Support for student wellbeing

On this page, you’ll find information about various services that support student wellbeing. Learn about Metropolia’s wellbeing support meetings, counseling sessions with school chaplains, and services provided by different associations, organizations, and other support providers.

You’ll find contact details and any necessary appointment booking instructions on these pages.

If you have any questions, feel free to email your preferred student wellbeing advisor or study psychologist at firstname.lastname(@)metropolia.fi. We are here to help you move forward.

Support Providers

What Kind of Support Do Student Wellbeing Services Offer?

Metropolia’s student wellbeing services offer students individual guidance sessions. We support you with challenges related to personal life, coping, and studies. We’re here to help make your studies as meaningful and manageable as possible. The discussions aim to find new perspectives and provide tools to promote wellbeing.

You can receive support and guidance from the following professionals:

Student Wellbeing Advisor (=Opintokuraattori)
Study Psychologist (=Opintopsykologi)
Study Coach (=Opintovalmentaja)
Special Education Teacher (=Laaja-alainen erityisopettaja)

We primarily offer short-term (1–5 sessions) counseling and guidance. Each session lasts approximately 30–45 minutes, and you can choose the duration based on your needs and schedule. Discussions are confidential and free of charge. Sessions are held either on Metropolia campuses or online.

Please note: We do not provide therapy, clinical treatment, psychological assessments or diagnoses, nor do we issue referrals. If needed, we’ll help you find additional support services.

Individual guidance sessions are available to all Metropolia students.

Typical Topics Covered in Individual Guidance Sessions

Time management, study skills, and academic readiness
Motivation, field of study choices, professional growth and development
Starting studies, internships, thesis work, graduation
Concerns about personal well-being, coping, or life situation
Mild concerns related to mood or anxiety

If you are experiencing mental health challenges that require more intensive support, or your ability to function has significantly declined and symptoms are long-lasting or recurring, please contact FSHS (yths.fi), your local health center, or another health care provider directly.

For help with updating your personal study plan (HOPS), please contact your degree programme’s PSP advisor.

Book an Appointment for a Wellbeing Support Session

You can book an appointment with a student welfare officer, study psychologist, or study coach via the Vihta booking system:
Vihta Booking System – Student Wellbeing Services.

You can also reschedule or cancel your appointment through Vihta. Please cancel your appointment as early as possible if you can’t attend, so it becomes available for other students. Kindly only book an appointment if you are able to commit to it.

If you have any questions or wish to contact the well-being staff directly, you can email them at: firstname.lastname [at] metropolia.fi (firstname[dot]lastname[at]metropolia[dot]fi).

Before booking, you can check the FAQ section at the bottom of this page to find answers to commonly asked questions about individual guidance.

Read about our privacy policy:
Privacy Statement – Student Welfare and Psychology Services – metropolia.fi

External Support Services for Students in Finland and Abroad

There are many organizations, associations, and other service providers in Finland and internationally that promote student well-being and academic success. These services offer counseling, peer support, events, food aid, online courses, lectures, and more.

As a Metropolia student, you are welcome to use the services listed below to support your well-being and studies.

Useful Information for International Students

Public health services for EU exchange students:
- Use health care providers named by your insurance company
- For urgent issues, visit your local health and social services center
- Helsinki health stations
- Vantaa and Kerava health services
- Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County
International House Helsinki
A one-stop service center for international newcomers in the Helsinki capital region. Offers information, advice, and guidance.

Mental Health and Well-being Support

Nyyti ry
Supports students' mental health and study ability. Offers peer support, online chats, blogs, and events.
NyytiCoaching
For students nearing graduation. Helps clarify your direction, strengths, and career goals. Applications open every spring and autumn.
MIELI Mental Health Finland
Promotes mental health and prevents problems. Offers crisis help and mental health education.
SAMHA ry
Promotes understanding of mental health and substance use issues in multicultural contexts. Offers guidance, empowerment, and support.
FinFami
Offers support to people affected by a loved one’s mental illness. Free peer support and counseling.

Youth and Social Support

Red Cross Youth Shelters
Available 24/7 in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Turku, Tampere, and online. Safe accommodation, discussions, and family support.
One-Stop Guidance Centers (Ohjaamo)
For under-30s. Free help with studies, employment, housing, and benefits. No appointment needed.
Urban Living Rooms (Helsinki)
Community spaces in Vallila and Malmi for young adults. Drop in, socialize, or take part in events.
Meet with Pride - Helsinki Pride - We organize free and substance-free activities for adult rainbow people. You can have a good time and get to know others in the different activities. The activities are guided by the volunteers of the Helsinki Pride community.

