Cost of Student Life in Finland
Whenever I chat with friends or anyone considering moving to Finland for studies, I often get questions like, “Is life affordable there?”, “How easy is it to get a job?”, “How do you manage your finances?”, or “How much should I budget?”
I wish I had straightforward answers, but the reality is, that these questions depend on everyone's unique situation. Finland is not exactly “cheap,” and living here can get expensive. However, as students, we are fortunate to have access to benefits and types of support that really help ease some of the financial burdens.
Coming from South Korea, where I was also a student, I was genuinely surprised by the strong support system for students here. In Finland, studying does not just mean receiving a top-quality education, but it also means having access to a range of perks that make daily life more manageable and affordable. Here’s a look at some of the best parts of student life at Aalto University and in Finland overall!
Affordable Healthcare: Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS)
For a small fee each term, students get access to the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), which provides general healthcare, dental care, and even mental health support. The services are comprehensive and located right on campus, which makes it convenient to access. However, it is also good to know that FSHS does not cover emergency services or hospital care, so if you are an international student like me, having additional health insurance is smart, especially for emergencies.
Student Housing
Housing is another big plus. Finland has different organizations that provide student housing, and one of the biggest here in the Helsinki region is HOAS (Helsinki Region Student Housing). They offer affordable options close to campus, which can include shared apartments, studio flats, or dorm-style rooms. The best part? They’re designed with students in mind, so the costs are kept as low as possible, with utilities like heating and water often included in the rent, which is huge when you’re trying to budget in an expensive city like Helsinki!
Discounts Everywhere: Travel, Food, Entertainment, and More!
I am confident to say that Finland is a pretty student-friendly country when it comes to discounts, and your student ID card (or the Frank app on your phone) is your golden ticket to saving money everywhere. First, you get discounted fares on public transportation, a huge help in cities like Helsinki where getting around by train or tram is common. Student discounts also apply to long-distance train travel with VR (the Finnish rail company), making it easier and cheaper to explore the country on weekends!
It does not stop at transportation, students also get great discounts on everything from restaurants and cafes to gyms, movie tickets, and museums. And because Finland has such a strong emphasis on outdoor activities, you will even find discounts for places like national parks or sports equipment rentals, so it is easier to dive into the local lifestyle.
Whether you are enjoying affordable healthcare, cozy housing, or a discounted coffee between classes, there is a lot to love about being a student here in Finland!
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