ÅAS’ lectern in the banquet hall was restored with funding from Åbo Akademis Alumner

Åbo Akademis Alumner (Alumni association of ÅAU) gifted ÅAS with a contribution as an Annual Ball gift to restore the lectern that has stood in a prominent place in the Kåren banquet hall.

Ateljé Lassi Koivunen carried out the conservation work and described the lectern and the process:

“Externally, the lectern’s appearance is dominated by thick leather, which has been easier to work with than if one had attempted to make it from bent birch, which was typical of the period. The brown colour of the leather also blended naturally with the other brown tones in the banquet hall. The lectern is adorned with ornamentation on the front, indicating for whom the piece was made.

The gilded lyre, the black Brahe wings with gold edging and the white lily beneath them are symbols associated with the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University.

The relief pattern on the lyre had almost completely come away and had been temporarily repaired with putty and glue, which fortunately had not caused any damage to the lectern. Some of the leaf motifs were missing entirely.”

The thoroughly restored lectern now stands once more in its place in Kåren’s banquet hall. ÅAS would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Åbo Akademis Alumner r.f., whose Annual Ball donation made the conservation work possible. Together we are preserving the history of the Student Union and building its future for coming generations of students.

Pictures of the lectern before, during and after the conservation

Photographs and description of the lectern: Ateljé Lassi Koivunen

FSF, the National Union of University Students in Finland, is the umbrella organisation for Finland’s student unions and works to promote and represent students’ interests at the national level. Every year, a new FSF Board is elected at FSF’s General Assembly in November.

A few weeks ago, during FSF’s Autumn Seminar, all the candidates gave a short speech explaining why they are running for the board. ÅAS’ candidate Emilia Melén gave her speech in three languages (Swedish, English and Finnish) so that everyone could understand at least some bits. In this post, you can read the whole speech in English.

Emilia Melén

Hi everyone!

My name is Emilia, I’m 25 years old and I study political science at Åbo Akademi University in Åbo. Throughout my studies, I have been active in several associations, which eventually led me to the student union.

I joined the board responsible for student culture, but quickly realised that what I am most passionate about is development and making concrete improvements to students’ everyday lives, advocacy work. The following year, I became Chair of the Board. It was tough. I cried a lot, laughed a lot, and bought quite a few sweet treats with my board members and friends.

But most importantly, I learned how students, when we work together, can actually create change.

In 2025, Åbo Akademi University went through a major organisational reform. At one of my first meetings with the university leadership, we were told that the number of faculties would be reduced from four to two. As Chair of the Board, I asked: “How will this be communicated to students?”

The university leadership went silent. And the answer was that it would not be communicated to the students. The following days were hectic, and the board got to work. We wrote a statement built around one simple truth: Students have the right to know what is happening at their university. Without students, there is no university.

We called our Rector and organised a discussion panel where students could ask their questions directly to the university leadership. We were heard, and together we found solutions. These discussion panels have continued ever since.

That is the experience I want to bring with me to FSF: uplifting students’ voices. I have learned that true advocacy work happens only with good communication. Us working with advocacy need to have the bravery to speak up for those who aren’t in the room speaking.

Students have the right to be heard. And without students, there is no future for Finland.

I will do this wholeheartedly.

Thank you!

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Press release 16 September 2026
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
For immediate release

At its meeting on 7 September 2026, the Student Union Council of the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS) elected Emilia Melén as ÅAS’ candidate for the Board of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL). Melén has been active in the Student Union since 2024, was a top vote-getter in the Student Union Council Elections, and now wishes to work on behalf of students at a national level.

Emilia Melén is studying sociology at Åbo Akademi University and is Chair of the Student Union Council at ÅAS. Melén has been actively working on behalf of students as Chair of the Student Union Council in 2026, Chair of the Board in 2025 and as Board Member in 2024 – she has gained wide-ranging experience in advocacy work, which is a complex, demanding and challenging task.

