Welcome to Student Life in Vaasa!
Vaasa is a vibrant student city on Finland’s west coast, and VAMK (Vaasa University of Applied Sciences) is at the heart of it. Whether you’re here for a semester or a full degree, your student journey will be filled with exciting events, supportive communities, and cosy places to study and relax.
Finding Your New Home
At the lowest price, you can rent an apartment in Vaasa for around 300 euros; the prices of the units are typically between 400 and 500 euros.
The studios are the most requested apartments, so you may have to wait a bit for them, especially at the beginning of the academic year. You can still apply and move in when a suitable apartment becomes available.
For more information, please visit the Accommodation page.
Student Events
During your studies, you should network, make new friends and sometimes also relieve pressure. By participating in student events, you get all three at once!
The student union VAMOK and other VAMK student organisations organise several events that have already become traditions during the academic year. Various events are organised for new students, for example. The opening of the school year, i.e. Campus Festivals, Olutpialaiset, annual celebrations, overall jogging, and the Triangel cruise, which VAMOK organises together with four other student unions, as well as monthly pub quizzes and other parties!
“Sitsit” in other words academic table parties or song nights, are smaller and less formal than annual parties. At these table parties, guests gather around long tables to enjoy a warm meal and drinks and sing traditional student songs.
However, there are certain rules to ensure that the evening runs smoothly for everyone. For example, you may only go to the bathroom during the breaks and it is mandatory to be quiet during the program numbers and speeches.
Usually, table parties have a purpose or theme for why they are celebrated. Dressing instructions for table parties vary depending on the possible theme. The dress code can be overalls, a casual outfit, a fancy dress or a dark suit for men and a cocktail outfit for women.
At the annual party, for example, VAMOK or organizations are celebrated. The dress code for the anniversary party is usually a tailcoat or a dark suit, and for women a full-length evening dress or cocktail dress.
At the anniversary celebration, we behave according to the party etiquette, but that does not exclude having fun.
Before the actual main party, the program may include an event for invited guests. During the event organizations present their greetings and hand out gifts. After the welcome toast, the three-course meal begins, during which loud schnapps songs echo from the tables. The event is run by a master of ceremonies, whose task is to maintain order. During the evening, you will also hear speeches and enjoy various performances. After the last meal and program, it is time for after party.
Student Lunch in Vaasa
Make the most of the diverse student restaurants – Kela supports healthy lunches at an affordable price
Enjoy tasty and affordable meals at student restaurants across Vaasa! Thanks to Kela’s meal subsidy (€2.55 per meal), lunch usually costs just around €2.95.
Most student restaurants are located near the Palosaari campus, serving at least two hot meal options daily, plus salad, bread, and a drink. Vegetarian and vegan choices are always available.
Just show your student card or digital ID to get the discount. It’s a convenient way to eat well and take a break during your busy day.
Student Ambassadors
Do you want to develop your presentation skills, learn social media content production and network with people and students from different fields? Join in VAMK’s student ambassador activities, through which you can tell and share your own study story with others!
Exercise opportunities
In Vaasa, you can find several different exercise opportunities in indoor, outdoor, gyms, hobbies, alone or in a group.
Swimming
Indoor Swimming Pool
Vaasa’s swimming hall is located at Hietalahdenkatu 8, right next to the central hospital. The facility includes four different pools suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
With the swimming hall entry fee, you can also join guided water aerobics classes, practice aqua jogging, and use the gym. Diving platforms and springboards are also available to visitors.
Students can get discounted single-entry and multi-visit tickets. More information about the swimming hall’s services can be found [here].
Beaches
A list and descriptions of Vaasa’s public beaches are available on the City of Vaasa’s website.
Winter Swimming – Vaasan Pingviinit
Vaasan Pingviinit is a traditional winter swimming club founded in 1965. The club maintains its own sauna and ice hole in Hietasaari, just off the Vaasa shoreline. Learn more about their activities (website in English).
Sports Halls and Arenas
Vaasa has a wide variety of sports halls and arenas of different sizes and purposes.
Tennis Center
Located in Hietalahti, the Tennis Center is a versatile sports facility. In addition to tennis, you can play badminton, floorball, and squash. There is also a gym and other activities such as billiards, a golf simulator, snooker, table tennis, and futsal.
Football Halls and Artificial Turf Fields
Vaasa offers many places for playing football. For year-round play, Fennia Arena (Ruutikellarintie 6) is ideal – it’s a large indoor dome. For casual games with friends, there’s a smaller artificial turf field near Kasarmintori.
Botniahalli
Botniahalli, located in Mustasaari just outside Vaasa, is part of the Vaasa Region Arenas. It is Finland’s largest indoor arena for athletics, ball sports, and other activities. You’ll need a car or ride to get there. Activities include running, American football, gym workouts, floorball, and group fitness classes.
Gyms
Vaasa is full of active people, and this is reflected in the growing number of gyms. New ones are opening frequently. The easiest way to find up-to-date options is to search “kuntosali Vaasa” on Google.
Group Exercise Classes
The City of Vaasa’s Sports Services offers a variety of group fitness classes for all fitness levels. More information is available on the city’s website.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor exercise is a refreshing option year-round. Vaasa offers a wide range of possibilities: jogging along the Onkilahti shore, using fitness trails, skiing in nearby areas, or skating in public rinks and even on the sea in winter.
Trails and Hiking
There are several marked trails and nature routes in and around Vaasa for walking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Frisbee Golf
Vaasa has multiple frisbee golf courses for both beginners and more advanced players. The closest and most popular one is Arboretum in Hietalahti (Ruutikellarintie 6). A more advanced, AA1-rated tournament course can be found in Ristinummi on Vanhan Vaasankatu.
Golf
About 7 km from the city center, Vaasa Golf Club in Kråklund offers excellent facilities for playing golf. The 18-hole course is suitable for beginners and more experienced players alike.
Other Activities
Climbing
You can go indoor climbing at Wasa Up in the basement of Academill. In the summer, outdoor climbing is available at Vaasa’s old water tower or at Zip Adventure Park in Vaskiluoto.
Wasavertical
Wasavertical offers something for every skill level. Try strength and acrobatics through pole dance or hammock tricks. Aerial yoga with ceiling-mounted silks is great for beginners. You can also explore energetic dance classes such as twerking or dancing in high heels. Activities are always adapted to your personal goals and abilities.
