The law does not require Universities of Applied Sciences to have student organizations. Currently there are 9 student organizations at Haaga-Helia. All of them have their own aim and a reason to be. The nine organizations do not work under the student union Helga, but they do collaborate. Helga is the only one getting funding from Haaga-Helia. Students work for the associations on a voluntary base.

I started as a student activist 18 months ago. Currently, I am the chairperson of HePo ry (Porvoo Campus Student Association). I have learned a lot during that time, and started collaboration between student organizations in different campuses and StartUp School. Below, I wish to share the top three benefits of the collaboration:

1. Useful knowledge
   Students in student associations want to develop the studying environment and the quality of education. They know a lot about studying in general, studying at Haaga-Helia and the various campuses and thus, have good thoughts and development ideas.
2. Networking
   Student activist know and meet people. They know each other and their fellow students. They also collaborate with companies. They are active users of social media, actively connect and build networks.
3. Student events
   Student events are usually more relaxed and people attend out of free will. Even though the topic is important and guest speakers are present, as is the case at after work events, the ambiance is always casual and welcoming. Good connections often start here.

Student activists know the everyday life of the students and they have a lot of working life skills and networks. They can assist you in reaching the students, connecting with them and help you on with new ideas and development paths.