ÅAS’ Student Associations
A student association refers to an organization that has been granted student association status by the Student Union Council. Student associations at ÅAS operate independently but are expected to adhere to ÅAS’ Student Association Regulations. ÅAS provides guidance, training, and funding, and can serve as a coordinating body when needed.
There are about 80 student associations within the Student Union of ÅAU. Traditionally the student associations are grouped into Nations, Faculty associations, by subject etc. They come in all shapes and sizes – and they are as diverse as their members.
Nations
Hangö Gillet at Åbo Akademi University is an association for students at ÅAU who are originally from or grew up in Hangö. The aim of the association is to bring together people from Hangö who now live in Åbo, to foster contact and friendship among them, and to promote the interests of both current and future students in Åbo.
Nykarleby Compagniet is an association for residents of Nykarleby, or anyone else in Åbo who feels a connection to Nykarleby. We organise informal get-togethers and events on a regular basis.
Nyländska Klubben (NK) is a student nation that aims to bring together people from Nyland living in Vasa and to create networks between Nyland students and other students. The nation is active in Vasa and welcomes all students at Åbo Akademi University, Hanken School of Economics, Novia University of Applied Sciences, as well as other universities and higher education institutions in Vasa. NK organises, among other things, parties, sitz events, and other activities to build community and maintain Nyland traditions.
Nyländska Nationen (NN) is a student nation at Åbo Akademi University, founded in 1936 for students from the region of Nyland as well as other Nyland-minded students in Åbo. NN serves as a social and cultural meeting place for students and offers events, sitz parties, and a strong sense of community. The nation’s motto is “love across faculty boundaries,” and membership is an excellent way to build new connections beyond those you already have.
Åbolands Nation, or ÅsNa, was founded in 1977 and is therefore the youngest nation at Åbo Akademi University. ÅsNa offers students the opportunity to broaden their horizons, meet people from different fields of study, make new acquaintances, and quite possibly run into old friends (and relatives). The nation’s activities include sitz parties, sports activities, theme evenings, other social events, and general work for the benefit of its members.
Åboländska Nationen in Vasa, also known as ÅSKAN, is a nation for people from the Åboland and Åland regions in Vasa, but everyone is warmly welcome! ÅSKAN is a small association with a big heart that strives to include everyone, regardless of background. The nation has members from all Swedish-speaking higher education institutions in Vasa.
Åländska Studentlaget vid Åbo Akademi University was founded in 1933. The nation was established with the aim of creating networks and a sense of community among students from Åland in Åbo. The association has a rich history and a strong, active membership base. ÅSL is one of the oldest associations at Åbo Akademi University.
Österbottniska Nationen has, since 1926, brought together students at higher education institutions in Åbo. With over 200 members, it is today the largest and oldest nation in Åbo. The association’s activities are broad and diverse, catering to students, alumni, and prospective students. It organises everything from parties and social gatherings to excursions and sports evenings for its members. Among its most popular events are Plättfesten and their annual ball, which attract visitors from across the Nordic countries.
Östra Finlands Nation, better known as Öffen, is a student association for students from the eastern parts of Finland. As the saying goes, “there’s no place like home,” and Öffen is like carrying a small piece of home with you, serving as your family here in Åbo. The nation’s expression, “Östra Finlands Nation, meaning everything east of Eckerö!” reflects its open-minded spirit: everyone is welcome, regardless of background or hometown. Their activities are lively and include sitz parties, pub visits, beer pong, and ice bathing.
Subject Associations
Biologica is the student association for all bioscience students and alumni that study or have studied at Åbo Akademi University. Our primary purpose is creating a tightly knit community of bioscience students, while simultaneously making sure that the academic needs of students are met by the staff. Biologica organises social gatherings, excursions, company visits, sporting events, alumni events and a wide range of other activities for its members. In its early years, the society has grown by leaps and bounds, driven by the wonderful commitment of our members.
Britannica is the association for students of English Language and Literature at ÅAU, and everyone else who feels English-minded. We organize everything from traditional student parties (a.k.a. sitzes) to movie nights and sports events. We should also mention our traditional department-get-togethers, during which students and staff meet up for some wine, cheese and snacks; and our pub quizzes, which are famous also outside the English Department. A newer tradition is our get-togethers/board game nights/sewing nights in our cozy students’ lounge.
Eikon is the subject association for art history at ÅAU. The association frequently collaborates with other humanities-focused associations and, in recent years, has organised various traditional events such as ‘wine and paint’ and cheese and wine evenings. Eikon also holds regular gatherings to which both students and staff associated with the subject are welcome.