Support for Financial Difficulties

Kela
Provides student financial aid for post-secondary education.
Ohjaamo social workers
Help with Kela applications and other benefit-related issues.
Financial and Debt Counseling
Get help with budgeting, planning, and financial problem-solving.
Financial Counseling Clinics
Free, drop-in sessions with experts to discuss everyday financial concerns. Available nationwide.

Support for Families, Women, and Immigrants

Väestöliitto – Family Federation of Finland
Supports family well-being, immigrant inclusion, and parenting. Offers materials, workshops, and services.
Nicehearts ry
Promotes equality and inclusion for women and girls through gender- and culture-sensitive work. Active in Espoo and Lappeenranta.
InfoFinland
Official multilingual site offering essential information for life in Finland, including legal rights and support services.

More Information and Materials

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Student Wellbeing Services

This page provides answers to commonly asked questions about Metropolia’s Student Wellbeing Services. These answers can also support your overall wellbeing during your studies.

In what kinds of situations can I contact Metropolia Student Wellbeing Services?

You can contact Student Wellbeing Services when you’re dealing with issues related to your ability to study, such as time management, motivation, and concentration, or if you're facing challenges with wellbeing, stress, or life situations.
If you are experiencing mild symptoms of low mood or anxiety, you can contact either Student Wellbeing Services or FSHS.

If you're struggling with passing courses or falling behind in your schedule, always contact your teachers, study coordinator, guidance counsellor, or tutor teacher.

For mental health concerns that affect your daily functioning and may require treatment, please contact FSHS, your local health station, or another health care provider directly.

Who should I book an appointment with in the Student Wellbeing Services team?

All team members (study psychologists, wellbeing advisors, wellbeing coach) provide similar short-term conversational support and counselling. You can contact any one of them.
Appointments are booked via the Vihta online booking system.

I haven’t earned enough study credits and have many unfinished assignments. Who can help?

Contact your study coordinator, guidance counsellor, or tutor teacher to plan your studies. Also, reach out to the teachers of your courses as soon as possible.

If you're worried about your health, contact FSHS.
If you need support for study ability or life challenges, contact Student Wellbeing Services.

I'm worried about my mental health but don’t know where to start?

For urgent needs (within 1–7 days), contact your local health station, emergency department (e.g. Haartman, Jorvi, Peijas Hospitals), or call 112.

FSHS provides treatment and assessment for mental health conditions.
If you're seeking brief support and want to discuss how your mental state affects your studies, book a session with Student Wellbeing Services.
Please note: Student Wellbeing Services does not provide treatment or write referrals.
Find reliable mental health information at MentalHub and HelpGuide.

I’m struggling with concentration. What should I do?

For recent issues, book a session with a wellbeing advisor, study psychologist, or wellbeing coach.
If you've had long-term symptoms (e.g., impulsivity, forgetfulness) and suspect ADHD or another neuropsychiatric condition, consult Student Wellbeing Services or FSHS.
For special study arrangements, contact Metropolia’s Vocational Special Needs Teacher.

I need help dealing with changes in my relationships. Who can I talk to?

You can talk with:

Also:

Visit HelpGuide for relationship advice
Check Nyyti ry for communication tips

I’ve experienced harassment or bullying. Where can I get support?

Contact your student association or METKA’s harassment contact person
For emotional support, contact Student Wellbeing Services
Read Metropolia’s Non-Discrimination and Substance Abuse Policy

I feel lonely. How can I improve my social wellbeing?

Consider volunteering (e.g., through SAMHA, or organizations listed at Moniheli)
Join student associations or METKA’s clubs
Book a session with Student Wellbeing Services or University Chaplains

I want to start psychotherapy. How do I begin?

FSHS offers brief therapy and referrals to psychotherapy.
Kela may support part of the costs of psychotherapy if you're aged 16–67 and your ability to study/work is impaired.More info: Kela website
You may also book a private psychotherapist (e.g., Valitse Terapia, Minduu)
If unsure, you can talk to Student Wellbeing Services

I have a learning disability (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD). Where can I get help?

Contact Metropolia’s Vocational Special Needs Teacher for study arrangements
Book an appointment with Student Wellbeing Services to discuss emotional or learning-related concerns
Other resources in the Helsinki region include:
- Finnish Clubhouse Coalition
- ADHD-organization

I struggle with stage fright, social anxiety, or nervousness. What can help?

Start by talking with a course teacher, tutor teacher, or peers
Book an appointment with Student Wellbeing Services
Watch the Student Wellbeing Services webinar on Coping with stage fright (youtube.com)
If anxiety interferes with daily life, contact FSHS

Someone close to me is seriously ill. How can I care for myself?

