LYY

Lapin yliopiston ylioppilaskunta

Student Housing Situation in Rovaniemi Has Reached a Crisis Point 

by

Students from the University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences responded to a survey on the housing situation in Rovaniemi. The survey received a total of 702 responses, of which 28% came from first-year students. Among the respondents were 676 were degree students, and 26 exchange students. 

The aim of the survey was to map out students’ experiences of both challenges and successes in housing in Rovaniemi. The results will be used in advocacy work and in cooperation with the City of Rovaniemi, DAS (the local student housing foundation), the University of Lapland, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences to secure affordable and high-quality housing opportunities for students. 

The responses paint a picture of students’ everyday lives being burdened by high rents, limited housing supply, and the impact of short-term rentals. 

Key figures from the survey 

  • 5% of respondents had not found an apartment at the time of the survey 
  • 25% lived in DAS apartments, 59% rented from private landlords, and 11% lived in other forms of housing (e.g. with family, in owned apartments) 
  • 56% reported facing challenges in finding housing 
  • 36% pay more than €600/month in rent, 24% pay €501–600/month 
  • The main challenges identified were limited housing supply and high rent levels 

What do students want? 

Students highlighted concrete solutions that could ease the situation: 

  • More affordable housing, especially studios and one-bedroom apartments 
  • Stricter city policies on Airbnb and other short-term rentals 
  • Zoning and building permits targeted at long-term rental housing 
  • Renovations of DAS apartments and more family-sized student housing 
  • Short-term and flexible solutions for exchange students and students on intensive study periods 

The students’ message is clear 

The housing shortage and high rent levels undermine Rovaniemi’s attractiveness as a student city. Some students reported even moving away due to the high costs and lack of housing, although they would have wanted to stay, study, and work in Lapland. 

What’s next? 

LYY (the Student Union of the University of Lapland) will continue active advocacy work to secure student housing and will cooperate with the City of Rovaniemi, DAS, the University of Lapland, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, and ROTKO (the Student Union of Lapland UAS) to find solutions.