By now, you might have already heard some rumours about this traditional Finnish student event called sitsit. To ease you into this wonderful experience, ESN Lapland has gathered some tips for your first ever sitsit!

Sitsit information part I: What is sitsit?

Sitsit (officially known as academic table party) is one of the corner stones of Finnish student culture. The roots lead to Sweden and the influence is still very much visible when it comes to songs, phrases or practices you come across during sitsit. But if we were to give you one piece of advice, it would be this: get ready to sing!

For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sittning

Sitsit information part II: Dress code

The theme of the sitsit is almost always different and it is highly encouraged to dress up according to the theme of the sitsit. Sometimes, there might be even a competition for it for the best costume! But the student overalls are also an acceptable option to dress in, since sitsit is a student event after all.

Sitsit information part III: Arriving to sitsit

It is incredibly important to be on time when arriving to sitsit! Those who arrive late, will be punished.

Sitsit information part IV: Punishments

Punishments are part of sitsit, but you should know they are meant to be silly and fun, instead of truly humiliating, and you are usually doing the punishmment in a group or at least with someone else. The use of phones and recording the punisments is forbidden, so if you notice someone doing it, please let the toastmasters know.

Sitsit information part V: Phones

Using phones during sitsit is forbidden, unless given the permission (for example to look up song lyrics). Recording of the sitsit is also not allowed. However, you are allowed to use your phone during the breaks. Please respect this, so we can make sure everyone is having a good time at the sitsit! In case you have a very good reason (such as a medical condition that requires monitoring) for needing to check your phone during the sitsit, please let the toastmasters know about it before the sitsit starts.

Sitsit information part VI: Food and drinks

The food at sitsit is usually just a side quest, closer to snacks really. That is why we highly recommend you to eat before arriving to sitsit. 

Sometimes drinks might be included to your sitsit ticket price, but it's recommended to bring some of your own drinks as well as the pace of the drinking might surprise the sitsit virgins. 

Sitsit information part VII: Tickets and ESNcard

ESN Lapland usually sells two types of tickets to sitsit: one for the ESN members, one for non-members. In case you buy the ticket meant for the ESN members, be prepared to present your valid ESNcard when you show your ticket.

Sitsit information part VIII: Harassment and harassment contact personnel

ESN Lapland does not tolerate any type of harassment, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour in our events. In case you experience this type of behaviour in our events, you can contact our harassment contact personnel about it. The contact information can be found from our Instagram page and the situation will be dealt with full confidentiality and with the terms of the person who contacts the harassment contact personnel.