Where do we study?
University of Vaasa, www.uwasa.fi/en
School of Technology and Innovations
Åbo Akademi University, www.abo.fi/vasa/
How to contact us?
University of Vaasa Student Union (VYY)
Student Union of Åbo Akademi University
What are our Guilds?
- Tutti ry – Technical Science Student’s Subject Organisation – Red overalls
What are some of our main events?
- Äänenawaus (“Vocal Warm Up”)
- When? Usually at the beginning of the Vaasa Wappu season, before other festivities begin.
- Who for? All students, regardless of their field of study.
- What happens? As well as singing many tradition Sitsit songs, new or otherwise less-known songs are sung throughout the evening. The event also features a song competition with self-written songs in various difference categories. The event is a relaxed chance to sing and aims to prepare for the Wappu times ahead.
- What is best? Singing new and lesser-heard songs, and hearing people’s ingenuity and creativity in the song contest.
- Eroottiset iltamat (“Erotic Soiree”)
- When? During Wappu time
- Who for? All students, regardless of their field of study.
- What happens? Beginning first thing in the morning, the Rubbars (see Wappu Traditions below) organise an Unerotic Brunch, complete with Jallu-packed sima and an overall good get-together spirit. As evening falls and darkness descends however, the time for the Erotic Soiree itself begins. The Soiree involves a Sitsit, which aims to be “a little” more erotic than usual. The theme varies every year, and when the Sitsit is over, entertainment to match the theme is there to be enjoyed. The event is open for all students, but with a Teekkari orientation.
- What is best? Wappu’s best Sitsit, Teekkari spirit and carefree living.
- Kansalliset Lumenveistot (“National Snow Sculpting”)
- When? Usually in January, but with the exact date depending on the weather and snow conditions.
- Who for? All students, regardless of their field of study.
- What happens? A fun event that lives up to its name: the aim is to create the most spectacular snow sculpture, and compete with it to become the reigning champion. The event is also popular amongst the general population of Vaasa, and gives a good impression of Teekkari students.
- What is best? The creativity of the sculptors, and the relaxed nature of the event.
Teekkari Life in Vaasa
While being small in size, the Vaasa Teekkari community is very active and close-knit. In Vaasa, as a rule all students wear red overalls, regardless of their field of study. This brings uniformity and equality to student happenings at the university.
In terms of Sitsit and singing culture Tutti ry, where the Teekkari students of Vaasa study, tends to follow much of the traditions of other Teekkari cities, having for example traditional Pre-Christmas (Pikkujoulut) and Cap Lowering (Lakinlaskijaiset) Sitsit parties. In addition however, through the years Vaasa has also developed its own Sitsit culture, with songs of course still playing an important part.
A notable point of interest in Vaasa is the trailer sauna of Tutti ry. This travels to many student events throughout the year, and can be seen providing sauna possibilities to partying crowds all across Vaasa, including at the Snow Sculpting competition and Wappu Picnic.
In Vaasa, the Takuuteekkarit project (”Teekkari Guarantee” project) offers Vaasa’s Teekkari students a summer job place after their first year of study. The project is run by the Faculty of Technology of the University of Vaasa. Read more.
In Vaasa, Teekkari students of the University of Vaasa speak Finnish as a majority language, whereas in Åbo Akademi Swedish is the more prominent language.
Wappu Traditions
The launch of the Wappu magazine Wapina marks the official start of Wappu proceedings in Vaasa. The magazine is edited by Rubbars (“Rubbers”), who can be recognised due to their distinctive brown overalls. On Wappu, Teekkari students compete with those in other fields in a range of disciplines, such as mölky (a traditional Finnish yard game) and rowing. The Fuksi baptism in Vaasa is organised at the fountain of Vaasa City Hall on Wappu Day, after which the new Teekkari are able to warm up in a sauna and enjoy a Wappu Sillis. A Wappu picnic is also enjoyed on the beach Hovioikeudenranta.
Throughout Wappu, Wappu hype is shared, and spirits kept high, by the student-run Radio Wapina, which features a range of shows for Teekkari and non-Teekkari people alike.
Teekkari Cap and Other Symbols
The Teekkari Cap of the University of Vaasa follows the familiar hexagonal shape, with a yellow and red lining. The cockade resembles a golden cape, with the Vaasa abbreviation in the centre. The cap of the Åbo Akademi students is similar to that worn by those studying at ÅA in Turku, but with the Vaasa yellow and red lining.
The VYY ribbon (kuntanauha) has two colours, yellow and red, matching the colours of the cap lining, with all members of the student union able to wear it for “academic” occasions. Tutti ry also have their own ribbon, with a yellow background and two black stripes, which can be worn by all members.