Finding your student home in Oulu: a quick guide to housing for newcomers

Once you receive your offer from the university, it’s time to start looking for an apartment. One of the first things I did — and what I’d recommend — is to check where your specific university campus is located. This will make a huge difference in choosing the right area to live.

Oulu has two main university areas:

• Linnanmaa – where the main university campus is located.
• Kontinkangas – home to the Faculty of Medicine and a few others.

The location of your campus will totally influence your housing choice, so make sure you pick your neighborhood wisely.

Oulu is filled with student-friendly areas. Here are a few popular options:

• Linnanmaa – Right next to the main university campus. Super convenient if you want to walk or bike to class.
• Kaijonharju – Very close to campus and full of student apartments.
• Tuira – A bit further from the university, but well-connected by public transport and has a nice local vibe.
• Raksila – Closer to the city center. Great if you want quick access to shops, the train station, and still manageable distance to campus.

Once you’ve decided on the right neighborhood for you, you can head over to the PSOAS website. PSOAS (Student Housing Foundation of Northern Finland) is the go-to provider for student apartments in Oulu. They offer a variety of options including shared apartments, studio flats, and family apartments at affordable rates. Most student apartments are located near the university or in areas with great public transport connections.

Apply early! Especially for autumn semesters, housing can fill up quickly.

You can apply directly for available apartments or submit an open application, and PSOAS will offer you a place once something suitable becomes available.

When they send you an apartment offer, you’ll have the chance to:

• Visit the apartment in person, or
• Contact the current tenant (if they agree to share their contact info), and ask for photos or details if visiting isn’t possible.

You typically have 3–5 days to accept the offer. After you accept, they’ll send the rental agreement to your email. Just sign it, and you're officially on your way to moving in!

Keep in mind that PSOAS apartments are unfurnished though PSOAS often includes basic things like a wardrobe. You’ll need to get your own bed, desk, etc. You can buy affordable furniture from:

• SPR Kontti Seconhand (a local second-hand store)
• Oulu SharePoint (a Facebook group where students sell used items)

It’s a great way to save money and recycle.

Depending on your apartment’s location, you’ll collect your keys from either PSOAS Studio or PSOAS Lounge, usually during weekdays.

If you’re arriving on a weekend or public holiday, you can ask your student tutor or a friend in Oulu to collect your keys for you — just contact PSOAS in advance and request a key handover.

As a PSOAS tenant, you’ll also get access to shared facilities like:

• Laundry rooms
• Storage spaces
• Saunas (yes, seriously!)

If PSOAS options are full or you’re looking for something different, you can always explore the private rental market. Many students find apartments through Facebook groups like "Apartments in Oulu" or similar local housing communities.

Just a heads-up — be careful of scams. Never pay any deposits or rent in advance before seeing the place in person or signing a proper rental agreement.

Finding housing in Oulu might feel like a lot at first, but once you know where to look and how the system works, it’s manageable — and even kind of exciting. Take your time, plan ahead, and you’ll soon be settling into your new student life in one of Finland’s most charming cities.