University of Vaasa receives €120,000 in further funding to build a culture of physical activity

–  We want to support our students’ well-being, resilience, and sense of community. Time at university is an important time that goes beyond academics – it’s also about engaging in meaningful activities with others, says Tanja Risikko, Vice-Rector of the University of Vaasa.

The Make a Break project aims to develop a physically active culture together with students and staff and integrate it into everyday university life to support academic performance and well-being. Risikko sees the project as a vital part of enhancing community and well-being at the university.

–  Our student community is growing and becoming more international. That’s why it’s important to offer events that bring students together and help build a strong and vibrant university community.

Make a Break project builds a more active university community

The Make a Break project is a collaboration between the University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK). It raises awareness about the importance of physical activity breaks and integrates related practices into daily routines. The project is part of the “Get Finland moving” programme’s “Studies on the Move” initiative for higher education institutions. 

During the first phase, the project piloted and explored ways to develop a more active culture at the university. It supported various initiatives promoting physical activity and breaks, such as wellness and sports trial events, and the acquisition of sports equipment and loan items for the campus. The pilot was successful and received positive feedback. Thanks to the continued funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture, the project will proceed to its second phase from 1 August 2025, to 31 July 2026.

–  Sports services are an essential part of student life, as shown by the number of users. Student feedback is simple: they hope for more activities and variety. The project aims to expand offerings and respond to students’ wishes. Students can influence the project by answering surveys and participating in our events, says Seppo Evwaraye, Well-being and Sports Coordinator.

Activities developed in collaboration with students

The project will continue previously launched initiatives that make the study day more active will also enhance the university’s sports service package and support the adoption of activity-promoting practices within the university community. Students will be involved in the planning and implementation phases.

An active study day will be supported by increasing awareness of the benefits of movement and providing tools and spaces for taking breaks. Teachers will be offered training in pedagogy that promotes activity. The project collaborates closely with the student union, VAMK, the City of Vaasa, and other stakeholders.

– The project is carried out to promote student well-being. That’s why it was important to us that students were actively involved already during the application phase. Two student interns and a student union representative helped write the application. We also reached students through pop-up events and surveys, says Sannakaisa Holmlund,  Specialist in Study Affairs.