The Student Foundation of Turku

The Student Foundation of Turku (TYS) was founded in 1966 by the student union of Turku University. The foundation builds, renovates, rents and maintains student and youth housing for students in post-secondary learning institutions and working youths.

As of summer 2009 the Student Village Foundation has over 7 000 residential places in Turku and Rauma. This amount includes approximately 1 000 international exchange and degree students.

The highest governing bodies of the Foundation are the delegation of the Student Village Foundation and the board of directors. The delegation of the Student Village Foundation has 48 members which represent various interests. The delegation of the Student Village Foundation annually confirms the budget, makes a plan of action and balances the accounts as well as decides on needed measures called for by the annual report. In addition, the delegation elects the chairperson and deputy chairperson, and accepts the managing director.

A 13 member board of directors is responsible for the affairs of the Student Village Foundation. Of the members, the city of Turku elects seven and the tenants of the Foundation elect two (at the autumn tenant's meeting). TYY (The University of Turku Students´ Union) elects an additional two and the other student unions elect the remaining two members. Members of the board are elected for a period of three years.

The highest office is that of the managing director under which work the departmental heads of the financial, realty and housing affairs departments. The total number of employees is 36.

The Tenants' Association (Vuokralaisyhdistys r.y./Vy) is responsible for organising and supervising joint free time activities for residents of all residential locations. See www.vuokralaisyhdistys.net.

Eligibility for and duration of residence

The student residences of the Student Village Foundation are meant for all students of post-secondary schools in the Turku area or in Rauma. If necessary, the housing association terminates the tenancy agreement. The right of tenancy can be extended after graduation, by appeal, with a maximum of two years.

As your ability to pay the rent changes you may change from, for example, a shared accomodation to a one bedroom flat. With an addition to the family you can move to a larger residence. Familiarise yourself with the various choices available to you at the Housing Office.

TheStudent Village Foundation has 68 youth residences which are available for young people ages 18-24. Five-year leases are made for the flats.