Finding Accommodation

A top priority for new students in Umeå is how to secure a place to live. In order to proceed with accommodation arrangements, it is important to understand what type of housing is right for you.

The University offers student housing to exchange students, tuition fee-paying students and full-degree students that are citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

Have you signed a contract for a housing from the University´s service?

Students who can apply for housing through the university

Exchange students should:

  • Be registered as a student at a university that has a student exchange agreement with Umeå University.
  • Have been nominated for the exchange by your home university.*

Tuition fee-paying students are those:

  • That have paid tuition fees to study at Umeå University.
  • Are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Exchange students and degree students outside the EU/EEA can freely choose to find their own place to live, if desired.

How do I apply for housing through the university?

When you have been accepted to studies at Umeå University you will receive an email with a link to our housing system. Once you have created an account you can start to apply for housing. 

Should there be a large number of applicants, students registered for at least 15 ECTS per semester are prioritized. If you are staying a shorter time you can specify that in the online application. You will receive more information about accommodation via email from us once you have been accepted to studies. 

Information about our rooms

The university can offer students furnished single-occupancy rooms in student corridors. Our housing stock consists of approximately 500 rooms in different student housing areas off-campus, but within walking distance of the campus. Both Swedish and international students live in the student corridors.     

Read more about our rooms and what is included

 

Find a home - here are our tips!

If you are not eligible for student housing through the Housing Office, here are a few tips for securing a place to stay.

1. Look for student housing

Generally speaking, it is easier to get accommodation in a corridor (single student room) than for regular apartments. Accommodation in a student corridor is a great way to get to know other students. You'll have your own room with shower and toilet, but share kitchen with others. Many of the student rooms include a simple set of furnishing; a bed, a desk and a bookshelf. Living in a student corridor means you don't have to pay any rent during June and July.

2. Get in the queue line

Whether you want to stay in a dorm room, a student flat or an apartment you should sign up for the Umeå municipality's housing queue (Bostaden). The queue is free of charge and the sooner you sign up the better chance to get the accommodation you're looking for. See a tutorial how to create your personal page at Bostaden

3. Contact private landlords

Many students get their first apartment through one of Umeå's private landlords. A list of private landlords can be found on Umeå Municipality's webpage (list currently only in Swedish). 

4. Check out Facebook

Join the group "Umeå Studentbostad" on Facebook and get news, tips and housing ads in Umeå.

5. Search everywhere

The Internet is a great place to find things. Scan through everything you can find on housing in Umeå - the Swedish site Blocket.se is a good starting point. Choose Västerbotten as county. 

6. Announce your need

Write your own ad and tell others that you are in search of a home. Spread the word in different channels: online, on local billboards and as a newspaper ad.

 

Language Aid for house hunting

Pro tip: Always choose "Västerbotten" (the county where Umeå is situated) when searching among online advertisements.

  • Sök = Search
  • Uthyres = Up for rent (offering accommodation)
  • Önskas hyra = Wanting to rent (looking for accommodation)
  • Bostad = Accommodation
  • Hyresrätt = Rent controlled apartment
  • Bostadsrätt = Condominium style apartment
  • Villa = House
  • Radhus = Terraced house
  • Lägenhet = Apartment/Flat
  • Rum = Room
  • 1:a = 1 room apartment with separate kitchen.
  • 2:a = Apartment with one bedroom, one living room and separate kitchen.
  • Boyta = Living area/Size
  • Avgift/Hyra= Fee/Rent (per month)
  • Datum = Date that the add was placed (it is usually no use calling on adds that are older than 3 weeks)

Latest update: 2022-04-13