Eszett is the student association for students of German language and literature at Åbo Akademi University. They organize a variety of events for German students and often collaborate with other student associations.
Ex Tempore is the student association for pharmacy students at Åbo Akademi University. Our headquarters are located on the third floor of BioCity, and you can recognise us by our white overalls. We organise fun activities throughout the year and often collaborate with other student associations. Join us, have fun during your studies, and become an Ex Temporite!
Finlands Svenska Lärarstuderandes Förening (FSLF) is a student association for everyone studying to become a teacher in Swedish in Finland. The association advocates for students’ interests and offers various events as well as union support through its collaboration with Finlands Svenska Lärarförbund (FSL). The association is based in Vasa but also has committees at the campus in Åbo.
Gnosis is the subject association for the students of Study of Religions at Åbo Akademi University. The association organises a wide range of events, such as sewing evenings, sitz-parties, and annual excursions together with the staff of the Study of Religions programme. If you are interested in meeting others with an interest in religious studies, you are warmly welcome to join Gnosis!
Humanistiska Föreningen (HF) is an umbrella association for all humanities subjects at Åbo Akademi University. The association covers all 17 humanities subjects offered at ÅA. HF organises several events throughout the year and advocates for the interests of humanities students. The association is located in its office in Arken.
Impuls is the subject association for psychology students at Åbo Akademi University. The association serves as an important community for psychology students and organises events such as sitz parties, social gatherings, seminars, and other activities. Impuls is recognized by its dark blue overalls.
Infå is the subject association for computer science students at Åbo Akademi. Infå was founded in 1981, when the field of computer science was still called data processing (informationsbehandling in Swedish). The name Infå originates from this, with the “Å” referring to Åbo Akademi University. The association regularly organises a variety of events, often in collaboration with other student associations at ÅAU.
Judith is the subject association for gender studies at Åbo Akademi University. The association’s activities are diverse and open to everyone interested. Judith organises events such as Gender Coffees, relaxed social evenings, and informative seminars, and actively collaborates with other student associations at Åbo Akademi University.
Jus Cogens is the subject association for public international law students at Åbo Akademi University. The association unites students of public international law, Master’s Degree Programme in human rights law and like-minded people at ÅAU. Jus Cogens organises excursions, seminars, coffee meetings, reading circles and other activities.
Kemistklubben (KK) is an association for engineering students and chemistry students at Åbo Akademi University. The association was founded in 1923 and celebrates its anniversary on January 19 each year. The association organises a variety of regular events and has many active committees. It is also recognised by its bright green overalls. Kemistklubben is located in its office in Aurum.
Historikerföreningen Kleio is the subject association for history students at Åbo Akademi University. Kleio is an active association that organises parties, guest lectures, excursions, and other events, as well as represents the interests of history students at Åbo Akademi University. The association is primarily made up of history students, but it welcomes anyone who wants to take part in its activities and has an interest in history.
Kulturisten is the subject association for cultural studies students at Åbo Akademi University. The association organises various events, such as sitz parties and craft evenings, and is recognised by the light pink overalls. Kulturisten is based in the study space Bifrost in Arken.
Merkantila Klubben r.f. is the subject association for economics students at Åbo Akademi University. The association was founded in 1928 with the aim of bringing together students at the School of Economics at ÅAU. The association organises events that promote members’ connections to the business world as well as to other students at ÅAU. The association’s members can be recognised by their yellow overalls.
Prosa is the subject association for literature students at Åbo Akademi University. The association was founded in 1974 and functions as a social and advocacy organisation for students. Prosa organises sitz parties, excursions, and literary events.
Pulterit is the subject organisation for geology students in both Åbo Akademi University and University of Turku. The organisation was founded in 1960 and has since acted as a bilingual home for all geology students in Åbo. Our two main tasks are organising various events for our members, such as sitz-parties, excursions, parties etc., and advocating for students in educational affairs by hosting feedback-events and keeping close connections to the staff in both universities.
Quantum is the subject association for physics students at Åbo Akademi University. Since its founding in 1974, the association has maintained active operations through various types of events aimed at bringing together physics students at ÅA. The association also organises many events in collaboration with other student associations.
Sigma, founded in 1959, is the subject association for mathematics students at Åbo Akademi University. We have close ties to Quantum (subject association for physics students) due to the nature of our studies. We regularly host different kinds of events, e.g. game nights, sitzz parties and bar crawls.
