It’s time to start celebrating, May Day is here! This year, May Day at Vårdberget celebrates 100 years. This has made May Day history an interesting subject. 100 years ago, students decided to move their May Day celebration from Kuppisparken to Vårdberget. Before that, people had only gathered at Vårdberget at dawn on the first of May to dance ring dances. What they couldn’t have known then was how this change would lay the foundation for a tradition that would last a century. Because in 1925, May Day at Vårdberget was also celebrated with singing, speeches and putting on student caps.
Over the years, there have been different variations of May Day celebrations, but a strong core of Vårdberget, speeches and choir singing has always been central. Although the biggest traditions have looked pretty much the same for several years, you can see that there has been, and still is, room for change, development and, most importantly, room for the present in the centennial celebration.
Regardless of how the celebration has looked throughout the years, one thing has remained constant: people coming together in joy and community. This is the spirit I hope we can carry with us this year too, regardless of whether you celebrate May Day at Vårdberget, in Vasa or somewhere else entirely.
The tradition is carried forward over time and it’s all of you who make the celebration. Thank you for celebrating with us and at the same time keeping the tradition alive!
Sunday, April 13, is Election Day – and not just one election, but two!
Both the municipal election and the county election will be held on the same day this year, meaning you have the opportunity to influence two important parts of your student city – at the same time. Understandably, this can feel confusing, so I have summarized the two elections below.
The Municipal Election
The municipal election is about your local environment. When we vote, we elect representatives to the municipal council, which governs the municipality’s activities and finances. They make decisions about everything from schools and libraries to public transport, roads, and sports facilities. If you care about how your city functions and develops, this is your chance to make a difference!
The County Election
The county election might feel a bit more abstract, but it is just as important. In this election, we elect representatives to the county council, which makes decisions about, among other things, healthcare centers, hospitals, elderly care, and fire services – essential services that affect us all.
How do you know who to vote for?
Choosing a candidate can feel difficult, but there are great tools to help! I recommend YLE’s election compass. By filling it out, you can easily find out which candidates share your opinions. It’s quick, convenient, and gives you a good overview of where different candidates stand.
In addition, ÅAS will host an election panel at Åbo Svenska Teater on March 25. By attending, you will hear what some of the candidates in Åbo have to say about issues that are particularly important to students. This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the election and ask candidates your questions!
If you cannot vote on Election Day, April 13, you can vote in advance between April 2 and 8 in Finland, or April 2 and 5 if you are abroad. You can find more information about where to vote and your voting rights here.
Your vote shapes Åbo’s future
Åbo is a student city full of life, ideas, and future decision-makers – meaning us, the students! Housing, public transport, healthcare, and study environments are just a few of the issues affected by these elections. By voting, we ensure that students’ needs are seen and heard in decision-making. Find out which candidates represent your values and make sure your voice is heard!
Jennifer Lindgren Executive Board Member, Social policy The Student Union of ÅAU
As most of you already know, there is a new position within the Student Union of ÅAU (ÅAS) Executive Board, namely International Affairs. International Affairs as an area of responsibility has been included in another board position prior to 2025, meaning that the work is not new. However, the Student Union Council decided in 2024 to have a separate position for International Affairs, as the number of international students at ÅAU is continuously increasing, and a position focusing only on their interests was necessary.
Much has already been done in the past regarding international affairs, but now the Board is working on developing the position into a meaningful part of the organisation as an independent area of responsibility. The focus is primarily on advocating for our international members, ensuring their well-being, and making sure their voices are heard.
External Responsibilities
The work also involves various other matters related to international affairs. The Europe Forum in Åbo has a seat on its board that belongs to the Student Union of ÅAU International Affairs, where the voice of students can also be heard. The European Forum in Åbo is organised every year, with programs for three days, featuring discussions, panels, and presentations on Finland’s position in Europe and the European Union. The board also includes experts and professors from The University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University.
In addition, an important task within this position is to represent the students in the university alliance CHARM-EU. This is an alliance between nine universities from EU countries and Åbo Akademi University is one of them. Our representative is a part of CHARM-EU’s Student Council, so that the students’ voices can be heard when decisions are made within the alliance. We work closely together with the staff from ÅAU that are responsible for the alliance from the university’s side.
