Aalto Day One 2026 – Aalto University Opening of the Academic Year
When
Where
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Programme
We begin with the opening ceremony and the presentation of the Aalto Awards in the U2 Hall of the Undergraduate Centre, after which we will proceed to a reception at Marsio.
The festive day culminates in the legendary Aalto Party. Come and see who wins the challenge competition this year – the AYY board or the university leadership!
Registration opens on Tuesday, 18th August 2026. Seating in the hall is limited – please register in advance!
You can also follow the live broadcast on the Saastamoinen Foundation Stage at Marsio, Otakaari 2. If you follow the event at Marsio or online, no registration is required.
Join us in opening Aalto University's new academic year 2026–2027! The opening ceremony launches our academic year by showcasing Aalto expertise and future innovators. After the ceremony, we celebrate the Aalto Award recipients proposed by our community. At the end of the event, we will proceed to a reception at Marsio.
Seating in the U2 hall is limited, so please remember to register for the event. You can find the registration link in the event details. Registration opens on 18 August 2026.
You can also follow the online broadcast on the Saastamoinen Foundation Stage at Marsio or from home or office through the webcast link in the event details. No registration is needed if participating online.
Proceed directly from the ceremony to the reception at Marsio and raise a toast to the Aalto community! The reception will be held on the Saastamoinen Foundation Stage. No separate registration is needed.
Explore the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition at Marsio.
Welcome to wrap up the action-packed day with the traditional Aalto Party in Alvar Aalto park! The festival-like event offers you the chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones while enjoying the music and party atmosphere with all Aaltonians. Don’t miss the first party of the academic year, starting at 15:30.
The challenge between AYY board and PMT
The traditional challenge between AYY’s board and Aalto University’s management team is coming up again. You don’t want to miss this exciting and thrilling battle, which reaches its pinnacle with the traditional tug-of-war.
Memorable checkpoints
Aalto Party provides you with a great opportunity to learn more about the many student organisations here at Aalto. Discover a wide variety of organisations that range from study programme associations to sports clubs, guilds, sustainability collectives, and everything in between! They are always looking for more members, and this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded students.
Digital scorecard
A digital scorecard will be available this year as well. You can use it to find the map of the area and different activities and checkpoints. Complete the tasks of the scorecard to win exciting prizes!
We want every member of our community to feel welcome and safe. In the event, we adhere to Aalto University’s :
• Respect and be kind to others
• Give space and learn new perspectives
• Have courage to intervene and maintain wellbeing
Academic events and traditions
Academic events cover the entire academic year from Aalto Day One all the way to the Ceremony Week with ceremonial conferments. Tenured professors' Installation Talks and public defences spread...