News

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) has closed a deal with the City of Espoo and Aalto University Campus & Real Estate (ACRE), acquiring parcels from the future Otakaari 15 property. Now that the parcels have been transferred to AYY’s ownership, the plot formation can be finalised in accordance with the building permit conditions. This also allows construction work to begin as planned.

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) demands immediate action from the Government to secure students’ livelihood.

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) supports two Palestinian-led movements that are boycotting Israeli academic and cultural institutions. AYY also demands that Aalto University commit to the academic boycott. The issue was raised following a member initiative approved at AYY’s Representative Council meeting on 12 Dec 2024. AYY condemns the genocide and hopes the ceasefire signals the possibility of peace.

Aalto University Student Union’s (AYY) association regulation was updated at the end of the year to better address the needs of the growing Aalto community and to clarify the AYY Board’s decision-making process.

Shared apartments for males are available in central locations in Otaniemi at Otakaari 18, Otaranta 8, and in Leppävaara at Rummunlyöjänkatu 3.

Aalto University Student Union (AYY) has updated its ecological sustainability policy, which supports AYY’s daily operations. The new document directs AYY to serve plant-based food and drinks at its events. In the future, food waste will be minimised, and 30 percent of air and ship travel costs will be offset towards environmental activities.

Aalto University Student Union has an equity plan, first in AYY’s history, that was approved in the Representative Council meeting on 21.11.2024. Equity plan will guide AYY towards more accessible and inclusive ways for our students to participate in AYY’s events and operations.

A joint liability rental agreement may affect the housing allowance, as Kela typically grants only one housing allowance for a shared household, which is influenced by the income of both residents. However, residents in friends’ apartments may receive separate housing allowances if Kela reviews them as separate households. This requires tenants with a joint liability rental agreement to draft a mutual possession agreement for the apartment and submit it as an appendix with their housing allowance application to Kela. Tenants draft the possession agreement by themselves.

Aalto University Student Union and Varte Ltd have signed an agreement for a student housing construction project in Otaniemi, Espoo. The project will be implemented on Otaniemi campus area at Otakaari 15, on a plot bordering Martti Levón Park. The project includes the construction of 153 student apartments in a residential building with 4–6 floors and 3 staircases. The total floor area of the building will be 4,465 m2. The property will also include geothermal heating and a solar power system with a capacity of 30 kWp.

Mantė Žygelytė from Aalto University Student Union (AYY), Omotola Adeshina from University of the Arts Student Union (TaiYo) and Shashika Harshani from Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY) wrote an opinion piece about the 3/6 month rule that is threatening international students.

Aalto University has decided to implement meeting remunerations for student representatives in administration! The decision will take effect on 1 Jan 2025. AYY has actively advocated for rewarding student representatives and views this decision as a significant improvement.

Aalto University Student Union has a wide range of volunteers working in sections, committees and other positions of trust. Volunteer recruitment is open annually from October to January. Volunteers appointed for 2025 will be announced on this page as the decisions are confirmed. Congratulations to new volunteers and thank you to all the applicants!