During the year 2025, the position is being developed into something meaningful for the organisation, but also for the members of the Student Union. It is being developed by the Board Members, hopefully with the help of international students themselves.
Sofie Lehtovaara Executive Board Member, International affairs The Student Union of ÅAU
Honored Count Per Brahe, and dear students, Studere non debet valetudinem consumer – To study should not come at the expense of health.
The well-being of students is a topic that is constantly under discussion. By now, it almost feels like an overused subject – one with more of a political significance than one that truly matters to the students themselves.
Everyone should have the opportunity to study without having to compromise their well-being or at the cost of their health. Yet, many seem to accept this as part of student life. Cuts to students’ social security seem to argue the same point: this is just how it is, you should manage, you’re privileged to study, so study.
We do not need to, and should not, accept a high level of stress, anxiety, or low mood just because we are studying – it shouldn’t be that way. There should be sufficient preventive support and other support services so that we can take care of our wellbwing while we study. Studying should primarily be something enjoyable – we are here to learn, not to struggle through.
Often, when you hear others talk about their past student lives, they mostly remember the sense of community, student associations, and everything that came with them. That’s what I looked forward to during my studies – to experience all of that. Now, I believe that most people feel the weight of how students are struggling even before they start studying, more than they hear about all the fun that is supposed to come with student life and student culture.
The circumstances needs to change: studying should not mean feeling unwell. Studying should lead to well-being. When making decisions about higher education policy, this must be kept in mind. Especially now, as universities are focusing on high throughput and cost efficiency due to the new funding model for universities.
I wish and hope that everyone who has the privilege to decide on students’ futures truly understands the meaning of Studere non debet valetudinem consumere – To study should not come at the expense of health. Studies and student life should contribute to well-being. Make the decisions accordingly.
Emilia Melén Chair of the Board The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
About two weeks ago Åbo Akademi University declared their intention to make the change from physical diplomas to electronic diplomas for graduates. Since the paper diploma and its accompanied red folder have a high cultural and traditional value, many students have been alarmed by the news. The Student Union has been in contact with the university throughout the year to discuss this change and argued for the physical diploma to remain. As the chair of the board, I have gathered some of the main points from these discussions and will present these in the text below. I also want to explain the Student Union’s opinions on this issue.
First, regarding the difference between the diploma and its folder; the diploma is an examination document that is legally binding and shows examination from the program, and grades from each course. The folder is handed out during the graduation ceremony, with the diploma in it.
Åbo Akademi University is the last university in Finland which still has the physical paper diploma. Removing this extra work from the university’s personnel would ease their labor and give them time to focus on other important tasks.
The university could use an electronic database as long term storage for the original copies. The signing process of the diploma would be significantly faster. It is also more convenient to apply for work when the diploma is given in an electronic format. To ensure that a diploma is not a copy, it would be easier and faster to go through an electronic database.
To be valid, the current diploma must be made of a special paper with a sigil, water stamp, and signed by hand. These diplomas are very beautiful, but the making of them requires a lot of work. I myself value the old diplomas but can see the benefit in electronic diplomas. Moving the juridically binding document to an electronic database is a good direction. This creates the opportunity to get electronic copies of the diploma, which students have been asking for.
So, what is the future of the physical diploma? We have many students who prefer a physical document over an electronic version. The Student Union has proposed that when asked, students would be able to get a physical diploma for free. The university has taken this wish into account and will give out physical copies of the diploma at graduation ceremonies. What will the diploma look like? The official diploma will be the digital and a physical copy will also be given. The Student Union wishes that a copy with the sigil and water stamp would still be available.
Back to the folder. The university has for a long time used a red folder with golden tassels and the ÅA logo in silver. This folder is beautiful especially when compared to the paper folders other universities use. We want to keep it for its traditional importance. The Student Union will lobby for keeping the folder for graduation ceremonies.
Today, 24 October, we celebrate the Day for Free Education. Education is for everyone, regardless of socio-economic background or other factors. This year we want to bring attention to this by asking the question “Would you be able to pay for your child’s education?”.
