Lund University, Sweden – Global Exchange

Hej!

As of writing this, autumn has fully set in here in Sweden. The days are getting shorter, trees are glowing with vibrant shades of orange, and the warmth of a sauna is increasingly tempting.

I’m now halfway through my exchange and have completed two subjects. The teaching style here feels quite similar to Sydney, but with more emphasis on student-led discussions and peer feedback. However, a notable difference would be in the exam formats, as I am yet to have a traditional sit-down paper. Instead, assessments have mostly included class presentations, take-home assignments, as well as a one-on-one oral exam. Although the Swedish system of focusing on less subjects for a shorter duration might seem more intense, I haven’t once felt overwhelmed by the workload.   

Since arriving in Lund, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities. From hikes and club nights during the orientation weeks, to recently attending a mushroom foraging event. Whether you want to cycle to the beach for the day, go to parties, or just stroll through the picturesque streets, there is something for everyone in Lund.

As for making friends, I had a bit of a slow start. Thankfully, even after the orientation weeks it’s still very easy to meet people, assuming you say yes to everything. I eventually found a WhatsApp group for people interested in bouldering which has been a great way to meet others, even for non-climbing activities. Another great way to meet people, and build valuable skills, is to be active in a nation.

As many blogs have already pointed out, housing being competitive is an understatement. I wasn’t able to secure any form of student housing and only found accommodation the day before I arrived with a local family in Lund. Initially, this was quite disappointing as I’d been looking forward to the corridor room experience for a while. However, looking back, I’m very happy with my situation as I have my own bathroom and kitchen, which is perfect as I love to cook. Beyond the space though, this has allowed me to live in a quiet, scenic part of Lund that I wouldn’t have otherwise seen. Therefore, my advice for finding housing would just be to keep an open mind as every option has its pros and cons, even if this means looking outside of Lund.

For some general tips, I recommend getting a bike as soon as possible, be prepared for the wind, and don’t fear going to events by yourself. And if you’re worried about the cost of Sweden, shopping at Lidl, learning to cook, and eating vegetarian are great ways to save money.

I found reading these blogs to be the most helpful resource when narrowing down my selection, so hopefully I’ve been able to demystify this exciting and daunting adventure. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Dylan Kelly
Bachelor of Business
Lund University, Sweden
Global Exchange Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program please visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal