The opening ceremony will launch the University of Helsinki’s autumn term on 1 September.
The programme of the opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the University will include an address by Rector Sari Lindblom as well as greetings from the Chair of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki Petra Pulli and Chair of the University of Helsinki Chapter of the Finnish Union of University Professors Edward Haeggström. The ceremony will also feature musical performances, and will be streamed live on the University’s YouTube channel and in Think Corner. This year, pre-registration is required for attending the ceremony.
After the opening ceremony, the audience are welcome to join an ecumenical service at Helsinki Cathedral or a secular event in the Cupola Hall of the National Library of Finland. At the end of the event, coffee and refreshments will be served in the Main Building foyers from 14.00 on. After the academic celebration, the City Centre Campus will be taken over by the Opening Carnival.
All students, staff and friends of the University are welcome at the opening ceremony. A more detailed programme for the opening day and a link to the registration form will be published on the website on 20 August.
More information: helsinkiunievents@helsinki.fi
Following the official opening ceremony, the opening carnival will take across the City Centre Campus. The carnival is organised by the Student Union of the University of Helsinki in cooperation with student organisations, the University of Helsinki and Think Corner.
Come and learn more about the activities of the student organisations, your Student Union and University community members, add to your student overall badge collection and enjoy the music, cheerful atmosphere and diverse programming in the Main Building, Porthania and Think Corner and on the streets of Fabianinkatu and Yliopistonkatu.
At the beginning of each academic year, the Ask Me! campaign encourages new members of the University community to ask questions about student life and everyday activity at the University. Pink badges and logos identify the people who can answer these questions. Anyone from the University community can register to participate.
You can spot the Ask Me! logo, for example, on the lapels and backpacks of University employees and students, their social media profiles and the University’s accounts in various channels.
The opening ceremony dates back to the ceremonies held at the Royal Academy of Turku for the installation of the new rector, in connection with which students enrolled at the Academy. Today, enrolment at the University appears as a tradition where the rector meets new students, while students have the opportunity to sign the rector’s guestbook, which no longer serves as a register.
The opening ceremony begins with an academic procession. In addition to the University leadership, the University staff are welcome to take part in this procession. Alternatively, the audience can take their places in the Great Hall directly on arrival. The University’s protocol specialist oversees the organisation of the academic procession.
After the procession, the rector gives her opening address, followed by representatives of the staff and the Student Union. The programme also includes music. After the conclusion of the programme in the Great Hall, the academic procession heads for the Helsinki Cathedral for a special ecumenical church service. At the same time as this service, a secular ceremony is held in Cupola Hall at the National Library of Finland.
The opening of the academic year and the church and secular services associated with it are open to everyone interested.
Dress code
The dress code for the participants in the academic procession is dark suit and doctoral hat, if applicable, or other academic attire for those holding a doctoral degree from a foreign university. The rest of the attendees are expected to consider the solemn nature of the event in their outfit choices.
Dates for the opening ceremony of the academic year from 2025 to 2031:
1.9.2025, 31.8.2026, 6.9.2027, 4.9.2028, 3.9.2029, 2.9.2030, 1.9.2031
More information: helsinkiunievents@helsinki.fi