Having survived two Swedish winters in a row (I’m still surprised all my fingers are on my hands, especially when the temperature hits -15°C),  gave me the exciting insight that it is actually better weather when the sun is shining while having -10°C than to brave the cold wind and rain at -2 degrees.

Staying warm is the key to survival, and yes, you can turn into a 100-layer fashion icon, but there’s another way: doing sports.
And I kid you not, I’ve learned so many new sports during the Swedish winter!

Spoiler alert: no need to buy new sports materials! Sweden has you covered, and you can rent out sooo many sports gear (like everything you might need and can imagine) at Fritidsbanken for 14 days.

I’ve made a list with all my favourite activities (and more!), so we won’t fall into a dark spot when winter is over!

Sledging

This might be the cheapest sport (even though materials can be rented out for free anyway), but just some fresh snow and trasbags, and you are ready to go!

Even though Uppsala is kinda flat, there are many hills where you can try this out!
The best spots are also very easy to recognise; just look for car tyres at the end of the hill, they prevent you from sledging on the road haha!

Just be prepared to look like a snow(wo)man afterwards! Thermals are recommended!!

– sledging with the most beautiful sunset
– really felt like a pinch-me moment,
and looking into the future: this is how I look with white hair!

Bandy

This is a new personal favourite, and after trying it during the first winter, I genuinely counted down the days to do it again!

Imagine football combined with hockey on ice, that is bandy!

The reason why I looked forward so much is that our university offers free(!) bandy classes, where we even have classes from the actual pros! One day, you are supporting them together with the hardcore fans, and the other moment, they are teaching you how not to fall on the ice!

After 4 very fun but chaotic classes, it is time for a game that, believe me or not, is even more chaotic but also more fun!

Ice hockey

Of course, this sport couldn’t miss a spot in this list! 
I haven’t tried it myself, but supporting our own Uppsala team is a must.
There’s a lot of atmosphere during the game, perfect for hanging out with friends, and lucky us, the tickets from the university games are really affordable too!

Skating

We’ve already talked about sport on skates, so ice skating is also a must-do!
When it is cold enough, Uppsala is an open-air ice rink!
There are many lakes where you can skate, but also a public free ice rink at Studenternas IP and the indoor ice rink at Gränby, so the possibilities are endless!
If you want to skate in nature, you can best check this link to see where it is possible. You can find more information about it here!

I promised you there’s a lot to do, so of course there are other sports too that don’t include ice skates;

Cross-country skiing

During summer, you use the bike, during winter, langlauf skies are the new vehicles!

I was so surprised to see people doing cross-skiing instead of walking, and honestly, it was one of my favourite things to see.

There are many paths where you can do this sport. You can find more information here!

Skiing

And of course, skiing is also a fun activity!
I haven’t tried it myself, because breaking my bones once during bandy was enough for me, haha.

But there are places outside Uppsala where you can ski, as Uppsala itself is too flat for it.

No worries tho! There are places close by that are easy to reach where you can try it out!

Also, sometimes ESN Uppsala and some nations are organising little ski-trips, so keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram accounts to stay up to date!

Snow angel

Lastly, not really a sport but a must-do: making snow angels and building a snowman (including a snowball fight). It is amazing to find the child in yourself when seeing snow, and the best recommendation I can give is to follow you inner-child!

Just make sure to wear warm clothes 😉

If you’re reading this, then you probably want to learn Swedish. Whether it’s to increase your chances of landing a job in the country after your studies, to read signs in Swedish on campus or in the city, or to better connect with people who speak the language, having some degree of proficiency in Swedish can be beneficial for an international student in Sweden. It takes a lot of time and effort especially if your native language is linguistically far from the North Germanic group, so you might as well have fun while learning it! I still have a long way to go before I reach fluency, but after a year and a half of learning the language, I can now at least hold a basic conversation in Swedish, understand announcements on the pendeltåg, and put elementary Swedish as one of my skills in my CV! Here are the top 5 ways I learned (and continue to learn) Swedish as an international student at Uppsala University:

1. Attend Swedish classes at the university or SFI

When it comes to learning a new language, a good starting point is to receive structured, formal education on the basics of grammar, sentence structure, and phonetics of the language you are learning. It’s also a good way to make new friends in a new country since you meet a lot of people with whom you already share at least one common interest – learning Swedish.

Uppsala University (UU) offers Basic Swedish classes to exchange and international students enrolled at the university as well as Swedish for Academics courses for those employed at UU. Students from the EU and UU employees can participate in said courses for free, while international students who are not from the EU have to pay tuition to attend the class and be given the corresponding credits for it. It is, however, also an option for non-EU students to audit the course without paying fees. Although this means that they won’t receive credits for taking the Basic Swedish course, I still think that auditing the course to be able to actively learn the language is worth it, especially if your main objective at the end of the day is to achieve some degree of understanding of the basics. For more information, you can check out this page or contact basic@nordiska.uu.se if you have specific questions.

Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) is another option if you were not able to secure a spot at any of the courses offered by UU. For more information on SFI, you can check these pages for those living in Uppsala and Gotland.

2. Use Duolingo and maintain friend streaks

I’ve heard a lot of people say that language learning apps are not effective ways to learn a new language. On their own, yes, it can be difficult to pick up the necessary concepts and you can’t expect to be fluent in a language solely by reaching a 100-day streak on Duolingo. However, if you use these apps not just as a daily habit, but alongside attending formal classes and using the language in your daily life, they actually help a lot with vocabulary retention and with working on your pronunciation. It’s important to also take your time while completing the lessons to properly take in new words and figure out unstated grammar rules instead of just breezing through the lessons for the sake of extending your streak (I’m sorry if you feel called out by this; I am also calling myself out!). If you have friends who are also learning a new language, you can even start friend streaks with each other to keep you motivated!

3. Watch TV shows in Swedish

I ironically started watching Love is Blind Sweden last summer when all my Swedish labmates would talk about it over lunch. After one season, I actually do think it helped me learn the language faster. Think about it: watching with subtitles (and of course, audio), you get to efficiently train your Swedish reading and listening comprehension, and you do all this while getting entertained by interesting plot lines! Additionally, you also familiarize yourself more with Swedish slang or its use in informal contexts, which is equally important as learning the academic/professional form of the language. Another alternative is to watch series or movies you’ve seen before with Swedish subtitles. It’s also a great way to familiarize yourself with everyday expressions.

4. Listen to Swedish music

Listening to songs in Swedish (and eventually singing along to them) is a good way to practice your listening skills and pronunciation. Music is also always a good conversation starter, so you can ask new Swedish friends for song/artist recommendations if you don’t know where to start. For me, these are some Swedish songs I currently have on repeat:

• Gå för Glory (Axel Boman remix) – Håkan Hellström
• Skriker Mitt Namn – Victor Leksell
• Blåser Min Rök – Näääk, Nimo

5. Use the language in daily life

A big part of accelerating the learning curve of developing proficiency in a language is integrating it into your daily life. A lot of people (myself included!) are scared of making grammar mistakes or pronouncing foreign words weirdly, but over time, I’ve found that it really isn’t as big of a deal as it seems if you mess up. After all, the best way to learn is to make mistakes and learn from them. Since then, I’ve started saying restaurant orders, asking questions, and texting a friend in Swedish. You could also join språkcafes (language cafes), which nations, university departments, and other institutions organize around the city. It’s a chill way to practice your Swedish skills while enjoying a fika!

It can take a lot to learn a new language, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while doing so. I hope these tips help you on your Swedish journey. If you have any other fun and effective ways to improve your Swedish skills, I’d love to read them in the comments or through messages in the @studyatuu Instagram page!

A practical guide for students at Uppsala University

Hello everyone, I’m Patrick, or some people know me as Longwei. I am currently in my last semester of my master’s program in Information Systems at Uppsala University. After more than a year of struggling find an internship. I finally got one in Stockholm. So today I would like to share my experience about how to find an internship in Sweden as an international student.

Finding an internship in Sweden as an international student can feel both exciting and confusing. Unlike some countries where internships are posted everywhere, Sweden often works a bit differently — networking, initiative, and timing matter a lot.

1. Start Early (Sweden Loves Planning)

One thing you’ll quickly notice in Sweden is that companies plan ahead.
Many internships, especially at larger companies, are recruited months in advance. A good rule is:

• Autumn internships → apply in spring

• Spring internships → apply in autumn

• Summer internships → apply in winter

So don’t wait until the last minute — starting early gives you a huge advantage.

2. Understand the Swedish Internship Culture

In Sweden, internships are not always advertised openly.

Many companies expect students to:

• Reach out directly

• Show initiative

Ask about opportunities even if no position is posted

This is normal, and sending a polite email is often appreciated.

3. Use University Resources (They’re Better Than You Think)

As a student at Uppsala University, you already have access to great support like Career Services. They can help with:

• CV feedback

• Interview training

• Career fairs

• Internship guidance

• Department Networks

Many internship opportunities are shared informally through professors, program coordinators, or alumni.

Don’t be afraid to ask: “Do you know companies that have hosted interns before?”

4. LinkedIn is Essential in Sweden

In Sweden, LinkedIn is one of the main tools for internship searching.

Make sure your profile is updated with:

• A clear headline

• Your program and skills

• What kind of internship you’re looking for

Swedes appreciate direct but polite communication.

5. Network (Even if It Feels Uncomfortable)

Many internships in Sweden come through connections rather than job boards.

Networking doesn’t mean being “salesy.” It can be as simple as:

• Attending events

• Talking to guest lecturers

• Joining student organizations

• Asking alumni for advice

A coffee chat (fika ☕) is often the first step toward an opportunity.

