Living & Accommodation in Iceland for Pakistani Students

When planning to study abroad, the living and accommodation arrangements are as important as tuition fees. For Pakistani students in Iceland, housing, lifestyle, and daily living patterns can be quite different from what they are used to back home. Iceland offers a safe, modern, and welcoming environment, but the cost of living can be higher compared to other European countries.

Types of Student Accommodation in Iceland

Pakistani students studying in Iceland have several options when it comes to housing. The most common ones include:

University Dormitories / Student Housing
- Managed by student housing associations such as Félagsstofnun stúdenta (FS) in Reykjavik.
- Affordable compared to private rentals.
- Monthly rent: EUR 350 – 500 depending on the room type.
- Shared kitchens and common facilities.
Private Apartments
- Students can rent private flats or share with friends.
- Monthly rent ranges from EUR 700 – 1,200 in Reykjavik.
- Suitable for students who prefer privacy but can be expensive.
Shared Accommodation
- Popular among international students.
- Sharing an apartment with 2–3 people can reduce the rent significantly.
- Monthly cost: EUR 400 – 700 per student.
Homestay with Local Families
- Offers cultural immersion.
- Costs vary but are usually EUR 500 – 700 including meals.
- Ideal for students who want to experience Icelandic family life.

Monthly Cost of Living for Pakistani Students

Living costs in Iceland can be high, so planning a realistic monthly budget is essential.

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (EUR)	Equivalent in PKR (approx.)
Accommodation (shared/dorm)	350 – 700	108,000 – 217,000
Food & Groceries	250 – 350	77,000 – 108,000
Transportation (bus pass)	40 – 60	12,000 – 18,500
Utilities & Internet	70 – 100	21,500 – 31,000
Health Insurance	50 – 70	15,500 – 22,000
Personal Expenses & Leisure	100 – 200	31,000 – 62,000
Total Monthly Cost	850 – 1,400	265,000 – 435,000

(1 EUR ˜ 310 PKR, subject to currency fluctuations)

Transportation in Iceland

Reykjavik has a reliable public bus system (Strætó).
A student monthly bus pass costs around EUR 40 – 60.
Many students also use bicycles, especially in summer.
Cars are expensive due to high fuel and insurance costs, so they are not recommended for students.

Food & Dining in Iceland

Groceries: Most students shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Bonus, Netto, or Krónan.
Eating Out: A meal at a restaurant costs EUR 15 – 25, so cooking at home is much more economical.
Halal Food: Available in Reykjavik at select shops and restaurants, but more limited compared to larger European cities. Many Pakistani students prefer cooking traditional meals at home.

Lifestyle & Cultural Adaptation

Weather: Iceland has cold winters and short summers. Students from Pakistan may need time to adjust to long winter nights.
Safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Students can move around freely without major concerns.
Student Life: Universities organize events, clubs, and activities where international students can easily make friends.
Language: While the local language is Icelandic, most people speak fluent English, making life easier for international students.

Conclusion

Living and accommodation in Iceland for Pakistani students may seem expensive at first glance, but with careful planning, it becomes manageable. Choosing affordable housing, budgeting for food and transportation, and working part-time can significantly reduce financial pressure.

Beyond costs, Iceland offers a safe, culturally rich, and student-friendly environment that makes it a unique and rewarding study destination. For Pakistani students, adapting to Icelandic lifestyle can be both an educational and life-changing experience.