What defines a good city for students: the branding of the city or the wellbeing of its students? With local elections approaching next spring, now is a good time to consider what cities could do to improve student life.

The situation of students has sparked conversations and concerns. According to the recently published KOTT survey nearly one in five students describes their financial situation as very poor and uncertain. While the decisions regarding student welfare should be made at the national level, cities can still support students in their own ways. Satisfied students contribute to the brand of good city for students, as many cities describe themselves.

City councils have the power to make a difference. One simple way to support the wellbeing of the students is by ensuring that sport services and culture are affordable and easy to access. Pleasant activities for free time bring strength to cope with the challenges of life. Functional and student-priced public transport makes it easier to go to campus and participate in hobbies.

Could city properties be used by giving them to students to use? Providing free study spaces near home, yet away from distractions, can help students work on independent tasks and group projects. Club spaces would improve the social wellbeing of students. Student organizations could also use them to hold events that create a sense of community. This could improve the brand of a good city for students by bringing students more visible in the city view.

It’s immensely important for livelihood to offer enough student apartments. Especially the plan to move students from general housing allowance scheme to the student housing supplement scheme will increase the demand for affordable living options. Everyone needs a roof over their head, and this should not come at the cost of being unable to afford food or medicine.

It is an alarming truth, that one in four students participating in the KOTT survey answered that they have been afraid of running out of food before they get money next time. In many cities, different organizations and churches offer food aid. Cities could take responsibility for informing people about the food aid in the way that everyone needing food would know where to get help.

Local student unions have a lot of information about how student life could be easier or more pleasant in specific cities. Cities can collaborate with student unions to find ways to become more student-friendly. Simply branding a city as “good for students” is pointless if there is no genuine effort to improve the wellbeing of students.

Author: Taru Kyllönen, candidate for SAMOK Board member for 2025

During the autumn, SAMOK will present candidates for the SAMOK board for 2025 on its blog and on social media. For more information about the Federal Assembly, click here.