Author: Guestblogger (Page 1 of 18)

One of the best ways to integrate into a country, is to learn a language!
Because how else would we be able to order a cinnamon bun during fika,
sing the songs during a gasque or get your bike fixed??

Exactly! By speaking Swedish!

As lucky as we are, the Swedish language is really fun to learn. But that
does not mean it is easy and not scary to speak it! And therefore, our lovely university comes to the rescue: They do offer Swedish for Academics on different levels (1,2,3,4), so everyone can join!

You can follow the classes at the Department of Scandinavian Languages, and chose between 2 formulas: 2 times 2 hours a week, or 3 hours on 1
day. But be quick, as the classes are very popular, not everyone can join them and they work with a ‘first come, first serve’.

No worries if you didn’t got in, as there are other ways to learn it!

• Swedish for immigrants (SFI) – if you live in Uppsala kommun, have a valid residence permit and are 20 years old, you can follow classes for free
• Swedish classes at Folkuniversitetet
• Uppsalingo at Gotlands nation and talking cafés at the other nations –
  check out thefacebookpages/groups so you keep up to date!
• Uppsala library – here you can borrow e-book

Another way to get used to a language, can be listening to music and
watching tv-shows! This might be my favorite way to learn, so I’ve made a list with myfavorites at this moment!

Swedish tv-shows

• Johan Falk
• The restaurant
• The bridge
• Young royals
• Bonusfamiljen
• Borgen
• The playlist
• Barracuda queens
• Kalifat

As you can see, the list is endless!!

Swedish artists:

• Benjamin Ingrosso
• Molly Sanden
• Molly Hammar
• Veronica Maggio

And some more alternative:

• Kent
• Cleo
• Hurula
• Solen
• Terra

And the last, but most important tip: just try to speak Swedish!!
The more you practice and try, the easier it will get! So don’t worry if it is not perfect, the Swedish people are very kind and are in my experience very happy to hear that someone is learning their language!

To help you, I have listed up some Swedish sentences. Some of them are used in daily life; and others will make you sound as a local 🙂

Jättebra, tack ska du ha = great, thank you
Jag förstår inte = I do not understand
Vilken nation är du i? = What is your nation?
Det knallar och går = it’s all right
Dra mig baklänges på en liten vagn = being surprised by something

Goodluck while learning the language – you got this!
And if you see me, feel free to share your favorite music and tv-shows!

Hej då!

Uppsala University opens its application portal on October 15th, and it’s time to prepare, not just on paper, but within yourself, for this exciting new chapter.

Here are five tips to guide you through more than just the logistics of the application process.

Tip 1: Make Sure You Get the Programme’s Core Goal

As you sift through countless bachelor’s or master’s programmes, it’s easy to get consumed by the application processes—filling out forms, submitting documents, and crafting the perfect statement. Yet in the rush to meet all the requirements, we tend to lose sight of the bigger picture: admissions teams are not just looking for candidates who tick all the boxes, but for those who understand the programme’s essence and can contribute to its goals. 

Sure, qualifications like grades, language proficiency, and work experience matter, but with so many applicants meeting those criteria, what really sets you apart is your understanding of why this programme is the right fit for you. Ask yourself: What projects and outcomes are the department working on? Do they resonate with your passions? Can you see yourself contributing to that work? After all, a master’s in International Relations at one institution can be very different from the same degree elsewhere. To make your application stand out, do the research—look into the people and projects within the department—and reflect that in your statement to show why you’re a great fit.

Tip 2: Engage With People Who Have Walked the Path

If you find yourself struggling to gather enough information or can’t quite grasp the essence of a programme and whether it fits your goals, a good starting point is to explore the syllabi of key courses, such as the introductory or core modules, as these often provide valuable insight into the programme’s direction.

But there’s a shortcut I’ve always relied on, one that has guided me through many important decisions: reaching out to people who are currently where I hope to be in the near future. Before my move to Uppsala, I reached out to teachers from my department in Mannheim who had previously worked in Uppsala. When they spoke highly of their experience and expressed how much they enjoyed it, I didn’t stop there. I searched for academics in the department whose research aligned with my interests and reached out to them. Many were more than willing to engage in email exchanges, some even offering pages of advice and a few scheduling Zoom calls to help answer my questions in depth.