– I am very grateful to have the honour of standing as ÅAS’ candidate for the SYL Board. I am also grateful that several of the people I have worked with at the Student Union have encouraged me to candidate for the SYL Board. During the time I have worked alongside these people, I have learnt a lot. I want to bring those lessons and skills with me to my work at SYL, and I see this as one of my greatest strengths.

Everyone should have equal opportunities to study

Melén’s goal on the SYL Board will be to make politics feel more relevant and accessible to students, whilst ensuring that students’ voices are heard directly by decision-makers. She wants to work towards a student life that offers greater flexibility to suit different life situations during one’s time at university.

– One issue I feel most strongly about is free education. I want to work to ensure that the abolition of free degree programmes is not an option in the upcoming Parliamentary Elections.

The language issue should not be forgotten

Emilia Melén also wishes to contribute to developing linguistic accessibility and multilingualism within SYL, drawing on the experiences of Swedish-speaking students at Åbo Akademi University.

– For me, it’s about ensuring that the language perspective is given a more prominent role and that more of ÅAS’ members, and students in general, feel that the SYL represents them too. I believe this would strengthen SYL’s significance for the student movement as a whole, whilst also creating greater added value for the member student unions.

For more information, contact
Emilia Melén
Chair of the Student Union Council, ÅAS
fo@studentkaren.fi
+358 50 381 4759

The Service Point at Kåren in Åbo opens on Monday, 24 August. During 24–28 August, the Service Point will be open every day from noon to 3.00 p.m. Starting 31 August, normal opening hours will apply – at Kåren, the Service Point will be open on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 3.00 p.m., and on Wednesdays from noon to 3.00 p.m, the Service Point will be located at the “Hej desk” in Astra. You’ll find the “Hej desk” on your right when you enter Astra through the doors on Porthansgatan.

The Service Point in Vasa opens on 31 August. On Mondays, the Service Point is open in Havtornen, and on Thursdays in Academill (B1) from noon to 3.00 p.m.

Feel free to come and pick up a Student Union Calendar, your student card sticker, buy Student Union merchandise, or get help with other matters!

We at the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS) would like to warmly welcome to you at Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU), the Student Union and the student community!

The Student Union’s primary role is to ensure that you, as a student, have a good experience during your time at university. The ÅAS Board and staff work every day to advocate and look after your best interests.

As a student at ÅAU, you are automatically a member of ÅAS. As a member of the Student Union, you are entitled to a wide range of services, from advocacy to specific member benefits. If you would like to find out more about us, please visit our website and read more about the various tasks we work on.

The Chair of the Board’s greetings

Hello and welcome to Åbo Akademi University!

Huge congratulations on your study place at university! You have so many exciting, fun and memorable experiences to look forward to over the coming years. My name is Svea and I am the Chair of the Student Union of ÅAU. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all during the induction weeks and hope that you’ll feel welcome and at home here right from day one.

Five years ago, I was in exactly the same situation as you. I was looking forward to starting university, but at the same time I felt a touch of nervousness and anxiety. If you feel the same way, I want to say: it’s perfectly fine, and you’re not alone.

For many people, university life is all about learning, personal development and new experiences. It might not always feel easy, especially at the start when everything is new, but believe me, you’ll find your place. Here at ÅAU, there are lots of people who want to help you, support you and welcome you into the community. They’re waiting for you.

Perhaps you’ll immerse yourself in your studies and discover new interests and paths you hadn’t previously imagined. Perhaps you’ll get involved in ÅAU’s vibrant student life and find something you’re truly passionate about. Or maybe you’ll do both! That’s certainly how it turned out for me.

My advice to you as a new student is therefore this: dare to try things out. University is a time to explore who you are, what you enjoy and what energises you. Give yourself that opportunity and dare to step outside your comfort zone every now and then. Everything will work out, and you’ve probably got some of the most memorable years of your life ahead of you!

We at the Student Union are also here to help with any questions or concerns you may have. You’re very welcome to contact me, any member of Staff, and anyone at the Student Union office. No question is too big or too small.