6. Apply Broadly — Not Only to Big Companies

Large companies like Spotify, Volvo, or IKEA are popular, but competition is extremely high.

Smaller companies and startups often:

• Have fewer applicants

• Offer more hands-on experience

• Are more flexible with international students

Look beyond the big names.

7. Learn Some Swedish (But Don’t Panic)

Good news: many internships are available in English, especially in tech, business, and research.

But learning basic Swedish helps with:

• Workplace integration

• Social life

• Showing motivation

Even simple phrases like “Tack så mycket” make a positive impression.

8. Know Your Work Rights as a Student

International students in Sweden are allowed to work while studying.

After graduation, you can also apply for a job-seeking residence permit, which allows you to stay and look for work or internships. Always check the latest rules from the Swedish Migration Agency.

9. Don’t Get Discouraged (It Takes Time)

Many international students apply to dozens of positions before landing one. For example, I applied for more than 100 positions (the data I tracked in the Sankey diagram is not complete) and only got 5 interviews. I got many rejections, but I never gave up! Rejection is normal — it’s not about your worth, but often about timing, language, or internal company needs.

Keep improving your approach, and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback.

Final Advice

Finding an internship in Sweden is absolutely possible — but it requires patience, planning, and initiative.

If you start early, use university support, build connections, and stay persistent, you will increase your chances greatly.

Good luck — and welcome to the Swedish internship journey!

Introduction

Moving to a different country is exciting. You will have the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet new people, and see new places. However, when I moved to Sweden, I quickly realized how lonely it can get as well. Being far from home can feel overwhelming.

Homesickness is a common experience among international students. It is the feeling of missing family, friends, and the comfort of our home country. While it is completely normal, it can also be challenging. Fortunately, there are many ways to ease these blues. The key to overcoming homesickness is staying connected to your roots while building a new sense of home abroad.

Create a community

One of the best things you can do is find friends before even arriving. Many universities provide platforms where future students can get to know each other. For example, some Swedish universities use apps like Goin’, where students can message each other before the semester begins. Senior students from student unions often reach out as well.

Before moving to Sweden, I had studied at a university with a weaker student community. That’s why I knew how isolating it could feel. During the summer before my move, I messaged many students who were also starting that year or were already studying there. I even met one of them in person before arriving.

By the time I moved, I already had people to meet and spend time with. Although not all relationships lasted, some turned into long-lasting friendships. All because of one simple text! It can feel uncomfortable to text strangers, but remember, many of them feel just as nervous and are hoping to find friends too.

Participate in Social Activities

Another piece of advice would be to join study social events. In Sweden, student unions play a huge role in university life. They are active, welcoming, and full of opportunities.

When I first came here, a senior student told me, “You should join some of our student union clubs, that is where the social life thrives”. I did, and I am so happy I followed that advice.

Some of the things I did were going to all the events for first-years, joining several clubs, and now I am in one of the sections. Even on days when I do not have plans with friends, helping decorate a venue, baking for a café, or volunteering at events gives me energy.

Some students worry that social activities will take time away from studies. That concern is valid. However, most student unions don’t have any strict contracts. You can go to different clubs and events simply just to try out the activities and meet the people there. You are welcome to leave if you don’t think you fit there.

You can try different clubs, attend events occasionally, and leave if it does not suit you. Many events are free and designed simply for socializing. So look into student activities on your campus and see/try something new!

Keep in Touch with People Back Home

While building a new life, do not forget the people back home. We are very lucky to live in a time when we can stay in touch using technology. Video calls and texts help to maintain relationships. It may seem like a small effort, but reaching out regularly means more than you might think — both for you and the people who care about you.

Not only should you use technology but meet the people if you can as well. Once I left, I did not even notice how many important relationships I want to maintain. The holiday schedule is always full of meeting family, your friends, your family’s friends, teachers, etc. These moments remind you of where you come from and the support system you have.

So don’t forget to text from time to time or give a call. I am sure that the people close to you are really interested in hearing about your journey. Being in contact helps you feel connected to your home, even when you are far away.

Talk about your feelings

Lastly, do not keep your struggles to yourself. Many students experience homesickness, even if they do not show it. Sharing your emotions not only helps you process them but can also create stronger relationships when doing so. You may even discover that others are going through the same things.

If you do not feel comfortable opening up to your new international friends right away, consider talking to people back home. Most of them will understand, and simply talking things through can bring a sense of relief.

If you find yourself unable to talk to anyone in your circle, remember that most universities offer mental health support as well. The psychology professionals are familiar with the struggles of international students and can provide guidance.

Conclusion

Moving abroad is a thrilling adventure, but it is not easy. Homesickness is a natural part of stepping into a new chapter of life. The most effective way to overcome it is by balancing two life aspects: staying connected to your roots while actively building a new home in the new country.

Create connections early, participate in social activities, keep in touch with loved ones, and speak about your feelings. Over time, the unfamiliar place will start to feel like home, and your loved ones will be there to help you feel connected to where you come from.