Friendship Programme: Inspiration and tips for meeting up
Activity & meeting tips for those participating in the Aalto Alumni & Student Friendship Programme.
Aalto Alumni & Student Friendship Programme
Moving to a new country to study is an incredible adventure, but finding footing in Finnish society can take time. The Aalto Alumni & Student Friendship Programme pairs international students with local alumni to spark informal friendships, smooth out culture shock, and build a bridge to everyday life in Finland.
For students, it's a chance to feel at home in Finland. For alumni, it's a rewarding way to give back, expand your global perspective, and stay connected to the active Aalto community.
For students, it's a chance to feel at home in Finland. For alumni, it's a rewarding way to give back, expand your global perspective, and stay connected to the active Aalto community.
Who is the programme for?
Students: Any international student currently enrolled at Aalto University who wants a local connection.
Alumni: All alumni in the capital city region who wish to connect with international students. You don't need to be native Finnish speaker—you just need a desire to share your everyday experiences, help a student dive into "Finnishness" (suomalaisuus), and guide them as they discover the local culture, seasons, and lifestyle.
What is the programme timeline?
- Late August - September: Registration opens
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October: Alumni and international students are matched
We match pairs based on shared interests or backgrounds whenever possible. Because this is a small pilot programme, we can’t guarantee a perfect checklist match for everyone, but we believe that a shared curiosity is the best starting point. Sometimes a completely different background makes for the most interesting conversations over coffee!
- October 27, 2026: First Hello networking event to kick off the programme
- October – May: Matched friends meet during the academic year once or more often.
What to expect?
The programme is casual, leaving you free to design your own journey. We recommend aiming for 2–4 meetups during the academic year to get to know each other, but a one-off coffee/dinner is just as welcome. Together, you might grab a coffee on campus, visit a local museum, or look at everyday Finnish quirks through a fresh pair of eyes. You can discuss together what works best for both of you.
Below we have listed some ideas and tips for meeting up. This programme is built on mutual enthusiasm and we wish both the alum and the student to take an active role, show initiative in reaching out, and commit to making time for each other.
Please note that this programme is NOT meant for career mentoring or settling in services. For career mentoring, please see the Aalto International Talent Program and the Aalto Mentoring Program. For settling in services, please see the International Student Guide.
Ready to build a new connection? Join the programme now!
The First Hello Event on October 27 at 17:00 – 18:30 for all programme participants
While the event is not mandatory, it offers a great opportunity to network with your friend and other programme participants. In addition, we will share more information about the programme and answer any possible questions you might have. There are also some snacks available! The event is organised at Aalto Campus in Otaniemi. We hope to see many of you there!
Principles of Aalto Alumni & Student Friendship Programme
Information on principles that guide the Aalto Alumni & Student Friendship Programme.