Until we meet, I’d like to wish you a really great start to your studies. Take it one day at a time, enjoy this time and look after yourself. ❤️

Checklist for new students

Ahead of the start of your studies, we’ve put together a few things that might be useful to know and remember.

• Register your attendance in Oili by 31 August at the latest.
• Degree students: Pay the Health care fee to FPA to be able to use the student health service. This payment is compulsory.
• Download Frank or Tuudo to get a digital student card, or order a physical student card.
• Follow ÅAS on Instagram, read the newsletter that you’ll receive by email during the academic year, or visit our website regularly to find out what’s happening right now.
• Check out all the member benefits you’re entitled to as a student union member.

Press release 29 May 2026
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
For immediate release

This year, the fund Makarna Olins fond’s research scholarship is being awarded to two recipients for their doctoral theses. The scholarship for 2026 amounts to 2600 euros per month and is awarded for a total period of 20 months.

The Senior Council of the Student Union of ÅAU awards one or more scholarships annually from the fund Agneta and Carl-Erik Olin fond. The fund is owned and managed by the Åbo Akademi University Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who have been members of the Student Union and who are pursuing a licentiate or doctoral degree at Åbo Akademi University. Involvement in the Student Union of ÅAU or its student associations is considered an advantage. The scholarship amount for 2026 is 2600 euros per month and is awarded for a total period of 20 months.

The Senior Council members are Klas Backholm (Senior Lecturer in Political Science, specialising in media and communication), Blanka Henriksson (Senior Lecturer in Cultural Analysis, specialising in ethnology and folklore) and Jan-Henrik Smått (Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry).

This year’s scholarship recipients

At its meeting on 13 May 2026, the Senior Council decided to award this year’s scholarships to:

Jannica Schubert, 14 months for their thesis “The impact of animal assisted therapy in speech language pathology”.

Jens Back, 6 months for their thesis “Magnesium Carbonation for CCSU in Thermal Energy Storage Systems: Magnesium Carbonate Hydrate as a Thermochemical Energy Storage Material”.

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For more information, please contact:
Veera Gustafsson
Secretary General
02 215 4652
gs@studentkaren.fi

Bästa studerande,
Våren är här, och än en gång samlas vi på Vårdberget med samma glädje i bröstet och den återfunna energi som våren för med sig. Vappen är en fest för oss studerande. En fest vi har förtjänat!

We deserve to celebrate, even though every week seems to bring new worries for our future, especially for the future of our education.

Förra veckan fick studerande vid ÅA både bra och dåliga nyheter. Åbo Akademi fick ett tillägg på 3 miljoner euro i basfinansiering för universitetet. Jag vill tacka för detta och valet att investera i utbildning.
While we got good news about investments into our university, there is also discussion of term fees for university students here in Finland. Even though this is advised against by universities, experts and students. Even though this would bring a rise in inequality, in a world where we are already growing more divided.

Utbildning är den mest självklara investeringen i vårt lands framtid, så jag ber våra beslutsfattare att lyssna på den kommande generationen! För att vi ska kunna axla ansvaret behövs utbildning som är inkluderande – på riktigt. Inte en utbildning som hänger på socioekonomisk status eller föräldrarnas inkomster.

För den här generationen vill göra skillnad! Vi vill komma samman och enas, inte polariseras. Som ordförande för Studentkåren ser jag det varje dag. Jag ser det hos våra studentrepresentanter som aktivt engagerar sig i universitetets utveckling. Jag ser det hos specialföreningarna, som jobbar hårt för att upprätthålla studentkulturen.

I see this caring generation in every student here; you are working hard to make ends meet. You are working hard to unite and not divide. And you are not taking your education for granted. I see you, and I thank you!

Today we celebrate that spring is here and that another year of studies has passed. Ni har alla tagit er igenom det. Våren är här, så låt oss fira. Det är vi värda!

Å hela Åbo Akademis Studentkårs vägnar önskar jag er en riktigt glad vappen!

