Student Housing in Iceland: Stúdentagarðar, BN, Deposits and Scams

Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.

Housing in Reykjavík is in high demand, and no Icelandic university guarantees a room. The University of Iceland says student housing exists but places are limited, and that many students rent on the private market. Start searching as early as you start applying.

Student housing offices

Félagsstofnun stúdenta (FS), the Student Housing Office, runs the on-campus housing called Stúdentagarðar for University of Iceland students. It has rooms, studios and apartments for single students, couples and families, most near campus. The University recommends that you apply after submitting your application to study. The student council says students can apply all year round, and from 1 May if they start in the autumn or 1 September if they start in the spring.
Byggingafélag námsmanna (BN) rents student housing in Reykjavík and Hafnarfjörður. Being a University of Iceland student is not required but helps. The University gives rents from ISK 120,000 a month.

Our catalogue has no dormitory data for Iceland yet, so ask each university what it offers. Island.is notes that student flats also exist near most of the other universities in Iceland.

The private market

The University of Iceland estimates that monthly accommodation costs in Reykjavík, including utilities, are ISK 130,000 to 180,000. It recommends HousingAnywhere, a platform with verified landlords, for booking before you arrive, and a Facebook group for its international students. It also suggests booking a hostel or short rental for a few days after arrival and searching on the spot. If rooms in the city are too expensive, widen your search to Seltjarnarnes, Kópavogur, Garðabær and Hafnarfjörður, which it says may be more affordable and about 30 minutes from campus by bus.

Leases and deposits

It is normal in Iceland to pay a deposit. The University says never to pay rent or a deposit before you have signed a lease, unless you rent through the Student Housing Office. The lease sets the rent, the conditions for moving in and out, and the rights of both sides. Check whether heating, electricity and internet are included. The University links to a sample leasing contract in English and to the Rent Act, No. 36/1994.

When you move in, inspect the property and photograph existing damage, then share the photos with the landlord to limit your liability at the end of the lease.

Avoiding scams

According to the University of Iceland:

View the property before you sign or transfer money.
If the rent seems too good to be true, it may be a scam.
Do not pay in cash. Transfer money to an Icelandic bank account, so you always have proof of what was paid and when.
Do not use untraceable online payment or international wire services.
Treat pressure to sign or pay quickly as a red flag.
Paying under the table is illegal. Keep receipts.

Timing and transport

The Directorate of Immigration's list of documents for a student permit does not include a rental contract, so you can search in parallel with your paperwork. Island.is advises students who cannot get a student flat to look at their municipality's website for their rights as tenants. From the University of Iceland you can buy a student bus card at a 50% discount, valid across the capital region, which helps if you live in a suburb. See student visa for Iceland for the permit deadlines.

Tips

Apply to FS and BN soon after you apply to study, since places are limited.
Book a few nights of temporary accommodation for your arrival and keep searching on the spot.
Join the university's group for international students to meet others who are looking.
Sign nothing and pay nothing before you have read the lease in full.

Where to look next

Official sources

Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.