International Summer Weekend

The indoor sleeping arrangements at Koivuniemi, which accommodate approximately 40 people, will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Most of the arrangements consist of bunk beds, with some single beds, some cots, and some mattresses. The sleeping arrangements are located in the upper floor of the house in rooms sleeping 3–7 people, and it is also possible to sleep on the balcony. Guests will need to bring their own bed linen or a sleeping bag; mattresses, pillows, and duvets are provided.

You can also come with your own equipment – there’s plenty of space for camping in the grounds. Koivuniemi has two three-person tents available, as well as some shared sleeping bags and sleeping mats.

For those travelling independently by public transport:

• If travelling from Helsinki Central Station, the easiest route is to take a VR commuter train to Riihimäki (R, D or T services) and then continue on the G train to Oitti. The journey takes just over an hour, and a one-way ticket costs a fixed €13.30. InterCity trains from Helsinki to Riihimäki are also a suitable option if they offer a lower fare (ticket prices are dynamically priced).
• If travelling from Helsinki Airport, first take the P train to Tikkurila, then continue on the same VR services towards Riihimäki and Oitti as described above. Tickets for the entire journey can be purchased directly from VR, and the commuter train tickets cost a fixed €12.90. Please note that some commuter train connections operate via Lahti on the Z train; these cost the same but take longer.

The easiest way to check train timetables and purchase tickets is through the VR Matkalla app.

From the Oitti railway station, Koivuniemi is approximately 2.5 kilometres away, a walk of around 30–40 minutes. Please note that the final kilometre of the journey is along an unpaved gravel road, which is not well-suited to wheeled suitcases.

Near Oitti station, there is a medium-sized S-market, Finland’s smallest Alko, and a pharmacy.

Koivuniemi is the summer place of Hämäläis-Osakunta and serves as the venue for the nation’s activities during the summer months, from June to August. Each summer month, the property is managed and maintained by a member of Hämäläis-Osakunta employed as the kesäisäntä (Summer Host) by the Häme Students Foundation.

Koivuniemi does not have indoor toilets or showers, but nearly everything else is available:

• Electricity, lights, and power outlets in every room
• Running potable water and hot water
• A fully equipped domestic kitchen with a cooker, refrigerator, and tableware
• A covered grill hut
• Wireless internet access (mobile reception in Oitti is also good)
• A washing machine and tumble dryer
• A television, board games, playing cards, and books
• Toiletries
• A basic medical cabinet, first-aid supplies, and sanitary products
• Shared slippers

There are four outhouses on the property. Bathing is possible in the sauna, where hot water can be obtained from a wood-fired water boiler or by carrying it from the main building.

We will provide at least the meals served during the sitsit on Friday, as well as breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Additional groceries can be bought in the S-market in Oitti – no need to drag them all the way from Helsinki (or further)!

Please note that freezer capacity is limited, so we recommend food that keeps well in a cool place or at room temperature.

You also don’t need to worry about bringing our own drinks, as the Summer Host will have a wide selection of chilled beverages available for purchase on site at student-friendly prices!