Student's Helsinki Studio: How 24.5 sqm and 626 Euros Cover All Needs

Lauri Kärkkäinen, a building architecture student, has managed to fit everything he needs into his 24.5-square-meter studio apartment in Myllypurossa, Helsinki. His living space contains a sofa, bed, television, and desk. The monthly rent, including water, is 626 euros. While considered reasonable for Helsinki, it represents a substantial portion of his income, which ranges from 1,200 to 1,400 euros per month.

Kärkkäinen's income primarily comes from student financial aid, including a housing allowance, and loans. He supplements this with occasional freelance work for a crossword puzzle company. He emphasizes the importance of his studio, stating he would try to keep it even if his freelance work ceased, despite rent consuming over half his monthly earnings. He would rather cut back on his own food expenses than his dog's, Babu.

The Finnish government has reduced student financial aid in recent years. Index increases for student aid have been frozen since 2023, and students transitioned from general housing support to the student aid housing allowance last year. This change reduced Kärkkäinen's monthly income by about 100 euros. Additionally, the housing allowance is no longer available during summer months unless the student is actively studying. Kärkkäinen has managed to trim about 100 euros from his expenses by cutting back elsewhere, noting he hasn't bought new clothes in a year.

Many might question why students don't simply opt for cheaper shared housing to save money. While Myllypurossa's housing foundation (Hoas) doesn't offer shared rooms, nearby areas do, with shared rooms costing as little as 315 euros. One might expect shared living to be in high demand after aid cuts, yet studios remain more popular than shared apartments among Helsinki students. Kärkkäinen believes this preference stems from young adults' desire for independence and the experience of managing their own lives and finances. He also notes prevalent negative stories among students about unpleasant or messy roommates and issues like smoking indoors.

Kärkkäinen himself is content with his studio, appreciating its comfort and proximity to the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences campus. A survey by Hoas found that over half of students have had to tighten their belts. Students are willing to cut back on almost everything except housing and studies. Two-thirds have reduced leisure spending and clothing purchases, while nearly half have cut back on hobbies and food. Only about one in ten have saved money on housing costs. Kärkkäinen moved into his studio in February of last year and plans to graduate next spring, intending to maintain his independent living situation.