The war in Ukraine

AYY is worried about recent events in Ukraine and strongly condemns Russia’s military operations.

If you feel worried or scared, please keep in mind that there is confidential support available:

• MIELI Mental Health Finland’s Crisis Helpline https://mieli.fi/tukea-ja-apua/kriisipuhelin/
• Starting Point of Wellbeing services are available for all students without booking an appointment in advance
• Crisis centres around Finland offer support face-to-face or remotely
• Sekasin chat for young people and Solmussa chat for adults
• Nyyti’s chat
• Aalto’s support email through which Aalto University collects information on worries and problems: [email protected]

We remind you that discrimination, harassment or hate speech are not acceptable. If you face inappropriate conduct, please contact AYY’s harassment contact person at hairinta(a)ayy.fi. You can also report any form of harassment anonymously via a form.

AYY supports Aalto University’s strivings to offer study places to Ukrainian students arriving in Finland as refugees. We also support Aalto’s other measures.

AYY supports the introduction of Students at Risk scholarship system in Finland, which is promoted by the National Union of University Students in Finland SYL (text in Finnish). The idea is to enable students fleeing conflict areas to continue their studies in Finland without causing any costs for the student.

We have advised, and will continue to advise, Ukrainian students at Aalto University and everyone else affected by the crisis. In March, we will organise Community Dialogue event regarding the situation in Ukraine. We will also clarify how many recently graduated Aalto alumni are in a situation where their residence permit may soon expire or is about to expire. We have participated in demonstrations and encouraged our members to join.

If you can and want to help the victims of the war in Ukraine, the best way is to donate money through reliable organisations. SYL has compiled a list of good ways to donate and other ways for ordinary students to help.