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Associations’ Benefits

ÅAS’ student associations have access to a range of benefits. The ÅAS board and staff are happy to help with advice on association matters, how to apply for financial support and where find spaces to use. If you want to start an association and apply for ÅAS association status, you can find instructions here (only in Swedish).

Financial support

  • ÅAS student association funding
    All student associations can apply for these funds annually, usually in March-April. The student association funds are intended to support and facilitate the associations’ activities. Information is sent to the student associations by email.
  • ÅAS project funding
    All student associations can apply for these funds annually, usually in March-April. The project funds are intended for specific and clearly defined projects. Information is sent to the student associations by email.
  • Studenternas Campus funds
    Funds distributed by Åbo Akademi University that student associations can apply for to strengthen student association activities. More information is available on ÅAU’s intranet (only in Swedish). Deadline is 15 April or the nearest working day each year.
  • Åbo Akademis kulturråd
    Funds for activities and other events that enrich the cultural life of ÅAU. The funds are intended for choirs and orchestras, among others, but not exclusively. Organisations other than student associations can apply for these funds. More information is available on ÅAU’s intranet (only in Swedish).

Education and support

  • Student association training
    Organised at the beginning of each calendar year for all student association board members. One is organised in Åbo and one in Vasa.
  • Harassment Contact Persons
    If you or someone in your association has been subjected to harassment, you can contact the harassment contact persons. More information here:
  • ÅAS’ Association Expert
    Does your association need advice on issues related to association activities, such as updating statutes, merging associations, conflicts, or archiving? Contact kansli@studentkaren.fi!
  • Guides and posters
    ÅAS’ website has guides and posters for associations.
  • Föreningsresursen (resources for associations)
    Föreningsresursen has excellent information about work related to associations, such as board work, accounting, or statutes. The website is only in Swedish.

Facilities

Åbo

  • Kåren
    Several rooms, including a banquet hall, dining hall, and smaller meeting rooms. Student associations can book these free of charge for meetings and exercise on Mondays-Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Read more here.
  • Marlirummet and the sauna
    Anyone can book, but student associations and members of the Student Union receive a 50% discount. Marlirummet is located in Kåren’s courtyard. Read more here.
  • Geologicum
    A building next to the cathedral where many associations have their offices. Students can also book meeting rooms there. Read more here.
  • Specialföreningskansliet
    A space at the Student Union that serves as an office for several student associations. If an association no longer wants to use its space there, all ÅAS’ associations are offered the opportunity to apply to rent it. Read more here.

Vasa

  • Havtornen
    There are several spaces in the building. The second floor, the “living room”, and the sauna on the first floor can be booked by anyone. ÅAU students and student associations receive a discount on the booking price. Read more here (the booking site is available in Swedish and Finnish only).
  • Association office (föreningskansli)
    A small space that can be booked in Academill, located on the B4 floor. Can be booked by student associations on Peppi. The space is used for meetings. Contact havtornen@studentkaren.fi for more information.

ÅAS’ loanable items

Many associations want to borrow Finland’s flag, marshal rod, schnapps bell, and white gloves for festive celebrations such as annual balls. These can be borrowed from service points in both Åbo and Vasa. Read more here.