Stadga r.f. is an interest organisation for students in the Degree Programme in Law and the Master’s Programme in Law at Åbo Akademi University. The association strives to support and develop the legal education at the university. Stadga arranges various events with the aim of encouraging unity within the organization and promoting the wellbeing of our members. The association’s activity consists of organised sports, excursions, academic seminars and other diverse events. This year the association celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, which entails a variety of anniversary events and a grand annual ball.
Statsvetenskapliga Klubben (SF-klubben or SF) is the umbrella association for political science students at Åbo Akademi University. The association was founded in 1925 and is therefore the oldest political science student association in the Nordic countries. SF-klubben’s activities are diverse and include domestic and international excursions, sitz parties and other social events, member meetings, sports sessions and study coffees, as well as company visits, debates, and evening schools. The association has red overalls.
StuBi is the subject association for those studying to become early childhood educators at Åbo Akademi University. StuBi has members from all over Finland, from the beautiful archipelago in the south to the vast landscapes of Kokkola in the north. The association organises events, advocates for students’ interests, and offers a strong sense of community throughout their studies.
Teologiska Studentföreningen (TSF) is the subject association for theology students. TSF organises lots of fun events, such as coffee mornings for theology students, researchers and staff, charity auctions, spring parties, chill-out evenings and the like. The heart of the association is our student lounge, Mysis, located in Teologicum. There is always someone there to have a cup of coffee or tea with. It is important to us that everyone feels welcome, both within the association and within the subject of theology. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone, regardless of their worldview and opinions, can feel welcome and included.
The subject association for Philosophy at Åbo Akademi University.
It’s the thought that counts!
Vitalitas r.f. is the subject association for health sciences students at Åbo Akademi University in Vasa. The association acts as a link between students and the department, advocates for students’ interests, and organizes study-related social events, sitz parties, and other activities. Vitalitas has blue overalls.
Vocalis is the subject association for speech and language therapy students at Åbo Akademi University. The association was founded on 26 January 2009. Vocalis organizes various events and actively collaborates with other student associations. Its activities include sitz parties, sports events, sewing evenings, and more. The association is recognized by its dark blue overalls
Sport associations
Need a new hobby or just wanna start exercise? How about learning a martial art? Karate-Do Shotokai links traditional karate techniques with sparring. We practice punches, kicks, blocks, basic stances, timing, distance, and kata.
Axels Sportklubb rf is an association whose main purpose is to offer all engineering and chemistry students at the Faculty of Science and Technology opportunities for sport, outdoor activities and recreation. Axels Sportklubb aims to organise events and activities outside the scope of CampusSports’ exercise programme, to give members the chance to try something new. It is possible to hire the cabin we own in the deep forests of Pargas. Bookings for the cabin are usually handled via the cabin manager.
Merkantila Segelsällskapet (also known as MK Yacht Club) is the student association and official sailing club for economics students at the School of Economics at Åbo Akademi University. The purpose of the association is to promote community, networking, and interest in sailing among its members outside of their studies.
Nylandsgatans Åilers is one of ÅAS’ student associations and an ice hockey team. We offer regular ice hockey practices at an affordable price. Åilers organises two match events during the academic year, and you are warmly welcome to attend. The match events are held during both the autumn and spring terms. The games are played as part of the FCAA university league. In addition, we organise free sports events for students at Åbo Akademi University and Novia University of Applied Sciences in order to spread awareness about the importance of sports and physical activity in everyday life. Follow us on our social media channels to get a closer look of our association and more information about what we do.
An association for orienteers (and people interested in orienteering) studying at universities in Åbo.
VSF-Motion is a student association in Vasa that organises laid-back and sports-related events for higher education students. The association arranges everything from park games and sports olympics to charity runs and other social gatherings. The aim is to promote physical activity, spread joy, and create new friendships during students’ time at university. Many of the events are also completely free-of-charge.
Music associations
Akademiska Orkestern is Åbo Akademi University’s full-scale symphony orchestra. It is one of the oldest in our country and is now also among the largest university orchestras. At present, the orchestra comprises around 50–60 musicians. The orchestra is based in Turku and its conductor is Sauli Huhtala.
We are the best, the biggest, the only big band at Åbo Akademi University! Our repertoire includes all kinds of music, from fast to slow, from waltzy to jazzy and rocky, from loud to not as loud, and from stupid to serious. Take all of your musical knowledge (whether that’s nothing at all, or you’re a highly educated professional musician) and join practices on Mondays at 6 p.m.
Brahe Djäknar is a student choir at Åbo Akademi University. The choir gives concerts, both domestically and internationally, and has created many strong traditions during its existence, such as the live broadcasted concert at Vårdberget and our advent concerts, that attract thousends of visitors each year. We often perform together with our strong partners Florakören and Akademiska Orkestern.
