Practical Information

Here you can find various information about the University, accommodations, and living in Iceland.

Orientation

Welcome to the University of Iceland. We are looking forward to meeting you.

Orientation Days

Orientation Days for International Students are held at the beginning of the semester, and organised by the Student Council. The programme includes courses, organised walks around campus, as well as receptions with music and light refreshments. The aim is to introduce students to the support services offered, meet fellow students, and help them adjust to a new culture.

Pre-orientation videos

Here you will find links to the pre-orientation presentations for practical information regarding registration, the intranet ("Ugla"), and services at the University.

Intranet (Ugla)

After a student is accepted to a degree programme, has paid the registration fee, and been issued an Icelandic ID number (kennitala), they can request access to Ugla, the University of Iceland intraweb, at the Service Desk at the University Centre.

Students can monitor the progress of their studies and access a variety of information regarding their studies on Ugla.

Ugla intranet – introduction video (You will need to log into Ugla to view this video)

Academic Calendar

The University Academic Calendar contains all important dates in regards to studies.

Academic Calendar 2018-2019

Academic Calendar 2017-2018

Accommodation

The University of Iceland does not provide or guarantee housing for students. The supply of on-campus housing is very limited and most students live off-campus. Reykjavik is an expensive city and monthly rent for an indvidual is typically from 100,000 ISK (approx 800 EUR) and up. Please see the following options for finding housing in Reykjavik.

Housing Anywhere

Students coming to the University of Iceland can use Housing Anywhere to find suitable accommodation in the city. Through this student housing platform you will find rooms which are rented out from our outgoing students as well as accommodation from the private rental market. Registered students at the university get a special badge on the website which helps the advertisers identify university students.

This platform offers a secure option for students, as the first payment to the advertiser is held by Housing Anywhere until the student has had a chance to view the room. If the property is as advertised then Housing Anywhere pays the advertiser. Housing Anywhere charges a small one-time fee for this service.

Sign-up form

Other Off-campus housing options:

The Student Agency is an online interactive resource for students seeking jobs or off-campus housing. Landlords advertise housing, students select accommodation from the listings (Rooms and apt. for rent) and subsequently contact the landlord directly.

Please note that neither the Student Services nor the University of Iceland guarantee the rentals, and students rent at their own risk.Take note that you should always have a written signed lease.

Rentmate is a company that assists international students in finding accommodation and to find flatmates/roomates to share apartments with.

On-campus housing:

The Student Housing offers limited supply of on-campus housing for students at University of Iceland. Online applications for the fall semester open on 1 June and on 1 October for the spring semester. Applying on deadline does not guarantee housing due to high demand. Chances of getting an on-campus housing are extremely low.

Please note that the demand for apartments for rent in Reykjavik is very high and finding accommodation can be very difficult.

Living costs in Reykjavík

It is important to keep in mind that Iceland is expensive, and if you are planning to study in Reykjavík you have to consider your budget for living expenses.

The minimum support criteria for an individual living in Reykjavík is ISK 180,550 per month (approx. EUR 1,500.00) according to the Welfare Division of Reykjavík City.

However, this amount does not necessarily reflect actual living costs, which can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.