Letter to Members of Parliament

Dear diary,

I checked my bank account today. Yesterday, I received the study grant and housing allowance, but then the rent was deducted from my account, and I had to pay all the bills. With the decrease in the housing allowance, I’m really struggling financially. It’s been crucial for me to exercise and have hobbies to help me recharge and cope with daily life, but now I have no money left for that. If I ever graduate, my fellow students and I will graduate more in debt than ever before. Are there any other people in Finland who have to take out loans to buy food?

My daily life is challenging. My part-time wage isn’t enough, forcing me to take on extra shifts. After work, I have to spend late nights on my course assignments since that is the only time I have. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going like this. I’d like to gain work experience in my field and have applied to 40 positions, but no luck with that.

Still, I’m doing better than my friend, who juggles caring for their children alone while studying. And still their housing allowance was cut the most. It’s just absurd.

It’s distressing to realise that getting help is increasingly difficult when so many people are struggling. Some of my friends have received a referral to therapy from FSHS. However, what difference does it make when there’s a shortage of therapists, and even with support from Kela, therapy costs hundreds of euros a month? And what happened to immediate access to therapy?

I want to progress in my studies and graduate on schedule. I know that I’m in the right field and attending the right school, but it seems like obstacles are piled up in my path to graduation.

This does not have to be the reality for students. Put yourself in our shoes when making decisions. Prioritize the well-being and livelihood of higher education students to ensure that Finland will have a brighter future. 

Aalto University Student Union AYY

If you would like to discuss the position of students further, please contact AYY Board Member Wilma Branders (wilma.branders@ayy.fi).