If a health-related issue is affecting your studies, you do not have to cope with the situation alone. A student health meeting helps you find solutions so that you can continue or return to your studies.
What is a student health meeting?
A student health meeting is a confidential consultation where you, a university representative and a representative of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) discuss your situation together. The aim is to find ways for you to make progress in your studies despite health challenges. The meeting is always solution-focused – its purpose is not to assign blame but to find workable options together.
The student health meeting takes a holistic look at your situation:
- how your health affects your studies and which courses are particularly challenging for you
- what kind of support you need from the university and FSHS
- how your studies can be arranged so that you are able to make progress.
The consultation may be a one-off meeting or part of a longer support process where your situation is monitored and the plan is updated over several meetings.
When should you consider a student health meeting?
A student health meeting may be helpful in situations when:
- you are returning to your studies after a long period of sick leave (more than two months)
- you become suddenly or seriously ill and recovery will take several months – in this case, it is a good idea to start the consultation process early on
- you have been unable to study even though you have not been on official sick leave
- your studies have been delayed and your study right is about to expire
- you need a certificate for an extension of your study right or a Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland) decision on student financial aid.
Who can initiate the health meeting?
You can request a student health meeting yourself. The initiative can also come from
a member of university staff (for example, your Personal Study Plan (PSP) counsellor or teacher tutor) or a FSHS professional. If someone other than you suggests the health meeting, your permission will always be asked first.
Signs that you might benefit from a health meeting include not making progress as planned, falling behind on coursework, not completing your degree on time, or a significant drop in your grades.
If you suspect that your health is affecting your studies, contact FSHS or your PSP counsellor in your subject – they can help you assess whether a student health meeting would be useful for you.
Who takes part in the health meeting?
The meeting usually involves three parties:
- you
- a FSHS representative who is familiar with the health-related aspects of your situation – the meeting is usually chaired by a FSHS general practitioner
- a university representative, for example a representative of your subject, who is familiar with the practical arrangements and possible flexibility in your studies.
The group is intentionally kept small so that the atmosphere remains safe and open. You can also bring a support person to the meeting, such as a family member or a Student Union representative.
What kinds of solutions can be agreed in the meeting?
The meeting focuses primarily on your study ability and your studies, and the aim is to find realistic solutions that suit your specific situation. You do not need to share details about your health unless you feel it is necessary.
Support measures may include, for example:
- adjusting your study schedule – a lighter study pace, a different order of completion, or drawing up a Personal Study Plan (PSP)
- individual study arrangements – extra time in examinations, an alternative method of completion, assistive devices, or a personal assistant for your studies
- support provided by FSHS – specialised support, rehabilitation or a work ability assessment, for example
- securing your livelihood – the health meeting can also take your financial situation into account and direct you to the right support services.
A follow-up plan is always agreed as part of the process: how and when to assess whether the agreed measures have helped. The goals are set in concrete enough terms to make it easy to monitor progress.
How to prepare for the meeting
You will get the most out of the meeting if you think about your situation beforehand:
- What aspects of your studies have caused you the most difficulty?
- What solutions would you suggest yourself?
- What kind of support would you like from the university and FSHS?
Write down your thoughts so that you do not forget them during the meeting. You can also discuss your situation in advance with your FSHS health nurse or a study coordinator at the university – they can help you prepare.
Remember: you have the right to support
Maintaining your study ability is primarily your own responsibility, but you do not have to manage on your own. Even small support measures can significantly improve your study ability, and an early health meeting can help prevent delays and interruptions in your studies.