Authors

• University of Tampere. University Services

Keywords

educational grants, employment, higher education institutions, students (college), training, tutoring, undergraduates

Abstract

The survey, conducted by the University of Tampere for its third-year students in 2012, examines progress with studies, working during studies, financial circumstances, planning of studies, and studies and internship abroad.

Studies were first charted by asking the respondents to what extent they agreed with a number of statements relating to studies and study progress (e.g. "University studies have met my expectations", "I have progressed in my studies according to my plans"). Planning of studies was examined with questions about support received from the university when planning studies. Things that had negatively affected the progress of studies were charted.

Several statements about study environment and ability to study were presented (e.g. "Students are treated fairly and equally", "I have received enough information and support to plan my studies"). The respondents were also asked which things they considered significant as students (e.g. "In my studies, it is important that I get to choose my own timetable").

Studies and internships abroad were surveyed by asking the respondents whether they were going to study or do an internship abroad, which ways of gaining international experience they found interesting, and to what extent they agreed with statements relating to the usefulness of studies and internship abroad (e.g. "Funding studies/internship abroad is difficult").

Relating to grants and benefits, the respondents were asked whether they had used study grant, whether they thought the remaining eligibility period for financial aid would suffice until graduation, whether they had taken a student loan and how much, and whether they had avoided taking a student loan for some reason.

Regarding employment, the respondents were asked whether they had worked during studies and whether they had worked during the academic year 2011-2012. Finally, the respondents were asked which educational institution and field of study they had primarily wanted to be accepted into when they had applied, whether they studied part time or full time, and whether they had considered continuing studying after graduation.

Background variables included, among others, the respondent's age, gender, field of study, school (faculty), number of credits, and length of internship/studies abroad.