How to budget for student life in Finland
Studying in a new country can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but also a challenging one. You may need to adjust to different living costs in Finland depending on your background, but budgeting your finances wisely can help you meet your needs, explore the Finnish way of life, enjoy social activities, and create unforgettable memories.
The first month is the most costly
It's a good idea to start saving at the same time as you start planning your studies abroad. It's not easy to advise on a budget for the first month because it depends on what you consider necessities and what you want and can find second-hand. Also, it depends on how many people are in your household, so modify your budget accordingly.
Rent and room furnishing consume your budget in the first month, depending on when you arrive in Jyväskylä and what kind of apartment and furniture you are looking for. However, the budget eventually stabilises.
From our experience as international degree students, we recommend that students budget between 800 and 900 Euros for the first month.
Reduce rental and furniture costs by buying second-hand
The typical rent for a shared flat from a student accommodation provider in Jyväskylä (Soihtu or KOAS) is between 280 and 420 Euros, depending on size. Studio could cost between 350 and 650 Euros. And of course, there are family apartments that can cost up to 700 or more.
Most student residences in Finland are rented unfurnished, except for a wardrobe. Furniture, bed frames and mattresses, kitchen utensils, curtains, and so on can be costly when purchased new. However, some students have furnished their rooms for less than 200 euros by shopping at second-hand stores in Jyväskylä. Keep in mind that in this way it might take some time to gather all the furniture and equipment. When you buy a complete furniture set, some second-hand stores with transportation services could deliver it to your home for free or at a reduced price.
Aside from personally visiting businesses, students frequently purchase second-hand furniture and household goods through the Facebook group called Second-Hand Items in Jyväskylä, the Telegram group called Buy and Sell Jyväskylä, or the Finnish second-hand website, Tori.fi.
You can receive the furniture for free or at a fraction of the cost from other students nearing the conclusion of their studies who live near your flat. If the pick-up location is far away, you must arrange for transportation. In addition, in the Facebook group called Roskalava Jyväskylä and Give away free stuff Jyväskylä Telegram group, you can acquire furniture and household goods for free.
If your budget allows it, you may order new furniture and household products online from major retailers such as IKEA, JYSK, Sotka, Asko, etc. You can arrange for delivery on your first day in Jyväskylä.
Other necessities: Student union fee and Finnish phone subscription
Keep in mind that as a student you are also required to pay the Student Union fee (full academic year: 76,50 Euros, the autumn term only 48,00 Euros/spring term only 50,00 Euros) and the Health care fee if you are not from the EU countries, which is 35,60 Euros per term, and gives you access to the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS).
Another thing to consider when arriving, especially from non-EU countries, is that you will probably need a Finnish SIM card. Mobile companies like Elisa, Telia, and DNA have student programs that usually provide you with unlimited data and cost about 30 Euros per month.
When everything is close, transportation is almost free
Walking, cycling, and taking the bus are the most popular modes of transportation in Jyväskylä. Students who live near university campuses like to walk and cycle to the campus. Bicycles are also useful for getting around campus, attending lectures, sightseeing, attending quick social gatherings, grocery shopping, and exercising.
You may not have to pay much to get to and from campus. Cycling and walking are safe in Jyväskylä since there are dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes - which also means that you may not have to pay much to get to and from campus.
Most students get a bike or a bus pass
Bicycles can be obtained for 50-100 Euros from second-hand shops, other students, and Facebook groups. Of course, depending on the nature, usefulness, and extras of the bicycle, but also when you buy it, the price could be expensive. Cycling is an all-year hobby in Finland, so acquire two pairs of tires for winter and summer. The bicycle shop called Polkupyörätori near the campus is well-known for used bicycle sales and repairs.
Linkki, the public bus company, offers services throughout the Jyväskylä region. This implies that, depending on where you reside, you can easily get to and from campus. Linkki provides students with substantial discounts. When you show your student card at the point of sale, a monthly bus pass will cost you 42 Euros at the moment (2025). You will pay 1,9 Euros of the cost of a single ticket with your Linkki bus card linked to your student registration (load the card before riding or pay 3,50 Euros cash to the driver).
Long-distance travel outside the Jyväskylä region is possible with VR trains and bus companies, including Onnibus and Matkahuolto. When you buy train tickets, you get a 30% discount for long-distance trains and a 50% discount for commuter trains. The price will be lower if you book the ticket well in advance. On the train, be prepared to display your student ID.
Where to buy groceries and household products
Prisma and K-Citymarket are the two largest retail malls in Finland. These are one-stop shops for groceries, household goods, ready-made foods, clothing, shoes, electronics, electrical goods, home appliances, and work supplies, among other things. These large markets are located a few kilometers from the Jyväskylä city center in the Seppälä, Keljo, and Palokka areas. For other household items, you can have a look at stores like Clas Ohlson, Tokmanni, and JYSK.
