Student housing at LUT: finding your apartment in Lappeenranta and Lahti
Finding student housing in Finland is one of the top concerns for prospective international students. Here's what you need to know about student apartments.
LUT works with four student housing companies:
LOAS in Lappeenranta
Lahdentalot in Lahti
Mikalo in Mikkeli
Kouvolan Asunnot in Kouvola
They all offer well-maintained student apartments below market rate.
Student housing costs at LUT:
- Studio apartments: >€500/month
- Shared apartments: >€350/month
- Most include water, heating, electricity, and Wi-Fi
The ambassadors' number one housing tip? Apply early and accept your first offer, even if it's not your ideal location. You can always apply for a different apartment later once you're settled in Finland.
Shared apartments aren't just cheaper—in the best case, they come with a built-in support system when you're new to Finland.
Student budget in Finland: how to live well without breaking the bank
The part-time job market in Finland is extremely challenging, but international students at LUT University have figured out how to live comfortably on a student budget.
Affordable student meals at LUT
Campus restaurants in Lappeenranta and Lahti serve full student lunches for just €3.10—including a hot meal, salad bar, bread, and drinks. Between affordable campus dining and cooking at home (expect around €200/month for groceries), eating well in Finland doesn't have to drain your budget.
Secondhand culture and student discounts in Finland
Finland has a thriving secondhand culture, and LUT students take full advantage of it.
"Almost all of my stuff is secondhand," explains Jasmine, a second-year energy technology student. "It's sustainable and cheap, and everything here is really good quality. I even found a full set of six chairs for free."
Beyond thrifting, international students have access to
- student discounts (5–50% off) at stores, restaurants, and in public transport—just ask;
- the campus gym for €30/semester (includes free fitness classes);
- communal saunas in their building for free during weekly scheduled times;
- free student events, coffee, and activities through clubs and student associations;
- student health care for €35/semester (covers medical, dental, and mental health).
The bottom line? Ask and you shall receive. Student discounts can be found in unexpected places, so make sure to inquire about them. The campus facilities are set up to accommodate a student budget.
Succeeding in your studies at LUT University
LUT University gives international students significant freedom: you structure your own course schedule, attendance is rarely mandatory, and you can choose from multiple exam dates. But that freedom requires self-direction.
"The things you learn in your first year really build up like a pyramid of knowledge," notes Luka. "Make sure to learn the basics thoroughly; then everything else becomes much simpler."
Academic support for international students
If you're struggling with coursework or adjusting to the Finnish educational system, help is always available:
- Study counselors for personalised academic guidance
- Approachable lecturers who welcome questions
- Free Finnish language courses (A1 to B1 levels)
- Peer study groups
"I recently contacted my study counselor for advice on managing my workload," shares Arjun. "She was so friendly, and we always have such a great conversation whenever we meet."
Do you need to speak Finnish to study at LUT?
You can easily get by with English at LUT. On campus, you can expect everyone to speak English, off-campus many Finns speak English. However, learning Finnish gives international students a significant advantage when applying for internships and jobs in Finland. LUT offers free Finnish courses to help you get started.
Making friends and building your community at LUT University
One of the biggest concerns for international students? Finding friends in a new country. Luckily, at LUT you don't have to do it alone.
Orientation weeks: your introduction to student life in Finland
Setting yourself up for success from the get-go isn’t left to chance at LUT University. There’s a whole team dedicated to helping you with it. The First Year Experience team organises the orientation weeks that go way beyond the basics: you'll master the digital tools for organising your studies, get advice on building your academic schedule, and likely meet your closest friends for years to come.
"The friends I made during orientation are still the people I spend most time with one and a half years later," says Arjun.
Orientation weeks include daytime activities and evening social events – the perfect environment to bond with fellow newcomers.
Student clubs and activities in Lappeenranta and Lahti
Beyond the first few weeks, LUT student life offers clubs for every interest: sports, board games, entrepreneurship, cultural associations, and more. Many host free events (often with food!), which is a great way to try new things while sticking to your student budget.
Humaira's advice for international students? "Be open-minded. I joined so many student associations and clubs and just jumped in. Taking part in as many things as you can is a great way to get to know more people."
Student life at LUT: the real experience
Studying abroad at LUT University in Finland is a big step. It's natural to have questions about student housing, managing your budget, succeeding academically, and whether you'll fit in at our Lappeenranta or Lahti campuses.
The main message the student ambassadors want to send is simple: the LUT community is built on support. From study counselling and budgeting tips to making friends during orientation, there are people ready to help you figure it all out.
FAQ: Student life at LUT University
How much does student housing cost? Student apartments in Lappeenranta and Lahti range from €350/month (shared) to €500/month (studio), with most utilities included.
Can international students study in English at LUT? Yes. LUT offers degree programmes taught entirely in English. You can easily get by with English in your day-to-day life, although learning Finnish is a major advantage when applying for internships and jobs.
What is the cost of living for a student in Finland? Expect to spend around €700–900/month total (including rent, food, and general living expenses) as an international student at LUT University.
How do I find student housing in Lappeenranta or Lahti? Apply through LOAS (Lappeenranta) or Lahden Talot (Lahti) as early as possible. Accept your first offer and apply for your “dream” apartment later once you’ve settled in.
What's the best way to make friends at LUT University? Attend the orientation weeks (both daytime and evening events) and join student clubs and associations. These are where international students build their social networks.
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