– There is nothing to indicate that this will fix itself, so clear and distinct measures are needed, says head of the Norwegian student organisation, Maika Dam. Over 24,000 Norwegian students feel lonely. This is revealed in Norway’s largest student survey, Shot. Over 60,000 students have responded to the survey which examines the students’ health and well-being situation. 41 percent answered that they had few or no friends. The head of the Norwegian Student Organization (NSO), Maika Dam, thinks it is sad that students are in such pain. Now she wants more measures. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news – It hurts a lot and I feel sad. But to be honest, I’m not surprised, says Dam. In the spring, the government will present a new public health report to the Storting. Now Dam is asking the Minister of Health to include the students in the report, as a separate chapter. – We know that students struggle to make friends and are lonely, so it is important that we join the public health announcement that is expected. Invites to a meeting to find solutions Health Minister Ingvild Kjerkol (Ap) confirms to news that mental health, also among students, will become part of the public health report. Minister of Health Ingvild Kjerkol (Ap) at Arendalsuka. She understands the frustration of Norwegian students. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news – Mental health is given a very large place because it is just as important as eating fruit and vegetables. We have a big job to do, and we have to do it together, says Kjerkol. Now she invites students to a meeting to dig deeper into the causes of the problems – and find solutions. – The student organizations will give us good input, so that we can hit with our tools, says Kjerkol. – Money and health are connected Earlier this week, Statistics Norway (SSB) also published a new living conditions survey for students. The numbers are grim. 3 out of 10 students in 2021 have low life satisfaction. Female students more often have long-term health problems than men, and more often symptoms of psychological problems. – It is really sad to see that the students report that they are in such pain during the day, says leader of the student organisation, Maika Dam. Two students giving each other a good hug. Now NSO is asking the government to take action to improve mental health. Photo: Lisa Mari Bynes / UIA In the survey from Statistics Norway, more than 5 out of 10 answer that they have to work to have enough money for everyday life. Almost as many respond that they believe Lånekassen does not provide enough scholarships. – Students may have to work instead of making friends, and many get tired of that. Money and health are linked and cannot be looked at separately, says Dam. The Minister of Health promises to look at finances as one of the proposals for a better study life. – Student funding is part of the whole, and also something we have to look at. But higher education minister Ola Borten Moe has a responsibility, and not me, says Kjerkol. Hi! Do you have any tips on what my next case might be about? Send me an e-mail! I have written about this in the past, among other things:
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Norwegian students will be included in the public health report – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
