Secluded island in Denmark offers distraction-free nature-based study environment for stressed students.
A secluded sanctuary, exclusively for students seeking relief from academic pressures, has emerged in Copenhagen, Denmark. Known as "The Youth Island," this retreat - located about a half-hour boat ride from the city - offers a tranquil escape from urban stressors that typically hinder focused study.
Amid mounting scrutiny surrounding the intensity and demands placed on students during exam periods, "The Youth Island" presents a solution that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing[1]. It operates under the umbrella of the Ungdomsøen Foundation, an NGO that aims to create an accessible space for students to collaborate, study, and breathe freely[2].
Mina Kjeldsen, the project mastermind behind this initiative, emphasizes the significance of a supportive environment for students dealing with the strain of examinations. "It's nice to feel like you're in this together," Kjeldsen shared[2].
Situated on a 70,000 m2 artificial island, students fleeing the noise and distractions of city life arrive via boat[3]. The island provides a breath of fresh air, open space, and a gentler rhythm compared to student life on the mainland[3]. Sol Rem Rasmussen, one of the event hosts and a volunteer on Ungdomsøen, underscores the difference by saying, "You don't have the noise, you just have sun and blue sky and some nice places to study. It's not really an option to be stressed by your everyday life. You get to go away"[3].
During the day, students engage in group activities, work on coursework, and commencement papers. Some participate independently while others arrive alongside their classmates. One student named Andreas seized the opportunity to distance himself from city distractions while tackling his thesis[3]. He aims to write 15 to 20 pages of his thesis draft during his stay.
Environmental psychologists believe the isolation that an environment like this island offers can aid stress management and absorption[4]. Freddie Lymeus, a researcher in environmental psychology, commented, "One important aspect of regaining focus and being able to focus more effortlessly is to reduce the number of distractions by stepping out of your routine, stepping out of your normal environments to a place where there's not so much calling for your attention"[4].
Evenings are reserved for sharing meals, socializing, and indulging in relaxing pursuits such as saunas or swimming[3]. This balance between intense academic focus and moments of respite allows students to cultivate not just academic growth but also personal connections[3]. "When you're also cooking dinner together and talking, you take that pressure off," Rasmussen explained[3].
While initiatives like "The Youth Island" are lauded for their impact on mental health, it remains to be seen whether they can be financially viable for other cities and universities[5]. However, researchers believe that harnessing the power of natural environments and group activities may indeed be the key to fostering healthier academic experiences[5].
Footnotes:
[1] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/denmark-opens-study-retreat-for-struggling-students[2] https://www.reskilling.com/articles/youth-island-copenhagen-student-retreat/[3] https://www.next.abonnement.dk/[4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-frontal-lobes/201105/nature-deficit-disorder-solving-the-easy-part[5] https://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/study-retreat-copenhagen-ungdomsoeen-island-a3036326.html
- Beyond academics, "The Youth Island" promotes health-and-wellness, offering activities that help students manage stress and improve their mental health.
- Recognizing the importance of lifestyle factors, Mina Kjeldsen designed "The Youth Island" as a sanctuary that supports personal-growth and learning.
- For those seeking a serene environment conducive to focused study, fitness-and-exercise opportunities on the island such as swimming and saunas add an extra dimension to the retreat.
- Home-and-garden may not be the first association with "The Youth Island," but cooking dinner together and sharing meals fosters a sense of community, an essential aspect of overall well-being.
- Amid the debate on education-and-self-development, initiatives like "The Youth Island" advocating a holistic approach to learning may hold the key to creating healthier, more productive learning environments.
