Nylands Nation

Nylands Nation (NN) is one of the 15 student nations at the University of Helsinki, Finland's oldest, Swedish-speaking and established in 1643 at The Royal Academy of Turku. In 1828, the Academy moved to Helsinki taking the name "University" and Nylands Nation moved there along with the other Nations. Since 1904 the house of Nylands Nation, a building designed by Karl Hård af Segerstad, has stood at Kasarmikatu 40.

Founding and Evolution
Nylands Nation was established in 1643 as a nation for students originating from Nyland, in Turku. The Royal Academy in Turku, pioneered the concept of dividing students based on their province, a tradition inspired by universities in Paris and Italy from the 12th century. The concept of nations was designed to create a sense of belonging and identity among students.

Initially, the nation was known for its inspector, Georgius Alanus, who supervised student conduct and acted as a liaison between the university and students. Over time, the nation became more established and began organizing diverse programs for its members, ranging from cultural evenings to large-scale events.

The House of Nations and Art Collection
The institution's physical presence was realized with the construction of its national house in 1901, designed by architect Karl Hård af Segerstad. The house showcased a "Viking hall" for gatherings and celebrations. The nation boasts an impressive art collection comprising paintings, sculptures, textiles, stained glass, and drawings. The collection also extends to the Viking mythologically inspired interior of the national house.

The institution's archive, housed at the National Library in Helsinki, contains materials spanning 170 years, offering insights into Nylands Nation's history. Unfortunately, archives from the Swedish era were lost in the Turku fire of 1827.

Legacy and Modern Era
In the wake of Finland's independence, the nation adapted once more, returning to its original name, Nylands Nation. Today, membership in a nation is not mandatory for students at the University of Helsinki, reflecting the evolving nature of student organizations and higher education.

Friendship nations
Nylands nation has close connections with a number of student nations and fraternities at several foreign universities.

Uppsala

 * Södermanlands-Nerikes nation
 * Värmlands nation
 * Västgöta nation

Lund

 * Wermlands nation

Linköping

 * Wermlands nation

Copenhagen

 * Studenterforeningen vid Kobenhavns universitet

Oslo

 * Det norske studentersamfund

Stockholm

 * Humanistiska föreningen vid Stockholms universitet

Berlin

 * VBSt Lysistrata

Marburg

 * Marburger Burschenschaft Arminia

Tartu

 * Korporatsioon Filiae Patriae
 * Korporatsioon Ugala

Curators

 * Fredrik Palmén, 2023-
 * Iris Wrede, 2020-2023
 * Anna Öhman, 2017-2020
 * Ina Scheinin, 2014-2017
 * Patrik Westerback, 2011-2014
 * Axel Nyman, 2008-2011
 * Jan D. Oker-Blom 2005-2008
 * Jonas Sundman 2002-2005
 * Charlotta af Hällström 1999-2002
 * Kati Sandelin 1996-1999