Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Students' Counseling Center?

    The Student Counseling Center is a service of the University of Crete that offers to all students of the institution services that include:

    • Individual and group counseling and support for undergraduate and graduate students who face occasional difficulties in developmental, personal and educational matters.
    • Prevention services helping students make the most of their academic and personal skills.
    • Services that promote the active involvement of the student population in the issues of the community in which they live, through the organization and implementation of voluntary action programs.
    • Initiatives and development of programs for the better adaptation and facilitation of students with disabilities.
  • Where is the Students' Counseling Center housed?

    The Students' Counseling Center operates in Heraklion, on the University Campus of Voutes, on the 1st floor of the Student Center for psychological support, as well as in the Administration II, 1st floor, for issues of Special Educational Needs, but also in Rethymno, on the University Campus, next to the Clinic .

  • How can I go to the Students' Counseling Center?

    The University Campus of Voutes in Heraklion is served by the bus lines "PAGNH" and "FORTH" starting from the Port and the Airport of Heraklion, through the main avenues of the city. On the campus of Voutes, the Counseling Center is housed on the 1st floor of the Student Center and the Administration II.

    For access from the dormitories: The building facilities of the University of Crete on Knossos Avenue in Heraklion are served by the bus lines "KNOSOS" and "FORTETSA" starting from the Port of Heraklion through the main streets of the city.

    The University Campus in Rethymno is served by the line "UNIVERSITY" starting from the Amari Junction, through the main avenue of the city.

  • How do I make an appointment?

    The sessions with the students take place only after an appointment is made either by phone or after a visit to the Counseling Center, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am until 2:00 p.m.

  • Who can contact the Students' Counseling Center?

    All undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University of Crete, regardless of whether or not they have disabilities, different abilities or requirements.

  • What kind of advice are being given at the Students' Counseling Center?

    No ready-made advice or solutions are given at the Student Counseling Center. With the help of the Center's psychologists you can start a course of improvement and development of your personality.

  • Do I have to deal with problems to go to the Student Counseling Center?

    You do not have to face any problems to contact the Students' Counseling Center. The Center also provides prevention and personal development services to students who want to cultivate their academic, emotional and interpersonal skills. These activities are group, experiential and educational.

    In addition, the Center is making an effort to actively involve students in the wider community. This is done through the creation of action and volunteer groups but also by holding a forum to raise awareness of students and community members on social issues.

  • Do I have to pay if I visit the Student Counseling Center?

    No. The services of the Students' Counseling Center are provided free of charge to all students of the University of Crete.

  • What topics can I talk about with a psychologist?

    Difficulties, worries and concerns exist in the lives of all people. Each of us, depending on our experiences and adaptability, reacts differently and not always constructively in dealing with our problems. You can turn to the Center's psychologists for anything that worries, upsets or pressures you. It is worth taking some time to process what is happening to you. During the student years there are some personal concerns that often appear, such as:

    • Difficulties adapting to a new way of life.
    • Difficulties in family, friendship or love relationships.
    • Problems with time management, decision making, inability to concentrate, reduced performance or lack of motivation.
    • Difficulties with studies or with decisions concerning the professional career.
    • Lack of self-confidence, worry about failure, feelings of inadequacy.
    • Exam stress and study and procrastination problems.
    • Depression, feelings of loneliness and emptiness.
    • Substance use and abuse.
    • Personal losses and grieving.
  • Does talking to my friends about my problem help?

    A conversation with a friend can help you and psychologists can sometimes even encourage you to turn to your circle of friends. However, when you only turn to friends as your only support, some problems can arise such as e.g.

    • Friends sometimes find it difficult to be confidential.
    • Friends can be upset by what you reveal to them.
    • Friends can be upset if you do not follow their advice.
    • If you need a lot of help, your friends may be upset and you may feel guilty about it.
    • Finally, sometimes you may need help that is more specific and specific than what your friends offer.

    Psychologists have such training and support and their work is structured in such a way that they can deal with difficult situations.

  • How can I be sure of the psychologist's confidentiality?

    Yes. The Students' Counseling Center operates independently of the Faculties and Departments. It is staffed by psychologists who adhere to the ethical principles of their profession to ensure their profession to ensure confidentiality both for your visit to the Center and for what is said during the meetings. The psychologists of the Student Counseling Center base their work on a strict code of ethics and ethics. From the first contact with you, they will inform you about the ethical principles concerning your personal privacy and the respect of your rights.

  • If I ask for help from the Student Counseling Center, do I accept the failure?

    On the contrary, the thought "I have an issue that I need to address" is a sign of strength of character. Many people believe that they are strong by not asking for help while in reality they may not admit that they are facing difficulties. Asking for help often means that you have already taken the first difficult step towards solving a problem.

  • Can anyone be helped by this counseling process?

    No, but certainly the counseling process and psychological support offer help to most people. That's why it's worth the effort. The psychologist will check with you if this service is right for you, otherwise he will recommend another service.

  • How does a psychologist help?

    Dialogue, listening carefully, understanding and cooperation are the tools used by the psychologist to help students clearly define in their own words what is bothering them and how to deal with it. That is why the relationship between a psychologist and a student is crucial to help.

    Through this professional relationship, the conditions are created for the change of behavior, personality, adaptability or the problems faced by the student. Some psychologists are more energetic, offering advice, suggestions for different ways to solve problems. Others, on the other hand, are less intrusive and let the process proceed at the pace of each student.

  • How does counseling help?

    Counseling is a process that helps us understand, accept and process the personal issues that concern us. Through this process the emotional tensions are normalized and the change is facilitated.