Living in Vaasa
In Vaasa, you can create an international career, study the profession of your dreams, wander in the coastal nature, enjoy culture and become empowered by hobbies.
If you want more out of life, then Vaasa is the place to call home. We combine low rents and short distances with an international urban culture and educational opportunities that effectively open the doors to working life.
Below you will find useful links to various websites to make your study time in Vaasa the best possible.
Remember that if you have any questions, you can always contact the Welcome Office for more information and guidance. Link to Welcome Office pages can be found on the right.
University cafeterias and restaurants
Students can eat in any university cafeteria & restaurant in Vaasa. Just show your student card and you will enjoy the discounted hot meal in the following places.
- Åbo Akademi University: Restaurant Alexander
- University of Vaasa & VAMK: Mathilda, Erkki, Café Oscar, Serveri, Café Wolff’s Street, Cotton Club, Café Techno
- Hanken School of Economics: Café Hermes
- Novia UAS: Restaurant W33, Restaurant Alere
Student discount price: 2.60€ – 5.50€
Below you will find a map of restaurants that offer the discounted hot meal.
Transportation in Vaasa
You can move around Vaasa by bicycle, electric scooter or by bus.
- Vaasa is a very cycling friendly city. Remember to use helmet and put light in the front and back of the cycle in dark. It is a must to use by the Finnish law.
- Download TIER app or Voi app for the electric scooter.
- You can travel on local buses in Vaasa using a single ticket, as well as with a Waltti season ticket or a value (pay as you go) card. Single tickets can be bought directly on the bus. Bus tickets and service points.
Explore the city
What to do and where to go? Here are some suggestions:
- The longest bridge in Finland leads into The Kvarken Archipelageo – Finland´s only Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Grafittilandia – abandoned amusement park.
- Tropiclandia-waterpark.
- Hietasaari Beach specially in summer time.
- Take a picture with the “I love Vaasa” sign by the waterfront.
- Museums and musical concerts.
- Sports facilities – Tennis Centre, padel, gyms, open soccer fields and ice-hockey rinks.
You can rent or borrow equipment from libraries such as skates, snowshoes, sports equipment and tools. The Vaasa City Library also has a 3D printer and a sewing machine. Read more here.
Sport activities for students
ÅAU Sports
- As a student at Åbo Akademi University, Novia UAS or Hanken School of Economics in Vaasa, you can join ÅAU Sports which offers various sports benefits. ÅAU Sports
University of Vaasa sport services
- The University of Vaasa sport services are aimed at the students and staff of the University of Vaasa and the degree students and staff of the Vaasa unit of the Faculty of Law of the University of Helsinki as well as the students at VAMK.
Alma Adult Education Centre
At Vaasa’s Alma Adult Education Centre, everyone can find a hobby. With us, you can study to develop the skills you need in working life or just for fun. We welcome you to come and study what inspires you!
Housing for students
Vaasa offers a wide range of housing opportunities, from renting to buying your apartment or house.
Student Housing:
- VOAS – The Student Housing Foundation in Vaasa for more inexpensive living for students. VOAS.fi
- Lärkan Student Housing: Live close to school & the city in Vaasa. Lärkan.fi
Other options:
You can also rent apartments from private homeowners or through estate agents. You can find a list of rental apartment providers in Vaasa here.
You can find used items and furniture for your home for a favorable price. Check out second hand stores and flea markets in Vaasa here.
The Finnish Student Health Services
The Finnish Student Health Services (FSHS) provides general, mental and oral health care services for degree students at a low cost.