Good to know at beginning of studies
This page is a collection of themes we thought are important when you plan and begin your studies – and take part in different aspects of student life.
Contents
What happens during the orientation days?
Do I need to complete a course if I have acquired the skills in some other way?
What are the student's main information systems?
What kind of language studies are included in the programme?
Is it possible to get support to learn Finnish language?
Who will help to plan my studies?
How can I reach my goals? “If there is a will there is a way.”
What kind of support is there to help me succeed? ”Success is the side-effect of wellbeing.”
How can I give feedback on my studies?
What are my rights and obligations as a student?
What kind of student benefits are available?
What happens during the orientation days?
Orientation days are organised by the Student Union Tamko and/or the degree programme. You will meet your tutors who are committed to helping you throughout your first year of studies. The tutors will show you how to use the many ICT-systems in TAMK and help you understand the way things are done in your programme. They will also help you to navigate in the campus.
How do I plan my studies?
The curriculum of your programme describes all the courses you are supposed to take to graduate. The learning goals of each course are something that you should be very familiar with. Once you know your curriculum you can start to create your individual study plan (ISP). It might look similar to your curriculum or you may ask for it to be personalised because of your special interests.
Information on planning your studies and personal study plan
Do I need to complete a course if I have acquired the skills in some other way?
Once you have studied the curriculum for your programme thoroughly you might notice that you have already the skills required to complete a course. You can then apply for your skills to be acknowldged in the Credit Transfer system (in Pakki). Any University level studies will be accepted as free choice studies.
Information on recognition of prior learning
What are the student's main information systems?
The better you master the ICT tools used in TAMK the easier life will be. The Student's Guide in Intra is your main source of information. Make sure you ask from other students or from the Helpdesk when things don’t seem to work out.
Information on IT services and systems
Where can I find studies?
You find your compulsory studies in your curriculum. Enrolments are done in Pakki. Pakki has a search engine for studies on offer, and LUKKARI helps you to make sure the lessons won’t overlap. Cross-institutional studies are also available.
Information on curricula and other available studies
What kind of language studies are included in the programme?
All degree programmes include compulsory language studies. What is compulsory for you depends where you did your basic education. You can also include languages in your free choice studies. At the very end of your studies you will demonstrate your language skills in a thesis maturity test.
Information on language studies
Is it possible to get support to learn Finnish language?
There is a requirement to be able to write lengthy academic texts and to carry on versatile conversations in your studies and in trainings in Finnish language.
If you are starting your studies Degree programme where study language is Finnish and your Finnish language skills are not at least level B2, or you are doubting your Finnish language skills we recommend that you test your language skills with tests found trough links below:
- Elective language studies in TAMK
- SAVONIA offers free of charge Finnish language studies in all fields.
- KiVANET offers online language courses for A1-C1 levels. The KiVANET network consists of almost all Finnish higher education institutions. The course selection was developed in KiVAKO project (2018-2021), and the courses are open for all TAMK students. More information and enrolment each term: KiVANET.
If the test feedback recommended you practice Finnish language skills, you should take a look TAMK’s Finnish language courses and other universities language studies.
For individual arrangements for developing Finnish language skills, you may contact the student counsellor of your degree programme.
Who will help to plan my studies?
There are many people ready to help you with your studies: your teacher tutor/coach, your study counsellor, and in practical things, the student tutors. Study affair coordinators deal with administrative issues. Turn to someone, and they will tell you whom to turn to next.
Find out who is there to help you
How can I reach my goals?
“If there is a will there is a way.”
University studies require initiative from you. Spend time working out your dreams and goals concerning your future career. They are the basis for motivation and finding ways to complete the studies leading to interesting jobs. Getting things done on time is a skill you need to develop.
What kind of support is there to help me succeed?
”Success is the side-effect of wellbeing”
It is essential that you look after your health and wellbeing. The tutors, student counsellors, social counsellor, nurses and many others are there to support you. The sports facilities are there to help you stay physically fit.
Information on support for studying and well-being
How can I give feedback on my studies?
We ask students to give feedback and in that way we develop TAMK. You are asked to tell what you thought of each course = course feedback. After giving it you will be able to see your grade. Every year we ask how things are going for you in general = annual feedback. Just before you graduate you are asked to review your whole time with us = graduate feedback. The feedback from all students are analysed and this way we notice what most of you see as the points to develop.
Information on giving feedback
What are my rights and obligations as a student?
We work under the Finnish law. TAMK degree regulations specify your rights and your duties.
Information on student rights and obligations
What kind of student benefits are available?
As a student, you are entitled to many reductions and benefits like the student healthcare, subsidised lunches etc. You need to have activities outside the studies, too, to keep you healthy and happy.
Information on student benefits and student health care