“An international community that is welcoming.” That’s how Devon Purdie, founder of FINE Ecosystem, sums us up.

FINE is a student-led network reshaping how student culture works in Finland.

We started with a simple goal: to create events where everyone feels welcome, no pressure, no exclusions. We know how hard it can be, especially for international students, to feel part of Finnish student life. We’re here to change that.

FINE creates accessible, inclusive, and genuinely fun experiences. Our goal is to offer as many free events as possible and to rotate event locations — helping more students participate and connect.

Unlike many traditional events, alcohol isn’t the focus. That shift opens the door to new people, new ideas, and a culture built on choice and creativity.

By showing what’s possible, we hope to inspire others — like student unions and organizations — to try more inclusive and creative approaches too.

Why We Started FINE

“Something was missing,” says Purdie. “Many international students told us they felt left out, especially when events were centered around drinking or student overalls covered in patches from bar crawls and pub events.”

At FINE events, you can earn patches too without drinking. During our Vappu Olympics, some participants earned up to six patches just by taking part in games and challenges.

It’s about giving everyone a chance to participate — and feel like they belong.

A Platform for Doers & Creators

FINE isn’t just about attending events — it’s about creating them across fields.

Students get real ownership over their work. You can lead projects, test your ideas, and build skills that truly matter.

Right now, our members are involved in:

● Designing custom event patches

● Running the 999 Café

● Renting out gear to other student groups

● Planning full-scale student events

Got a media or research interest? We’re also launching FINE Media, where students can become their own journalists or even write a thesis based on FINE (yes, project- or theory-based, your choice!).

We're always open to new collaborations, especially with students in entrepreneurship, design, and cultural innovation.

"We’re not afraid to try — and we’ll support you if you want to try too."

A New Kind of Vappu

Our first Vappu Olympics 2025 was one of our biggest projects yet: two weeks of games, activities, prizes, and new friendships. We wanted to bring new traditions and cultural exchange into Vappu.

Our new members were especially grateful for the new skills they picked up, the confidence boost, and all the new friends they made through FINE. The Vappu Olympics was fully planned and run by FINE’s board, organizing committee, and a dedicated team of volunteers.

What made us happiest?

Seeing students who met at one FINE event return to the next — bringing new friends along. That’s the community we’re building.

In 2026, we’re going even bigger: the Vappu Olympics will take place in both Oulu and Helsinki. Get ready, Oulu — two weeks of celebration, creativity, and connection are on the way!

What’s Next? Maybe You.

FINE is growing.

Our vision is to be known in every university in Finland — and to keep building a community based on innovation, inclusion, and student leadership.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a designer, a doer, or just someone curious to try something new — we want you to discover what you’re capable of.

Let’s build something extraordinary. Together.

- Pinja Jalkanen

Redefining Student Culture in Finland: Meet FINE Ecosystem