Housing for international students
Having a place to stay is of course key. To make it easier for you as a student, the University collaborates with a housing agency. But there are also other ways to find accommodation.
The housing agencies we collaborate with is called Bostad Västerås and Bostad Eskilstuna. They don't own any apartment buildings of their own, but act as a link between the landlords and the tenant, making it easier for both. There are various kinds of housing types available, but the most common is small studio apartments.
In order for you to get a better understanding of how the process of getting accommodation through Bostad Västerås works, here's a short overview:
- Once admitted to MDU, please register through the website of Bostad Västerås.
You can list several housing options you are interested in. - Provided that there are vacancies you will get a housing offer through email.
Accepting this (potential) offer is highly recommended. There will be an opportunity to change your accommodation after the first semester or get a refund if you for some reason can't come to start your studies. Please note that declining the offer will result in you being placed last in the queue, and there is no guarantee that you'll get a second offer. - Accept and secure your offer through payment
Please read the refund policy in case you can't attend MDU, for whatever reason.
More ways to find housing
There are more ways to find housing in the area. Always make sure to get a proper contract if you rent on your own.
Airbnb
Short-term or long-term rent mostly available. Prices can be steep.
Facebook groups
There are several groups on FB, some open and other private. Search for "Lägenheter i Västerås" or "Lägenheter i Eskilstuna" if you prefer to stay there. Please note that most ads are in Swedish.
Ad sites
The biggest one is called Blocket. You'll find apartment ads both from private individuals and landlords. Please note that most ads are in Swedish.
Landlords
There are plenty of landlords in the area. Try contacting one or more landlords directly, most of them have online registration forms where you can show your interest. If you can't register through the form, send an email explaining that you are an international student.
Apartment hotels
There are a few apartment hotels in the area, offering apartments with or without service included. Search using the phrase "apartment hotel" or "aparthotel" and the geographical area.
What about housing in Eskilstuna?
Most of our programmes and courses taught in English are given at our campus in Västerås. But there are a few that are given in Eskilstuna. Why don't we mention much about accommodation there, you might wonder?
The answer is simple - we don't have the same type of collaboration with the housing agency in Eskilstuna like we do in Västerås, plus there are hardly any furnished student apartments available.
If you're interested in living in Eskilstuna, please reach out to Bostad Västerås through email, and they will do their best to assist you.
Planning on bringing your family?
In that case, please note that large student apartments suitable for more than 1-2 people are scarce. We strongly recommend that you start a wide search as soon as absolutely possible. Please note that it's common that the date for an apartment being available when renting directly from landlords is at least 3 months away.
Also, please notify us and we can provide guidance on for example school/pre-school.