The Student Union of the University of Lapland is a public organization. LYY’s work is legally regulated. The Universities Act section 46 says, that ”A student union consists of the students of a university and is self-governing. The student union liaises with and on behalf of its members and promotes their societal, social and intellectual aspirations and those relating to studies and the status of students in society. The student union also participates in the implementation of the educational mission of the university, referred to in section 2, by preparing students for an active, informed and critical citizenship.”

The work of LYY is also based on the rules of the Student Union. The rules have been accepted by the Council of Representatives and verified by the rector of the University of Lapland.

According to the law, the core of LYY’s work is to protect the interests of the students. LYY also offers free time activities such as events.