Emergency support 24x7
info@studyvisapoint.com
India: +91 9778426908

Finland’s Secret to Affordable Student Life: How ‘Sisu’ and Smart Strategies Can Cut Costs by 40%

Home Finland’s Secret to Affordable Student Life: How ‘Sisu’ and Smart Strategies Can Cut Costs by 40%
By noah-abraham January 31, 2025

Finland is a dream destination for many international students, offering world-class education, a high quality of life, and a strong innovation ecosystem. However, the country’s high cost of living—particularly in cities like Helsinki—can be a significant barrier. Many students are unaware of the hidden discounts and local strategies that can drastically reduce expenses.

By leveraging Finland’s student benefits, housing options, and the power of ‘Sisu’—a Finnish term for resilience and determination—students can cut their expenses by up to 40% without compromising their quality of life. This guide will explore practical ways to navigate Finland’s financial landscape and make student life more affordable.

1. Unlocking the Power of Finnish Student Unions

One of the biggest money-saving tools for students in Finland is membership in a student union (often required for university enrollment). These unions offer substantial discounts that most international students fail to maximize.

Key Benefits of Student Union Membership:

  • Public Transport Discounts: In Helsinki, students receive up to 45% off HSL transport passes, making commuting significantly cheaper.
  • Affordable Meals: Cafeterias like UniCafe offer heavily subsidized meals, where students can eat for as low as €2.95 per meal, compared to the average restaurant price of €10-15.
  • Healthcare Savings: Student healthcare services (via FSHS, Finnish Student Health Service) provide affordable medical and dental care, significantly reducing healthcare costs.

By signing up for student union membership as early as possible, students can start saving immediately.

2. Finding Budget-Friendly Housing Through ‘Finnish-Only’ Portals

Housing is often the biggest expense for students in Finland, especially in cities like Helsinki, where rent for a studio apartment can exceed €800 per month. However, there are lesser-known housing portals exclusively available to students, such as HOAS (Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region) and TYS (Turku Student Village Foundation).

How to Secure Affordable Housing:

  • Apply Early: Demand is high, so applying for HOAS or TYS accommodation months before arrival increases chances of securing a place.
  • Shared Apartments: Renting a room in a shared apartment through HOAS can cost as little as €250–€400 per month.
  • Alternative Housing Options: Some students find cheaper rentals through Facebook groups and university bulletin boards, often bypassing the expensive rental market.

By using these resources, students can save up to 50% on rent compared to private market listings.

3. Smart Part-Time Work Strategies for Students

International students in Finland can work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. The challenge is finding part-time work that balances earnings with study commitments.

Best Ways to Find Student Jobs:

  • University Job Boards: Many universities have dedicated job portals listing student-friendly positions.
  • Startup Hubs & Events: Platforms like Slush and Maria 01 connect students with tech startups looking for interns.
  • Freelancing: Websites like Upwork and Fiverr enable students to earn money remotely in fields like graphic design, content writing, and coding.

With an average student wage of €10–€14 per hour, working part-time can cover a significant portion of living expenses.

4. Embracing ‘Sisu’ to Maximize Savings

Sisu, the Finnish concept of perseverance, is not just a mindset but a practical tool for students facing financial challenges. Embracing minimalism and frugal habits can make student life in Finland not only affordable but enjoyable.

Cost-Saving Habits to Adopt:

  • Secondhand Markets: Students can find affordable winter gear at secondhand stores like UFF or online marketplaces like Tori.fi.
  • Community Sharing: Many student communities have exchange events where people give away free furniture, books, and clothes.
  • Library & Free Entertainment: Finnish libraries are modern, tech-equipped, and free, making them ideal for studying without spending on cafes.

5. Case Study: Surviving a Finnish Winter on a Student Budget

Meet Ravi, an international student from India who arrived in Helsinki on a tight budget. Initially, he was overwhelmed by the high cost of living, but he quickly adopted smart strategies:

  • Housing: Applied early for HOAS and secured a room for €320 per month.
  • Transport & Food: Purchased an HSL student pass and ate at UniCafe, saving over €100 per month.
  • Winter Survival: Bought a secondhand winter coat for €20 instead of spending €150+ on a new one.
  • Part-Time Work: Found a part-time job as a research assistant at his university, earning €12 per hour.

By leveraging Finland’s student benefits and his own ‘Sisu,’ Ravi was able to reduce his monthly expenses by 40% and comfortably enjoy student life in Finland.

Thriving as a Student in Finland

While Finland’s high cost of living can be intimidating, students who leverage student union discounts, affordable housing options, part-time work, and frugal strategies can significantly cut costs.

By embracing ‘Sisu’ and making informed financial choices, studying in Finland can be both affordable and rewarding. The key is to start planning early, take advantage of available resources, and develop a resilient mindset to make the most of this unique experience.