24 September 2025

Fresher Adventure

The greatest adventure of your fresher autumn awaits! In HYY’s Fresher Adventure, new students at the University of Helsinki complete tasks at exciting checkpoints all around downtown Helsinki. Winners will receive both glory and stunning prizes. Teams are also encouraged to invest in their costumes, as the public’s favourite costume will be handsomely rewarded!

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    • Are you ready for adventure?

      New students at the University of Helsinki get to embark on the greatest adventure of their autumn and learn about the operation of HYY, student organisations, the University and other parties that make student life easier through diverse checkpoints. The competition is team-based. Get ready to experience one of the most memorable events you will take part in during your studies!

      The next Fresher Adventure will be held on Wednesday 24 September 2025.

For adventurers

Team registration

Participation in the Fresher Adventure is team-based, and team size is 5–12 people. Teams must consist of new students of the University of Helsinki and may also include tutors. Participation in the adventure is free for everyone.

Information needed for the sign-up form for teams includes the following:

  • Team name
  • Team members’ faculty
  • Team size
  • Team language
  • Team captain and their contact details
  • Adventurers’ names

Team registration is open 2–18 September!

Team registration form

Individual registration

Would you like to join the Fresher Adventure but do not have a team of your own yet? No worries!

You can sign up for the Fresher Adventure even without a team. We will form a team consisting of people who have signed up individually if there are enough individual registrations to fill up at least one team. Do not miss out on the adventure even if you do not have your own team ready to go!

Individual registration is open 2–17 September!

Individual registration form

For checkpoint hosts

Sign up as checkpoint host!

What makes your organisation unique? Now is the time to show everyone! By hosting a checkpoint, you will get to introduce new students to your organisation’s activities in an easy, fun and memorable way.

Registration for checkpoint hosts has ended on 17 August at 11:59 pm.

Information needed for the sign-up form includes the following:

  • Contact person for the checkpoint
  • Number of potential spots for completing the task
  • Short description of the checkpoint (160 characters including spaces) for the Fresher Adventure mobile app
Sign up

Checklist for organisations planning a checkpoint

All checkpoints must fulfil certain requirements to make the Fresher Adventure as safe, fair, smoothly functioning and fun as possible:

  1. The checkpoint task does not include alcohol or forcing or humiliating the participants.
  2. Instructions for the checkpoint task can be given and the task completed in around 10 minutes.
  3. The checkpoint has at least two spots for completing the task so that two teams can complete the task at the same time.
  4. The checkpoint must be open from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
  5. The checkpoint can also be completed in English.
  6. Checkpoint hosts are able to tally the teams’ points electronically (in other words, they have an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or computer at their disposal).

Teams tour a lot of checkpoints, which means that an interesting checkpoint description and fun activities will attract visitors. You should keep the following in mind when planning your checkpoint:

  • The checkpoint provides activities and allows the entire team (5–12 people) to participate in the checkpoint task.
  • If your checkpoint features mölkky, Alias or tandem skis, try to come up with some kind of a surprise twist for it. These games are all often-used checkpoint ideas!
  • We encourage you to also invest in signs near the checkpoint and activities for the people queuing for the checkpoint!

If planning a checkpoint feels difficult, you can ask for tips from fuksiseikkailu[at]hyy.fi.

For volunteers

Become a volunteer!

Would you like to help us welcome new students to the University community while also gaining valuable experience in one of the largest student events in Finland? Become a volunteer in the Fresher Adventure!

To ensure the adventurers get to experience as successful a Fresher Adventure as possible, we are looking for volunteers to help us with the following duties:

  • Help with registration for adventurers at the start area at the Kansalaistori square
  • Support adventurers
  • Checkpoint area managers to tour the checkpoint areas
  • Help with the activities at our dazzling afterparty

Application period for volunteers is 8 August – 10 September!

Become a volunteer

What do I get for serving as a volunteer?

The volunteers will get free entry to the Fresher Adventure afterparty as well as a meal and a special Fresher Adventure overall badge.  Any volunteer who wants a volunteering certificate will also get one.

Shifts during the day last a maximum of around 5 hours, and no-one will have to work past midnight. The volunteer duties also include one orientation session that lasts a few hours.

The Fresher Adventure Afterparty

The Fresher Adventure culminates in the best party of the autumn!

The most cross-disciplinary dance floor of the autumn will ensure that the atmosphere heats up as soon as the doors open.

The distinguished winners of the Fresher Adventure will be announced and the prizes awarded on stage at 11 pm. At midnight, the fantastic ANI artist will take the stage!

You can also participate in the ‘afterparty master’ contest, with a gorgeous, unique overall badge as the prize.

Tickets to the afterparty will be sold starting on 5 September at 2:00 pm through Kide.app.

kide.app Read more

Schedule and instructions

Schedule of the Fresher Adventure

Schedule of the Fresher Adventure on 24 September 2025

  • 2.00–5.00 pm: Team registration open at the Kansalaistori square
    • 2.00–5.00 pm: Best team costume contest photo wall open at the Kansalaistori square
  • 4.00–8.00 pm: Checkpoints open all around the city
  • 10.00 pm: Afterparty at Apollo
    • 11.00 pm: Award ceremony for the winners at Apollo
    • 12.00 midnight: surprise artist takes the stage at Apollo

The costume contest ends at 3.00 pm on 25 September!

  • The app includes all checkpoints in the Adventure sorted by area, checkpoint descriptions, a map, the schedule and the rules of the Fresher Adventure.

    We recommend planning which checkpoints you intend to visit in advance, as you can use the app to mark checkpoints as favourites on each checkpoint’s own page as well as mark them as completed during the event.

    The mobile app is free, and it can be downloaded from the App Store or the Play Store under the name ‘Fuksiseikkailu’.

    1. Teams may not split up into several groups to complete checkpoints simultaneously.
    2. Teams must complete a minimum of five checkpoints.
    3. Teams have been given an obligatory starting checkpoint, which will be revealed to them at the start.
    4. Teams must complete checkpoints in a minimum of three different checkpoint areas.
    5. Some of the checkpoint areas provide teams with additional points (see below). The additional points are only awarded once for each area.
    6. We will publish one photo of each team participating in the costume contest. HYY reserves the right not to publish photos that are not in good taste, constitute marketing or contain content produced by third parties.

    Areas (bonus points in brackets):

    • Töölönlahden puisto
    • Hesperianpuisto
    • Ooppera (2)
    • Siltavuorenpenger (5)
    • Unioninkatu
    • Kaivopiha
    • Päärakennus
    • Porthania
    • Domus Gaudium (5)
    • Organisations’ own premises

  • If you encounter a problem situation during the adventure (3–9 pm), you can always call this number: (+358) 050 534 2963

    Persons in charge of event safety at the Fresher Adventure:

    • Martta Sopanen, (+358) 050 595 0327
    • Joar Jensén, (+358) 050 543 9610

    First Aid at the start area:

    • (+358) 041 751 9368

    General Security at the start area:

    • (+358) 045 160 0789

    Persons in charge of event safety at the Fresher Adventure Afterparty:

    • Sanni Nieminen, (+358) 050 355 4770
    • Juunia Honkanen, (+358) 046 9217850

  • The three teams with the highest scores will be rewarded with giftcards to UniSport!

    Captains of the winning teams will be contacted after 8 pm – please keep an eye on your phones! The winners will be awarded their prizes at the Fresher Adventure afterparty.

    We also advise you to invest in your costumes, as the best team costume will be rewarded with tickets to Kansallisteatteri (Finnish National Theatre)!

    Participate in the costume contest by having your team’s photo taken at the photo wall at the Kansalaistori square between 2 and 5 pm on the day of the event. The photos will be published on a separate website, with a link to it sent to team captains after the checkpoints close. The team to receive the most likes by 3 pm on 25 September will win the public vote.

  • The Fresher Adventure will have a mobile app in use, collecting all the information adventurers need into one place. The app features all the checkpoints and checkpoint descriptions of the Adventure by area as well as a map, the schedule and the rules of the Fresher Adventure.

    We recommend that you plan which checkpoints to visit in advance. You can also use the app to mark checkpoints as favourites on each checkpoint’s own page as well as mark them as completed during the event.  The mobile app can be downloaded from the App and Play stores under the name ‘Fuksiseikkailu’.

    The updated app will be published in September.

  • Video- and photographers will be present at the event. You can identify them by their vests.

    The photos and videos will be used in HYY’s communication and marketing. If you do not want to be seen in the photos, please inform the photographer directly and avoid posing for the camera.

    Photos from the event will be published on HYY’s Flickr account after the event. The event’s aftermovie will be published on HYY’s YouTube account and social media channels.

    If you have any questions about the photo material from the Fresher Adventure, please contact us at some[at]hyy.fi.

Event safety

How do we ensure that the adventure is as safe as possible?

We want to ensure that the Fresher Adventure is a fun, memorable event for all participants. That is why we pay attention to safety in many different ways at the event.

    • Principles of safer space

      HYY’s principles of safer space are in effect in the Fresher Adventure.

      At HYY’s events, you can participate in discussions and activities without fear of inappropriate treatment or harassment. Safe space is created in the interaction between people, and each one of us is responsible for this.

