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Housing areas

Finding housing in a city that you have never visited before can be difficult. You may not know where the apartments that you are looking for are situated, or whether it is a good or a bad neighbourhood. We would like to assure you that there really are no "bad" neighbourhoods in Umeå, but there are areas that are closer or further away from campus.

Karta över Umeå och Konstnärligt campus.

Image: Ida Åberg


The most common student housing areas are: Berghem, Carlshem, Mariehem, Nydalahöjd, Tunnelbacken, Ålidhem and Ålidhöjd. 

Housing areas that are situated within 20 minutes walking distance of Campus Umeå

  • Berghem
  • Fridhem
  • Lilljansberget
  • Nydalahöjd
  • Sofiehem
  • Tunnelbacken
  • Ålidhem
  • Ålidhöjd
  • Öbacka
  • Öst på Stan.

Housing areas that are situated within 20 minutes bicycling distance of Campus Umeå

  • Carlshem
  • Carlshöjd
  • Centrum
  • Haga
  • Marieberg
  • Mariehem
  • Tomtebo.

The areas that are situated within the city limits and on the local bus line, but are the farthest from Campus Umeå

  • Böleäng
  • Ersboda
  • Grubbe
  • Röbäck
  • Umedalen.

Housing areas that are located outside the city border or in neighbouring villages, and that you might encounter when looking for accommodation are Brattby, Ersmark, Holmsund, Hörnefors, Sävar and Vännäs.

Public transport (buses, trains and so on) to these places are often good during the daytime, and choosing to live in these areas may be a good option for you, depending on your preferences. However, please note that during the evenings, nights and weekends, public transport may not run too frequently.

 

If you are unsure where the accommodation you are interested in is situated, make sure to ask the person or company who rents the room or apartment. You can ask about its situation in relation to campus, amenities and transportation.

Umeå residential areas

Berghem

Berghem is situated adjacent to the University's main campus, Campus Umeå, and approximately two kilometres from the city centre. It is an attractive "1950s era" neighbourhood with houses and low-level apartment buildings. Västerbottens Museum is also within a short walking distance. T3 Arena, the multi-purpose stadium for Umeå IK women's football team is also in Berghem.

Find Berghem on Google Maps

Carlshem

Carlshem is located about five kilometres from the city centre and two kilometres from campus. A calm terraced (townhome) neighbourhood with some smaller apartments. It is close to nature areas and walking-paths, and nearby one of Umeå's largest shopping centres, Strömpilen, with shops, restaurants, a large supermarket and a pharmacy.

Find Carlshem on Google Maps

Lilljansberget

Lilljansberget is a newly built area with small apartments located within a short walking distance of Umeå University's main campus and IKSU Sport fitness centre.

Find Lilljansberget on Google Maps

Mariehem

Mariehem is located about five kilometres from the city centre and two kilometres from campus. The neighbourhood was built during the 1960s, and is mostly occupied with apartment building blocks. The scenic Nydala Lake is nearby with swimming during the summer and prepared cross-country ski tracks during the winter.

Find Mariehem on Google Maps

Nydalahöjd

Nydalahöjd is situated approximately one kilometre from campus and five kilometres from the city centre. A modern area built during the 1990s, including apartments with high standards. Five minutes away by bike, you will find IKSU Sport fitness centre.

Find Nydalahöjd on Google Maps

Tomtebo

Tomtebo is an xpanding area with many families with children. The area is located adjacent to the south end of Nydala Lake, approximately five kilometres from the city centre and three kilometres from campus. It is also close to IKSU Sport fitness centre.

Find Tomtebo on Google Maps

Tunnelbacken

Tunnelbacken is also known as Ålidbacken and is located about three kilometres from central Umeå on a hill sloping down towards the river with a view of the city. The area is only 500 metres off the main campus and nearby Ålidhem centre with its full range of services. There are many affordable corridor rooms (with shared kitchen and common area) available and a gorgeous view over the Ume River.

Find Tunnelbacken on Google Maps

Ålidhem

Ålidhem is the number one student housing area in Umeå! Situated about four kilometres from the city centre and 1.5 kilometres from campus. Many of the apartment buildings were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. Many students live here, so do not be surprised if there are lots of parties on Saturday nights.

Find Ålidhem on Google Maps

Ålidhöjd

Ålidhöjd is located just across the street from IKSU Sport fitness centre, approximately three kilometres from the city centre. It consists of nice apartments built during the 1980s with a fantastic view over Umeå!

Find Ålidhöjd on Google Maps

Öbacka

Öbacka is a popular residential area which is located on the river bank, east of central Umeå. The area is within walking distance from the town centre and close to the University, the hospital and the Umeå Östra railway station.

Find Öbacka on Google Maps

Transportation to campus

The majority of the local bus lines pass by the University or the neighbouring University Hospital. This means that no matter where you live in Umeå, it is always fairly easy to find your way to Campus Umeå.

On the local buses you can buy a single ticket (different costs depending on age. People under 26 pay lower prices), or buy a travel card where the cost per trip can be lowered significantly. There are also student discount, for example on the 30 day period travel card. Find out more about tickets and prices here: https://www.tabussen.nu/en/ultra/tickets-and-prices

Please Note! Cash is no longer accepted on the local buses or the Airport Shuttle! Most major credit/debit cards are accepted, except on-line cards such as Maestro or Visa Electron.

Local buses in Umeå

Latest update: 2025-09-02

Other helpful pages

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Accommodation

Support and resources to help you find a place to live in Umeå.

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