Students' Nobel Night Cap
The first SNNC, with Nobel laureates attending, was held in 1978 as an initiative by Mats Nyqvist, a then student at the Stockholm School of Economics. Ever since the first SNNC, it has been organized entirely by university students and run on a purely voluntary basis. Today the party has grown to become a fixture that many of the guests at the Nobel Banquet not only attend, but also perceive as one of the highlights of the whole Nobel Week.
A secret oasis
After an intense week in the public eye, at the party the Nobel laureates and their guests can finally relax, since no journalists are invited, and photographs are prohibited. Meanwhile, students get an opportunity to experience the celebrations, as well as the legacy of Alfred Nobel. Except for the Nobel laureates and students, the SNNC is also attended by academics, politicians and other prominent people. The same dress code as during the banquet is required for all guests – white tie. All the guests get to experience unlimited entertainment, and also a generous open bar and free food.
The whole event is characterized by a secret theme, which is only revealed when the guests enter the venue. Previous themes include “Stages of the world” (2018), “The Human Body” (2019), and “Swedish Traditions” (2004). To every theme, there are always sub themes in the different rooms in the venue, making the SNNC a unique experience. The venue varies depending on what university’s student association arranges the event; SASSE (Stockholm School of Economics), THS (KTH), SUS (Stockholm University) or Medicinska Föreningen (Karolinska Institute).
Hundreds of students volunteer
The 2022 Students’ Nobel NightCap is arranged by SASSE at SSE, and currently consists of 350 students divided over eight different teams. The project is run by two Generals, followed by eight other Committee members, 31 Project Group members, 92 Room and Process Managers, and lastly 217 Nighties. The Nighties serve as the muscles of SNNC and help build the party during Construction Week, work during the Big Night and then facilitate the deconstruction.