Would you recommend Kuopio as a student city? The survey explores the city’s strengths and gathers students’ views on what they value most in Kuopio and what improvements they would like to see.

Survey link: https://link.webropol.com/s/ok-tutkimus-kuopio

What makes Kuopio stand out from other student cities? The Student City 2026 survey explores the city’s strengths and students’ wishes for the future. Students share what they value most about living in Kuopio and what they would like to see improved.

The results will help the city, educational institutions and local stakeholders better understand what makes students enjoy living in Kuopio and what could be done differently. For some, Kuopio is a temporary stop during their studies, while for others it becomes a lifelong home. Kuopio is taking part in the Student City 2026 survey, which is being conducted in several Finnish university cities. The survey gathers students’ experiences and views on housing, financial well-being, mobility and sense of community. It also explores perceptions of employment opportunities and what might encourage students to stay in the city after graduation.

The results will be used by the student affairs advisory board led by the City of Kuopio. The board brings together representatives from the city, educational institutions, student organizations and other stakeholders who play a role in students’ everyday lives.
According to Mikko Ripatti, Director of Education and Culture for the City of Kuopio and chair of the advisory board, it is important that students have the opportunity to share their experiences and wishes.

“The best student city is built by listening to students. We want to make use of their experiences to ensure that Kuopio becomes an even better place to study and a city where people also want to stay after graduation,” says Ripatti.

The survey is open from 21 October to 10 November 2026. It is intended for both higher education students and upper secondary-level students studying in Kuopio. Completing the survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and it can be answered in either Finnish or English.

Participants will have the chance to win a €50 S-group gift card and other Kuopio-themed prizes. To enter the prize draw, respondents can leave their contact details at the end of the survey.

The survey is conducted by Männikkömetsä Oy in cooperation with the Otus Foundation for research on student life and education.