Student culture in Åbo at ÅAS

As we are now looking for a new board for 2027, this year’s board members will be writing short blog posts about their areas of responsibility and sharing what board work looks like in practice. Read more and submit your application here.

Please note that ÅAS uses Swedish as its working language! Applicants should have a good knowledge of Swedish. Other language skills will be seen as a strength.

Hello! My name is Anton, and I have had the privilege of working with student culture in Åbo this year. Working with student culture involves a diverse range of responsibilities that, in different ways, contribute to students’ well-being. Most of the tasks are closely connected to students through various events and activities.

Preserving Åbo’s Student Culture

When you are responsible of student culture in Åbo on the ÅAS Board, you have the opportunity to support and preserve student life by organizing traditional and historically significant events that have been part of the community for many years, while also creating new events and traditions. Examples of major events include the Vappen celebrations at Vårdberget and Fastlaskiainen. The diversity of student culture in Åbo is also reflected in the organisation of parties, flag processions, training sessions of different kinds, and fairs.

No Student Culture Without Student Associations and Students

One of the best aspects of working with student culture are the close connections to student associations and students. Being able to provide support wherever it is needed has been one of the most rewarding parts of the year. Whether it involves answering a quick question or contributing to larger projects, the focus is always on supporting fellow students and helping develop student activities. The role also provides the freedom to shape and develop the principles and values that define student life in Åbo.

Independent and Responsible Work

As the one responsible for student culture, you have the freedom to influence and develop student life, but you also carry the responsibility of ensuring that progress continues. The student culture sector is relatively small, and there are periods when you may not work closely with other board members, which means that motivation and initiative sometimes needs to come from within. However, the relationships you build with student associations, student nations, and other organisations through collaboration events make this an incredibly rewarding and social role.

Through this position, I have learned how to act as a project manager and ensure that larger events run smoothly from start to finish. The role has provided me with valuable hands-on experience and responsibility that will benefit me in my future career. It has also taught me important lessons about collaboration, communication, and how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.

This position has given me a meaningful everyday life and experiences that I will carry with me into the future. I truly recommend challenging yourself and applying for the student culture position if you want to make a real impact on student life while also developing both personally and professionally.

Anton Gröning
Student culture, Åbo
The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University