University of Vaasa organises summer activities for students to prevent loneliness
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After the final lectures and exams of the spring semester, the campus quiets down as students head off for the summer – some return to their hometowns for work, while others stay in Vaasa. For many students, this may be their first summer in Vaasa, which brings up a range of emotions. The familiar student city can feel strange and lonely in the summer, when daily life no longer revolves around campus and many fellow students are elsewhere. The University of Vaasa's Explore Vaasa pilot programme offers a low-threshold opportunity to meet new people and discover Vaasa from a new perspective.
Explore Vaasa, a summer activity by the university’s Make a Break project, provides students with the possibility to meet new people and experience a sense of community. The activities, which take place in June, involve students from different cultures. The programme includes small group activities such as picnics, bike rides, mini-golf, sauna, museum visits, and local sporting events.
On Tuesday, 27 May, the Explore Vaasa programme kicked off with an opening picnic. The participants got to know each other while enjoying picnic snacks and playing yard games on the campus. University trainee Rasmus Syrjänen works in the Make a Break project.
– Explore Vaasa was inspired by feedback from students expressing a desire to strengthen the sense of community. There is a clear demand for low-threshold events where students can connect and get to know peers from diverse backgrounds.
According to Syrjänen, the programme has gotten off to a great start, and students have been enthusiastic.
– At first, we wondered whether students would be interested, but registrations filled up quickly. Some participants already knew each other, while others joined alone – but a strong group spirit formed quickly. Many groups have already completed several activities together.
Loneliness affects an increasing number of students
Loneliness has become increasingly common, especially among young people. According to the Finnish Red Cross’s Loneliness Barometer (2024), feelings of loneliness are most prevalent among 15–35-year-olds. It was particularly emphasized among low-income and single-living respondents under 25, which includes many students. The study also found that respondents whose native language is other than the local languages spoken in Finland reported frequent or constant feelings of loneliness (Loneliness Barometer 2024). University of Vaasa study psychologist Juha Simola confirms that loneliness is a common theme in his sessions.
– Loneliness is a feeling of emotional disconnection with others. Absolutely loneliness can be experienced while being amongst other people too. There is also a positive kind of loneliness which is called solitude. Solitude refers to being alone without feeling lonely. It´s often a peaceful and pleasant experience.
Simola encourages students to participate in various events and hobbies, such as sports clubs or education courses. He also emphasises the importance of learning Finnish for international students as a way to integrate and reduce loneliness.
International community spirit
Explore Vaasa includes 34 students from different cultural backgrounds. In addition to meeting new people, the programme offers a chance to learn about different cultures.
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Simon Kadunc from Slovenia and Thai Hieu Phan from Vietnam, both studying in the Master’s Programme in Strategic Business Development, are participating in the programme.
– I’m really excited to spend my first summer in Vaasa. Our group already tried badminton together. I’m looking forward to the next activity – we’re going swimming and to the sauna. I’m a true “sauna guy” – I could go every day, says Kadunc.
Hassan Yosefi from Iran who studies in the Industrial System Analytics Master’s Programme is also excited about his first summer in Vaasa.
– I’m very impressed by Vaasa’s beautiful nature, and I want to explore more of the city through running. I just hope the weather gets warmer!
Explore Vaasa will conclude at the end of June with a final event, where participants can give feedback. As a bonus, participants will receive a sports sticker for autumn 2025 and a chance to win tickets to the Drömmen Festival, featuring artists like KAJ. Syrjänen notes that this is the first pilot of the programme, but based on feedback, it could continue.
– It’s important for the university to promote student well-being and community. We’ll see what kind of feedback we get – maybe there’s demand for this kind of activity in the fall or spring as well.
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