Media releases / 10.6.2026
University and higher education admissions will be confirmed in the coming weeks, and for thousands of young people, the search for their first home of their own is also about to begin. Competition for rental apartments is particularly intense in major student cities, which is why it is advisable to start looking for a home well in advance.
Laura Koiranen, Sales Director at Lumo Homes plc, advises that anticipation and the ability to make quick decisions are crucial when searching for suitable student housing.
“Many people only start looking for an apartment once they have secured a study place, but the groundwork should be done before that. The best rental apartments are taken very quickly.”
When looking for a first home, it is also worth considering your own needs as practically as possible.
“In a student’s daily life, efficient transport connections, costs and ease of living are often the most important factors,” Koiranen summarizes, sharing her top tips for finding student housing.
Tips for finding student housing
1. Think about what matters most in your housing
Make a list of the criteria that matter most to you and also identify the things you are willing to compromise on if necessary, so that your wishes and possibilities align. Consider in advance which is more important: apartment size or layout? Floor level or window orientation? Lower rent or a location in the city centre?
Familiarize yourself with the housing supply in your future study city in advance and actively monitor available apartments, for example by using housing alerts. Lumo offers a range of flats in different sizes across all major university cities.
“When your budget and preferences are clear beforehand, it is much easier to make decisions quickly,” says Koiranen.
2. Think about your daily life, not just the postcode
A good location does not necessarily mean the city centre. What matters most may be a smooth journey to campus, hobbies or work. Good transport connections make everyday life significantly easier.
“When comparing apartments, it is worth looking at travel time rather than just distance in kilometres. With the travel-time search available in the Lumo webstore, you can check how far an apartment is from your chosen destination by public transport, bicycle or on foot,” Koiranen advises.
3. Check carefully what is included in the rent
There can be significant differences between landlords and housing providers in the services included in the rent.
“Someone looking for their first apartment may not think about all housing-related costs. It is worth checking at least the amount of the rental deposit, internet connection and other services that are important in your daily life. In your own home, you also need to arrange an electricity contract, home insurance and budget for other everyday expenses,” Koiranen explains.
When renting through the Lumo online store, the rental deposit is EUR 0, a 50–100 Mbit/s internet connection is always included in the rent, and residents can also receive interior paint free of charge if they wish. Almost every Lumo building also has a free laundry room, meaning that a personal washing machine may not be necessary.
4. Secure an interesting apartment for yourself – make the final decision only after viewing it
Do not spend too much time considering an apartment that interests you. The most desirable apartments are rented quickly, especially in the most popular student cities.
“A Lumo home can be rented directly through our online store, and the rental can be cancelled during the apartment viewing if necessary. If the apartment does not meet your needs and expectations, or if you do not wish to make a rental decision before seeing it, our sales representatives are happy to help you find a suitable home,” says Koiranen.
5. Consider shared living from both a budget and comfort perspective
Sharing an apartment can provide more space, a better location and greater living comfort.
“Shared living is no longer just a way to save money. For many, it is also a social way to start student life in a new city.”
Moving with a pet?
“Your pet can also be a great roommate and is warmly welcome in Lumo homes. For example, walking a dog is an excellent way to get to know a new city and its people,” Koiranen suggests.
For more information:
Laura Koiranen, Sales Director, Lumo Homes plc, tel. +358 20 508 3411, laura.koiranen@lumo.fi