In a few days, Lund will be your new home for at least the next half year. Your mother has probably been hounding you about gathering everything you will need. She surely has good intentions, but has she actually been to Lund? Pack like a pro with Lundagård’s seasoned advice.
Sweden! Let that soak in. You are about to enter Vikingland, which has produced brilliant explorers and pop singers, self-assembled furniture, and possibly 90% of your clothing. If you are getting the chills already that might be the Swedish winter already settling in.
Actually, that last line is no joke. You had better take the cold weather seriously. Here are some tips from hardened Swedish winter survivors.
If you have a heavy winter coat in your suitcase, pat yourself on the back. Then, go to the store and buy another one. Winter doesn’t take days off, so unless you want to wear the same thing every day, get something in a different color. You also won’t smell as much.
Heavy items like coats and boots are best brought from home. Wherever home is for you, they’ll probably be cheaper there than what they will cost in Sweden. Additionally, leather gloves and a thick hat will save your life when you are cruising on your bicycle through the biting wind. If you want to feel really toasty, that athletic underclothing which hugs the skin will make tons of difference.
Now, don’t get the impression that you will be spending the next few months shivering inside an igloo. That’s what Lapland is for. Being indoors will often require your most creative outfits. That is because a Swedish party is not a real party without a costumed theme! Parties at the Student Nations (more on these soon), and inside anyone’s apartment are liable to demand your best Prince or Lady Gaga impression. If you have any funny, random pieces of clothing lying around, bring them! Those shiny gold pants could come in real handy.
Do yourself a favor and grab a few party beverages at the duty-free shop before you fly over. Fun times begin the moment you arrive. You will also soon become acquainted with the shockingly expensive Swedish liquor shops which, believe me, are no fun.
Other miscellaneous things to bring along:
Your best dance moves. Swedes manage to stay pretty thin. That’s because of all the calories they burn tearing up the dance floor. If it gets foggy inside a club, it’s probably not the smoke machine…
Cooking skills. Restaurants are expensive, and Swedes rarely eat out. Unless a diet of pasta and microwaved meatballs satisfies you, grab a few of your mom’s recipes.
An extra bike lock. No bicycle in Lund is safe from thieves. ‘Tis the hard-knock Swedish life.
The last necessary item in your suitcase? Empty space. You’ll want to bring a bit of Sweden home with you, after all. Pack a jar of authentic lingonberry jam for your grandmother, and leave room for all the latest Swedish fashion that will soon hit your hometown.
Now that you know what to bring along, best of luck packing! Lund awaits your arrival with frosty arms wide open.
