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The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland
04.04.2025
I can't take it anymore. I can't get out of bed in the mornings. I have three euros in my bank account. How will I make it through the rest of the week? The future and working life are stressing me out. I still haven’t found a job for the summer. It's overwhelming.
Struggling with these thoughts is a daily reality for many students today, as students' mental health and financial security are in crisis. Next week (7-13 April 2025), the national Student Mental Health Week, coordinated by Nyyti ry, will be held to highlight the mental health situation of students and create a more mental health-friendly student culture. This year's theme is "Student, How Are You?" – exploring what currently supports or burdens students' mental health.
According to the latest KOTT Survey, students’ faith in the future is wavering, and more than a third of students have experienced study burnout in the past month (THL 2025). This is not surprising, considering the cuts to student financial support, rising living costs, the uncertain global situation, and the weak job market. The number of unemployed higher education graduates has increased, which may further add to uncertainty about the future. According to the recent Akava Works report (2025), Finland had more than 52.000 unemployed higher education graduates. This makes students question whether years of hard work and debt are even worth it.
Feelings of hopelessness during studies and worries about the income can affect students' well-being. It’s not enough to encourage students to find jobs to secure their livelihoods, as there simply aren't enough jobs available. Additionally, combining work and studies isn’t a viable solution for everyone. Working besides studying seems to hinder studying (THL 2025). At worst, working during studies can lead to a dropout or delays in graduation. We are in a vicious cycle where students balance between their studies, well-being, and financial survival.
Students are in an unsustainable situation. Even more difficult times lie ahead, as students will be moved from the general housing allowance system to the student housing supplement scheme in August. That means, the financial support will be reduced for those living alone. Cuts in investment subsidies may also halt the construction of new student housing. Meanwhile, the demand for affordable housing is growing.
Finland cannot afford that students burn out during their studies. Burnout must not be the price of studying, as the well-being of students affects the entire country's future. It’s important to remember to ask, “How are you, student? What made you happy today? What worries you?” During the upcoming Mental Health Week, you can leave encouraging messages for your friends and fellow students in the foyers of Snellmania in Kuopio and Carelia in Joensuu. Let’s take care of each other and give each other a reason to believe in a better tomorrow – even if the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t visible yet.
THL 2025. Results of the KOTT Survey
Isyy.fi: Future in Mind Remote Workshop (in Finnish)
Isyy.fi: Student Mental Health Week’s Programme 2025
Jaana Sivula, Executive Board Member, Social Policy, Environment and Development Cooperation, Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY), jaana.sivula(at)isyy.fi
Nox Herranen, Executive Board Member, Social Policy, Events and Recreation, Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY), nox.herranen(at)isyy.fi