Students at the University of Helsinki are expressing deep concern about the future availability of event spaces following their student union's decision to sell multiple key properties. The Helsinki University Student Union (HYY) voted unanimously to transfer most of its real estate holdings to pension insurance company Keva, raising alarms about where academic traditions and social gatherings will continue.
First-year linguistics student Helpi Kyllönen summarized the mood succinctly during lunch at the Kaivopiha Unicafe, stating simply: 'Not nice.' The sentiment echoes across campus as students contemplate losing familiar venues for everything from board game nights to formal academic dinners.
The property sale affects crucial student hubs including the Old and New Student Houses, Hansatalo, Armaan kulma, Citytalo, and Kaivotalo. These buildings have served generations of students for celebrations, traditional 'sitsit' academic dinners, and daily social interactions.
Social work student Veera Kankainen celebrated her 20th birthday at Unicafe while worrying about losing the New Student House. 'All the sitsit and parties have been organized there,' she noted, gazing toward the building that has hosted countless student events.
The financial background reveals deeper issues. HYY previously sold the Lyyra block to Swedish property investment company Niam, and now faces criticism for its financial management. Student union membership fees recently increased from 57 euros to 85 euros annually, contradicting earlier promises to eliminate fees entirely by 2025.
Pharmacy student Tuomas Salonius expressed frustration about the fee hike. 'You'd hope that 85 euros would get you services that actually benefit you, not just go toward paying old debts,' he commented.
Agriculture student Rudolf Heiskanen, active in student life, fears the loss will compound existing space shortages. 'The sale is terrible because there aren't many other spaces available. The University of Helsinki has also been reducing spaces available to student organizations,' he explained.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing Finnish student unions as they navigate property management while maintaining affordable services. Student unions in Finland own substantial real estate portfolios intended to generate revenue for member services, but maintaining these assets requires significant financial resources.
This property transfer follows similar moves by other Finnish student unions facing financial pressures. The trend raises questions about how student organizations can preserve their cultural heritage spaces while ensuring financial sustainability. Many students wonder if this marks the beginning of broader changes to Finnish student life traditions.
The decision could particularly impact international students who rely on these spaces to build social networks in Finland. Student events often serve as crucial integration points for foreign students adapting to Finnish academic culture.
University administrators have not yet commented on how they might address the potential space shortage for student activities. Student representatives indicate they may challenge the decision through formal complaints, potentially delaying the property transfers.