From my experience, people in academia are often incredibly generous with their help, especially when they see a bit of their own journey reflected in yours. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start reaching out—this is it!

Tip 3: Articulate the Contribution You Can Make

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the programme and its people, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed—everyone seems to be doing such impressive work. You might wonder, “Why would they want me?” But here’s the thing: you don’t need to outshine everyone. You just need to show that you have something valuable to contribute to an already outstanding team. 

Science thrives on collaboration, and new contributions—no matter how small—are always welcomed. Feeling intimidated by the brilliance around you should by no means discourage you from applying. Departments are eager for fresh perspectives. If you can demonstrate that you have one idea, one contribution, or one perspective to add to the pool of great achievements, then you are the right fit.

So in your personal statement, focus not on listing all your past accomplishments, but on demonstrating how you can make a meaningful contribution, perhaps even filling a gap in the department or within the broader field.
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the programme and its people, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed—everyone seems to be doing such impressive work. You might wonder, “Why would they want me?” But here’s the thing: you don’t need to outshine everyone. You just need to show that you have something valuable to contribute to an already outstanding team. 

Tip 4: Showcase Your International Readiness

Now that you’ve pinpointed the unique contribution you can make, the next step is to illustrate to the university how you intend to realize this contribution in an environment that may be unfamiliar to you. Universities are particularly interested in students who can apply their intelligence for collective benefit. Adapting to an international context, with its distinct cultural and academic nuances, can be quite an adjustment. 

For instance, many students in social sciences encounter what’s known as ‘academic culture shock’ when they discover that the approach to social sciences in Uppsala –and most European universities– is predominantly empirical, lacking the normative aspect they might expect. You’ll want to articulate how you can effectively navigate such a shift. Are you planning to integrate your background with this new research methodology? If your intention is to critique it, that’s also perfectly valid, but it’s important to consider how you’ll do this in a way that encourages meaningful academic exchange.

One way to signal your readiness to engage in this international academic environment is by showcasing any cross-cultural experiences you’ve gained, such as studying or working abroad. 

Tip 5: Seek Feedback on Your Application

Here’s one final tip that you are surely already aware of, but it’s always worth mentioning: Before you submit your application, consider seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or professors who can offer genuine insights. When I request feedback, I find it very helpful to point out the specific areas where I have doubts and ask targeted questions about them. This way, we can reach a consensus more quickly, and both sides feel like they’ve gained something from the exchange.

With careful preparation and a genuine expression of your aspirations, you’re well on your way to making a meaningful contribution to Uppsala University. Wishing you all the best!

My name is Sofía, and I’m from Mexico. I’m in the second year of the Master’s in Bioinformatics programme. My journey to Sweden began with an internship that completely changed my perspective. I fell in love with the culture and the country itself, but most importantly, I was drawn to the research opportunities and the strong support for science that Sweden offers. I felt that Sweden was the place that would allow me to grow in my field (…and I was right).

When I was exploring universities, Uppsala University’s bioinformatics programme stood out. What struck me the most was how different the academic approach is compared to my home country. The programme structure also interested me, as it was designed to give students with little background in programming a good opportunity to learn. But, I still had lots of questions, so I did some researched and found alumni, whom I contacted to ask questions about the programme itself and what life in Sweden looked like.

The infrastructure at Uppsala University is impressive. From well-equipped labs to advanced digital technologies, it’s clear that Uppsala is prepared for cutting-edge research, especially in science-related fields.

I chose bioinformatics because I wanted to change paths. I come from a biology background, where I used to work in a lab conducting many experiments and gathering significant amounts of data. However, I realized I lacked the skills to analyze and truly understand the results. That’s what motivated me to pursue a master’s in bioinformatics—to gain the analytical tools I needed. Additionally, the opportunity to dive deeper into areas like artificial intelligence and data analysis excites me, as these are becoming increasingly important in the field.

Outside of academics, I value Sweden’s way of life. I’ve noticed how most people have a relaxed way of living, and they actually maintain a work-life balance. The amount of art, music, and culture is another thing that convinced me to choose this country. Now, after one year, I can say that I’ve learned a lot—not only from my classes but also from meeting people from all over the world. Keeping an open mind and heart has allowed me to grow both as a person and in my field.

