With just over three months left in the spring semester, students in Jyväskylä, Finland, are increasingly anxious about their financial futures as they seek summer employment. A 25-year-old student, responding to a survey by Ilta-Sanomat, articulated the dire situation where opportunities are scarce, particularly in vocational schools compared to universities. This sentiment is echoed widely, suggesting a systemic issue in job availability for students during the critical summer period.

The recent income support law reform that took effect in early February has made it even more challenging for students to access the financial aid they need. Under the new regulations, students are expected to primarily fund their summer living expenses through earned income or summer coursework, where they can qualify for study grants. However, the reform has sparked frustration, particularly since many students face a lack of suitable summer courses that would allow them to retain their financial support.

Experts like Tomi Ståhl, a manager at a competency center, highlight the inadequacy of available summer courses as a major barrier for students. The current landscape requires students to navigate not only the competitive job market but also the restrictions imposed by the new income support system. This situation raises significant concerns about the well-being of students and their ability to sustain themselves economically during their studies, potentially impacting their educational outcomes and future career prospects.