The study shows that Tampere is recommended as a student city particularly because of its location and reputation. Respondents also frequently highlighted the efficiency of public transport, the vibrancy of the city centre and the city’s size as key strengths.
Compared to other major Finnish cities, Tampere is recommended more often based on its reputation, lively urban environment and overall atmosphere. In the survey, respondents with experience of Tampere gave the city an overall score of nine on a scale from four to ten.
– It is great to see that Tampere continues to hold its position as Finland’s most highly regarded student city and that the trend remains positive. We have systematically developed a city where smooth everyday life, functional services and a vibrant urban culture meet. Tampere is a great place for young people to live and study, says Mayor Ilmari Nurminen.
The Student Cities survey conducted by Taloustutkimus Oy was carried out in February and March 2026 among Finns under the age of 30.
Since 2023, the development of Tampere as a student city has been guided by the city’s action programme “Number One in Student Friendliness”. At its meeting on 1 June 2026, the City Board approved an updated programme for 2026–2029. The new programme has been prepared in cooperation with student organisations.
The programme focuses on two key areas: employment and event collaboration. Dedicated projects have been built around both themes. The employment project aims to strengthen students’ connections to working life already during their studies and to support the smooth transition of graduates into employment.
– Building networks and gaining contacts with working life during studies is extremely important for future employment. This is supported by increasing cooperation between the city, companies and higher education institutions. All of this helps students put down roots in Tampere and improves the region’s ability to retain talent, says Saara Ahola, Chair of the Student Union of Tampere University of Applied Sciences.
The second focus area, event collaboration, aims to strengthen Tampere’s distinctive student culture and improve the conditions for organising student events. One of the goals is to integrate student events into Tampere Day and the city’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
– The event collaboration project will improve the conditions for organising student events in public spaces, making it easier for student organisations to operate in the future, says Tami Nordström, Chair of the Student Union of Tampere.
