LSU Sustainability

At Lankaran State University, psychological services for both teaching staff and students are considered among the most important priorities. These services positively influence the quality of education, and the implementation of proper psychological measures has a very positive effect on the educational process.

To ensure more efficient university operations and to relieve psychological tension as well as easily resolve arising issues among students and staff, the contributions of the Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, and Art are invaluable.

The psychology instructors — Associate Professor Laman Verdiyeva, Senior Lecturers Nahida Jafarova, Shahin Mehraliyev, Sudaba Mammadova, and Lecturer Rena Huseynova — regularly organize meetings with both the teaching staff and students regarding their psychological health.

They not only teach theoretical and practical knowledge of psychology but also carry out activities related to students’ psychological well-being in accordance with their annual teaching plans.

Firstly, moral support is given to students who individually seek help to overcome psychological distress. Educational and psycho-consultative sessions are held periodically to prevent or eliminate possible psychological problems.

In cooperation with the Student Scientific Society, scientific seminars are organized to reduce and eliminate exam-related stress and anxiety. For instance, training titled “Autogenic Psychological Exercises” was held with certain student groups to teach techniques for managing exam stress. Students learned suggestion and breathing techniques and later applied these psychotechnical methods successfully before exams.

Observations show that such seminars and trainings positively affect students’ psychological resilience.

It should also be noted that some students, especially first-year students, experience adaptation problems when starting university life. Changes in daily routines, nutrition, class attendance, and being away from family members make adaptation more difficult. This can sometimes lead to psychosomatic symptoms such as sudden changes in blood pressure, nausea, neurosis, impulsivity, lack of appetite, and severe headaches. Work is continuously carried out to address and resolve these issues.

Psychologist lecturers from the department hold regular psychological discussions with first-year students and provide moral and emotional support to ease their adaptation.

Lankaran State University also offers physical activity and leisure facilities, including a gym, fitness hall, and three football fields (two small, one large). Surrounding each academic building are beautifully landscaped parks with trees, flowers, and ornamental plants where students can relax and spend their free time.

During the pandemic, widespread stress, nervousness, chronic fatigue, and psychological strain were observed among people. Afterward, university psychologists held numerous sessions and meetings to help both students and teachers overcome these issues, significantly improving mental well-being and reducing stress overall.

The students’ leisure time is devoted to engaging in sports activities. At Lankaran State University, the organization of students’ sports activities during their free time is overseen by Zaur Mammadov — a World, European, and National Champion, as well as the winner of various international tournaments.

Since 2017, LSU students have participated in World and International Sports Competitions, achieving remarkable results. They have become World runners-up, champions of international tournaments, winners of Azerbaijani championships, and victors in friendly matches.

On March 4, 2024, the LSU Sports Club’s futsal team took part in the Republican Student Tournament dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and won 3rd place. They were awarded the Golden Glove Cup and the Best Goalkeeper title. The team also received cash prizes and medals. At present, the team continues to participate in intensive training sessions.

On December 23–24, 2023, according to the regulations jointly organized by the Lankaran-Astara Regional Department of Youth and Sports and the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, the regional U-18 judo championship was held at the Lankaran Olympic Sports Complex within the framework of the “Year of Heydar Aliyev.” The judo team composed of Lankaran State University students achieved excellent results.

In addition, the LSU football team “WOLVES LSU” regularly participates in various friendly matches and continues to represent the university with success.