University of Helsinki
Starting your studies at a new university, whether as a degree student or on exchange, brings new people and new opportunities into your life. One of the best things about studying at the University of Helsinki is its active community of students. Community spirit influences your well-being positively, and communities are an important way of making the most of your student life.
Student culture is exceptionally rich and diverse in Helsinki. Over 250 different organisations within the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) open up a field of opportunities. Participating in the events and activities of these organisations is a great way to not only make friends and have fun, but to learn new skills and gain access to networks which can prove useful in your future working life.
‘At best, organisations offer the opportunity to develop and challenge yourself and get to know new and like-minded, or completely different, characters. These people can also become your own dear community that you do not want to give up. Organisational activities also develop your cooperation and relationship skills through challenges’,
Henna Pursiainen, Social Policy
There is an organisation (or several) for everyone: from sports and games to music and theatre, and from political associations to subject organisations and student nations. And if you can’t find one your interested in, why not found your own with support from the student union! While some organisations bring together students with similar interests, some focus on other issues such as values and beliefs. Subject organisations gather students from same study field, whereas student nations unite students from the same parts of Finland. Most organisations welcome you to join free of charge, while others, especially those where expensive equipment is required, might have a small, student-priced membership fee.
All student organisations arrange a number of events for newcomers in the autumn; information on these events can be found on websites, Facebook, or mailing lists. You can also ask your fellow students about the organisations they are interested in or have already joined. Some organisations carry out their activities in English, whereas some may at first seem difficult to join as their language is Finnish or Swedish. Don’t let this put you off, though: in most cases the organisations and their members are either more than happy to switch to English, or have someone to help international students with translations and interpretation if necessary. A common interest is what matters the most!
‘One of the best aspects of activity in organisations is that you have the opportunity to network with amazing people, regardless of their background or age. At the same time, it is great that everyone wants to pull together and work for a common cause!’
Salla Niemonen, Chemistry
So if you haven’t found like-minded people and friends yet, look around. Join the social events and activities of the different student organisations. Talk to people, at Unicafe, in the library, in lecture halls, or at students’ social rooms at university. Finnish people might not seem very talkative at first, but once you get to know them through suggesting things to do together, you’ll find that they are actually very friendly, and that you’ll have made a friend for life.
‘The best part of organisational activities is definitely the spirit of doing things together that unite the organisation members. It is great when people do something with all their heart, for the love of the sport, so to speak.’
Rasmus Tillander, Theology
Student life is not just about completing your degree. Student life is also about meeting new people, dialogue, sharing ideas, learning together, lifelong friendships, and feeling the community spirit. So join in!