Your Humak Community
From coffee moments to buddy channels
Community doesn’t build itself — it’s created in small everyday encounters, and each of us plays a part in that work. At Humak, there are many ways to find study companions, take part in shared activities, and feel like you belong — whether you have a campus nearby or not. In recent years, this has meant things like a shared Christmas karaoke and an online speed friending session — small moments from which a community is built.
What are you looking for?
Are you looking for connection or company to share student life with? Humak organises plenty of activities where you can meet others — both face-to-face and online.
Online lunches
Come along for a relaxed chat about anything and everything, and meet new people. You can have your camera on or off, and take part as much as you like — even just listening in is fine. Online lunches are held in autumn 2026 from 12.15 to 12.45.
📅 Tue 8 Sep | Tue 6 Oct | Thu 12 Nov | Wed 9 Dec
🔗 You’ll find the Zoom link on the Student Wellbeing channel in Teams.
Speed Friending
A new friend could be just one click away! Speed Friending takes place on 1 October 2026 from 14.30 to 15.30 online (Zoom, link will be posted on the Student Wellbeing channel in Teams). No registration needed — just join in.
Buddy channels
On the Buddy search team’s channels, you can find company for different activities. Post a message on the channel that best suits your purpose, and always include a clear description of what you’re looking for and your location right at the start (e.g. “HELSINKI” or “ONLINE”).
📚 Opiskelukamu — find a study buddy
🏃 Liikuntakamu — find a sports buddy
🎭 Kulttuurikamu — find company for cultural events
📝 Opparipari — find a thesis partner
Student Wellbeing channel in the Humak team
In the Humak team on Teams, you’ll find the Student Wellbeing channel, where information is shared about wellbeing and community — including the activities above. You can also contact the university’s student welfare officer at kuraattori@humak.fi.
Humak offers a range of peer support groups that you are warmly welcome to join.
- Group for those who feel nervous — for you, if you experience nervousness in situations such as public speaking or social interaction. The group is based on the model developed by psychologist Minna Martin. 19 October–7 December 2026, online, 8 sessions.
- “I am enough” self-compassion group — for you, if you want to strengthen self-compassion and develop a kinder relationship with yourself. The group model has been developed by HelsinkiMissio. 20 October–1 December 2026, online, 6 sessions.
You’ll find up-to-date information about the peer support groups on the “Opiskelijahyvinvointi / Student Wellbeing” channel in the Humak team on Teams.
Humak organises a wide variety of events — both local and national. The academic year kicks off with an opening ceremony, and at the end of each semester we celebrate graduating students. Events are streamed online, so you can join from wherever you are — gather a group and watch together!
In addition to the annual events, HUMAKO’s tutors and Humak staff organise a range of events throughout the year. Follow Humak’s Teams channels actively to stay up to date.
Do you have an idea that could support the student community or wellbeing and that you would like to see come to life?
Share your idea on the “Have your say at Humak” feedback channel.
Safer Space Principles
At Humak, teaching follows the principles of a safer space, developed on the basis of UN Association principles. A safer space is an environment where everyone actively contributes to building an equal, respectful and open atmosphere. The safer space principles apply to the entire learning community — students, teachers and other staff — and everyone is expected to commit to them. The safer space guidelines for teaching apply to both physical spaces and online teaching.
- Be respectful of others’ physical and emotional boundaries and respect others’ autonomy.
- Do not make judgements about others based on their appearance, dress or demeanour.
- Do not make assumptions about anyone’s gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic background, health, functional capacity, sexual orientation, values, or any other characteristic relating to them.
- Do not use derogatory language, stereotypes or offensive terms, even jokingly.
- Do not bully, harass, ridicule, belittle, exclude or embarrass anyone through your language, behaviour or actions.
- Give space. Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the discussion. Do not override others’ opinions and allow others to speak. Respect others’ privacy and handle sensitive topics with care.
- Be constructive in your feedback and treat others respectfully, even if you disagree.
- Listen and learn. Be open to new topics, people and perspectives. Treat each new thing or situation you encounter as an opportunity to develop and learn something new.
- Apologise if you have offended others, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
- Intervene when you witness discrimination.
Healthy, safe, and equitable learning environment
A healthy, safe, and equitable learning environment is made up of many factors. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has published a guide with practical advice for institutions and their members on how to achieve a healthy, safe and prosperous learning environment. You can access the guide here (in Finnish only).
Assessment visits to learning environments are carried out every three years in higher education institutions and the implementation of the changes identified during the inspection is followed up annually with a follow-up visit. A student representative is always present at the inspections. The FSHS is responsible for the visits to the learning environments.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the learning environment. It is the responsibility of students to follow the instructions given and to report any safety deficiencies they find. Read more about Humak’s safety guidelines in the Security section.
Humak has a separate equality and equal opportunities plan for staff and students from 2021. A gender equality survey is carried out at Humak every three years, and practical measures to promote equality and equal opportunities are agreed on the basis of this survey.
You can find the Equality plan for Students here.
Early Support Approach
The Early Support Approach is Humak’s shared practice for identifying and addressing wellbeing concerns at an early stage. It describes how to act if concerns arise around mental health, substance use, bullying, or absences.
At Humak, staff and students work together to build an open and trusting study community — a prerequisite for the Early Support Approach to function. If a member of the Humak community has concerns about a student or group, they have a responsibility to intervene.
For more information on the Early Support Approach, please contact the student welfare officer, study counsellor, or Head of Education Development.
Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
If you experience bullying or harassment, tell the other party that you do not accept their behaviour and ask them to stop.
If the situation cannot be resolved through a direct conversation, contact your PSP coach, student welfare officer, study counsellor, or HUMAKO’s harassment contact persons.