Study psychologists’ frequently asked questions

What kinds of study-related problems do university students have?

Many students at the University struggle with study-related stress and fatigue as well as motivation, time management and planning issues. Many are also anxious about their choice of discipline or struggle with their Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis. University studies pose different requirements on study habits and techniques compared with, for example, upper secondary education or studies at a university of applied sciences. 

Many other reasons can also hamper academic progress or study motivation, such as learning disabilities, difficult personal situations, illness, anxiety, work habits that are poorly adapted to a university environment, alienation from the University community, and lack of guidance/instruction. 

What happens in the study psychologists' small groups?

Study psychologists primarily offer small groups for bachelor's and master's students. Small-group counselling offers the advantage of peer support from other students. In a group, you can realize that you are not alone with your problems and hear ideas from other students on how to solve issues or cope with challenges related to studying: "The best part of the small group was gaining new perspectives on the mental barriers that slow down writing and realizing that others shared the same difficulties. This helped me adjust my expectations toward a more realistic level."

Small groups meet five or six times for two hours each session, so there is adequate time to address the group's themes. If you are unsure whether a small group is suitable for you, you can ask for more information from the study psychologist leading the group by calling or sending an email (contact information can be found in the staff directory using the keyword 'study psychologist').

Why are there no appointments available for individual counselling with the study psychologist? 

For bachelor's and master's students, we primarily offer small groups. Many students benefit from meeting other students; in a group, one can realize that they are not alone with their problems and receive peer support from others. By focusing on small groups, the study psychologists' resources can accommodate more students than if guidance were primarily individual sessions. For these reasons, individual guidance from study psychologists is offered less frequently than before. We add new appointment times to the booking system whenever possible (Thursdays from 9-11 am).

I'm a doctoral researcher. Can I book an individual counselling appointment?

Yes, the study psychologists' counselling is available also for doctoral researchers. The services are aimed especially at those who are doing their doctoral studies with the support of grants or other external funding. If you are employed by the university, apply primarily for occupational health services to receive psychological counselling.

Do I have to pay for a study psychologist’s appointment?

No. The service is free of charge for Bachelor’s and Master’s students as well as for doctoral researchers at the University.

What is the difference between an FSHS psychologist and a study psychologist?

The key difference is that FSHS psychologists fall within the scope of the public health care system while study psychologists are University employees. Study psychologists primarily help with study-related issues, while FSHS psychologists help with issues related to mental health. If you are unsure whether to contact a study psychologist or the FSHS, contact one or the other and they will refer you to the correct service. Sometimes students benefit from using both services. 

I suspect I have dyslexia/ADHD/an autism spectrum disorder. Can I contact a study psychologist?

Study psychologists do not conduct assessments or provide diagnoses, so you should contact FSHS for further actions. Study psychologists offer small groups focused on attention challenges, which you can join even if you do not (yet) have a diagnosis.

I feel like my memory and learning ability are deteriorating. Is there something wrong with my memory?

Almost everyone feels like they have a poor memory at some point. Many factors affect learning and memory functions, including motivation, alertness, depression, study techniques, conditions and topics, anxiety, stress and a difficult personal situation. Young people rarely have actual memory disorders. You can schedule an appointment with a study psychologist if you would like to better understand why you seem to have memory problems.

I have not earned enough credits to fulfil the requirements of Kela or the University. Can a study psychologist help me?

In the study psychologists' small groups, you can receive support to make your studies smoother. Often, the groups work on individual tasks. For information related to study credits, course selections, and applying for additional time, you should contact your supervising teacher or the Student Services on your campus.

I have lost all motivation and no longer have the energy to study. What should I do?

Everyone occasionally loses their motivation to study, and it can disappear for various reasons. It's important not to be alone with your feelings. Consider whether there is a student or teacher at the university whom you could talk to about your situation.

If your lack of motivation and fatigue continue for months and are not exclusively study-related, you might also want to contact health services, e.g., FSHS.

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