Smaller shopping outlets, like S-Market and K-Market, can be found around Jyväskylä and are useful if you wish to walk, cycle, or do some quick shopping in your neighborhood. In Jyväskylä, Lidl and SALE have a few shopping shops spread out over a wide area.
The general student consensus is that Lidl’s costs are frequently a few cents lower than other retailers, but it lacks brand variety. Prisma also boasts a wider range of brands and lower costs, and customers can get up to 60% off food, pastries, and other products on "reduced to clear" after 9 pm. Shopping for groceries in the evening is a smart idea because certain retailers cut the prices of perishable and limited shelf-life items.
Another piece of advice is to buy Finnish brands for quality and low prices because the products are manufactured in Finland and are frequently the 'own brands' of the grocery group's parent company. Furthermore, inquire about the stores' 'loyalty schemes' to save money with further discounts. Use supermarket marketing brochures as well as those published in the widely circulated Jyväskylä Suur Jyväskylän Lehti (newspaper) to compare prices.
Students we polled for this blog post reported spending "back of the envelope" 200-250 Euros a month on groceries and household goods. This may be less or more based on lifestyle, preferences, and interest, particularly in ethnic stores like Asian Food Jyväskylä Oy, Antalya Market, and Silkkitie.
JYU campus restaurants are cheap for lunch and snacking
Students' restaurants give nutritious meals for the low price of 2,95 Euros (show your student ID). Salads, milk/juice, a main meal, a side dish, bread, and a spread are included in the lunch. All the eateries offer vegetarian and vegan lunch options.
In student restaurants, a dessert can cost between 1,20 and 1,50 Euros. Students might have takeout coffee or tea for 1 Euro (small cup) and 1,50 Euros (large cup) in between courses, personal study, and group meetings. When you take the coffee in the library café, you can pay starting from 70 cents, while other desserts could cost between 1 to 5 Euros. In some locations, the coffee price could be lower if you bring your cup. Be sure to check out the special prices in the university’s cafes.
Campus restaurants can be found on all university campuses. Before picking where to eat for lunch, students often consult the menus of all eateries on the My JYU app.
Students who want to save money could bring a packed lunch to campus. Microwaves are available to students in the Lähde Library and other shared areas in departments.
Student discount from restaurants in Jyväskylä
When visiting restaurants outside of the campus, do not forget to ask if they offer student discounts. Whether you’re craving an Asian buffet at Michi Asian Cuisine, Yummy Korean, or Restaurant Fujia, or you're in the mood for burgers from Friends & Brgrs or a quick sandwich from Subway, students can get up to a 10% discount. So don’t be shy—just ask at the checkout and enjoy those student savings!
Another great way to save on meals is by using the ResQ app. This app connects users with local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries that have surplus food at the end of the day. Instead of letting perfectly good meals go to waste, these businesses sell them at discounted prices — often up to 70% off. With ResQ, you not only get tasty food for less, but you also help reduce food waste.
Affordable sport and entertainment services through uMove, student union, and student associations
To save money, take advantage of the many free or low-cost tours organised by the student union JYY, study clubs, residence committees, and other social organisations in Jyväskylä. You can also take advantage of or even get actively involved in student associations like ESN and IDESCO.
For sports and physical activities, students could purchase a yearly uMove pass for 45 Euros for the Spring and Summer terms to have access to the university's sports and fitness facilities. JYU also offers free sports courses through which you can also gain credit. Also, if you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, buy sports and fitness equipment from second-hand shops or during sales at prominent brands in the city centre.
Check out also student-led clubs like the Taideklubi (art club), or clubs in the student villages that are usually free.
Explore Jyväskylä, Finland, and Europe on a budget
Aside from having one of the top education systems in the world, Finland has many tourist attractions. In Jyväskylä, you can enjoy beautiful lakes and forests, and visit local museums with discounted prices, like the Alvar Aalto Museum. Across the country, students can discover other scenic destinations, architectural landmarks, and vibrant cities worth visiting.
Many museums and cultural sites in Jyväskylä and in other cities offer student discounts—sometimes even free admission. Always carry your student ID to take advantage of these offers!
Additionally, if you book tickets in advance, you can travel to neighbouring countries like Sweden, Estonia, or Norway by sea, air, or land at budget-friendly prices. With International Student Identity Card (ISIC), students can get discounts on attractions in other countries. Don’t forget to activate this card before travelling.
Expenses differ – save a bit extra too
Because of personal preferences, no two monthly budgets can be the same. Some students spend around 700 - 800 Euros per month since they live in shared apartments and are prudent with their spending. Other students estimate spending in the 900-1,100 Euros range per month due to living in a studio or one-bed flats, recreation, and travel.
It is not recommended for students to count on a part-time job to finance their living in Finland. Although students are allowed to work for 30 hours per week, finding a job could be challenging, particularly when you do not speak Finnish.
So, when planning your budget, make sure it aligns with your lifestyle and personal needs. It's also a good idea to set aside some extra savings for unexpected expenses or changes in the global economy. A well-planned budget can offer peace of mind and greater flexibility during your studies.
