Welcome, ny student

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.