Students’ livelihood and housing under pressure this summer – survey reveals that half the respondents have not secured summer jobs

Students’ housing and financial situations have deteriorated. A survey conducted by the Student Union of the University of Oulu  (OYY) highlights growing concerns among students regarding housing costs, the impact of student benefit reforms and financial insecurity during the summer months. The responses show that recent changes to student financial aid have made everyday life more difficult and have affected students’ housing choices. Half of the respondents had not secured employment for the entire summer period. 

Home should be a safe haven

The most common living arrangements among students are renting alone or with a partner. The living expenses of students vary, but around 60% of students pay 400-700€ per month for housing. Public discourse has highlighted the affordability of shared housing, but students do not consider it a suitable option.

A third of respondents stated that they would not be willing to live in shared housing under any circumstances, while half said they would only consider it out of necessity if the rent were under 300 euros. Students want peace and privacy in their homes, which in turn offer safety and stability in everyday life and the uncertainty of today’s world. 

Students’ financial situation is growing more precarious 

During autumn 2025, students in Finland transitioned to the student housing supplement. This means, among other things, that students cannot receive housing support during summer months unless they complete summer studies. The reform has reduced the financial aid of every other student. The survey also showed that at least two students have to give up their apartment and return to their hometowns this summer for financial reasons. Constant moving places a significant burden on both wellbeing and mental health.

Changes to student financial aid have forced students to monitor their spending even further. Around 65% of students reported paying closer attention to their consumption habits. Students compare grocery prices more carefully than before, reduce spending on eating out, culture and sports services, and reconsider travelling. Some students have started working solely to compensate for weakened financial aid. Most alarmingly, the survey also revealed that some students have resorted to payday loans in order to pay rent. No one should have to rely on high-interest loans to cover basic living expenses.

Employment opportunities are nearly non-existent

Unemployment is a widespread societal issue in Finland, and it is especially visible in students’ summer employment situation. In March, 40% of students had not secured a summer job even though they had been actively applying for them. Some respondents had managed to secure a job for one or two summer months. 

Half of the survey’s respondents work alongside their studies at least a few times a month to cover their living expenses. Of students who work during their studies, 30% described balancing work and studies as moderately exhausting while 20% considered it extremely exhausting. Working slows academic progress and weakens overall wellbeing.

Change is necessary

For students, the upcoming summer looks deeply concerning from the perspectives of housing, financial security and employment. During summer 2026, students will not receive financial aid unless they complete summer studies. The financial aid for summer studies is deducted from the total amount available for later stages of studies, and summer course offerings are not beneficial or suitable for all degree programmes. This means that only a small number of students are realistically able to receive support during the summer months

The effects of the situation are already visible in the financial situation of students, and uncertainty continues to grow as summer approaches. The situation cannot go on like this! Students’ positions in society must be strengthened to ensure that studying is genuinely possible without constant financial insecurity.