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 service 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 2024 to 2031:
2.9.2024, 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
Great Hall of the University of Helsinki
Entrance: Aleksanterinkatu 5/Unioninkatu 34. Accessible entrance to the Great Hall is available from the courtyard of the Main Building through the archway at Yliopistonkatu 2.
The University leadership and the staff participating in the academic procession will convene on the second floor of the Main Building at 11.55.
12.15
Academic procession to the Great Hall
Procession music: Sibelius: Andante Festivo
String quartet of the Helsinki University Symphony Orchestra
Entrance of the student nation choirs and flags
Opening address
Rector Sari Lindblom
Music
Small group of student choirs
Greetings from the staff and the Student Union
Olli-Pekka Kasurinen, Chair of the Helsinki University Association of Teachers and Researchers
Antti Kaijansinkko, Chair of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki
Music
Student nation choirs
Academic procession from the Great Hall to Helsinki Cathedral and the National Library of Finland
About at 13.30
Ecumenical service at Helsinki Cathedral ( Unioninkatu 29)
Sermon by Bishop Emeritus Eero Huovinen
Secular service at Cupola Hall, the National Library of Finland ( Unioninkatu 36)
Speech by Professor Lotte Tarkka
14.00
Coffee and refreshments in the foyers on the second floor of the University’s Main Building.
Dress code for participants in the procession: Dark suit and doctoral hat
Dress code for the rest of the audience: Casual/Smart casual
The duration of the opening ceremony is approximately one hour, and the audience is expected to arrive at the Great Hall well in advance before the ceremony begins. Please leave your coats and large bags at the free-of-charge cloakroom on the first floor of the Main Building (Aleksanterinkatu 5).
The event will be streamed and photographed. A recording of the event will afterwards be published on the University’s website and YouTube channel.
Opening carnival on the City Centre Campus from 14.00 to 18.00.
Explore the programme on the website of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki.
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.