It is not news that it has become much more expensive to study and live in Finland. For many, balancing studies, work and free time is a large economic burden and many worry about their finances daily. Many choose to work alongside their studies and/ or take loans to finance their everyday lives, but at the same time more and more people worry about if they will be able to pay back their loans.
Imagine a future where you have barely managed to finance your own studies. You have a job but also must pay back your student loan. At the same time, you might be thinking of buying or renting a place to live and you also need to buy the things you need in everyday life. Aside from this, you might have other loans and expenses, such as a car and insurance. Would you then in addition be able to save tens of thousands of euros for your child’s education?
This situation is already common in other countries. We have long been proud of our free education in Finland and have seen it as a sign of equality in society and an opportunity for social mobility. However, we are moving more and more towards a reality where education is not in fact free. The rounds of cuts and the introduction of tuition fees have been relevant this year and continue to be discussed.
Not all careers are guaranteed job opportunities right after graduation and many are also not the highest paid. This creates a situation where you, already during your studies, are forced to consider your future and the possibility of creating a family and life. Today we have about 118 900 children in Finland that live in low-income families. What does it mean for equality in society and for social mobility if none of them have access to higher education due to financial reasons?
We want to bring attention to the importance of competency in society and everyone’s right to study and work with what they are interested in. Studies and future working life must not depend on your parents’ finances. On the Day for Free Education, we therefore encourage everyone to take a moment and think about the role of higher education in Finland, and to rejoice in all that free education means. A strong society with economic growth and social security starts with having educated and competent citizens. It is therefore imperative that we continue to cherish our free education and all the good it means for our future.
A warm welcome back to a new academic year! The board of Åbo Akademi Student Union sends a special greeting to all our students, both in Turku and Vaasa. The autumn term brings new opportunities, adventures, and reunions on our campuses.
Turku
Autumn is here!
As the leaves become more colorful, so do the streets of Turku. Overalls in red, green, yellow, blue, and many other colors once again fill the cobblestone streets around the cathedral.
It’s freshmen initiation season, and new students can be seen finding their way around their new campus. Biskopsgatan, which has been relatively quiet over the summer, is quickly becoming as lively as ever. Older students are also slowly but surely returning to study rooms, coffee rooms, libraries, and association offices, filling the corridors with eager discussions about what everyone has been up to during the break.
Lunchtime socializing and pleasant lunch breaks are also back as the student cafeterias reopen in Arken, ASA, Aurum, and at Kåren. Honestly, who wouldn’t do a little extra for some of Arken’s bread or Kåren’s focaccia?
We’re all a bit out of practice as studies kick off again, so remember to take it easy and enjoy the fun of the season – maybe take a walk along the river, perhaps with a takeaway coffee from Fabbes or maybe an Aura? 😉 In short, welcome back to an Åbo ready for a new academic year and an eventful autumn. Have fun, enjoy the coziness as much as you can, and remember to take care of each other!
Vaasa
Autumn arrives to Vaasa and brings students back to our seaside campus. Soon the city will be filled with colorful overalls, and there will be a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air.
While the first-year students are discovering student life, the rest of us return to familiar routines. Routines like Ollis Tuesdays, student parties, and hanging out in Hoviska Park, while the newcomers are out exploring their new study city, Academill, and of course the historic Havtornen by the sea.
Among all the students, there is a buzz of excitement about the coming autumn and the cozy evenings it will bring. Moments of friendship between new and old friends, perhaps while sewing patches onto overalls and searching for the next event in the student event calendar.
Slowly but surely autumn is kicking off, and we hope that you all get to enjoy the best parts of student life: community, friends, and new adventures. Don’t be afraid to try something new, maybe strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know, and most importantly – have fun! Take care of yourself and enjoy autumn!
Do you know everything about the EU or do you feel that you neither know nor care? Regardless of your level of knowledge you may know that the EU-election is happening this year.
In the EU-election we elect 15 representatives to the European Parliament, often called MEPs (=Member of the European Parliament), to represent the interests of citizens in the EU legaslative process and to make sure that other EU institutions function democratically. In short, the EU parliament is one of the EU’s two legislative bodies and together with representatives from the member countries, the EU-parliament is responsible for adopting EU legislation. The EU parliament is also responsible for approving the EU budget.
