THE MAKING OF TUNNE
aBOUT TUNNE
Student Estonia, a non-profit organisation, organises the Estonian Student Awards gala each year, recognising students’ achievements and contributions to student life in Estonia. The event inspires and encourages other young people to get involved in student life.
TUNNE, however, is not just a single gala evening — it is a months-long journey where students across Estonia come together to create something meaningful.
TUNNE is from students to students — student life, recognition, and honour.
Forming the team
The TUNNE organisational process begins in autumn with assembling the new season’s team. Students and recent graduates from all higher education institutions in Estonia are welcome to apply. We hold interviews with applicants to get to know each other and introduce the project.
By the end of this stage, TUNNE has its programme, nominations, finance, marketing and communications, and ADMINISTRATIVE teams in place, along with the project manager, assistants, and head of hr.
Project preparation
In the second half of autumn and during winter, the team fully immerses itself in the project and preparations for the new season begin. We review the statutes and categories, prepare the nomination process, engage partners and members of the evaluation committee, and set the marketing and communications plan.
By the end of this stage, the updated statutes and categories are finalised, and category partners are in place. TUNNE is supported by both higher education institutions and companies. The date and venue of the gala are confirmed.
Nominations
At the beginning of the spring semester, the TUNNE nomination period begins and lasts for about one month. During this time, everyone can put forward students and their achievements from the previous calendar year across 10 different categories.
By the end of this stage, the TUNNE nominations team has reviewed all applications for compliance with the statutes and prepared them for evaluation.
Evaluation
The evaluation of nominees takes place in two stages. The preliminary committee, made up of student representatives from Estonian higher education institutions, ensures that the student voice is heard by selecting the top five candidates in each category. The laureates are then chosen by the main committee, consisting of experts in education and youth work, as well as other professionals in their fields.
By the end of this stage, the TUNNE laureates are determined.
Gala preparation
In parallel with the nomination and evaluation process, preparations for the gala begin. We shape the programme, select performers, and plan the technical setup. Invitations are sent out, ticketing is opened, and all remaining details — big and small — are carefully thought through to ensure a smooth and memorable event.
By the end of this stage, the entire team is ready for the gala!
Awards gala
The TUNNE project culminates at the end of May with a formal awards gala, where we announce the laureates and recognise students’ contributions to advancing student life. The gala brings together students, higher education institutions, and TUNNE partners from across Estonia, creating a shared moment of celebration.
By the end of this stage, the venue is filled with pride, gratitude, and joy.
Marketing and communication
Throughout the project, we stay in close contact with higher education institutions, organisations, and partners, while also engaging new supporters. One of TUNNE’s goals is to increasingly highlight students’ voluntary activities and their contributions to student life and society.
By the end of this stage, TUNNE and students’ achievements are widely recognised by higher education institutions, partners, and the public.
Feedback and improvement
Throughout the project, we gather feedback from the team, higher education institutions, partners, and, after the gala, from guests to improve the next season. This is how we made the nomination process and gala bilingual, met student unions face to face, and built a website for TUNNE.
By the end of this stage, we have a clear plan for the next team on how to make TUNNE even better!
LIITU MEIE TIIMIGA
KANDIDEERI TUNNE TIIMI ning tunnustame ja toetame koos
noorte saavutusi Eestis