For New Members

Information Package

Savolainen Osakunta is a multidisciplinary student organization established in 1905, bringing together members with ties to Savonia or an affinity for Savonian culture. We host a wide range of events every week. Our facilities, known as Vinni, are located on the top floor of the New Student House in Helsinki. What could be better than having a cozy living room right in the heart of the city center?

In practice, the organization offers a variety of academic celebrations, leisure activities related to culture and sports, and, of course, relaxed hangouts. The organization has numerous clubs, so you're sure to find one that matches your interests! Members also enjoy various benefits, such as opportunities to apply for housing or scholarships. We maintain close collaboration with other student nations at the University of Helsinki and with our international partner organizations.

Becoming a Member

Anyone studying at the University of Helsinki or another higher education institution, regardless of their field, can join Savolainen Osakunta. You don't need to come from Savonia or have any connection to the region—everyone is welcome!

To become a member, you must pay the membership fee and register with the organization. The easiest way to join is by attending the orientation receptions (vuksivastaanotto), held on Mondays in the fall from 16:30 to 18:00 at Vinni. Detailed instructions for joining can be found on this page.

Everyday Life at Savolainen Osakunta

Everyday life at Savolainen Osakunta revolves around various events. Every Monday, there’s a student nation evening (osakuntailta), with programs organized by different officers and clubs. Usually, the first Monday of the month features a general meeting, where all members can participate in decision-making for the organization. During the week, there might be orchestra and choir rehearsals, excursions, formal dinners (sitsit), outdoor games, casual hangouts, parties, or even movie marathons. More information can be found in the weekly schedule and event calendar.

Orientation Leader and Committee

As a new member, you'll have the support of the Orientation Leader (vuksimajuri) and the Orientation Committee (vuksitoimikunta). They are experienced members dedicated to guiding new members through the ins and outs of the organization. If you have any questions about the student nation or just want someone to chat with, don't hesitate to reach out to the Orientation Leader or committee members—they're here for you! You can contact the Orientation Leader via email at savo-vuksimajuri@helsinki.fi.

Directions to Vinni

  1. Vinni is just a short walk from Helsinki Central Railway Station, located in the New Student House. The address is Mannerheimintie 5A, 6th floor.

  2. After entering, take the stairs to the fifth floor. There’s also an elevator in the building, but it requires a key to operate. If you need to use the elevator, please arrange this in advance with the executive director or the event organizer.

  3. On the fifth floor, ring the doorbell at Vinni, and someone will come to let you in. If there’s no event taking place or no one present, the door can only be opened with a key.

  4. Take one more flight of stairs to the sixth floor, and you’ve arrived at Vinni!

  5. Every member can obtain a key that grants access to the building’s front door, the elevator, and most doors at Vinni. To get a key, contact the executive director.

Key Events for New Members

Special events for new members include the Newcomers’ Evening, vuksisitsit (formal dinner for new members), and the Independence Day celebration in the fall, as well as the vuksipäivälliset (new members’ dinner) in the spring. Throughout the year, various student nation evenings and casual gatherings are organized for new members.

Savolainen Osakunta also participates in joint student nation events and first-year student activities at the University of Helsinki, such as the Freshman Park (Fuksipuisto) organized by the Joint Council of Student Nations (Osakuntien Yhteisvaltuuskunta) and the Freshman Adventure (Fuksiseikkailu) organized by the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY).

Stay updated on Savolainen Osakunta’s events via our social media channels, email mailing lists, and Telegram groups. Join the shared Telegram group for new members of Savolainen Osakunta! You can get the link from the Orientation Leader.