University of Helsinki
Sanna Haavisto
Ever since I joined the CISSI board in August 2018, I have been given the opportunity try out and experience new things. I had not studied in a Finnish university before starting my master´s program at the University of Helsinki last year and I was not that familiar with the student culture here. ( I had no idea what sitsit was before last winter) It feels like I´ve gotten the full experience during these past months, from organizing and helping at events to attending them.
At this point it is good to point out that there´s a bit of an introvert in me. For example, I don´t usually go to parties to meet new people; I go to parties to see people I already know. Nor do I enjoy being the center of attention. But it is good to step out of that comfort zone once in a while and I believe CISSI had done just that for me. This autumn I have led the way on our walking tour (talking to 30+ people) to participating in activities at the Fresher adventure. And, this is the important part, I have truly enjoyed all of this.
As for those parties with a bunch of new people. . . CISSI had the pleasure to host Trilingual sitsit together with Kannunvalajat and StudOrg in early October. Academic dinner party (sitsit) can be described as a themed three-course dinner party with drinking, eating, toasting, and an after-party. The dress code usually ranges from formal to casual. The songs can be funny and are usually in Finnish, Swedish or English. Sometimes you must stand up at certain parts. Not to worry though, no actual singing skills are necessary, the most important thing is the feeling! What I love about sitsit is one moment you can be in a deep conservation, the next standing on your chair, singing songs.
I attended my second sitsit ever last year. It was organized by CISSI when I was not on the board or a member. All the people I knew beforehand were working at the event and I ended up sitting next tocomplete strangers. I´m still amazed I even went, to be honest. But by the end of the night I was laughing and singing with these strangers and had one of the best nights of the whole semester.
I would urge all the international (and internationally minded!) to take part in sitsit at least once. It´s difficult to explain, you must experience it. Come step out of your comfort zone.
You can check out pictures from the Trilingual sitsit from our (brand new!) Instagram page: