Wellbeing column: A warm welcome to Haaga-Helia for the new academic year!

I would like to warmly welcome our new students and congratulate you on being accepted. To our returning students and those soon to graduate, welcome back!

Studying is not just about learning and reading. It's also a time for personal growth and self-discovery. Developing as a person and a student is easier and more enjoyable when you interact with others. Getting to know new people can be exciting and a little uncomfortable, but it's worth it. Engaging in discussions and questioning things is essential. During your studies, it's a great idea to participate in events and be open to conversations.

Community is something we all create together. Your actions matter, not only to you but also to others. Try inviting someone for a lunch in campus – small gestures can make a big difference. You might even make new friends, and studying is more rewarding when you have fellow students around.

Autumn is always a time for new beginnings. Most of us want to make new plans for the autumn or perhaps stick to routines that have worked well. Maybe even find a new hobby. It's important to take care of yourself. Everyone needs sleep, rest, and exercise to balance their studies.

Studying can be challenging at times, and not everything always goes according to plan. Our well-being and learning support services are available to you throughout your studies, from the very beginning to graduation. Haaga-Helia's special need teachers, study coaches, study psychologists, and university chaplain are here for you.

On behalf of the well-being and learning support team, I wish you all a wonderful start to the autumn and much enthusiasm for your studies.

Anna Pakkanen 
Study Psychologist