Svea Välimäki
Chair of the Board
The Student Union of ÅAU

One or more scholarships are available from the Agneta and Carl-Erik Olin Fund for individuals pursuing a Licentiate or Doctoral degree at Åbo Akademi University who are members of the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University (ÅAS). Applicants are expected to have held positions within ÅAS and/or its affiliated student associations.

The scholarship is awarded to one or more recipients for a total duration of 19 months, at a rate of €2600 per month. Recipients are expected to conduct full-time research and submit a research report.

How to apply

Applications are to be written freely.

The application must include a

• CV that outlines the applicant’s involvement in the Student Union and its student associations.
• A research plan must also be attached, detailing the aim of the study, material, theoretical framework and working hypothesis, methodology, and any planned travel or need for laboratory facilities.
• A one-page summary of the research plan must be included.
• The application must also include information on any other funding applied for or granted for the same purpose, as well as the number of scholarship months requested.

A statement from the applicant’s supervisor must also be included and should be sent directly to ÅAS Secretary General Veera Gustafsson at gs@studentkaren.fi.

Applications must reach the Senior Council of the Student Union of Åbo Akademi University no later than 30 April 2026 at 11.59 p.m. Applications are to be submitted via electronic form.

Recipients to be announced in June

Decisions regarding the scholarship awards will be announced within June. Recipients are required to submit a report on the use of the scholarship to the Senior Council no later than two months after the scholarship period has ended.

For further information regarding the scholarship, please contact ÅAS Secretary General Veera Gustafsson at gs@studentkaren.fi.

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Read time approx. 3 minutes

As a sexual health counsellor, I sometimes discuss loneliness with clients.

Loneliness can manifest itself in the form of a desire to have a partner; someone to do things with, share interests with, share everyday life with, share worries with, have sex with, and be close to both emotionally and physically. When it feels as though ‘everyone’ else is finding a partner, it can lead to a range of emotions, with loneliness among them.

Identify the underlying needs behind the desire for a partner

If you feel that you’d really like to have a partner but it feels like you’re not meeting the right person, my advice is to start by thinking about what it is you’re actually missing in your life, and is it really a partner who can help you with those desires or needs?

Do you want to go travelling but lack company, and find it difficult to do it on your own? Do you miss having sex with someone else because you want to feel close to them? Or because you feel emotionally secure in a relationship where there is sexual intimacy? Do you wish there was a safe person in your life to whom you could confide your secrets?

If you manage to get a handle on what you really want or need, it’s easier to find solutions for it. A partner doesn’t have to be the one who meets all your needs, and you can find other social connections to enrich your life and feel less lonely.

Many people associate sex with a partner, yet sex with oneself is completely free of expectations, and you don’t need to think about anything other than your own pleasure, exactly as you wish. There are many benefits to this too.

The role of loneliness in how we seek closeness, security and relationships

If you often feel lonely, it’s also easy to imagine that a partner would be the solution to everything, but that isn’t the whole truth either. You can feel lonely even though you’re in a relationship; perhaps you’ve lost touch with each other along the way and no longer know how to be with one another when they feel far away. Even though you live with the other person, you can still feel lonely.

If you feel lonely, it’s important to remember that there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with you. Fundamentally, humans are social beings who want to feel a sense of belonging to a group, but it’s also important to practice taking care of your own desires and needs without a partner.

Feelings of loneliness can manifest in one’s sexuality in various ways. It can affect one’s relationships, intimacy, sex drive, simply the nature of one’s needs.

Conversations as a path to support, understanding and professional help

Whatever your life situation may be, talking to someone is a good first step. It is often very comforting to talk about your feelings and tell someone how you are doing and how you feel. It could be a friend you’ve had since childhood or a stranger online; simply saying things out loud is often liberating. Often, you may also find that others can relate to your feelings or experiences.

For example, Nyyti and the University Chaplains can be helpful if you’re looking for someone to talk to. You can also get in touch with me, Nora Möller, who is a Sexual Health Counsellor. You’ll find all the information on the Student Union’s website. If you find that you then need other types of professional help to work through things more deeply that is also a good step on the way.

Nora Möller
Sexual Health Counsellor
The Student Union of ÅAU