Appros, excursions, annual galas, sitz, sillis…
Student life is full of various events and for new students it might be difficult to understand the full range of options available. That’s why we’ve gathered all the events organized by Helga into one blog post. This will help you get an overview of what’s ahead during your upcoming academic years!
Everything begins with orientation week, when new students step through the school doors for the first time. The goal of orientation week is to bond and prepare freshmen for their studies with the help of tutors. The week culminates in the Orientation Week’s Climax, where freshmen get to wear their overalls for the first time.
Following orientation week is Fresher’s Day, one of the most anticipated events of the freshman year. During Fresher’s Day, new students, along with their group and tutors, navigate various fun and interactive checkpoints. Each Fresher’s Day has a theme and dressing according to the theme and showing strong group spirit can earn extra points. At the end of the day, winners are announced in various categories, promising plenty of playful competition, laughter and new friendships.
Appros are legendary in student culture, attracting participants from across the city or even the country. Helga organizes several appro events throughout the year, including Balance Appro in September, which lasts the entire month. During Balance Appro, students can try out various activities and learn about different wellbeing services on campus. In November, Miniherkkuappro invites participants to tour cafés and sample their treats, while the RaflarumbaAppro allows exploration of city restaurants through interactive challenges.
What would a year be without birthdays? Fortunately, Helga celebrates them in late November with a traditional birthday week. This week is packed with themed activities, including a fun birthday sitz, a spectacular cocktail party and the legendary Sillis – an event you won’t want to miss! Every five years, Helga also hosts a grand annual gala. These prestigious events celebrate the passing year with singing, speeches and a three-course dinner.
May Day, also known as Wappu, is a highlight of the year for many students and it is no different for us at Helga. Our 8 day May Day (which actually lasts 15 days) offers a variety of events, from coverall baptism and Operation Suomenlinna to Mushroom Hunt. The festivities culminate on May Day in Kaivopuisto, filled with colors, joy and students in their student caps.
In addition to the events mentioned above, Helga organizes numerous other activities throughout the year. These include blood donation events on campuses, Self-Hack focusing on personal development and excursions to companies. These events provide opportunities for students to learn, network and help others.
Events make student life fun and unforgettable, leaving lasting memories long after graduation. They enrich your student experience with diverse activities and experiences, whether it’s a mid-week appro or a cruise to Sweden full of students. So, take part in all the events that interest you and enjoy them, as they offer unique moments, memories and friendships that you can cherish in the future!
Meiju Hämäläinen,
Helga’s Board Member
