Have you watched the video above about VYY's activities?

VYY exists first and foremost to make your time at university as smooth as possible. We look after students' interests on campus, in Vaasa and nationally, and stand up for students when things get tough. Our Student Union is also known for its strong sense of community, which we cherish and promote through various events and tutoring, among other things. In addition, VYY membership offers a wide range of national and local benefits and services.

All members of the Student Union are welcome to join our activities. VYY has a wide range of roles, from tutoring to the event team, representative council, board and various projects. So keep an eye on our website and other communication channels if you want to get involved!

The best way to keep up to date with VYY's activities is to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to the VYY weekly newsletter. You can also find our other social media channels below. You can also feel free to contact the board or staff or visit our service office in the Konttori building on campus.

VYY on Instagram
VYY on Facebook
VYY on LindedIn
VYY on Kide.app
Subscribe to VYY’s newsletter!

The tutor project is a project implemented by the Student Union of the University of Vaasa, aimed at providing new students with a smooth transition into the university community and creating social relationships that promote student well-being.

The tutor coordinators are responsible for the overall management and implementation of the tutor project. In 2025, Casimir Timonen is responsible for coordinating tutoring for Finnish programmes, and Helen Rankaviita for international programmes. You can find the contact information of the tutor coordinators on our website.

In 2025, there are 17 tutor educators and 109 tutors involved in tutoring. The tutor educators assist the coordinators and support the tutors in the project. Tutors are responsible for tutoring new students, guiding them into university life, and ensuring the new students integrate into the student community.

The tutor project also includes well-being tutors (hyvis-tutors), whose role is to ensure a safer environment in every event of the tutor project. Any tutor can be approached with concerns, but the well-being tutors are specially trained for situations where you need a listener or help with uncomfortable situations. All well-being tutors have received training organized by the Student Union of the University of Vaasa (VYY), and you can recognize them by the word "HYVIS" on their tutor shirts.

Well-being tutors

Each field of study has a designated well-being tutor. Below, you will find the list of well-being tutors for 2025, organized by field of study.

Sport tutors

The tutor project also includes sport tutors, whose task is to focus on organizing sports activities. The sport tutors have also put together an information pack on sports facilities in the area, which will be distributed to new students at the beginning of the autumn. So if you have any questions about sports opportunities, you can ask a sport tutor.

Getting to know other freshers

The early weeks are full of networking events. However, before you start studying, it's a good idea to join the Facebook group "Vaasan yliopiston fuksit 2025 / Freshers of Vaasa university 2025".

Information on Fresher events

You can find the dates for Fresher events earlier on this page. All events will have their own page on Facebook and the Kide.app. On the event pages, you can find the time and place of the events and other information you need to participate. You can also find information about the autumn events on VYY's Instagram page (@ylioppilaskunta). You can also get more information from your tutors and by subscribing to the VYY email newsletter. 

Student union activities

There are many ways to participate in the activities of the Student Union. You can get involved in various projects, participate in advocacy as an administration student representative, or apply to the student union board, which is elected in November-December. Every two years, there are also the Representative Council Elections, in which each member of the Student Union can run in and has the right to vote. The next Representative Council Elections are this autumn!

More information on the Board, the Representative Council, and projects can be found on our website under "Student union". The Secretary General and the Board of the Student Union will also be happy to answer any questions you might have. Find contact information.

Sports in Vaasa

The University of Vaasa provides sports services for students. The diverse range of services includes e.g. gym, pilates, and other group exercises, cheerleading, and various ball sports. The services can be accessed by purchasing a digital sports sticker from the University online store.

More information on sports services on the university's website.

Vaasa also offers a wide range of sports facilities, from gyms to ball games, dancing and climbing. There are also many high-quality sports clubs in the area, so there are activities for the ones who prefer to be spectators. At the beginning of autumn, sport tutors will provide new students with more detailed information on sports facilities. 

Vaasa also offers good opportunities for outdoor activities. The city's website provides information on outdoor sports facilities in the area. 

Free time in the city of Vaasa

In Vaasa you will find culture, outdoor activities, restaurants, and events, there is something for everyone. Feel free to ask your tutor about the different possibilities and find things you like to do in addition to student life!

Get to know Vaasa's culture selection 

Get to know what activities and nature sites Vaasa have to offer 

Check Vaasa's event calendar

Club and association activities on campus

There are several clubs and associations on the campus of the University of Vaasa. Different clubs and associations focus on advocacy, event organization, or sports, for example. Attend events and activities or set up your own! 

For more information on organizational activities in general, contact the Student Union's board member responsible for organizational affairs. 

Student Card

As a member of VYY, you are entitled to a digital Slice student card, which you can use to redeem thousands of valuable student benefits across Finland by Finland’s largest student benefit service. 

Please note, that new students can access the student card from 1.8.2025 onward.To access the card, the student must register for attendance and pay the student union membership fee. The student card can be activated once the student's information has been transferred to the university's systems. This may take a few days after the payment of the membership fee.

How to set up Slice student card?

1. Download the Slice app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Use your browser to visit slice.fi/vyy and order your digital student card by filling in the form with your information and photo. You will receive an email shortly after.
3. You can now log in to the Slice app with the login information received in your email.

If you wish to have a plastic student card, you can order it online and pick it up from the VYY service office. The card costs 10 euros.

More information about both student card can be found on student card page.
 

Navigating on campus

Check the campus map on the University of Vaasa website. The easiest way to find the locations of lecture halls and other facilities is to download the Tuudo app from your app store. 

Leipis sauna facilities

The Leipis sauna and meeting room is managed by the Student Union and is located in the center of Vaasa. The Student Union rents the facility cheaply to its members and organizations throughout the year. In Leipis you can host evening parties, sauna evenings, meetings, and parties for about 30 people. The affordable rent price is due to the fact that the tenants clean the facility themselves. When everyone takes care of the facilities together and is left in good condition, it will also serve future generations of students. Read more and check the booking calendar.

What is FSHS and how does it benefit me? 

The Student Health Care Foundation (FSHS) is a foundation that provides health care services to students in higher education. FSHS supports your health and well-being throughout your studies. FSHS provides oral, general, and mental health services to you studying towards a degree at a Finnish higher education institution when you have registered as an attending student for the current semester.

The healthcare fee for students in higher education that students pay to Kela covers all FSHS services. FSHS does not charge fees for appointments. FSHS has offices all over Finland that offer higher education, and you can use the services of any office during your studies. Please note that some international degree students have been given different instructions regarding the healthcare fee. Always check the up-to-date instructions on Kela´s website. 

Read more on FSHS’s website for new students.