Affordable housing speeds up graduation, according to the students

In the spring, we carried out an extensive Youth Housing Trends study. The research has also been conducted in 2020 and 2022.

The aim of the study was to find out the current aspects of young people’s housing and questions related to their everyday life.

The survey received 2,000 respondents, of which approximately 1,500 lived in Hoas. All respondents were students from the capital region.

The results in brief:

Based on the research, only a quarter of the students feel that their financial situation is good. A third have a bad financial situation.

We also asked how students pay for their housing and living. In the question, respondents could choose all the options that fit their situation. 80 percent said they get housing allowance and/or study allowance. 52 percent work during semesters. 45% said they use their own savings/investments (e.g. summer job payments) or student loan. 28% of the respondents said they received financial support from their parents, and 12% received support from their partner.

The survey was conducted in the spring before the reduction of the general housing benefit that came into effect on April 1. We asked how respondents thought the reduction in support would affect them.

42 percent said that the change will not affect housing in any way. 23 percent said they would consider changing to a more affordable apartment. Only 5% said they were considering moving in with their parents, and 4% said they were considering moving to a communal apartment.

In the open answers, it appeared that the decrease in support means extra stress and anxiety for many. Students have to plan their own finances even more and reduce expenses. Instead of the situation leading to looking for a smaller and cheaper apartment, many respondents thought they would rather cut back on other expenses. Starting to work or increasing working hours was also an option for many.

53% of respondents estimate that affordable student housing speeds up graduation. Among those living in Hoas, the share was 59%.

Many students felt that affordable housing would help them avoid financial stress. It improves motivation to study as there is then more energy left for studying. Affordable housing also reduces the need to work too much or take out a student loan.

However, affordable rent does not remove all financial pressures. Many are still working, which has an impact on the focus and the pace of studying.

For 61 percent of the respondents, the residential area is very important when choosing a home. 16 percent felt its importance was minimal.

Based on the open answers, outdoor recreation and hobby opportunities as well as shops and other services were seen as the basis of a pleasant area. Good transport connections were also an important factor in choosing the area. In addition, an important criterion for many is the distance to the educational institution.

In general, during the study period, one also wants to invest in the quality of life, and therefore the residential area is important from the point of view of the student’s well-being.

71% of respondents could imagine staying in their current area after graduation.

In the survey, the respondents were asked to estimate the share of distance learning from all their studies. 70 percent estimate that they do at least a third of their studies remotely, many much more.

Two thirds of the respondents said that their current home is functional for distance learning. 13 percent felt that the home was dysfunctional. The most important issues that made distance learning difficult were poor sound insulation, poor ergonomics and the lack of a separate workstation.

Financial insecurity, mental health (especially stress, anxiety and loneliness), the quality and progress of studies, as well as future job opportunities and career prospects emerged as the biggest challenges and concerns.

On the other hand, the future was also seen as an arena of opportunities, where there is room for growth, learning and meaningful human relationships, even though economic challenges and uncertainties are present.

The results of the research are an essential part of the development of Hoas’ operations. They are used both in improving everyday customer service and tenant support, and in planning more far-reaching plans, such as building or renovating residential buildings.

The results also provide good information about the students’ situation and what issues we need to highlight in public discussion or advocacy work. Many thanks to all who answered!