A survey conducted by the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) revealed that 10 out of 14 Finnish student unions consider the availability of housing the most pressing student housing issue in Finland.
The problems related to student housing were examined through a survey sent to the student unions in each university city. The student unions in Helsinki, Espoo, Jyväskylä, Lappeenranta, Lahti, Rovaniemi, Pori, Rauma, Vaasa, and Turku (University of Turku) highlighted the availability of student housing as the most pressing issue facing university students today.
“It’s slightly surprising to see housing availability emerging as the most significant housing challenge, as the survey was conducted during the first academic year after the transfer of Finland’s students from the general housing allowance scheme to a clearly weaker alternative, namely the housing supplement for student financial aid. Despite this reduction in student benefits, only Tampere’s student union highlighted the price of housing as a primary issue,” notes SYL Board Member Laura Heino.
Several student unions reported the increased number of domestic and international students as the reason for the lack of available student housing. Future plans for further increasing the number of students in Finland, coupled with the slow progress of new student housing projects and the renovation of older student housing stock, have raised concerns among Finland’s student unions.
After availability, other concerns include price and quality
In addition to the availability of student housing, other common concerns include insufficient supply for certain customer groups, rent levels, and poor housing conditions, which ranked ten times among the student unions’ top 5 areas of concern. Meanwhile, the housing shortages experienced by certain customer groups was highlighted nine times, and high rent levels six times.
“All in all, the results of the survey provide a clear overall picture of the situation. Most university cities should offer more student housing, as students appreciate it and want more of it. Finland’s student unions also seem to have a comprehensive understanding of the pressures caused by the increasingly growing student population and weakened level of student benefits. In the future, the demand for more affordable housing in most cities will only increase,” Heino continues.
SYL wants to examine the future of student housing
The student union survey was the first step in SYL’s examination of the future of student housing. Throughout the current government term, the reforms to the support systems, funding, construction incentives, and administration of student housing have altered the entire operating environment of Finland’s student housing system. For this reason, the future of student housing must be carefully analysed, especially in light of the forthcoming parliamentary election. In 2026, SYL aims to define future scenarios for student housing, prepare a publication on the current situation and future solutions, and offer its own vision for meeting students’ housing needs in the future.
Further information:
Laura Heino
Board member
044 906 5005
laura.heino@syl.fi
Sakari Tuomisto
Social Policy Adviser
040 687 6353
sakari.tuomisto@syl.fi
