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 wise to start saving as soon as you begin planning your studies, and to keep in mind that the first month is usually the most financially demanding. This article is here to support your planning, written by international students currently (2026) living in Jyväskylä.
It’s not easy to estimate a budget for that first month, as it depends on what you consider necessary and what you’re able (or willing) to find second-hand. Your expenses will also vary depending on how many people are in your household, so make sure to adjust your budget to your own situation.
In Jyväskylä, rent and furnishing your room or apartment will likely take up a large portion of your budget at the beginning. The total amount will depend on when you arrive and the type of housing and furniture you choose. After the initial setup, however, your expenses usually stabilize and become more predictable.
From our experience as international degree students, we recommend that students budget between 900 and 1,100 Euros for the first month (updated estimate for 2026 due to inflation and rising living costs).
In addition, remember to budget for:
- Water (if not included in rent): approximately 15–30 Euros per month, depending on usage.
- Winter clothing (if arriving in autumn/winter): 100–300 Euros if buying new. This cost can be reduced by shopping second-hand (for example, Fida Second Hand, Kierrätyskeskus, UFF, and other second-hand stores)
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. A studio could cost between 350 and 650 Euros. Family apartments can cost 700 Euros or more.
Most student residences in Finland are rented unfurnished, except for a wardrobe. Other furniture, bed frames, 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. And some second-hand stores also provide delivery services at reduced cost or free.
Aside from personally visiting businesses, students frequently purchase second-hand furniture and household goods through:
- Facebook groups such as Second-Hand Items in Jyväskylä and Roskalava Jyväskylä
- Telegram groups like Buy and Sell Jyväskylä
- The Finnish second-hand website Tori.fi
If your budget allows it, you may order new furniture and household products online from major retailers such as IKEA and JYSK.
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 2025-2026: 76,00 Euros, autumn term only 48,00 Euros/spring term only 50,00 Euros) and the healthcare fee if you are not from the EU countries, which is 35,35 Euros per term or 70,70 Euros per year, and gives you access to the Finnish Student Health Service.
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 packages that usually provide you with unlimited data and cost about 30 Euros per month.
Additionally, DNA offers a budget-friendly 6-month prepaid data package (Laitenet 180 days) at standard speeds, which is sufficient for everyday student browsing, streaming, and study needs.
When everything is close, transportation is almost free
Walking, cycling, and taking the bus are the most popular - and convenient - ways to get around Jyväskylä. Students living near campus often walk or cycle, which is safe thanks to dedicated lanes. Bicycles can be purchased from second-hand shops, other students, or Facebook groups for 50–100 Euros, depending on condition and extras. Cycling is a year-round activity, so it’s recommended to have two sets of tires for summer and winter. The shop Polkupyörätori near campus is well-known for used bicycle sales and repairs.
Linkki, the public bus company, offers services throughout the Jyväskylä region. Depending on where you reside, you can easily get to and from campus. Students who show their student card at the point of sale receive substantial discounts: a monthly bus pass allows unlimited travel within your selected zone (approx. 42–50 Euros, operated by Linkki). Good news: children under 7 years old can travel for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
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 may 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 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 8 pm. Shopping for groceries in the evening is a smart idea because certain retailers cut the prices of perishable and limited shelf-life items.
Membership cards are recommended: stores like Lidl and Tokmanni offer loyalty programs where you can collect points and receive discounts over time. If you are looking for halal products or imported goods, small traditional Turkish shops such as Asian Food Jyväskylä Oy, Antalya Market, and Silkkitie may have slightly higher prices for day-to-day essentials.
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.
JYU campus restaurants are cheap for lunch and snacking
Students' restaurants on campus give nutritious meals for the low price of 3,10 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 get 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 cafes. 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 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 (ResQ Club), which connects users with local restaurants, cafes, and bakeries that have surplus food at the end of the day, offering discounts up to 70%. This not only saves money but also helps 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 organized by the student union JYY, study clubs, residence committees, and other social organizations in Jyväskylä. You can also take part 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. 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.
Winter sport clothing options:
- Second-hand stores mentioned earlier
- Factory outlets like Stadium
- International brands like New Yorker (good off-season sales)
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
Finland offers one of the top education systems in the world and many tourist attractions. In Jyväskylä, you can enjoy beautiful lakes, forests, and local museums at discounted prices, like the Alvar Aalto Museum. Across the country, students can explore scenic destinations, architectural landmarks, and vibrant cities, often with student discounts or free admission – always carry your student ID.
For travel to neighbouring countries, Tallinn, Estonia is the most popular option by ferry, with ticket prices starting from around 30–40 Euros one way when booked in advance. Sweden and Norway are also accessible via budget-friendly ferries, trains, or flights. With an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), students can get discounts on attractions across Europe, so don’t forget to activate it before travelling.
Expenses differ – save a bit extra too
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.
Monthly budgets vary widely depending on lifestyle. Some students spend around 700–800 Euros living in shared apartments and being prudent with spending, while others spend 900–1,100 Euros in studios or one-bedroom flats including recreation and travel.
It is not recommended to rely solely on a part-time job, as finding one can be challenging, especially without Finnish language skills. Planning your budget carefully, aligning it with your personal needs, and keeping a small buffer for unexpected expenses will give you flexibility and peace of mind during your studies.
