Community is one of UniSport’s core values. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can be active in their own way, feel welcome, and interact with others safely, regardless of their background, language, academic department or level.  

As an organization owned by the universities, UniSport is part of the same community it serves. Therefore, the goal is not only to provide sports and wellness services but also to support the well-being of the university community more broadly and to create spaces where people can connect with one another. 

An international community moves together

Universities are international environments, and this is also reflected in UniSport. Both our clients and staff come from many different countries and cultures. 

The international community is built, among other things, by offering group exercise classes in English and Swedish and by organizing seasonal theme days, such as Language Days events. At these events, instructors lead classes in the languages they know, and anyone can participate regardless of whether they speak the language in question. The goal is not perfect language proficiency, but rather meeting new people and gaining new experiences. 

Multilingualism is also taken into account in UniSport’s Sustainability and Responsibility Plan. The goal is to provide services equally in Finnish, English, and, to an ever-increasing extent, also in Swedish. 

Customers involved in development

A community is also created when people have the opportunity to influence their own environment. Customer feedback plays an important role in the development of UniSport’s services, facilities, and operating practices. Feedback is actively monitored throughout the year, and we strive to address recurring themes with concrete development measures whenever possible. 

In recent years, customer wishes have been reflected, for example, in the development of gender-neutral and accessible locker room solutions. For example, taking this into account has been one of the key principles in the design of the new Viikki Sports Center. 

Exercise can be a way to make new friends

Many students move to a new city to pursue their studies, and for international students, building a network in a new country can be over whelming. At the same time, the increasing prevalence of distance learning has reduced the number of spontaneous encounters on campus. To address this need, UniSport has established the UniSport Buddy group. In the group, you can find companions for activities such as going to the gym, playing badminton, or going for a walk. Participation does not require a UniSport membership—the most important thing is to lower the barrier to getting active and to make new friends through exercise, even outside of fitness centers. 

Your own exercise groups are also part of the community

A sense of community isn’t created solely through activities organized by UniSport. We want to encourage university students to form their own exercise groups and discover new ways to be active together. Whenever possible, UniSport has supported various community events, such as sports-promoting campaigns and activities organized by student organizations and student unions.

In addition, in November, UniSport will launch the HeiaHeia app, which encourages the university community to be active together through lighthearted challenges. Work groups, study groups, and student associations can participate in the campaigns or create their own challenges. The goal is not to compete, but to offer new ways to increase daily physical activity and strengthen a sense of community through exercise. 

A Space for Recovery and Connection

The Neurosonic Cubes available to customers at the Kluuvi and Kumpula sports centers offer an opportunity for relaxation and recovery, while also adding informal gathering spaces to the facilities. Such environments foster a sense of community in a different way. 

A sense of community is also part of the staff’s daily life

Building a sense of community isn’t just about customers. UniSport’s sustainability and responsibility plan also emphasizes staff well-being, equality, and the opportunity to participate in the development of operations. At UniSport, operations are often developed through a participatory approach that flows from staff to management, strengthening employees’ ability to influence decisions, their commitment, and a sense of community. Staff have been actively involved in drafting, among other things, the equality and non-discrimination plan as well as the principles for a safer environment. The goal is to build a community where both customers and employees can have a say, be heard, and feel like they belong. 

Shared well-being stems from small interactions

In UniSport’s sustainability and responsibility plan, a sense of community has been identified as one of the values guiding our operations. In practice, this means actions that make participation easier, promote equality, and create opportunities to connect with others. 

Sometimes a sense of community can mean a new workout partner, sometimes a familiar face in a group exercise class, or the feeling of belonging. In the university community, these small encounters can be a surprisingly significant part of well-being.