Emotional Impact of Financial Pressure
Some international students in Finland face financial difficulties that can seriously affect wellbeing, mental health, and academic progress. This guide brings together the key challenges and their emotional impact to help you understand the situation and identify ways to cope.
Financial Challenges and Everyday Stress
Many students arrive in Finland with the understanding that studies and living costs can be managed through reasonable part-time work. For many, however, this expectation does not match reality.
Finding employment is often more challenging than expected. Even unpaid internships can be difficult to secure. Although some study programs are marketed as English language paths to Finnish working life, the actual job requirements typically include skills in Finnish language. Many students only discover this after arriving.
When jobs are difficult to find, the financial pressure quickly grows.
Financial and employment challenges can also affect housing stability. Homelessness or periods of unstable accommodation can become a real threat when income is inconsistent or nonexistent. At the same time, difficulties in paying tuition fees can lead to uncertainty around study rights and the renewal of residence permits, creating a sense of constant insecurity.
Living under continuous financial stress can be exhausting
Spending enormous amounts of energy on applications, interviews and academic performance can be exhausting and make it harder to focus on studies. The emotional toll can be heavy, causing feelings of shame, guilt, or personal failure regardless of the underlying causes. Disappointment often follows when expectations are not met, and loneliness or isolation can deepen the distress, especially in absence of local support network.
In some cases, mental health symptoms can become severe. Financial stress and the related uncertainty can trigger intense anxiety or depression. Lack of available options or accessible support can create feeling of hopelessness; even thoughts of self-harm or suicide can be present.
Coping and Finding Support
It is important to remember that financial and academic struggles are not a reflection of your worth.
Even when circumstances feel overwhelming, support is available. Universities offer counselling services, and organizations such as Nyyti ry provide mental health support specifically for students. Municipal crisis services can also be contacted for urgent emotional help, regardless of a person’s background or financial situation.
On the practical side, it may be helpful to discuss tuition payment plans with your university, explore housing advice from student housing foundations, or ask whether emergency assistance is available through local social services. University career services can provide guidance on CVs, job applications, and job search strategies. Free Finnish language courses, often offered by universities or local communities, can gradually open more employment opportunities.
If there is uncertainty related to residence permits or study rights, advisory services for international students in higher education institutions can help clarify requirements, deadlines, and what documents may be needed for Migri. Contacting Migri directly can also provide clarity about how financial difficulties affect permit renewals.
Building a support network is equally important. Joining student groups, cultural associations, or peer communities can reduce isolation and create meaningful connections. Sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges can help relieve feelings of shame and guilt.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, or if thoughts of self-harm or suicide become overwhelming or specific, it is crucial to seek help immediately. In Finland, you can contact emergency services by calling 112. MIELI Crisis Helpline also offers support in English at 09 2525 0116.