“Everything seems so smooth and calm here”
“I’ve heard about the quality of life in Sweden, how well-planned and technological a society it is. My cousin has studied here so I decided to do the same”, explained Mexican exchange student Tere Luna, while waiting for the shuttle bus to take her from the Frescati campus to her student housing.
“It is my first time out of Mexico”, she continued. “I arrived at midnight last night so I haven’t seen that much yet but everything seems so smooth and calm. It is a very green city.”
Mexican exchange student Tere Luna. Photo: Karin Persson
Shuttle bus service from the airport
Tere was one of many international students who arrived during Stockholm University’s Arrival Service weekend on 19-20 August. Welcome teams consisting of university staff and student ambassadors greeted the newcomers at Arlanda Airport. By shuttle bus the international students were taken to Stockholm University’s main campus, Frescati.
As an exchange student going to study Geological Sciences and Philosophy of Science, Tere belonged to the students who had received accommodation through the University’s Housing Office. Fellow newcomers Jaromir Hedvik and David Augulis from the Czech Republic could also pick up their keys on campus.
Jaromir Hedvik and David Augulis arrived from the airport. Photo: Karin Persson
Impressed with teachers and classes
“I was actually recommended to study Psychology at Stockholm University by a friend who used to live in Lappis where I am going to stay”, David said. “She was really impressed with the way Psychology is taught here. The classes and the teachers were excellent.”
Jaromir was going to study Business within his International Relations study programme and looked forward to enjoying student life in Stockholm.
“I’m going to try out stuff I wouldn’t do at home. It's really exciting to be here.”
Learning Swedish beyond ordering coffee
Both Jaromir and David were hoping to learn some Swedish.
“I’ve been practicing with the Duolingo app”, revealed David. “It teaches you how to order a coffee but now I want to learn to say some other things as well.”
In Studenthuset on campus, university staff, student ambassadors and the Stockholm University Student Union were ready to assist the newly arrived with general information and administrative matters. As tradition has it, Swedish fika was offered.
Lin Ying from Singapore looked forward to studying in Sweden. Photo: Karin Persson
A progressive country
Lin Ying from Singapore was waiting in the queue for the student union together with seven friends from home.
“We have two more friends who are coming later”, she said with a happy smile. “I arrived in Sweden earlier this week after having been on holiday in other European countries such as Austria.”
She mentioned Sweden’s reputation for being a very progressive country as one of the reasons to come here to study.
Getting second chances at exams
“I’m going to study Business at bachelor’s level”, she explained. “One of the many things that appeal to me here is that you don’t have just one exam and that you can retake exams if needed. In Singapore you only get one chance. If you fail at an exam you have to do the whole semester again.”
Lin was looking forward to discovering Stockholm and Sweden in her spare time.
“I will definitely visit the local attractions when I can. It’s great to have the opportunity to be here.”
By: Karin Persson
Arrival Service is part of Stockholm University's Welcome Activities for international students.
Last updated: 2023-08-21
Source: Student Services