      Check out HYY’s principles of safer space

        • Treat other people in a civil, respectful manner and appreciate their work contributions.
        • When giving feedback, focus on giving constructive feedback.
        • Try to identify the assumptions you make and to take the diversity of people into account.
        • There is no room for violence, harassment, racism or discriminatory behaviour or language in HYY.
        • Respect the bodily and mental integrity of other people as well as the boundaries they have set for themselves.
        • In discussions, ensure that everyone gets heard and is able to participate.
        • Deal with delicate subjects respectfully.
        • Recognise your own privileges.
        • If you violate the principles of safer space or if someone points out that you have done so, apologise.
        • Take action against any discrimination you witness or offer your support to the people who encounter discrimination.

    • Persons in charge of event safety

      If you observe any shortcomings related to safety or encounter inappropriate behaviour at the event, you can contact the persons in charge of event safety appointed for the event.

      You can reach the persons in charge of event safety throughout the event. Any contacts with them are confidential.

      Harassment report form

      Persons in charge of event safety at the Fresher Adventure:

      • Martta Sopanen, (+358) 050 595 0327
      • Joar Jensén, (+358) 050 543 9610

      First Aid at the start area:

      • (+358) 041 751 9368

      General Security at the start area:

      • (+358) 045 160 0789

      Persons in charge of event safety at the Fresher Adventure Afterparty:

      • Sanni Nieminen, (+358) 050 355 4770
      • Juunia Honkanen, (+358) 046 9217850

    • Videos and photography

      Video- and photographers will be present at the event. You can identify them by their vests.

      The photos and videos will be used in HYY’s communication and marketing. If you do not want to be seen in the photos, please inform the photographer directly and avoid posing for the camera.

      Photos from the event will be published on HYY’s Flickr account after the event. The event’s aftermovie will be published on HYY’s YouTube account and social media channels.

      If you have any questions about the photo material from the Fresher Adventure, please contact us at some[at]hyy.fi.

Accessibility in the Fresher Adventure

    • Participating in the event

      The event requires participants to sign up separately using a Lyyti form. The event does not have an entrance fee.

      Assistants and interpreters can join the event for free. The event organiser does not provide interpretation for the event. Please inform the event organiser about a possible assistant or interpreter before the event to help us ensure as smooth participation to the event as possible.

      You can bring an assistance or guide dog to the event.

    • Principles of safer space

      At HYY’s events, you can participate in discussions and activities without fear of inappropriate treatment or harassment. Safe space is created in the interaction between people, and each one of us is responsible for this.

    • Language of the event

      The official instructions and speeches at the event are issued in Finnish, Swedish and English. The event app is trilingual. You can participate in the event in Finnish, Swedish and English, but some checkpoints might not be able to offer participation in more than two of the aforementioned official languages of the event.

      The event organiser does not provide interpretation for the event. Assistants and interpreters can join the event for free. Please inform the event organiser about a possible assistant or interpreter before the event to help us ensure as smooth participation to the event as possible.

    • Arriving at the event

      The event’s start area is located at the Kansalaistori square (at Alvar Aallon katu, 00100 Helsinki). We recommend arriving at the start area by foot, bike or public transport if possible.

      The location has good public transport connections from the Helsinki central railway station, for instance, where you can arrive by commuter train, bus, metro or tram. Read more about the accessibility of public transport on HSL’s website.

      Car access to the area is through Eero Erkon katu. The drop-off area is located near the entrance to Oodi (at Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki).

    • Physical restrictions at the event area

      The event is organised at several different outdoor areas and in several different buildings. The exact locations of the checkpoints are listed in the official app for the event. The checkpoint hosts provide an assessment of the level of accessibility at their checkpoints. If you have any questions about the accessibility of checkpoints, you can contact the event organiser.

    • Outdoor areas

      Checkpoints held outdoors are located in parks. The pathways in parks may be steep and uneven. Near the Töölönlahti bay, the pathways have asphalt surfaces. Depending on the weather, the outdoor areas may be slippery or muddy, for instance. The checkpoints are located on gravel or grass areas, which may make it difficult for wheelchair users, for instance, to participate in some checkpoints. The exact locations of the checkpoints are listed in the Fresher Adventure app.

    • Kansalaistori square (at Alvar Aallon katu, 00100 Helsinki)

      The area is accessible. The area does not have an accessible toilet, but it is possible to use the accessible toilet premises of the nearby Oodi library (at Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki).

    • Töölönlahti park

      The route passing through the park is generally even and in good condition, making it suitable for most users. The route has a gravel surface in places. Several checkpoints are located on the grass.

    • Hesperia park

      The route passing through the park is generally even and in good condition, making it suitable for most users. The route has a gravel surface in places. Several checkpoints are located on the grass.

