The Student Union of Häme University of Applied Sciences escapes the city bustle two to three times a year. According to the union’s Executive Director Aleksi Kurvi, for the past five to six years, the destination for these “evacuation trips” has been the villas of Peace and Privacy.
“These evacuation-style trips are a mix of work and recreation. The so-called summer evacuation takes place at the turn of May and June, and in the fall we head out again to onboard newly elected members of the student union organization,” Kurvi explains.
The student union is a legally mandated advocacy and service organization for students. At Häme University of Applied Sciences, the union is operated by four salaried employees and a group of annually rotating elected representatives. According to Kurvi, these trips offer participants not only a chance to meet and work without outside distractions, but also to get to know each other and relax.
“Of course, there are meeting rooms available at the school and in the city, but in those places there’s a bigger temptation to sneak off and do your own thing during scheduled programs. Naturally, the hot tubs and saunas at the villas are also a major draw for participants,” Kurvi adds.
Peace and Privacy villas have been chosen primarily for their great location and ample capacity. The student union prefers not to travel too far from Hämeenlinna, and some events require significant accommodation capacity and spaces suited for both standard meetings and small-group work. In spring and early autumn, the union uses Tavastia Privacy and Evo Wilderness Villa, while in winter they turn to the more spacious Evo Grand Villa, which even features two kitchens.
“Two kitchens also mean two dishwashers, which is crucial when you’re housing a large group — dishes pile up fast,” Kurvi laughs.
Guests can opt to have catering and activity services provided, but the student union has so far handled all meals and programs independently.
“The villas are well-equipped with kitchen gear for large groups. We also have a ready-made kit of cooking-related supplies that’s easy to transport. On the activity side, we’ve organized all kinds of things — including our very own cottage Olympics,” Kurvi says.