Students, you are not alone – Tampere University helps students maintain their well-being

Will I be able to cope with my studies and complete my thesis? Will I graduate within the target time? Will I be able to make ends meet? Am I the only one who finds studying this difficult?

These concerns are common among students, yet many are hesitant to seek help.

“Students should not shy away from reaching out to our guidance and counselling services if they need support or guidance during their studies. It is always best to seek help sooner rather than later, so the problems do not escalate,” says Specialist Mikko Salminen, who works in the guidance and counselling services as part of the Support Services for Teachers and Study Guidance team at Tampere University. He oversees the University’s low-threshold support services grouped under the Navigaattori umbrella.

The University’s guidance and counselling services encompass a wide array of support: self-study and support materials, low-threshold guidance, group counselling and individual guidance sessions. Students who are struggling should not attempt to cope alone, as help is readily available.

Is student life meant to be a period of misery?

Students’ ability to maintain their well-being and cope with their studies is being challenged on multiple fronts. Keeping up with living costs is increasingly difficult, and many students must balance work with their studies while being pressured to graduate on time. At the same time, there is more pressure than ever to excel academically and professionally. It is no wonder many students feel overwhelmed by these demands.

“Students face academic and financial pressures, and may also experience anxiety about adjusting to their new life situation and dealing with all the related uncertainties.  All these factors combined can create quite a pressure cooker,” says Laura Kaipia, specialist in social affairs at the student union TREY.

Kaipia points out that young people are increasingly pushed to excel and make early decisions about their studies. 

“Many students enter university already feeling stressed, leading to an earlier need for support.” 

“If graduates are tired and not feeling well, they will not become capable and thriving employees”

Laura Kaipia, specialist in social affairs at the student union TREY

According to Kaipia, Tampere University already offers a wide range of guidance and counselling services, but these should be expanded even further. Investment in staff well-being is also important, as thriving employees are better equipped to support students. In addition, the financial challenges facing students should be addressed at the societal level. 

Kaipia wants to challenge the conventional thinking that student life is supposed to be hard. If student life was tough in the past, does it have to be in the future?

“If graduates are tired and not feeling well, they will not become capable and thriving employees,” she says.

You too can help students thrive on their journey towards graduation and employment by donating

Study Counselling Psychologist Simo Ahonen works with students who are struggling with their academic progress. 

“The well-being challenges facing students are often concrete problems that seem overwhelming at the time. When we address these issues together with students, we can often sense the relief they feel, as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders,” he says.

In the past few years, Tampere University’s guidance and counselling services have invested in offering not only individual and group guidance but also low-threshold services and peer support. If more resources were available, the University would be keen to expand these services even further.

Donations from private individuals and organisations can provide these essential resources. Tampere University now offers a new way to support student well-being through online donations. Every contribution will be used to enhance student resilience and well-being.

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“Our goal is to also provide broader support and assistance to students with smaller issues to prevent them from growing into major problems. When students feel well, they are more productive. Reflection and thinking skills, in particular, cannot be developed out of necessity or under stress,” Simo Ahonen sums up.

Ahonen points out that there is an increased need for collaborative activities among students. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted social activities and communal learning among students, and they have not fully recovered since. This may leave many students with the impression that everyone else is studying diligently and understands everything.

The well-being challenges facing students are often concrete problems that seem overwhelming at the time. When we address these issues together with students, we can often sense the relief they feel, as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders."

Study Counselling Psychologist Simo Ahonen

For example, intensive thesis support weekends, where students work on their theses together with peers, have yielded positive results. These weekends are specifically designed for students who struggle with procrastination and time management.

Another successful initiative is support groups for neurodivergent students, offering peer support and practical tips for executive functioning and coping with studies.  Students can participate in these groups even if they do not have a formal diagnosis but suspect they may be neurodivergent.

Meaningful encounters

Mikko Salminen emphasises that guidance is always a collaboration with the student. Instead of doing things for the student, our guidance and counselling professionals provide assistance and help students navigate their challenges. 

“I find all my discussions with students incredibly meaningful. Students get the feeling of being seen, even if their problem is not resolved in a single session. I have also noticed a growing need for discussions with a specialist.

Salminen is concerned about the societal push to fit all students into a single mould. The pressure for timely graduation is intense, with little regard for students’ ability to maintain effective academic progress.

I find all my discussions with students incredibly meaningful. Students get the feeling of being seen, even if their problem is not resolved in a single session.

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Simo Ahonen shares the sentiment that student life should not be solely about constantly juggling a hectic schedule Time and space should also be left for pondering and reflection. 

“Universities are supposed to develop students’ thinking skills, not only their knowledge and skills. It is important to give students time to think as well,” he notes.