The EU Parliament therefore holds an important position within the EU, and the election is your chance to influence by electing Finnish representatives. In the EU election the entire country functions as one election area and those elected therefore represent all of Finland and you can vote for whomever you want.
Voting
To vote in the EU election you only need to be a Finnish citizen and be 18 years of age, by the election day at the latest. You can vote in Finland and abroad without having to register in advance. If you are not a Finnish citizen but a citizen of another EU country, and have a legal residence i Finland you can also vote.
Advance voting in Finland begins on 29 May 2024 and ends on 4 June 2024. On election day 9 June 2024, voters may cast their votes only at their own polling station. The polling station is stated in the voting register and on the card sent to them before the elections. The polling stations are open between 9.00 and 20.00 on election day.
You can also vote in advance if you are abroad. Advance voting abroad begins on 29 May 2024 and ends on 1 June 2024. You can find the list on polling stations abroad here.
You may also send in your vote by post by ordering the postal voting documents. More information can be found on vaalit.fi website.
Why vote?
The number of people who vote in the EU elections in Finland is typically rather low, but the EU election is your chance to make an impact on the future of Europe. The EU election will affect you to a high degree and you have several good reasons to cast your vote. About 40 % of the legislation that is done in Finland has its basis in decisions made by the EU. Since the EU parliament is one of the two legislative bodies in the EU, you have the ability to affect also the legislation in Finland by voting in the EU election.
Topics that will be of high importance in the coming five years are climate, security, and technology. If these are important topics to you, you therefore have all the more reason to cast your vote. The future of Europe and Finland will be shaped by the decisions made, use your vote or others will decide for you.
Election compass
If you want to check which candidate is of the same opinion as you on different topics, you can fill out an election compass, for example the one made by YLE or another one. You can find the election compass made by YLE here.
Dear active and former Student Union members, and all who embrace the spirit of May Day,
The traditional May Day festivities are upon us! It’s time to put on your overall, get out your graduation cap and prepare to celebrate with joy and fellowship. May Day is a celebration that for many marks the end of the spring semester. It is a time when we often reflect on all the wonderful memories we have shared throughout the academic year.
I would like to take this opportunity to praise you, students. Studying comes with its challenges, from financial issues to demanding study projects. Take a moment to acknowledge the dedication you’ve poured into this academic year, soon drawing to a close.
I also want to give a big thank you to all ÅAS’s student associations that work hard to plan events and activities and provide opportunities for other students to come together and have fun. Your commitment is invaluable in creating a vibrant and inclusive study environment.
May Day, Walpurgis Night and everyone’s loved Wappen. A beloved child has many names indeed! Every year, on the same day, the last of April, it’s time again for the same fussing about. Where to go for dinner, where or with whom to go for the after-party, and which queue to join afterwards? The air is filled with the spirit of festivity. The weeks before have been filled with fun events, there’s been something for everyone. A big thank you to the associations that keep our student culture inclusive, memorable, and alive.
But now the champagne is finally uncorked, the fancy shirts are on, and the student cap is close at hand on the way up the hill to Vårdbergsparken! Once up on Vårberget, Florakören and Brahe Djäknar await to sing in the spring while the association flags and the traditional May Day parade arrive behind them. The crowd in place is filled with anticipation but quickly falls silent when addressed with the words “Students, spring is here, put on your caps.” The thousands of caps that have been waiting at the ready are now put on, all at once, with joy and eagerness, the first day of spring is here!
There’s a song about the first day of spring, unsurprisingly called “The First Day of Spring” by Laleh. This song also happens to say everything I want to convey with this blog post, so here it goes (translated from the original lyrics in Swedish to English):
The first day of spring And I want to be there And I want to be so there So that I can see That I am a part of it all
The great day of spring And I want to be there Let me live longer Now that I can see
Come spring, come laughter Come tears in the night Let me be, let me be a little longer I am, I am not ready to go yet Let me exist, let me exist a little more
We all get to be there, to be a part of it all, we also see that we are, through the spring and the night, the tears but above all the laughter. Every year, on the same day, the last of April, we welcome the first day of spring.