If you want to see more information, don’t forget to check your programme’s page. There are also video interviews on YouTube for most programmes, where you can learn more about students’ perspectives.

Uppsala University page

My interview

72 km away from Uppsala we have the Capital of Sweden, Stockholm. Stockholm is one of my favorite cities in the world and if you have a free day and you would like to explore it, I’ll give you options for what to do in a day in Stockholm. 

I like to think of Stockholm as 3 different main areas, the touristic, fancy and the cool area. Gamla Stan is the most touristic part of the city with attractions like the Nobel Museum and all the historical buildings where you can take a picture in the iconic houses you will see in most of the gift shops around.  Then there’s Östermalm which is known to be the fanciest part of the city, for all its beautiful architecture, museums, fancy restaurants, stores and bars. My favorite area is Sodermalm, in the south part of central Stockholm we have Södermalm. Söder is the “hipster” side of Stockholm, where you can find lots of cool vintage shops, cafes and beautiful views of the city.

So, here’s the plan:

Transportation:

Option 1

You can take the pendeltåg which takes ~50 min and costs around 60 sek, here you need to buy two tickets on from the UL app costing 27 and one of the SL app that costs 25 (both prices for students, you get this discount using the Mecenat app)

Option 2

Take one of the trains either SJ or Mälartåg, this costs around 70-100 sek, check the hours on the SJ app or the Mälartåg app.

You leave Uppsala after breakfast; you take the train and you arrive at T-Centralen.

Now you could go for a beautiful walk to one of my favorite buildings, Stadshuset (the city hall) and then cross to Sodermalm by walking and see the water and the beautiful views.  Then you can go to one of my favorite restaurants Bruno’s Korvar or if you want something lighter you can grab some fika!.

In Sodermalm you can explore the thrift shops and go to the beautiful views of the city.

After this you can take a break and enjoy an Ice Cream at Stikkinikky. Walking around Södermalm and exploring this area is one of my favorite things, so just enjoy the city, especially now that the weather is really nice.

Then you could explore some museums, go to Slussen and take one of the boats that take you to Djurgården where all the museums are located. 

My recommendations of museums are:

• Nationalmuseum
• Moderna Museet (Free admission to Moderna Museet every Friday evening)
• Vasa
• Nordiska
• Fotografiska

After that, I bet you will be tired, so it’s time to go back to Uppsala. Hope you enjoyed this day in Stockholm.

As international students coming to a foreign country, it is so easy to get caught up in an unfamiliar culture, in fending for yourself, and in learning and taking in so many new experiences. And when we do get caught up in these things, the “main event” of sorts – the fact that we’re here primarily as students pursuing a degree – gets lost in the mix.

Or at least, that was the case for me, particularly with my thesis!

While the thought of writing a thesis was always present somewhere in my mind, that somewhere was hardly ever the forefront, until the last couple of months where everything really sped up and I had no choice but to invest every inch of my attention span into my thesis.

My master’s thesis at Uppsala University was the first proper piece of academic research and writing that I produced, especially because my bachelor’s did not have a dissertation or any other lengthy piece of writing. While you may think that that would have made me even more cautious and meticulous with my time dedicated to thesis writing, it actually did the opposite. The idea of a thesis became this gargantuan monster towering over me, and I transcended the fight or flight divide, choosing to just turn the other way and procrastinate instead. As they say, ignorance is bliss.

But of course, the job had to be done, and I had to be the one doing it, and so, come March, I began to truly feel the growing, prickly warmth of the slowly approaching fire that was my submission deadline (in mid-May).

The thing is, all of this points to the moral of the story being “do not procrastinate” or “slow and steady wins the race” or some other clichéd ending – the weight of which I am not denying – but, as students, as people, as human beings experiencing life, we know that nothing has as simple a solution, and knowing the right thing does not automatically translate to knowing how to execute it. I knew all through the earlier semesters that I should be starting my thesis work, I knew I should have been studying when I chose to just waste time watching Netflix instead. But I physically just could not bring myself to do anything. Thesis writing then became much more than just “writing a thesis” for me. Not only did I have to do the research, write, edit, omit, fine-tune, and review, I also had to start, truly, from ground-up. From myself, my fears about not being able to produce something worthwhile, my anxieties about not making myself or the people around me proud, my worries about wasting this opportunity to learn that I had been blessed with.

