Groups and courses to support ability to study and career planning

By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

On this page you can find information about groups organized by career counsellors and study psychologists, and courses with study credits to support your studies.

Taking part in groups

The groups offer peer support and counselling to support your studies. Groups are offered mainly in Finnish. For more information, please see the Finnish version of this page.

The groups follow principles for a safer space. Please note that the registration for groups is binding.

Spring 2026 groups

This spring, the groups will be held mainly in Finnish. If you are able to and want to join a group in Finnish, please change the language version of this page to Finnish to see all groups.

University courses to support your studies

The University organises courses to support well-being and study skills. Courses are mainly held in Finnish and occasionally in English. If you are interested in courses in Finnish, see the Finnish version of this page

Well-being and learning from groups

This 2 cr. course is suitable for optional studies in the bachelor's or master's phase of any degree program. The course emphasizes supporting well-being and thereby promotes studying. During the course, the importance of social groups in well-being is recognized and social tools are developed to support well-being. In the course, the regulation of social skills and groups is practiced, through which the aim is to reduce loneliness and promote coping, well-being and support studying. Read more about the course and future dates.

  • The English-speaking course will be held on the II teaching period
  • Enrolment 5/9/2025 –22/10/2025 11:59 PM
  • The course includes independent online assignments and small group discussions.

Towards better studying and well-being course

The three-credit Towards better studying and well-being course is open to all University students. The course provides a range of tools to help you feel well and study better, as well as important skills for the world of work. The course includes online independent exercises and group discussion.

The main focus of the course is on practising and increasing psychological resilience. It is strongly linked to general well-being and academic progress. Psychological resilience is the ability to act on things and goals that are important to you, despite unpleasant feelings and thoughts. Read more about the course and future dates.

  • The online course in English will be held on the II teaching period
  • Enrolment 1/10/2025 9:00 AM–15/10/2025 11:59 PM
  • The course requires the submission of a preliminary assignment according to the given schedule and a mandatory introductory meeting.

Groups and virtual courses at FSHS

During the autumn semester, the FSHS offers various group activities related to health and well-being. In a group you can get support for your health and life management.

StressLess coaching

Read more about the StressLess coaching on FSHS Website.

A national remote group in English starts on Tuesday 14 Oct 2025 from 9 am to 11 am. You can get more detailed schedules from the group leader. How to apply? Please fill out the form that opens behind the link in the Self online service (requires identification).

Depression school

Read more about the Depression School on FSHS Website.

A national remote group in English starts on Monday 13 Oct 2025 from 9am to 11 am. You can get more detailed schedules from the group leader. How to apply? If you already have a treatment contact at the FSHS, ask about Depression School during your appointment. You can also contact the treatment needs assessment team.

Nyyti ry's Group Activities in 2025

Free of charge, professionally facilitated, and primarily online-based groups are intended for higher education students across Finland. Each group lasts 5 to 8 weeks and meets once a week. You can find more information about our autumn 2025 groups below and on our website at nyyti.fi.

Registration for the autumn season groups is now open. Shared burdens are lighter to carry – you are warmly welcome to join!

LGBTQIA+ in Higher Education – Online Peer Support Sessions

Welcome to join our English-speaking online safer space peer support sessionst! LGBTQIA+ in Higher Education sessions are for international students in higher education and we wish to share the queer joy among every one of you. Peer support session is an ideal place to discuss about experiences of minority stress as an LGBTQIA+ student and share your heart and mind with others.  

Peer support sessions are free of charge and held via Zoom. Read more and register at Nyytis website.