Authors

• Akolahti, Pasi (Nyyti ry)
• Lindberg, Annina (Nyyti ry)
• Tuuttila, Leena (Nyyti ry)
• Savolainen, Minna (Nyyti ry)

Keywords

educational guidance, higher education institutions, living conditions, residential mobility, student organizations, students, substance use, tutoring

Abstract

The object of the survey was to chart the first impressions that new university and polytechnic students had about beginning their studies. The survey examined the respondents' views on things related to starting in their new school, such as moving out of their childhood home, learning to live on their own, beginning of their studies, tutoring, student events and alcohol use in student events. Furthermore the respondents' views on their own capability in this new life situation were investigated. All students who began their studies in higher educational institutions in Finland in the fall of 2015 were eligible for the survey.

The first part of the survey charted moving and living conditions of the respondents by asking if they had moved out of their childhood home and/or hometown because of their studies. The respondents were also asked to evaluate how difficult things relating to living, such as finding an apartment and housekeeping were for them. In the next part, the respondents were asked how difficult they found things relating to school and student community, such as getting to know other students or doing their first actual schoolwork. The respondents were also asked about their views on the usefulness of student tutoring.

In the third part, the respondents were asked about their opinion on student events and parties. This was followed by several questions about alcohol use in conjunction with student events. In the last part of the survey, the respondents were asked to evaluate their life management skills in areas such as time management and stress control.

The background variables were the respondents' gender, age, and place of study.