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Study guidance counsellor

Appointments via MyDiak -> Appointments -> Varaa tapaamisaika.
Please note that 0/1 slots are free, 1/1 slots are already booked.

Sonja Hyrkkö
+358 (0)50 4481083, sonja.hyrkko@diak.fi

Study guidance during your studies

Diak offers study guidance for students. Study guidance counselling supports orientation and commitment to studying, the development of professional skills, the progress of studies and the transition to working life. Each starting group is assigned its own guidance counsellor and responsible teacher. You will meet your own guidance counsellor and responsible teacher at guidance sessions several times each semester. In the first semester there are 4 – 6 study guidance session. After the first semester guidance sessions take place three times per semester.

In addition to guidance lessons, you can turn to your own guidance counsellor in decision-making and problem situations related to your studies, study difficulties and other questions about your own life and everyday studies.

The tasks of the guidance counsellors include:

  • Group and individual guidance for students
  • Personal study plan (PSP) guidance
  • Supporting the student’s professional growth
  • Activities of the wellbeing group
  • Matters related to course registrations
  • Matters related to student admissions and study rights.

In addition, the guidance counsellor will help you plan your career by guiding you in the choices made during the education and by telling you about further education opportunities.

In the beginning of your studies, your guidance counsellor will guide you to draw up a personal study plan, i.e. a PSP, which you will update if necessary. You will also get guidance on how to apply accreditation for previous studies or work experience (see more on the RPL page).

Contact your guidance counsellor also if you need special support in individual study arrangements.

You can talk to your counsellor in confidence about your personal study plan or any issues concerning studies.

Peer support interns

You can also get support from peer students that are doing their placement at Diak Wellbeing Services. Contact Diak peer support interns via email: peersupport@diak.fi.

At Diak, peer support interns are available to support you in your studies and daily life. Whether you need support with integration, studies, or well-being, they can offer guidance and practical advice.

Integration support
Adjusting to a new environment can take time. Peer support interns can help you with:

  • Creating an administration checklist to help you with essential tasks after arrival.
  • Answering questions about lifestyle and adjustments to life in Finland
  • Searching for part-time work opportunities or work placements
  • Providing advice on networking options to help you connect with people in your field and social circles

Study support

  • Time management guidance to help you balance schoolwork and other responsibilities
  • Assistance with missing assignments and staying on track with schoolwork
  • Tips for success, including study techniques and learning strategies
  • Help with navigating Diak’s digital systems and practicalities

Well-being support 

  • Loneliness support, offering a listening ear and ways to build connections
  • Help with finding hobby and activity groups to match your interests
  • Guidance in challenging situations, offering advice and directing you to available resources
  • For support or more information, contact the peer support interns at peersupport@diak.fi.

Diak Social Services students have a possibility to complete one of their work placements at Diak wellbeing services as a peer support intern (opintososionomiharjoittelija). If you are interested in becoming a Peer Support Intern, please contact sonja.hyrkko@diak.fi