The University of Helsinki Debating Society
The University of Helsinki Debating Society is a free, friendly and fun organisation for students in Helsinki. We have members from all over the world, and through our weekly debates, training sessions, debate camps and sending teams to competitions we are one of the most exciting and beneficial clubs at the University, and one of the most successful debate teams in Europe. Even if you've never debated before, come and see what all the fuss is about, and we guarantee you'll want to learn it!
This Week's Debates
Weekly Debates
We have two debates every Tuesday, where you can learn and practise debating, by watching or taking part. Challenge yourself with interesting and unorthodox topics!When: Tuesdays 18:00:00
Where: *Aurora-Room*, 4th Floor, Mannerheimintie 5b
Our Activities!
Helsinki Leads Continental Europe at World Debate Championships
Helsinki A missed out on the latter stages of the World Debate Championships by a mere few speaker points, but still finished as the top Continental European Team for the second year running. The full results can be found here.
Weekly Debates Prove Popular
Dozens of new debaters have been watching and speaking in our Tuesday debates, and already they're finding that 4 or 5 minute speeches is too little time, not too much!
3 Helsinki Teams Compete in Oxford University
The Oxford IV was great fun as ever. Our teams all held their own in the worlds second hardest tournament, but sadly none could quite break to the quarter-finals. Consolation was provided with almost infinite food and alcohol at the afterparty!
Summer Debate Camp
Our summer camp was amazing fun. We flew a World Class Debate Coach over from the UK, and practised debating in between swimming, eating, drinking and relaxing in the sauna. Great preparation for the European Championships!
Pick of the Weekly Debates
We had a lot of good debates this semester, but here's a few of the best
- THW Institutionalise Preachers who Claim to Hear Voices from God
- THW Legalise Duelling
- THW Remove All Age Barriers to Voting
- THW Prosecute Women who Smoke Whilst Pregnant
- THW Give Iran Nuclear Weapons
Next Year in Brief
- More weekly debates
- Beginners and introduction sessions
- Another in-house tournament
- Tournaments in London, Dublin, Tallinn and Bangkok
- Guest speakers and show debates
- Parties, nights in the bar, and other social stuff
Presentation Slides
Slides from the Beginners' Night introduction are now online (PDF).
