Surakarta, 4 July 2026 – The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) successfully held an educational and interactive event titled “Psychology In Real Life: Live Psychology, Love Empathy” on Saturday (4/7/2026). Held at the UMS Faculty of Psychology, the event was designed specifically for Year 12 students (SMA/SMK/MA and equivalent) to experience “a day as a university student” and gain first-hand insight into life as a Psychology undergraduate. A recording of the broadcast can be viewed via the following link: YouTube
Entering higher education is often a confusing transitional phase for students due to limited access to information. To address this challenge, the “Psychology IRL” programme was launched with an interactive campus experience concept. The event was officially opened with a welcome address by Mr Afriza Animawan Arifin, S.Psi., M.A, Head of the Undergraduate Psychology Study Programme at UMS, at 08.00 WIB. In his remarks, Mr Afriza explained that Psychology is not merely a science that studies behaviour, but an instrument for bringing about change. The UMS Faculty of Psychology holds a unique distinction, in that every course integrates Islamic values while also giving due regard to local cultural wisdom (indigenous psychology).
“While you are here, you will experience a day as a Psychology student at UMS,” said Mr Afriza
To spark academic enthusiasm, the following session featured material from the Adolescent Psychology course. This session explored an emotional dynamic close to every student’s life: Love and Relationships. The material focused on the Triangular Theory of Love, put forward by American psychologist Robert J. Sternberg in 1986. The session was led by UMS Psychology lecturer Mr Bayu Suseno, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog, who delivered the material in an interactive style, guiding students to understand that love is not simply a single, mysterious entity, but a complex combination of emotion, motivation and cognitive decision-making that can be examined scientifically.
“The three main pillars that form a relationship are: Intimacy, Passion and Commitment,” said Mr Bayu
Beyond the excitement of the lecture material, participants were also invited to learn about the realities of psychological practice in the field. This session was designed to address the general public’s greatest curiosity when they hear the word “Psychology” – the world of psychological assessment, more commonly known as “psychotests”. To provide direct, experiential learning, the organising committee did not simply offer theory but invited all participants to undertake an online psychological screening using the DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) 21 instrument, conducted by psychologist Ms Fiki Auliyati Nur Afifah, S.Psi., Psikolog, and her team. The use of this online platform not only demonstrated the Faculty of Psychology’s adaptation to digital technology, but also ensured the confidentiality of each participant’s data. This screening served as the starting point for the group counselling session led by a psychologist in the final part of the event.
Participants’ enthusiasm grew further during the Faculty Tour session. Accompanied by “fosters” (student committee members), the students were taken on a tour of the UMS Faculty of Psychology’s leading facilities. These included the Reading Room, Psychological Testing Laboratory, Counselling Room, Experimental Laboratory, Observation and Interview (OBW) Room, Podcast Room, and the Psychological Consultation and Personal Development Bureau (BKPP), as well as the chance to try out equipment in the UMS Psychology Experimental Laboratory.
In addition to academic insights, participants were also given information about non-academic student life through a talk show with the Student Activity Units (UKM) and Student Organisations (Ormawa). These included the Student Executive Board, Student Representative Council, LPM (student press), Muhammadiyah Students’ Association, SUOF (sports), KSPI Al Qolam (Islamic Psychology), Psychopala, and Teater Lugu (performing arts), along with a briefing on New Student Admissions (PMB) to prepare participants for enrolling at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. The event, which ran until midday, concluded with a group counselling session guided by professional psychologists. This session was designed as a safe space for reflection, helping participants understand their own potential and personal dynamics during this transitional phase. As a follow-up, Ms Fiki, the accompanying psychologist, prepared a comprehensive Psychological Examination Report (HPP) for each participant, which can later be accessed online and confidentially, allowing participants to view their results individually in order to safeguard the principle of data confidentiality.
Through the Psychology IRL event, the UMS Faculty of Psychology hopes that prospective students will gain a fuller understanding of the academic environment and career prospects for Psychology graduates. The event also stands as a tangible expression of UMS’s commitment to producing outstanding graduates who are adaptable and act with integrity. (FHN)
