Introduction and short history – By Erik Skogh, edited by Rhianna Rees
You’ve arrived in Sweden’s fourth largest City, home to the tallest church building in Scandinavia and thousands of students. There’s a lot for you to get acquainted with, and quickly. You have perhaps signed up for basic Swedish courses – you may discover you don’t really need them if you’re only here for a short time, as almost everyone speaks English fluently. You may have also heard about the nations and seen old large houses around the city…
These houses are historical and cultural landmarks, protected buildings. Flags fly above each of the houses to signify their affiliation to the district they represent. In total there are 13 nations and every nation is famous in its own right, for various different reasons.
You may have heard people tell you to join a nation. Being a part of a nation in Uppsala is like having a home away from home, a place where you can play sports with friends, start bands, sing, study, work, play and have fun. There’s a reason why there are more and more ‘jubilee members’ – those who have been members for 50 years or more.
Choosing your nation – Infographic by one of our bloggers
Hahahhaa amazing infographic! and pretty true, I have to say! I was at Norrlands while studying abroad, kinda chose it due to peer pressure but it worked out great for me and I absolutely loved it! Wish there was a handy guide like this back then. I still chose the right place according to it, clubbing + fika = <3