Student Wellbeing Services at TAMK Support Holistic Success and Coping

Student wellbeing is a central factor in both academic achievement and the overall student experience. Wellbeing encompasses physical, mental, and social health, as well as the ability to study, and supporting it is an important responsibility for higher education institutions. When students receive the wellbeing support they need, they can focus more effectively on their studies, persevere through challenging phases, and reach their goals more efficiently. TAMK invests in student wellbeing by providing an extensive range of support services that help students in different life situations. 

At TAMK, no student has to face academic or wellbeing challenges alone. TAMK Parvi, a low-threshold support hub, offers various forms of assistance, such as study workshops, peer activities, and community events. Students can work on assignments with guidance, improve study skills, and prepare for exams. 

Special education teachers support students with learning or concentration difficulties. Marianna Leikomaa, a senior lecturer at TAMK who offers special needs education, explains that the support may include individual guidance, developing study techniques, and planning personalized study arrangements. 

– When students facing learning difficulties receive support instead of being left alone, it significantly impacts their academic success and ability to complete their studies. 

Student Wellbeing Advisors also help students with challenges such as stress management, time management, and maintaining motivation. They offer a safe space to talk about life changes and everyday student life. 

Community and Peer Support 

TAMK emphasizes the importance of community and peer support. Peer-led activities offer students the opportunity to share experiences and foster a sense of belonging. The School to Belong project provides practical tools for reducing loneliness among both students and staff. TAMK Parvi also hosts a friendship program for both international and local students to help build connections and reduce loneliness. 

The student union Tamko plays a key role in supporting wellbeing at TAMK. As a student advocacy and community-building organization, Tamko promotes student wellbeing in many ways. It provides guidance on everyday student life, maintains the student lounge Solu, and offers easy access to participation and involvement in the student community. 

TAMK’s pastor Jussi Houttu is also available for confidential discussions about any aspect of life, such as relationships or feelings of loneliness. He listens, supports, and provides crisis support when needed. Confidentiality and respect for all personal beliefs are at the heart of the chaplain’s work. 

Mental Health Support and Early Intervention 

Mental health support is a core component of TAMK’s wellbeing services. Students can seek support from Student Wellbeing Advisors for issues such as stress, exhaustion, time management, and general life balance. TAMK also has a crisis team and the pastor that are available to assist during sudden life events, such as the loss of a loved one, serious mental health challenges, or other crises. 

TAMK collaborates with the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), which provides professional mental health and counselling services for higher education students. Through FSHS, students can access services like short-term therapy, mental health coaching, and psychological support. TAMK also implements an Early Support model, which aims to identify wellbeing concerns at an early stage and guide students to the right help before problems escalate. Through Parvi, students can participate in wellbeing-focused workshops and events that promote mental wellness, recovery, and stress management. TAMK also works with various partner organizations that offer mental health services on campus, making them easy to access for students. 

Together, these services form a comprehensive and accessible support network that helps students navigate difficult situations and maintain their mental health throughout their studies. 

Exercise and Physical Wellbeing 

Supporting physical wellbeing is an essential part of academic ability. TAMK students have access to SportUni’s exercise services, which include group fitness classes, ball games, and gyms across Tampere's higher education campuses. TAMK also participates in the Study on the move project, which encourages students to increase daily physical activity and overall wellbeing. SportUni additionally offers weekly virtual exercise breaks and workout videos that help students take healthy breaks from sitting and promote movement throughout the day. 

Support for Study Skills and Motivation 

Marianna Leikomaa notes that TAMK students often need support with a wide range of study-related challenges, such as dyslexia or starting their thesis. Help is also sought for language studies or overcoming public speaking anxiety. 

TAMK offers Sparris study skill workshops, where students can get support for these issues. The workshops are available in both Finnish and English, on campus and online. They are open to all TAMK students and do not require registration. 

Many students struggle with thoughts of dropping out due to lack of motivation. At TAMK, such students are supported through OTE studies, which help them find suitable study methods and strengthen their motivation through peer support, presence, and encouragement. 

Supporting International Students 

TAMK is committed to supporting international students with integration by offering social counselling. Mirja Onduso, a planning officer at TAMK, works with international students notes that many everyday matters, such as finding housing or opening a bank account, can be challenging for those new to Finland. This is why TAMK’s international students can get social counselling and support in starting their lives in Finland. 

It’s essential that international students receive practical information about Finnish society from the very beginning of their studies. 

Mirja Onduso

International students can access the same services as all other students, including support from special education teachers and study counsellors, study skill workshops, and Parvi activities that are all available in English. 

A thriving student is a learning student. At TAMK, student wellbeing is seen as a holistic concept that includes smooth studies and a balanced everyday life. Services are continually developed based on student feedback, and support is easily accessible in different life situations. Community, low-threshold encounters, and expert guidance form the foundation for students to build a meaningful and sustainable academic journey.