WHAT DO STUDENTS SAY

Money woes: I constantly have to worry about my finances. There is no financial support available for unemployed international students. In the Turku area, there are no job opportunities at the moment, not even part-time cleaning jobs. All my savings have been used up very quickly. Male, international, Finland, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 7*

I am a little worried because they have not yet told us how much rent will increase this year and I am barely having money for saving/activities with friends. Female, domestic, Sweden, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 6*

I have a good job, but the cost of living is so high that now matter how much I work, it’s always just enough to get by, even without doing extravagant things. I live a normal life and work far more that I’d like. On average 55+ hours a week. Male, domestic, Italy, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 3*

Because it’s almost impossible to afford my rent so I have to work ALL THE TIME while I study more than 37 hours a week. How should it even be possible to survive? Like I don't even have money to feed myself. Female, domestic, Denmark, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 1*

--- and access to affordable housing: Living on campus has made it much easier to manage my time and my expenses since it is the most affordable option, and much cheaper than my previous off-campus housing. It is comfortable and secure so it has reduced my stress levels significantly. Non-binary, Iceland, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 9*

All expenses included relieves a lot of stress, as I do not have to constantly think about individual bills to pay. The building manager is always helpful and available when needed, and the paid cleaning services are a big convenience. The state of the flat is good as it is very new. Male, international, Greece, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 10*

Access to vs lack of targeted support:  I have very friendly flatmates who always clean up after themselves. Also, my accommodation provides support if I need it in regards to mental health or maintenance of my room. Female, domestic, UK, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 9*

As an autistic person it's hard to live in shared facilities with no support. Female, international, Iceland, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 5*

I am in the [name retracted] residence, terrible care for its students […] on the website it appears that they have many things such as a nutritionist, psychologist, etc. that don't work. Also in the registration it came as medical insurance with 24-hour online assistance, if you want to use it now they charge you €80 per consultation. It's a real shame. Male, domestic, Spain, impact of accommodation on wellbeing score 3*

*Respondents were asked to rate the impact of their living environment on their mental well-being, from a scale 0 to 10, where "0" represents a "very negative impact" and "10" represents a "very positive impact."