A new study environment, new people, new expectations

The beginning of studies often comes with uncertainty. 

More than 300 new students at Turku University of Applied Sciences discussed uncertainty during orientation days, exploring how to recognize it and how it can be turned into a positive asset. The theme will not be addressed only during orientation, as student psychologists will continue working on uncertainty related topics with several student groups throughout the autumn.

Uncertainty is a natural part of stepping into something new, learning, and personal growth. In higher education, students regularly encounter situations where there are no ready answers. Progress often requires tolerating uncertainty, experimenting with new approaches, and learning along the way.

Nervousness also emerged as a common theme during the orientation days. When higher education teachers openly shared their own experiences of feeling nervous, it quickly became clear that no one was alone with these feelings. Many students identified themselves as nervous in new situations, and the discussions highlighted that nervousness is a normal part of facing the unknown.

"Together with the students, we admitted that we are nervous too, and we agreed to turn it into a superpower."

Many students recognized themselves in this experience. According to feedback received afterwards, the open discussion left a positive impression. Students noted that this topic had not been addressed so openly in their previous studies.

"It gave me a good feeling and showed that the teachers genuinely care."

The TRIC - Towards Resilient and Innovative Communities -project develops uncertainty competence, empowering individuals to turn uncertainty into opportunities for growth. The orientation days at Turku University of Applied Sciences provided a concrete example of this: recognizing uncertainty can increase a sense of belonging and lower the threshold for participation. In the context of learning, uncertainty is rarely an individual experience alone. It is often shared by students, and making it visible and discussing it openly can help normalize uncertainty as an integral part of learning, growth, and development. 

Elina Asukas

Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland

TRIC project contributor

Published November 14 2026.