Student, take the questionnaire here!
Five Finnish student unions, including the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY), ask students to take a questionnaire that aims to gather information about students’ subsistence. There are questions about income, working and housing.
The student unions will use the information that the questionnaire provides to advocate for a better subsistence for students. One’s financial situation has a notable influence on a student’s well being so up-to-date understanding about students’ subsistence is an important tool for advocacy.
The financial support that students receive is strongly based on loans since the student allowance was cut in 2017. Member of the board of executives of JYY responsible for social affairs, Elina Kärkkäinen says that there is a crucial need for knowledge about the impact of the 2017 cuts.
“This questionnaire is a way to get scientific information about students’ income that we need in order to do fact based advocacy for students’ well-being. With the results it is easier to set our advocacy goals wherever the support and development are the most needed.”
“The current situation worries us as the 250 € student subsidy and possible housing subsidy are not enough to cover all costs of living which makes taking a student loan or working inevitable. However, working during studies can cause exhaustion especially as students are demanded to advance fast in their studies. Then again, taking the student loan may not be possible for various reasons such as uncertainty about employment after graduation.”
The questionnaire is open till October 31.
The questionnaire is made by Otus and it has been ordered by The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä, the Student Union of Tampere, The Student Union of the University of Turku and the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University.
More information
Elina Kärkkäinen
Member of the Board of Executives
elina.karkkainen@jyy.fi