According to a survey conducted in co-operation between the student unions and SAMOK, as many as 60.1% of UAS students have experienced some or very much deterioration in their endurance and mental health during exceptional circumstances. Many students feel able to endure through exceptional circumstances, but for too many, loneliness, isolation, and the anxiety of the situation have already been too much, and coping can no longer be found. Too many respondents even talk about suicidal thoughts.
“The results are very staggering. Students need support now, as well as after exceptional circumstances. We cannot expect students to endure indefinitely and we must not allow problems to move forward into working life.” says Rico Martikainen, President of the Board of the Student Union Kaakko
The results of the survey show that the situation of students is even worse than previously thought. In addition to deteriorating mental health, most students experience more loneliness than before and most of their motivation has decreased. Students need support for their studies, exchange of affiliations in addition to their studies, but also more mental health support services.
The results of the survey show that the end of exceptional circumstances is not enough to meet the challenges of mental health. Students will certainly need support and help long after the exception. SAMOK and the student unions are calling for immediate action to respond to the students emergency.
In April, student unions and SAMOK conducted a survey of students about their experiences of the pandemic period. Nationwide, 7,341 UAS students from 19 different universities of applied sciences responded to the survey. More information: https://samok.fi/kannanotot/vuoden-kestanyt-poikkeusaika-on-ollut-liikaa-monelle-opiskelijalle/
Student union Kaakko will reveal the results of the distance learning survey of the students of Xamk later.
More information:
Rico Martikainen
President of the Board of Student union Kaakko
044 540 4547