Municipal solutions: Student exercise at low cost

Student life is often seen as a period of self-discovery, learning and community building. At the same time, many students experience struggle with financial stress on a daily basis. Although the nominal amount of financial aid for students has increased, this has been achieved by increasing the loan guarantee, not the actual study grant. When income is compared to purchasing power, students earn less now than a decade ago, and rising living costs have further reduced access to affordable sports services.

Physical exercise is not a luxury but a necessity. It supports mental health and community spirit. Regular exercise also enhances the ability to study by improving concentration, reducing stress and improving sleep. Exercise is an important tool for social networking and integration into the local community for both national and international students. Students who adopt good physical activity habits during their studies are better prepared to take care of their wellbeing in their working lives.

Supporting opportunities for physical activity benefits both students and society as a whole. Unfortunately, sports services are too expensive for students in many municipalities.

Accessibility for students varies

In Finland, municipalities offer a wide range of sports services and facilities, but from a student perspective, their accessibility varies a lot. According to a OLL survey, student and university sports are also unequal in terms of access to discounts and time slots compared to, for example, school sports and sports clubs.

While some municipalities offer 40–50% student discounts, many offer no or very limited discounts. And even if there are discounts, the prices are relatively still much higher for students than for the working population. With the cost of housing and public transport rising, exercise is easily one of the first things students save on—considering that some have to cut back on essentials such as medicines.

Practical solutions for decision-makers

Improving the accessibility of sports services does not require massive investments, but smart politicians that make decisions to improve the wellbeing of students. As a simple measure, student discounts at municipal sports facilities should be identical for all students, regardless of their level of education or educational institution. Discount rates should be increased to reflect the real financial challenges faced by students.

Student sports clubs and other organisers of student sport should be on an equal footing with other service providers. Municipalities can also introduce time-based pricing models for sports facilities so that the latest time slots are offered free of charge or at a very low price. Student discounts on public transport also support students’ sports and other leisure activities.

Affordable access to municipal sports services is not just a financial question that influences student life, but an investment in a healthier and more communal society. By acting now, municipalities can ensure that students do not have to choose between physical activity and other basic needs.