Experience Finland through Summer School
Gain new friends and experience the best Finnish summer has to offer.
Summer school
Extracurricular programme and social events
Make the most of your summer school experience and get to know your coursemates and Finland through engaging extracurricular activities and social events organised by the Summer School team.
The extracurricular programme at Aalto University Summer School is a fantastic opportunity for course participants to build relationships with fellow students while exploring Aalto University and the Helsinki region.
Each event or programme has a set price, so students can pick and choose the events they like to attend. Please note that the social program fee is paid after you have been accepted to a course and paid the tuition fee.
Signing up for the social program
How to sign up?
You can sign up for the social program through a form similar to the tuition fee form.
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If you pay your course fee starting May 6th, you will receive the sign-up link in the tuition fee confirmation email.
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If you paid for your course earlier than May 6th, we sent you a separate email about the social program on May 6th.
What is the deadline for signing up?
We have two deadlines, one for courses that start in July and another for August courses. Your deadline can be found in the table below.
| Your course starts in July | Your course starts in August | |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | Human-Centered UX Design, Introduction to Virtual Reality, Introduction to Creativity, Nordic Product Design, Game Design July, Self-Leadership | Nordic Biomaterials, Digital Business, Data Visualisation, Sustainable Cities and Societies, Personal Growth and Renewal, Circular Economy, Game Design August, Radical Creativity |
| Deadline for social program | Monday 17th June | Monday 1st July |
Events and trips 2024
Welcome event
On the first evening of the summer school courses, the summer school team organizes a fun and interactive event that allows you to get to know your fellow students and explore the city of Helsinki. This event involves a series of challenges that are designed to help you discover some of the must-see sights and hidden gems of the city. You will be divided into teams and engage in a playful competition with each other.
After the scavenger hunt, we all come together for a relaxing picnic where we can enjoy each other’s company and share our experiences.
Price: 8€ (incl. VAT)
Dates: July 1st, July 22nd, August 8th
What is included:
- a thrilling scavenger hunt
- snacks and light beverages
Porvoo
Are you interested in visiting the second-oldest town in Finland? Join us on an evening trip to Porvoo Old Town, an enchanting and cosy place with a fascinating atmosphere. The red riverside warehouses of Old Porvoo are one of the most photographed national landscapes in Finland.
In addition to the guided tour by the official Porvoo guides, you’ll have free time to explore the city on your own.
Learn more about Porvoo (visitporvoo.fi)
Price: 30€ (incl. VAT)
Dates: July 10th, July 24th, August 8th (the bus leaves after the afternoon lectures)
What is included:
- bus transportation from the Otaniemi campus to Porvoo and back
- a city tour by an official Porvoo guide
- games on the bus and tips for enjoying your free time in Porvoo.
Please note that meals are not included. During your free time, you can, for example, enjoy the food at the local restaurants or bring your own food. This trip can be organised for a minimum of 26 students.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Explore the rich history of Finland and have a delightful picnic at the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress! Spend your evening at one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland by visiting Suomenlinna with us. This cultural treasure from the 18th century can be accessed by a short ferry trip from Central Helsinki. You will be mesmerised by the beautiful historical buildings and cobblestone streets while you peek inside the fortifications.
To add to the fun, students can enjoy a picnic and play games together with other summer school students.
Learn more about Suomenlinna (suomenlinna.fi)
Price: 24€ (incl. VAT)
Dates: July 4th, July 29th, August 12th
What is included:
- an island tour with an official Suomenlinna guide
- picnic company and games
- a ferry ticket if you do not have a valid ticket for zone A.
Please note that meals are not included. You can bring your favourite snacks for the picnic.
Nuuksio National park
Unwind in the Finnish nature after a day of studies! A bus will take us straight from campus to Nuuksio National Park, where you can enjoy the fresh forest air and gorgeous lake views. The Nuuksio area is truly the essence of Finnish nature and is known to inhabit dozens of species of animals, plants and fungi. Experience the Finnish “Everyman’s Rights” and pick some berries straight from the shrubs.
The Nuuksio trip is led by the Self-Leadership teacher Lidia, and hence we end the day with cosy well-being discussions and reflect on the effects nature has on our health.
Read more about Nuuksio National Park
Price: 60€ (incl. VAT)
Dates: July 30th, August 13th
What is included:
- bus transportation from the Otaniemi campus to Nuuksio and back
- walking tour in the forest
- cosy campfire discussions
- a lunch bag
All summer school students are welcome to join this trip. Please note that it is not a mandatory activity related to the Self-Leadership course. This trip can be organised for a minimum of 26 students and a maximum of 35 students.
Farewell event
As your summer school course is coming to an end, it's time to bid farewell to the new friends you made during the program. The farewell event is scheduled for the final Thursday of the course, and it offers you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the company of your peers one last time before you part ways. The event will be a great way to celebrate the memories you've made together and cherish the valuable experiences you've had during the course.
Price: 41€ (incl. VAT)
Dates: July 12th, August 1st, August 15th, August 22nd
What is included:
- pizza dinner with beverages
- immortalising your summer school experience
Frequently asked questions
- You will receive the payment link by email once you have confirmed your participation by paying the tuition fee.
- If your course starts in July, please sign up by Monday 17th June
- Human-Centered UX Design, Introduction to Virtual Reality, Introduction to Creativity, Nordic Product Design, Game Design July, Self-Leadership
- If your course starts in August, please sign up by Monday 1st July
- Nordic Biomaterials, Digital Business, Data Visualisation, Sustainable Cities and Societies, Personal Growth and Renewal, Circular Economy, Game Design August, Radical Creativity
Aalto University Summer School does not organize any extracurricular activities on weekends. Most of our students prefer to explore Finland or our neighboring countries independently during the break between lecture weeks. However, in the beginning of the summer we provide our students with tips on what to see and do during their free time.
No, accommodation and daily meals are not included in our fees. Each event description will state if any food is included.
- The same terms and conditions apply to both the summer school courses and the social program. The full terms will be provided before making any payments.
- You can find a summary of the cancellation terms on our website.
Undergraduate summer courses
We offer multidisciplinary academic summer courses for undergraduate students.
Graduate summer courses
We offer multidisciplinary academic summer courses for students and professionals with completed undergraduate degrees.
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