Are you a first-year student, or are you moving from a bachelor’s degree programme to a master’s degree programme?
Are you trying to balance your studies with work or family care responsibilities?
Are you returning to university after a long break?
Finding – or regaining – your own study rhythm is not always straightforward. At times, it can be helpful to speak with someone who can support you in reflecting on the constraints you face and the resources available to you, so that you can develop a university pathway that works for you.
The RITMO Service is a free space for listening, reflection, and dialogue. It is designed to explore these questions with the support of pedagogical consultants through individual meetings (in English, French or Italian) and/or group workshops.
Who is the service for
The service is open to university students at different points in their academic journey:
- University transitions: first-year students who are finding their way in a new university environment, as well as students going through transition phases, such as moving from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree programme or from a master’s degree to postgraduate study;
- Balancing the different dimensions of everyday life: students who are working and are looking for strategies to reconcile study, work, and personal commitments;
- Periods of slower progress in one’s university career: students who feel that their studies are progressing unevenly or more slowly than they would like (it happens – don’t lose heart!) and who are looking for strategies to regain momentum and continuity;
- Returning to education after a period of interruption: students who wish to resume a university or training pathway after taking time away from study.
How are the activities delivered
The service offers individual meetings, small-group meetings, and participatory activities, available in person and online by appointment:
- Individual meetings: an initial meeting, followed – where appropriate – by an individually agreed pathway of up to five sessions;
- Thematic workshops for specific groups of students, such as first-year students or working students, lasting approximately two to three hours each;
- Participatory initiatives and information sessions organised in collaboration with the Orientation Office, including open days, welcome activities for first-year students, and activities held at key points during the academic year.
Individual meetings
- I feel that my university journey is progressing unevenly. Who can I talk to in order to regain my rhythm?
- How can I build a university pathway that is compatible with my everyday life?
The RITMO Service offers personalised support to help you reorganise your time, energy, and strategies for balancing personal, academic, and professional life, while regaining a sense of balance and perspective.
- How can I return to studying after interrupting my university pathway?
The Service offers the opportunity to begin an individualised pathway through meetings, either in person or online. These meetings can help you reflect on your previous educational experiences, identify your needs in terms of study time and study space, and consider the constraints and resources available to you.
Thematic workshops for specific groups of students, such as first-year students and working students
- I would like to talk with other students who are in a similar situation. How can I do this?
You can take part in group workshops: spaces for dialogue and shared reflection on university life in all its complexity.
These are some examples of workshops offered during the 2025–2026 academic year:
- “Becoming a university student: finding your way”
A workshop for newly enrolled students and for anyone entering the university environment for the first time who would like to find their way among new schedules, spaces, expectations, and demands.
When? Late October, December, and March - “Getting back on track: where do I begin?”
A workshop for students experiencing slowdowns, blocks, or difficulties in maintaining continuity in their studies.
When? October and February - “How can I balance study, work, and personal life?”
A workshop for working students whose educational experience unfolds within fragmented schedules that can often be difficult to manage.
When? November and January - “Returning to study: where do I begin?”
A workshop for those who wish to resume a university or educational pathway.
When? April
Participatory initiatives
- I am in a shared university space, and I see a small group of students talking about orientation… What is going on? What might they be doing?
They have been intrigued by the opportunity and have chosen to take part in a participatory activity, where they can discuss the university experience they are living through together. Do not just pass by: stop, join in, and share your perspective!
Individual meetings
In person: U17 Building, Piazzetta Difesa per le Donne
Online: via Google Meet
Individual meetings are available by appointment:
- In person and online every Thursday morning, Friday morning, and Friday afternoon;
- At other times during the week online, upon request.
Thematic workshops for specific groups of students
The workshop programme for the 2026–2027 academic year is currently being planned.
Workshops will be offered on a monthly basis, according to a detailed calendar that will be published here.
Scientific Coordinators: Professor Elisabetta Biffi and Professor Francesca Oggionni, Department of Human Sciences for Education “Riccardo Massa”
Pedagogical Consultants: Dr Barbara Carcano, Dr Valentina Culotta, and Dr Maria Ratotti, Department of Human Sciences for Education “Riccardo Massa”
For further information and to book an initial meeting, please write to
[email protected] or complete the following FORM.
A member of the Service team will contact you to arrange a date and agree on whether the meeting will take place in person or online.