Much of the instruction is still in the lecture form, and the relationship between the student and instructor generally can remain quite official and hierarchical. The student nations, are generally quite active, arranging dance parties and excursions, but can also be members only. The 15 nations are the hub of social life in the University and a lot of students participate in nation parties and activity groups. In earlier days, the student nations offered a communication channel for people born and grown up in the same region of Finland. Today, all nations are open to any student who is interested in their activities and clubs.
Most activities are open to all university students.
In addition to the nations there are over a hundred student clubs, ranging from department associations to hobby and sports clubs. The University was moved to Helsinki a year after the Great Fire of Turku had destroyed most of the old Academy. New buildings for the University were erected in the centre of the new capital. Several other buildings were erected in the vicinity of the Main Building in the late 19th century and in the early 20th century. These buildings are some of Helsinki's most beautiful sights.