Stockholm University: I Hope This Semester Never Ends!

Today marks exactly two months since I last set foot in Australia – and what an amazing few months it has been!

I am currently on a semester long exchange at Stockholm University in Sweden, and have loved absolutely every second of it so far.

When I first arrived in Stockholm, it was immediately clear – going on exchange was the best decision I have ever made. It took no time at all before I had settled into daily life in Stockholm. This was of course aided by Stockholm University’s amazing orientation program.

During the orientation week and in my classes; I have been able to meet so many new people. Within such a short period of time I have made so many great friends who I know I will keep in touch with for many more years to come.

The University itself is extremely student friendly, with many student activities regularly planned by the Stockholm University Student Union. The classes I am studying are also really interesting, and really flexible. Not only do I enjoy class, but I really enjoy listening to perspectives from other students who come from all over the world.

What is most interesting about studying at Stockholm University is that subjects are not taught concurrently. The academic semester is broken up into two ‘periods’ and you only study one subject at a time. For the first 10 weeks of the semester I have been studying ‘Legal Systems and Methods’ and during the remaining 10 weeks of the semester I will be studying ‘Swedish Law in Context’. I have found this style of teaching to be really effective because you are completely focused on learning a single subject and are taught in much greater detail.

One of the things that surprised me the most about exchange in Sweden is the ‘Fika’ culture. I still find it so amusing that 45 minutes into class, the teacher will stop for everyone to have a coffee break and of course a cinnamon bun!

A highlight of exchange for me has been travelling throughout Europe; after all, Stockholm really is the gateway to Scandinavia. I have only been on exchange for 2 months, but so far I have already cruised to Estonia, partied in Copenhagen, hiked in Iceland, dog sledded/snowmobiled in the Swedish Lapland’s and even have a Norwegian road trip planned for next week.

In-between all this travel, I have recently been trying new sports such as Skiing and Ice-skating. Obviously back in Sydney, snow is not a very familiar sight, so living only 25 minutes away from the Ski Slopes is such a novel idea to me.

Overall, I can honestly say there has not been a single day where I have been bored, or regretted choosing to study at Stockholm University. Exchange is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would absolutely recommend Stockholm University to anyone considering exchange.

Michael Absell
99137337
Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Business
Stockholm University
Sweden