Each year approximately 3500 international and exchange students arrive in Lund. Lundagård asked three of them about their experiences during their stay.
Marthe Möller, 22 years old from Netherlands, studies Swedish and has been in Lund for one year.
– Lund is very calm, but it never sleeps. There are always a lot of things going on for students. Everything is very well-planned and organized.
What’s the weirdest thing about Lund?
– In Netherlands we don’t take off our shoes when we go inside, so I didn’t do that in Sweden either. After about a month my roommates told me that it was rude not to take your shoes off, so I went to my landlord and apologized. Now I have indoor shoes instead.
What’s the best part about studying in Lund?
– That there is so much to do here, there is something for everyone. I feel that the students in Lund are very open-minded and including towards everybody. The atmosphere is good here in Lund.
Do you have any good advice for new international students?
– Yes, you have to wait in line everywhere. Even if you think there’s no queue and you can just proceed to the cashier and pay, don’t do it! There is always a queue.
Juan Pablo Almeida is from Equador and 29 years old. He studies Biology and has been in Lund for two years.
– I liked it a lot because the streets are very clean and the community is organized, for example the traffic. I like the fact that the cars stop for you when you’re about to cross a street. It’s very nice and kind.
What’s the weirdest thing about Lund?
– I think that the climate struck me most. Not that the winters are particularly cold but the darkness was not pleseant.
What’s the best part about studying in Lund?
– The best part is the people, and the teachers. People are very kind and the professors are helpful and treat the students equally. I really like the Swedish education system, there is no hierarchy.
Do you have any good advice for the new international students?
– They should be prepared for the weather, the dark and cold winters. They should also be prepared for the studies, to be independent and organized because you have to take a lot of responsibility by yourself.
Ittipol Jungwatanawong is 32 years old and studies European studies. He is from Thailand and has been in Lund for two years now.
– I felt impressed. The community is very organized and, it’s very clean and wellplanned. I’m also impressed by the public transportation system.
What’s the weirdest thing about Lund?
– That the stores close so early during the weekends, and that everything is closed at holidays like Midsummer Eve. Sometimes I can also feel really excluded when Swedes only speak Swedish with each other.
What’s the best part about studying in Lund?
– I like the Swedish education system. I’ve learned to express my thoughts and developed my critical thinking. It’s also very quiet here which is good because you can concentrate on studying.
Do you have any good advice for new international students?
– Just be open-minded but don’t have too high expectations. Lund is a very good city to study in though.
Text: Karolina Jakstrand and Tove Nordén
Photo: Jonas Jacobson and Jens Hunt.
