Student Wellbeing at Aalto University
Hi everyone! I am Elisa Pöyry, a master’s student at Aalto University School of Business majoring in marketing, with a bachelor’s degree in international business. During my almost five years of studying at Aalto, I have been able to learn several wellbeing tips and identify areas to consider as a student.
At Aalto University, students have the opportunity to grow both academically and personally. Nevertheless, with assignment deadlines and other responsibilities, one can also feel stressed at times. Thus, prioritizing wellbeing is essential, not just for academic success, but for overall happiness and health. In this blog post, I will discuss my wellbeing tips, as well as services provided by Aalto University.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is one of the most significant tools for wellbeing as well as for physical, social and psychological health. I personally aim to sleep 7–8 hours each night to feel energized. It is, of course, tempting to have late-night study sessions, but I try to avoid being on my laptop after 8pm. Lack of sleep also affects concentration, memory, and mood remarkably, which emphasizes the relevance of a good sleep for students.
Eat Well
Another important factor affecting the overall wellbeing is nutrition. With long days and busy schedules, it is easy to skip meals or reach for snacks that do not fuel your body. It is, however, important to eat balanced meals regularly that include protein, complex carbs, and vegetables. There exists a lot of affordable and healthy student lunch options on Aalto campus, which enable nutritious food with a student budget.
Stay Active
Physical activity is one of the best ways to manage stress and boost your mood. As a student at Aalto, you should take advantage of UniSport facilities or explore the green spaces around Otaniemi with a walk or bike ride. Personally, I also very much enjoy running outside especially during the summer and now that the days are getting longer and warmer. In addition, I recommend being active in the student community and joining associations, since these enhance your social wellbeing as well!
Take Breaks
Regular breaks between lectures or study sessions help maintain focus and creativity. Therefore, you should for example step outside, stretch, or chat with a friend in between of studying. These will reset your mind and enable more efficient work as well. Personally, I aim to stand up and stretch at least once in an hour, and this also makes it easier to keep an eye on your study ergonomics and posture.
Use the Support Services
Aalto offers a wide range of wellbeing services to support the students. The Starting Point of Wellbeing is a great place to begin if you are unsure where to go to. It connects students to study psychologists, career counseling, and more. In addition, you will also find workshops on for example managing stress and building good study habits. If you ever feel like you are struggling, do not hesitate to ask for help.
Overall, it is extremely important to pay attention to the different areas of wellbeing during your studies. I have also noticed that by taking even small actions at a time, one can build a stronger foundation for learning as well as for creativity. Finally, Aalto has plenty of services available for students and thus provides support every step of the way!
Elisa Pöyry
MSc Student at Aalto University School of Business
Show other posts from this blog
My favourite study spots on campus
Hey there! I’m Katalin from Hungary and I am studying in the Design BA (now called Design and Media) program at Aalto University. Today I would like to share my favorite study spots on Otaniemi Campus. There are a lot of different places upkept, for example, only your degree, only your school, which for me is the ARTS department as well as spaces for everyone. You can also book on the Aalto Spaces app!
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Graduate School
When I began my Master’s in Water and Environmental Engineering, I was carrying not only academic ambition but also the hopes of my community and the challenge of navigating unfamiliar systems.
Finding Part-Time Jobs on Campus: My Aalto Journey
Hey! Many students look into the option of getting a part-time job during their studies. Whether it’s to gain experience, earn some extra money, or simply get more involved in the university community, there are different opportunities available. In today’s blog, I want to share my own journey and give you a glimpse into the kinds of roles students can take on right here on campus.
Welcoming Spring in Finland- A Season of blossoms, picnics, and new energy 😊
Hello Everyone,The 1st of May - Wappu Day- is more than just a student celebration in Finland. It’s a joyful signal that spring has officially arrived. This year, though, spring made us wait a little longer. The snow lingered, the skies stayed grey, and we all kept our jackets on just a bit too long. But finally, the air has softened, the sun is stretching its hours, and nature is waking up in the most beautiful way.
One of the most magical signs of spring in Finland is the blooming of cherry blossoms.