Talk to Student Wellbeing Services or University Chaplains
If the person has a psychiatric illness, FinFami provides free support for family members

What if I get seriously ill and can’t keep up with my studies?

First, see your doctor (FSHS, health station, or occupational health care) to obtain a sick leave certificate
Discuss your situation with your study coordinator, guidance counsellor, or tutor teacher and update your personal study plan
Contact Kela: you may be eligible for sickness allowance instead of student financial aid. You can still study during sick leave if you wish.

Campus Lounges

Campus lounges are places where you can relax, play games, meet people, or simply take a moment to breathe. They are also great for hosting small events. You can find campus lounges at the following locations:

Myllypuro: 5th floor, room A5503
Myyrmäki: 3rd floor, room C317
Karamalmi: 5th floor
Arabia: 4th floor, next to the lounge there is also a yoga space

Quiet Rooms

These are spaces intended for calming down, collecting your thoughts, praying, or resting. They are not meant for sleeping, eating, studying, socializing, or playing music. Each room is intended for 1–2 people at a time.

Myllypuro: Room A5017. There is also a rest room located in the Student Wellbeing Services lobby, room B6009.
Myyrmäki: Room MMA2076.4, 2nd floor, near the stairs from the main entrance, opposite the student and applicant services.
Karamalmi: Room KM E 652
Arabia: Hämeentie 135, room 356

Instructions for using quiet rooms:

You may bring your own symbols, texts, or anything you need for your personal reflection, but do not leave any personal items or brochures in the room.
The space is intended for silence. Therefore, eating, drinking, talking, or playing music is not allowed. Please turn off phones and laptop screens.
Respect the silence of others. If someone is already using the space, you may still enter to practice your own silence.
The room is open for everyone at all times and cannot be reserved for private or group use.
Please follow the values of the educational institution while using the space.
The caretakers are responsible for the room’s upkeep.

Myllypuro’s My Active Campus Relaxation Room

Room MPA4007, a self-service wellness space on the 4th floor of Tower A. This refreshing oasis offers tools, instructions, and a selection of soundscapes for relaxation and low-threshold body care. The room is for student use only and cannot be reserved. It is open during campus opening hours.

Arabia Campus Relaxation Spaces

On the 4th floor of the Soiva side:

Wellness Corner (AS410) includes wall bars, exercise balls, resistance bands, foam rollers, and massage balls for active breaks.
AR356 is a quiet space for rest and reflection.
Yoga room Lootus is located on the 4th floor next to the AR430 lobby. It is freely available for everyone and cannot be reserved. Equipment includes yoga mats, blocks, foam rollers, and a screen for watching yoga, pilates, or other wellness videos.

Sports Equipment Lending Services

At the libraries on each campus, you can borrow sports equipment free of charge with a 3AMK library card. The lending service offers, for example, tennis and padel rackets, various balls, mobility tools, and lawn games.

Myllypuro Campus:

Table tennis (A5503)
Walking pad (bridge between C and D towers, 3rd floor)
Motivational quotes and stickers encouraging stair use in stairwells A and B
Pre-designed "Outdoor Break Routes" for refreshing short breaks. Two options:
- Quick Dash (1.6 km)
- Park Route (1.9 km)
  Maps are available at the front desk and digitally via this [link].

Arabia Campus:

Wall bars (C3-42A1)
Foosball table (Campus Lounge AR430)
Subsoccer

Myyrmäki Campus:

Pool table (C317)
Foosball table (C317)
Air hockey (C317)
Subsoccer (C317)

Karamalmi Campus:

Pool table (7th floor elevator lobby)

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

Feel free to email any staff member of Metropolia’s Student Wellbeing Services for more information at firstname.lastname(a)metropolia.fi.

You can find contact details on the Support for Student Wellbeing page under the section: Contact Information for Student Wellbeing Services Staff.

Support Providers

Student Wellbeing Services – Short term counselling and booking an appointment

What Kind of Support Do Student Wellbeing Services Offer?

Typical Topics Covered in Individual Guidance Sessions

Book an Appointment for a Wellbeing Support Session

Contact Information for Student Wellbeing Services Staff: Student Wellbeing Advisors, Study Psychologists, Study Coach and Special Education Teacher

Meet the Student Wellbeing Services Team

Student Wellbeing Advisors

Study Psychologists

Study Coach

Special Education Teacher

University Chaplains – Short term counselling and booking an appointment

What Kind of Support Do University Chaplains Offer?

How to book an appointment:

Contact Information for University Chaplains

Meet the University Chaplains

Associations, Organizations, and Other Support Providers