Affordable Luxury: Student Living in Helsinki
Finding a decent, budget-friendly studio apartment in Helsinki can be a challenge for students. However, the Swedish-language daily Hufvudstadsbladet has uncovered a gem in the student housing market: the highly coveted student apartments known as “Huippu,” or “top-notch,” which offer not just affordability, but a taste of luxury.
The headline of their feature boldly states, “This is how luxuriously students can live for 620 euros.” The article highlights the undeniable perks of residing near the vibrant Pasila train station and the Mall of Tripla, both of which offer easy access to the city’s amenities.
Residents enjoy a range of facilities, including free meeting rooms, saunas, a gym, and dedicated study spaces. All this can be yours for just 620 euros a month for a well-designed 20.5 square-meter flat—if you can snag one, that is.
The Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region (HOAS) reports that these Huippu apartments are in high demand. The private market does have some competitively priced studio flats, with approximately 80 listings under 630 euros per month on the rental site Vuokraovi. However, students have noted that these options often lack the modern amenities and conveniences that the Huippu Flats provide.
Typically, around 70 percent of students applying for housing are in search of studios, while only five to ten percent prefer shared accommodations. Despite recent cuts to housing benefits—down nearly 100 euros to just under 300 euros monthly—the trend towards solo living remains steady. As HOAS managing director Matti Tarhi points out, modern students increasingly desire their own space for studying, which starkly contrasts with the communal living situation commonly experienced in the past.
“Young people want peace and quiet at home for remote study. In the 1970s, sharing a room with siblings was the norm, but today’s students prefer their own living space,” Tarhi explained to Hufvudstadsbladet.
A Different Kind of Telemarketer
Meanwhile, Iltalehti introduces us to 24-year-old Vilma Lindqvist, who teleworks as a telemarketer for Finnish telecommunications provider DNA from her home in Kajaani. Gaining attention through her TikTok account, Lindqvist revealed an impressive annual income of 60,000 euros while working part-time selling cellular service deals.
Her earnings far surpass Finland’s average income of approximately 3,600 euros a month, even with just a 30-hour workweek. About 25 percent of her income comes from her hourly wage, with the remainder based on commission. In fact, she ranks among the top three earners in her telemarketing unit.
“I’m naturally talkative and enjoy engaging with customers,” Lindqvist explained. Her local Kainuu dialect often adds a personal touch that charms customers further south, and she typically averages seven sales per shift, including contracts for mobile service and additional products.
On her best days, she’s managed as many as 20 sales in a single shift. Despite her remarkable success, Lindqvist cautions that the role isn’t without its challenges. “It’s not easy money. I usually spend six hours working straight, with quick lunch breaks and no time for coffee.”
Offering insight into her sales approach, she emphasizes a relaxed, conversational style rather than high-pressure tactics. “If a customer isn’t interested, there’s no point in trying to convince them.”
Slippery Roads in the Capital
On Wednesday morning, numerous publications, including Helsingin Sanomat, reported hazardous driving conditions across much of Finland. Recent snowfall and drifting snow have disrupted traffic, raising accident risks nationwide.
Warnings from the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) specifically highlight poor driving conditions across southern and central Finland. Helsinki’s transport authority HSL has reported multiple bus and tram cancellations, though only a single local train was canceled by 8 a.m. Wednesday.
While many accidents were recorded in the capital region, fortunately, no serious injuries were noted. FMI forecasters indicate that the wintry weather will gradually shift eastward throughout Wednesday, while northern regions can expect cold but mainly dry conditions ahead.