student housing market in Rovaniemi, as hundreds of students move to the city for its two higher education institutions.

Student housing in Rovaniemi is provided by the Domus Arctica Foundation, which offers everything from shared apartments and studios to family apartments. In addition, rental housing can be found from private rental websites and rental groups on social media channels.

Good and affordable apartments are quickly taken. The earlier you apply for housing, the more surely you will find a home that suits your needs.

There are student apartments nearby the Rovaniemi campus.

Most popular residential areas and transport connections 

The Lapland University of Applied Sciences campus in Rovaniemi is located in Rantavitikka, which is one of the most popular residential areas for students.

Other popular areas within cycling and walking distance include Viirinkangas, Asemarinne, and the city centre.

When searching for housing, it is also worth keeping other districts in mind, as more affordable options may be found there more easily.

Do not limit your options – take all forms of housing into account

Do not rule out different types of housing too early. For example, shared apartments and shared housing can be an affordable and practical option, especially at the beginning of studies. They also help you quickly settle into student life while sharing living cost

Even if shared living does not immediately feel like your own option, it can work as a good temporary solution until a more suitable apartment is found. Domus Arctica Foundation (DAS) also offers individual shared apartments where only the kitchen is shared. In addition, Rovaniemi has communes and other forms of shared housing that are worth considering when looking for a new home.

What new students should know about Rovaniemi’s rental housing situation?

Carefully check the length of your rental agreement. Some available rental agreements are valid until further notice. There are also many furnished apartments that are only available until the end of October or November.

Fixed-term rental apartments can be an attractive option, but if the rental agreement ends during the winter season, finding a new apartment may be difficult due to increased demand caused by tourism. If a suitable apartment cannot be found, these types of short-term rental options can be a solution for the first weeks.

In emergency situations, the Domus Arctica Foundation and the Student Union of the University of Lapland provide temporary floor accommodation for all higher education students. Floor accommodation is intended as a last option and is only offered temporarily to students who have not managed to find housing before the orientation week.

Do you have more questions or need help with other matters related to starting higher education studies? Contact the student office or your programme’s study counsellor. Also see the “For New Student” pages.

Study guidance and counselling
For New Student

Housing demand has increased due to the rapid growth of tourism: relief to the situation with new student housing in autumn 2027

Rental housing on the private market is available year-round in smaller amounts than before in Rovaniemi. This is due to growing tourism, which has led some privately rented apartments to move into the short-term rental market.

To address the situation, the City of Rovaniemi, the Domus Arctica Foundation (DAS), higher education institutions, and student organisations have worked together.

Through close cooperation, relief is already on the way for autumn 2027, when a total of 177 new DAS student apartments will be built near the university campus. These apartments are intended for student use only. In addition, other zoning projects are also underway to address the housing shortage.

The Chairperson of the Board of the Student Union ROTKO, Aili Sova, feels that Rovaniemi has a strong student community.
Picture: Meri Väyrynen

The Chairperson of the Board of the Student Union ROTKO, Aili Sova, feels that Rovaniemi offers a unique study environment, high-quality education, and a close higher education community where students have the opportunity to build their future.

– The Student Union ROTKO actively brings students’ voices into decision-making also in housing-related matters. We work closely with the city, the Domus Arctica Foundation, higher education institutions, and University of Lapland’s Student Union LYY to seek concrete solutions that take students’ housing needs into account.

Rental housing providers in Rovaniemi

Remember also to check rental agencies, local newspapers, and social media housing groups.