Aalto University Winter School
Join the Aalto University Winter School in January 2025. The application period is open from 1 October to 15 November 2024.
Winter School social programme and events
Discover the amazing people in your class and uncover the wonders of Finland with exciting extracurricular activities and social events arranged by the Winter School team!
Social program briefly
The extracurricular program at Aalto University Winter School offers participants an incredible opportunity to build meaningful connections with their peers while immersing themselves in the vibrant community of Aalto University and the Helsinki region.
You can choose between the standard package or elevate your experience with the enriching Nuuksio National Park trip. We can't wait to welcome you to this unforgettable experience!
How to sign up?
- You can register for the social program through a portal similar to the tuition fee portal.
- Once you have paid the course tuition fee, you will receive the link to the social program portal.
What is the deadline for signing up?
The deadline to purchase the social program standard package and/or Nuuksio trip ticket will be 3 December 2024.
Winter Experience Package
The Winter Experience Package includes the Welcome event, Ice Skating, Winter Garden visit, Ateneum Museum visit and Farewell event.
The pricing will be updated by 9 October.
Nuuksio Nature Experience
The Nuuksio Nature Experience is a separate event from the winter experience package.
The pricing will be updated by 9 October.
Events and trips for Winter School 2025
| WEEK 1 | Monday 13 January | Tuesday 14 January | Wednesday 15 January | Thursday 16 January | Friday 17 January |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (9-12) | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions |
| Afternoon & evening | Welcome event | Ice skating | Winter Garden |
| WEEK 2 | Monday 20 January | Tuesday 21 January | Wednesday 22 January | Thursday 23 January | Friday 24 January |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (9-12) | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions | Course sessions |
| Afternoon & evening | Nuuksio Nature Experience | Museum visit | Farewell event |
Welcome event
On the first day of Winter School, we organize a relaxed welcome event where you will have the chance to get to know fellow winter school course participants while enjoying some drinks and snacks in an inspiring environment. During the event, you will have the time to network with your peers as well as approach the Winter School staff with any questions you might have.
Date: Monday 13 January
What is included: More information coming soon
Ice Skating
Finnish winter is nothing without winter sports. Let your inner child take charge and enjoy a fun and icey afternoon with your new friends at the skating rink. The Tapiola Ice Garden's ice skating area is located only one metro stop from Aalto University campus and comprises a 1,700-square-metre ice rink and a 330-metre-long skating track circling the central pool. Skates (both figure skates as well as hockey skates) can be rented from the nearby café. We can guarantee laughing and a fun hour of exercise – even if you fall a few times!
Note: In case of bad weather on the day of skating, this event might swap dates with the Winter Garden event (Thursday 16 January). If the weather is bad on the alternative day too, we host an indoor bowling event. Aalto University Winter School is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur during participation in the event.
Date: Tuesday 14 January
What is included:
- Rental of ice skates
- Hot chocolate or other hot beverage
Winter Garden
Are you ready to explore one of the most beautiful and unique buildings in Helsinki? The Winter Garden, founded in 1893, has been a recreational meeting place for the residents of Helsinki for over a century. This historic house of plants features more than 200 different plants that flourish in three rooms: the Cactus Room, the Palm Room and the Western Wing. In addition to the plants, the splashing barbels in the pools are quite a sight, too. After strolling around the Winter Garden, we will divide you into teams and engage in a playful scavenger hunt.
Date: Thursday 16 January
What is included:
- A thrilling scavenger hunt
- A light snack
Nuuksio Nature Experience
Elevate your stay with an additional trip to Nuuksio National Park. A separate fee applies for this event.
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, even more special and unique in the winter with a break by the campfire and a visit to the reindeer park on the agenda.
Date: Tuesday 21 January
What is included:
- Private bus transportation
- Lunch buffet at the Haltia Nature Centre, including delicious traditional Finnish main course options, a salad buffet, coffee/tea and dessert
- A short walk in the forest
- A visit to the Reindeer Park
- Coffee/tea and pastry by the campfire
Museum visit
The Ateneum Art Museum offers access to Finland’s oldest and largest collection of art including masterpieces by Finnish artists like Albert Edelfelt, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Helene Schjerfbeck, Hugo Simberg, and international artists like Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh. The Neo-Renaissance building from 1887 is an experience itself with its sculptural decorations and visually intriguing main facade.
Date: Wednesday 22 January
What is included:
- Entrance fee
- Museum tour guide
Farewell event
As your winter 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 Friday 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.
You will have the opportunity to take fun polaroid photos with your friends and keep them as a memory, as well as get your creative spirit going by crafting some bracelets!
Date: Friday 24 January
What is included:
- Non-alcoholic sparkling wine from Finland
- Cakes
- Polaroid photos and bracelet workshop
Frequently asked questions
- You will receive the payment link by email once you have confirmed your participation by paying the tuition fee.
Aalto University Winter School does not organise any extracurricular activities on weekends.
Most of our students prefer to explore Finland or our neighbouring countries independently during the break between lecture weeks. However, before the arrival, we give our students 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.
Summer School team
If you have any questions about Winter School 2025, please contact the Summer School team. We're here to help!
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