Accommodation for Exchange Students
The Student Village Foundation of Turku (TYS) has been providing reasonably priced accommodation for students since it was founded in 1966.
For exchange students we offer Student Hostel rooms or shared apartments:
Shared apartment is the most common option. In the shared apartment live 2 or 3 persons. There persons are of same sex. Every tenant has an own lockable bedroom. The kitchen and bathroom are shared.
The Student Hostel is the most popular option. These apartments are a little bit more expensive and there are a limited number of these apartments. In the Student Hostel tenants have an own bedroom and bathroom and the communal kitchen is located in the end of each floor.
All exchange student apartments are furnished. This includes basic furniture: bed with mattress, desk, chair, bookshelves and wardrobe.
Residents are expected to provide their own bedding, towels, kitchen utensils etc. The Student Unions usually provide starting packages that include also these items. Please contact your tutor or arrival university about this. See also
http://www.tyy.fi/in-english/services/starting-package If you have further questions about the starting package, please mail the Student Union:
Applying for an accommodation
It is possible to apply for an accommodation 3 months before arrival. All exchange students are guaranteed an accommodation if they have applied at least 6 weeks before arrival. However, although the foundation makes every effort to do so, we cannot guarantee you will get the accommodation option you request on your application form.
If you want to be situated in the same apartment or location with your friend, please write this information to the housing application. Please also notify us in advance if you have for example some medical reasons or other things that affect your living conditions. If you are arriving with family please contact the Housing Office as soon as possible. We can’t guarantee but we try to take all wishes into consideration.
To make sure you have the best possible chance of getting your first choice please try to apply as soon as possible. You should fill in the application form on TYS's website. When the application is submitted you will get a personal username and password to our customer database called TysKampus. There you can see your housing offer and other information. You will be notified via email when the housing offer arrives there. This will happen around one month before your arrival. Housing offer can be accepted only in TysKampus and more information, including payment details, will follow via email within the next few days.
Tenants can apply to another apartment only if staying two semesters. The change is usually done for the second semester. This application is done via TysKampus and can be submitted after already living in Turku.
Security Deposit
You must pay a security deposit before you get the keys to your accommodation. The deposit is 250 euros for the Student Hostel and shared apartments. This money is refundable if everything goes well during your accommodation and all payments are done.
You will get a deposit payment invoice via email after you have accepted the accommodation. The invoice contains all the necessary payment details for making an international money transfer. This money can't be taken out of your account, so you need to arrange the payment with your bank.
After the payment is done please send us a scanned copy of the payment receipt. You can send it to info@tys.fi or fax it (+358 2 237 6932). The receipt will show us that you have paid the deposit because international bank transfer takes several days. Your deposit will be returned to you via bank transfer after your lease agreement has officially ended. In order for TYS to return your deposit we need your international bank account number and the swift code of your bank. We strongly advise you to get this information from your bank before you come to Finland.
Your deposit cannot be used to pay your last month's rent.
Admission fee
An admission fee of 60 euros is collected for all tenancy agreements that are made for a fixed period. The admission fee will be automatically charged together with the first rent.
Rental agreement
All TYS leases are made for full calendar months, regardless of when you move in or out. The monthly rent includes an internet access, electricity, water and heating, and the rent varies depending on the type of accommodation. Prices for all accommodation options are shown on the TYS's website under flat information.
When you come to the Housing Office to sign your lease please bring with you an identification (for example a passport), a certificate of your studies and a receipt of the deposit payment.
Keys
You will be given your key at the beginning of your tenancy agreement and after you have shown a receipt of your security deposit payment. If you intend to arrive after office hours your tutor may be able to pick up your key for you.
Please note that your tenancy agreement always starts in the beginning of the month - not when you pick up your keys.
Termination of tenancy agreement
The tenancy agreement is always made for the whole term.
- August term: from the 1st of August or the 1st of September to 31st of December
- Spring term: from the 1st of January to the 31st of May.
You are liable for paying rent for the whole duration of your lease, even if you move out earlier.
Disclaimer
The information contained within this brochure is to serve as a guide for exchange students and does not in any way constitute any form of obligation by TYS to any exchange student or other third party.
