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What are overalls?
What are overalls?
Student overalls are a colourful and essential part of Finnish student culture — each colour representing a different field of study, or school. Worn proudly at student events like Vappu and Appro, they’re covered in patches that tell the story of each student’s journey. At Haaga-Helia, overalls are more than clothing, they’re a symbol of our community, traditions, and unforgettable student life.
Read more below, and learn what the overall culture is all about!
What's the point?
What's the point?
Student overalls aren’t just fun outfits — they’re a key part of Finnish student life and identity, helping you connect instantly with others in your degree and across the country. Over time, you decorate your overalls with patches and other ornaments earned from events or bought from different associations, making them a personal memory book of your student life.
Wearing your overalls becomes a rite of passage, and the longer you study, the more worn-in and personalised they become. Whether you're attending a party, participating in a Sitz, or marching in a Vappu parade, your overalls are a badge of belonging — and a key part of Finnish student culture.
That’s why every student should get a pair — it’s not just clothing, it’s your student story and a memory to take home!
How to get a pair?
How to get a pair?
At Haaga-Helia, most students wear Helga’s petrol blue overalls, a shared colour that represents unity and community across all degree programs and campuses of Haaga-Helia. They’re a great way to show school spirit and take part in student traditions.
Recently, some degree programs have introduced their own colors: orange for Hospitality Management (Pore ry) and black with yellow accents for IT students (Atkins ry). If you're in one of these fields, you can choose between the communal petrol blue or your degree-specific overalls, depending on what feels right for you.
Reach out to the relevant student association or Helga to find out how to get your pair!
Pssst! ESN might be getting their own overall colour soon too — stay tuned for more details!
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