I still remember how I lived my freshman year filled with endless energy, enthusiasm, and excitement for everything new. The crown jewel of that year was the Biggest Wappu in Finland, which I, as an energy-filled and blissful freshman, celebrated with all my heart. I’m no longer a freshman or even a bachelor’s student. I’m no longer overflowing with endless energy or excitement for everything new because over the years, those exciting things have become part of everyday life. Yet one thing still gives me the exact same feeling as it did back when I was a little freshman. I wait impatiently, start filling up my calendar for April, and I get so excited I can barely sleep. You can blame or thank the Biggest Wappu in Finland for all of it.
On Monday, April 14th, the Biggest Wappu in Finland kicked off once again, and students in Tampere get to enjoy more than 120 events over the next couple of weeks. Etunurtsi in Hervanta fills with cheerful, energetic students, student culture becomes a visible and audible part of the Tampere cityscape, and the Wappu team stamps event passes with feathers flying. For many, Wappu is the highlight of the academic year, and I definitely count myself among them. Over the coming weeks, Wappu and student culture will be seen and heard just the way they should be — and, more importantly, the way they must be.
To me personally, the Biggest Wappu in Finland is, above all, a celebration of interdisciplinarity, community, and Tampere’s student culture. We have something truly unique here in Tampere — an incredible, diverse, and rich student culture with deep roots and long-standing traditions. Student culture is constantly evolving, and so is the Biggest Wappu in Finland right along with it. It grows every year and reaches more and more students in Tampere, regardless of their field of study. The events are more varied than ever, with something for everyone. During Wappu, the boundaries between study disciplines blur, and the spotlight is on the students — no matter their background. The joy and energy that come from this interdisciplinarity and sense of community are almost tangible — and that’s what I love most about the Biggest Wappu in Finland.
The best part of the Biggest Wappu in Finland is how lively it is. It means something different to everyone and looks exactly the way you want to make it. You can celebrate Wappu every day for over two weeks, drop by events when it suits you, or just attend your absolute favorites. You can go to events alone or with friends, stay for a while or spend the entire evening there, collect stamps for your Emäteemu badge or not — it’s all up to you. Pick the events that suit you best from the Wappu calendar and dive in to enjoy and soak up the vibes. Among the over 120 events, there are everything from parties to badge markets, sauna nights, crossword sessions, and even pet-petting events. I highly recommend — and strongly encourage — checking out some completely new events too. You might discover new personal favorites, or even make new friends — just like I did.
As a former member of the Wappu team and, most importantly, an unabashed lover of the Biggest Wappu in Finland, I encourage all 19,000 university students in Tampere to take part in Wappu in their way. Make it yours and enjoy it just the way you want to. That’s the essence of the Biggest Wappu in Finland: it truly is Wappu for everyone. It belongs to you, to me, and especially to all of us students. Enjoy it, live it, do it, go for it, be open-minded — I promise you won’t regret a single moment.
Wishing you the most amazing, sunny, warm, refreshing, joyful, happy, experience-filled, connection-rich, and love-filled Wappu! <3
Top 5 Tips for Wappu:
- Step out of your comfort zone and try new events — with over 120 to choose from, you’re sure to find something perfect for you!
- The Wappu calendar is your best friend for planning life in April.
- Don’t stress too much about “doing Wappu right” — it’s all about enjoying yourself!
- Remember to sleep and rest too — life is way more fun when you take time for yourself.