Events
The Student Union of the University of Turku has a long history and many long-term traditions, which can be seen in the amount of different student events. TYY's events bring together students of all disciplines and backgrounds. Check out the TYY events calendar, which lists the dates of our big yearly events as well as a wide range of other activities that are open to all.
Many TYY organisations also host big and small events in which you can participate.
Some important yearly events:
- The Opening Carnival and sTYYlish Opening Party
- Porthan Day Parade
- The Annual Ball
- Independence Day Torchlight Procession
- Fastlaskiainen
- Vappu - First of May
Get excited about the new academic year at the Opening Carnival and sTYYlish Opening Party
The new academic year starts with the traditional Opening Carnival, which is collaboratively organised by the University of Turku and the Student Union. You get to find out more about different organisations by visiting their stands, and there are all kinds of fun things to see. The Opening Carnival takes place in the beginning of September.
After the Carnival, students continue their celebrations in the sTYYlish Opening Party. It's the biggest cross-disciplinary party of the year, so it's a good idea to get a ticket in advance!
TYY introduction tours
In the early autumn, TYY organises introduction tours where new students can get acquainted with our activities and staff. Read more here!
Be part of an old tradition on Porthan Day
9 November
The official anniversary of TYY is celebrated on November 9th, which is also the birthdate of significant academic Henrik Gabriel Porthan. The celebration involves a parade, which culminates in the laying of a memorial wreath on the statue of Porthan. We wish for a large attendance in this event that has been a tradition since the establishment of TYY in 1922!
Dress up for the Annual Ball
The Student Union celebrates its anniversary in November, on the next Saturday after Porthan Day. The Annual Ball is the most prestigious event of the Student Union, which you certainly do not want to miss! Festivities include a cocktail party, a gala dinner and ballroom dances, followed by an after party.
In the cocktail party, different organisations and some individuals give their congratulations to the Student Union. The following gala dinner includes a fancy meal with several courses. There are speeches and performances and the dinner is typically followed by ballroom dancing. When the more formal party is over, the informal after party will go on and on through the night. The next day, at around noon, there is a brunch for those who feel up to it.
Come and carry a torch in the Independence Day Torchlight Procession
6 December
The Independence Day Torchlight Procession is a joint procession of all university students in Turku. The procession moves to the soldiers’ graves at the cemetery to honour the Finnish Independence Day (December 6th). Do not hesitate to come and carry a torch in the procession!
Fastlaskiainen (Shrove Tuesday)
Laskiainen (Shrove Tuesday) is a real winter festival - you get to play in the snow, see various winter sports and eat the traditional laskiaispulla, a bun filled with whipped cream and jam.
Fastlaskiainen is one of the winter-themed student events in February. It features a competition where organisations and groups of friends from the universities in Turku see who is the master of downhill sledding.
When calculating the score, the cohesion of the team, the "sled" itself, and theme costumes are all taken into consideration. Extra points are mostly awarded for creativity, team spirit and reaching the finish line. Speed isn't a merit, as long as you aren't hopelessly slow! The size of the team isn't limited, but one should give thought to whether those who can't fit in the sled actually contribute to the team. The winners will receive a legendary trophy, into which the name of the winning team will be carved.
First of May – the most important day for students
30 April - 1 May
The First of May or "Vappu" is the Finnish version of Labour Day that we celebrate to honour working people. It is also the biggest student festival of the year, bringing together tens of thousands of students and other citizens of Turku.
On 30 April at 5:30 pm the whole city gathers at Turku Art Museum to listen to music and speeches. At 6pm sharp, we all put on our students caps (ylioppilaslakki). The moment when thousands of students with their caps have gathered at Aurakatu is by far the most impressive part of Vappu. You don’t want to miss this! After the "capping", Vappu celebrations continue at 6:30 pm in the Runeberg Park (Runeberginpuisto) where dental students wash the Lilja Statue.
For students the day starts a bit earlier. Student organisations traditionally offer vappu punch to drink around the campus.
On 1 May from noon untill late afternoon, students and other citizens gather at Vartiovuorenmäki for a picnic. After the previous nights's vappu extravaganza, it's now time to enjoy the spring in a relaxed atmosphere, eat traditional vappu snacks and drink some sparkling wine with friends.