The aim of Student Benefit Week is to promote students’ everyday wellbeing and strengthen their connection to the local community.

– We see students as a valuable asset to Vaasa and want to offer them the opportunity to try cultural and sports activities either free of charge or at a discounted campaign price. A taster session during the benefit week could lead to a regular hobby. At the students’ request, the event will take place in November this year, says Christina Knookala, Director of Education.

Exercise to energise your studies

As in previous years, students can visit the swimming hall, the adjacent gym and the city’s group exercise classes free of charge throughout the benefit week. The group exercise classes offer a wide range of activities, including kettlebell training and Pilates.

New this year, Vaasa Region Arenas is offering a free trial session at the running school. Send your advance registration for the running school trial session to: emilia.perttu(a)vaasanseudunareenat.fi

Literature festival taking place the same week

During Student Benefit Week, the Vaasa City Library invites students to explore the services of the Main Library. At the Main Library’s information desk, students can obtain a library card and collect badges for their student overalls. The Main Library is also organising guided library tours, and student tutors are encouraged to book a slot for their group. Bookings by email: merja.kunnari(a)vaasa.fi, eeva.keski-saari(a)vaasa.fi (for English-speaking groups). Coinciding with the Vaasa <3 Students week is the LittFest literature festival, which offers a varied programme with both paid and free events.

Laura Malmivaara Meets Students at the University of Vaasa

To mark the Student Benefit Week, actress Laura Malmivaara will meet students and perform together with vibraphonist Arttu Takalo in a free event offered by the Vaasa City Orchestra on Thursday, 13 November at 3 p.m. at the Mathilda Restaurant, University of Vaasa.

During the event, Laura will chat with students and share excerpts from her autofictional novel Iltatähti (Evening Star), where she reflects on life and its choices with honesty and sharp insight.

Known for her strong stage and screen presence, Malmivaara creates a unique atmosphere together with composer and vibraphonist Arttu Takalo, where music and words intertwine seamlessly. The event is open not only to students but to everyone interested.

You can also catch Laura and Arttu performing with the Vaasa City Orchestra on Friday, 14 November at the City Hall. Tickets netticket.fi

Free entry to two museums

Between 12 and 15 November 2025, Vaasa Museums are offering free entry to the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art and the Tikanoja Art Museum with a valid student card. Students will also receive a free badge for their overalls during their museum visit. At the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art, the exhibition Jan Olof Mallander – Extended Play is currently on display, while the Tikanoja Art Museum is hosting the group exhibition I Am Not Afraid.

Vaasa City Theatre: in the audience and behind the scenes

Student benefits at the City Theatre, excluding the behind the scenes tour, are available throughout the entire season.

• Ongoing Happy Hour offer for students: tickets to the theatre’s own productions for €10, available one hour before the performance at the theatre’s box office.
• Student price for the Romeo stage: €25  (Edith musical play, Ikuisesti nuori / Forever young musical comedy)
• Student price for the Julia stage: €15 (Tarpeettomia ihmisiä / Unnecessary People)
• Behind the scenes tour Wed 12 Nov at 17, tickets €5/person