Abstract
This investigation examines the role of informal financial support among university students in two different welfare states, Portugal and Sweden. Using data from a questionnaire (N=525), students´ experiences of receiving loans and gifts, and differences in norms and attitudes toward informal financial support, are explored. The data reveals that the Swedish students receive more financial support in terms of monetary loans and gifts from persons in their social network, while Portuguese students support from their parents to a higher degree is embedded in patterns of living conditions. Furthermore, the interaction processes of exchange of support, for both groups is characterised by reflexivity and complexity, not only framed by resource conditions, but also by relational and situational factors. The results are discussed in the theoretical framework of crowding out/crowding in theories.