For new students
On this page, you will find important information for new students and some tips for the early stages of your studies.
Hi new Aalto student, and welcome to study!
Hi new Aalto student, and welcome to study!
In Finland, every university student is automatically part of a student union. As an Aalto student, your student union is the Aalto University Student Union, or AYY! You will certainly become very familiar with us over the years, but to get started, here are briefly some of the most important points of information that will help you get the most out of your student union and the services and opportunities it offers.
What exactly is a student union? To quote the Universities Act:
“-- The student union liaises with and on behalf of its members and promotes their societal, social and intellectual aspirations and those relating to studies and the status of students in society. --” (Universities Act, Section 46 Student union)
AYY represents all 14,000 Aalto students. All major decisions of the student union are made through the democratically elected 45-member Representative Council, which is a bit like the parliament of AYY. In addition, the Representative Council appoints a ten-member Board with a term of one calendar year for the student union.
In addition to the Representative Council and the Board, over 40 AYY employees and about 150 volunteers are involved in creating the best student’s life in the world. There are more than 200 associations operating within Aalto to bring students together for hobbies, games, sports and getting excited. Here you can check out a list of all our associations, you will surely find something interesting and unexpected!
AYY provides its members with a wide range of services, the most important of which is probably student housing. 3,500 people have already made our apartments their home, and so that every student at Aalto could enjoy this advantage, we are constantly building more of them. Other services we offer include the rental of facilities and a van, as well as guidance on the tough questions of student life: see all the services for members here!
One of the most important tasks of the student union is also advocacy. We make the voice of Aalto students heard by the decision-makers of the university, the city and the whole of Finland, thus promoting the best student’s life in the world. If you are interested in the advocacy work done by the student union, you can read more about it here!
As you can already see, the life of an Aalto student is full of possibilities. So it is a good idea to open your eyes and heart to everything that is happening around you, and simply make the most of your years as a student! Hopefully this blog helped you understand a little better what is going on within the circle of your student union. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!
- There are more than 200 associations operating within AYY
- AYY organises more than 100 events for students every year
- AYY has over 150 volunteers
In 2017, the events attracted over 20,000 participants in total
The volunteers work in, for example, event production, the student union’s finances and business relations, campus development, the Polytechnical Students’ Museum, educational policy…
The application process for next year’s positions will start in late autumn.
What is AYY?
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) is an advocacy and service organisation for approximately 17,000 students of Aalto University.
Student activities
In the student union, you have the opportunity to participate in events, pursue hobbies, take part in volunteering, and represent students.
Advocacy and guidance
Have you experienced harassment or mistreatment during your studies? Do you need help with coping with your studies? On this page, you will find help.
Read more news
Ecological sustainability policy has been updated – AYY transitions to a plant-based policy
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) has updated its ecological sustainability policy, which supports AYY’s daily operations. The new document directs AYY to serve plant-based food and drinks at its events. In the future, food waste will be minimised, and 30 percent of air and ship travel costs will be offset towards environmental activities.
AYY is taking steps to improve equity in its operations – new equity plan approved by RepCo
Aalto University Student Union has an equity plan, first in AYY’s history, that was approved in the Representative Council meeting on 21.11.2024. Equity plan will guide AYY towards more accessible and inclusive ways for our students to participate in AYY’s events and operations.
Good news for residents in shared apartments: Here’s how you can receive your own housing allowance while living in a friends’ apartment!
A joint liability rental agreement may affect the housing allowance, as Kela typically grants only one housing allowance for a shared household, which is influenced by the income of both residents. However, residents in friends’ apartments may receive separate housing allowances if Kela reviews them as separate households. This requires tenants with a joint liability rental agreement to draft a mutual possession agreement for the apartment and submit it as an appendix with their housing allowance application to Kela. Tenants draft the possession agreement by themselves.