Florakören at Åbo Akademi University was founded in 1944. As one of the country’s leading institutions for treble choir music, Florakören constantly explores new musical expressions while actively working to preserve important traditions. The choir’s conductor is Hanna Kronqvist. Florakören will hold auditions in autumn and in spring.
Pedavoces is the only mixed student choir in Swedish-speaking Finland and is primarily based at Åbo Akademi University in Vasa. The choir was founded in 1974 and currently brings together around 40 active singers from various higher education institutions in Vasa. Pedavoces performs regularly at academic parties and events and also holds auditions throughout the year for those who wish to join the choir.
RÅA is an association that brings together music enthusiasts, with a particular focus on rock music. RÅA organises major music events such as RÅA Live, where anyone can come and enjoy the performances. Through RÅA, you can also join a band; as a member, you can access band practice space, which is currently located in the basement of Geologicum. YEAH since 1991!
RÅAV is a music-focused student association in Vasa that organises events for everyone – live music is always our top priority! You don’t need to be able to play an instrument to join; we welcome all music-loving students. Music is for everyone, and the Rockföreningen is for everyone!
Cultural, religious and ideological associations
AVA is an association for university students in Åbo with an interest in whisky, founded in 2016. We usually organise whisky tastings at an affordable price, where you can sample all sorts of whiskies from around the world. The association is ideal for both complete beginners to whisky and more experienced enthusiasts
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the biggest student associations in Europe. It also has its association in Åbo. ESN organises trips, both within Finland and abroad, cultural events, parties, sport events, etc.
The association doesn’t limit its program to Erasmus incoming students, but also to all exchange, international degree and outgoing ones. It is open to all the international minded students of the city!
Fotoklubben Pictura is the photography association at Åbo Akademi University. Do you enjoy photography, meeting new people, getting inspired, and expressing your creativity? Then Pictura is the perfect association for you! The association organises excursions, courses, inspiration evenings, gallery tours, competitions, exhibitions, and plenty of other fun activities. To become a member, you don’t need to be an experienced photographer or even own a camera, what matters is your interest! The association is based in Åbo.
Föreningen för underliga intressen vid Åbo Akademi (FUI) is a student association for science fiction, fantasy, anime, and other niche hobbies. The association regularly organises events such as board game nights, film screenings, and themed events. FUI is based in Åbo and can often be found in its office in Geologicum.
Pampasmaffian organises the Swedish-speaking Finland’s largest student event, Pampas National Day, which consists of an Olympiad, a mid-event party, an evening party and silliz in the morning after. In addition to this, Pampasmaffian also organises other student events in collaboration with other asspciations, such as Pre-Pampassitz, Post-Pampassitz, Skepp o Hojj Sitz, Project (S)illiz and Fastlaskianensitz.
Vasa Studentmission (VSM) is a Christian student association in Vasa. The association is aimed at higher education students and young adults. VSM offers an active community for both seekers and believers through meetings held in homes, cafés, and churches. It serves as a place for discussion and spiritual fellowship. VSM organises larger events, such as the recurring Mission Week. The association is part of the Finnish Lutheran Student and School Youth Mission (FSSM).
Are you looking for a sense of community? Have you ever wondered what life is really all about? Do you want to help change the world for the better? If so, you’re welcome to join us! Studentmissionen is an independent organisation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Studentmissionen’s vision is to make Christ known amongst students and school pupils. We want to see vibrant and dynamic communities of students in the places where we are active, and we aim to be present on more campuses in the future.
Samhällsvetenskapernas Studenter i Finland (SYY) is the local student organisation for social science students at both Åbo Akademi University and the University of Turku in Åbo. The association serves as a bridge between studies and working life by offering career support, organising excursions, and providing information about the job market and internships. SYY is the local branch of the Finnish Union för Social Science Professionals (YKA), which means that student members receive union benefits and support.
Teknologkommissionen (TK) is a coordinating forum for engineering student associations in Åbo. The association fosters cooperation between engineering students at Åbo Akademi University and the University of Turku, and promotes engineering culture in Åbo. In addition to its member associations, it maintains contacts with faculties, student unions and umbrella organisations in other locations, as well as local graduate engineer and alumni associations.
Wasaspexet is a student association at Åbo Akademi University in Vasa and the first student spex in Ostrobothnia. A “spex” is a form of student theatre that combines humor, music, improvisation, and often audience interaction. Each year, Wasaspexet stages a new production and also organizes sitz parties and other fun events together with other associations.