    • Indoor premises, HYY

    • New Student House (at Mannerheimintie 5 A, 00100 Helsinki)

      The building is not fully accessible.

      • Car access to the area is through Mannerheimintie. The drop-off area is located near the entrance to staircase C of the New Student House (at Mannerheimintie 5 C, 00100 Helsinki).
      • Access to the New Student House’s student premises is through staircase 5 A. A ramp leads up to the door, but it is steep.
      • You can access the floors by using a platform lift and a lift. Doorways on the route are narrower than 900 mm in places and may also have thresholds higher than 20 mm. A separate permit is needed to use the lift. Please inform the event’s contact person of your need to use the lift in advance.
      • Floors 2, 3 and 6 include a right-handed accessible toilet. The keyholder’s permission may be needed for access.
      • An induction loop borrowed from our Services Office can be used in the building. Please let us know if you need to use the induction loop in advance by contacting the event’s contact person.

    • Myöhä (at Mannerheimintie 3–5, 00100 Helsinki)

      Accessible entrance to the building is through Kaivokäytävä and Kaivopiha. Further information on the accessibility of the premises is provided by request.

    • Indoor premises, University of Helsinki

    • Porthania (at Yliopistonkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki)

      Checkpoints hosted in the building are located in partially accessible premises. The building has a lift that is a tight fit for wheelchairs, and this may prevent participation in checkpoints hosted on the upper floors. Further information: https://tpr.hel.fi/kapaesteettomyys/app/en/summary/tpr:45047/

    • Other possible premises (organisations’ own premises)

      Further information on the accessibility of the premises is provided by request.

    • Sensory accessibility

      The start area of the event may be very noisy. There may be many people in the area, and it may be crowded, especially before the start area closes. Checkpoints in indoor areas may be crowded and noisy if the area is busy.

      The premises in the event area may have bright lights, loud noises or strong smells.

      There is no separately reserved silent room to retreat to in the event area. On the City Centre campus, you can use the University’s general prayer and meditation room in Kaisa House (at Fabianinkatu 30, 00100 Helsinki). The space is located in room 4058a on the fourth floor.

    • Further information on accessibility at the event:

      Pia Blomstén, producer, pia.blomsten@hyy.fi, (+358) 050 534 2963

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

    • Do you have a question you have not found an answer for?

      No worries! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers to them below.

  • It is possible to participate in the Fresher Adventure without having your own team. Through individual registration, individidual adventurers will be sorted into teams before the event. Please note that by signing up as an individual adventurer, you accept that your contact details can be shared with other people who sign up for the event to make it possible for the teams to function.

  • Eating and drinking your own refreshments is permitted while moving from one checkpoint to another.

    However, eating or drinking your own refreshments is not desirable while completing tasks. Checkpoint performances are completely alcohol–free. If a team violates this rule, the organisers have the right to remove the team from the event. This also applies to the checkpoint hosts.

  • The team scores are not publicly available to participants, but teams may inquire about their score during the week after the adventure by sending email to fuksiseikkailu[at]hyy.fi.

    However, the scores of the top three teams will be published to all participants after the adventure has ended, at the award ceremony. The winners will be contacted separately.

  • Fresher Adventure overall badges will be distributed to all participants of the event. The badges are inside the envelope given to you at the start area.

    If you lose your overall badge or did not get it for some reason, you can inquire about the badges from HYY’s Services Office after the event. Please note, however, that there may not be any additional badges.

  • Information on rushes is distributed in real time through the news and the ‘checkpoints’ page of the Fresher Adventure mobile app. Keep an eye on the app to avoid the queues!

    There are as many as 3,000 students participating in the event, which means that queues may form both in registration and at checkpoints. Please arrive at the registration early and be patient!

  • During the Adventure, teams tour the checkpoints of student organisations, the University and our cooperation partners all around Helsinki. The checkpoints are open from 4 to 8 pm. The descriptions and addresses of the checkpoints can be found in the Fresher Adventure mobile app along with a map of all checkpoint areas.

    At each checkpoint, the teams are awarded points for their performance. Teams should first tell their team number to the checkpoint hosts at the checkpoints. The checkpoint hosts award the points electronically, which means that teams do not have to mark down their own scores. Each checkpoint is scored on a scale from 1 to 5. Scoring is influenced by team spirit and completing the tasks as a group.

    • Do you still have questions?

      If you did not find an answer to your question, please contact the organisers of the Fresher Adventure! You can reach our entire team by email at fuksiseikkailu[at]hyy.fi.

      In urgent matters, you can contact the people in charge of organising the event. Their contact details are listed below.