And of course, every other aspect of life does not conveniently “pause” when there’s a big task to be done, and so, having to juggle thesis writing and the anxieties surrounding it with eating well, staying active, maintaining a social life, interpersonal relationships, other academic responsibilities, and everything else made me feel like I was in an ocean, weighed down by the drenched fabric of my clothes that got heavier and heavier as I just tried with growing desperation to stay afloat.

I had this (mistaken) idea in my mind that if not done perfectly, there was no worth in what I did, regarding not only my thesis, but also life in general. If I do not produce the best thesis ever, I have failed. If I do not succeed in managing every aspect of my life with a smile on my face, I have failed. But how stupid is that? Even writing this down now, I can only think, “Gosh, Arshia, it was never supposed to be that serious; yikes.”

Somewhere along the line, in the middle of April, it clicked in that I should not be worried about whether or not I can produce the most worthwhile thesis, or the most worthwhile lifestyle ever, but that I should really question myself instead on if it was worthwhile to pursue impossible levels of perfection if it meant living in a constant state of worry and fear and hopelessness. The answer: no. Immediately, no.

I also have to thank my supervisor for helping drill this thought into my head that it is way more important to write two hundred crappy words than to write fifteen perfect ones, because at the end of the day, you will have two hundred words that you can edit and make better, instead of a nearly empty document that will glare at you and keep you stuck in the same loop.

Once it truly settled into my body that I was allowed to be imperfect, unfiltered, and downright bad, I produced draft after draft after draft. My rigid guidelines for my life also eased up alongside my thesis writing. If I didn’t eat the most nutritious meals for three days straight, who cares? If I didn’t go to the gym in three weeks, how does it matter? If I didn’t see any sign of human life outside of my reflection for a whole week, that is okay! That’s the gorgeous thing about time (and wonderfully, also the thing we fear the most), it moves. Just because my room is messy doesn’t mean it will always be messy. I could spend four days straight, doing nothing but writing in a growing tip of a room, but there will come a day when I draw open the blinds, clear my desk, fold all my clothes, and wash all the dishes as the sunshine and fresh air pour in through my windows.

My thesis and my reflections on who I am, what I value, and how I hope to achieve what I wish to achieve, everything improved with time, and surprisingly, all I had to do, was do. As international students, especially those coming from less-developed countries where the competition is tough, the finances are hard, and the expectations are high, it is really easy to slip and fall through the cracks of our own inhibitions. We want to be successful; we want to make not only ourselves, but also our families and our communities proud; we want to help others around us also come up with us. With these piling expectations, it is often typical to wish to be nothing short of the best, but there is no hope of being the best at something (not that I any longer believe the best is necessary) if we do not get really comfortable with being bad at everything.

I guess I did end this with some sort of moral, but the moral of this story, unlike a lot of others, isn’t telling you to do a certain thing or be a certain way. It is much more basic than that, and has no requirements. Just Do. Just Be. Things will start moving from there, because that’s what they do. We just have to start somewhere.

The time I spent working on my thesis ended up being the most transformative part of my master’s, because I realized I was capable of much more than I originally thought. Something that I find really interesting and paradoxical about this is that the thesis I did end up producing wasn’t the most ideal piece of writing to have ever existed. It didn’t solve all the problems of the universe as I initially, childishly, hoped it would do. So, even though I did not produce something that I had dreamed of, what I did end up producing was more than I thought I was truly capable of. Perhaps that goes to show that some part of us, squandered deep down in our subconscious, knows that every single thing we do cannot be miraculous (there’s a reason that miracles are miracles), but the expectations we encounter, both within ourselves and in our environments, make us wish that it could be so. So even though I did not create magic, I am so proud of what I did end up writing because, retrospectively, I see improvements in every draft. I see improvement from the first assignments I did when I came here two years ago too, to the concluding paragraphs of my thesis. Not only that, but I see how my mindset changed, and I was able to cast aside a lot of fears that weren’t serving me, but were simply keeping me stuck and unable to do anything at all. And that is so much more than one ideal piece of writing. That is comforting knowledge, emotional stability, and a growing openness to constantly learning more.

I guess that circles me back to what I said in the beginning of this post; something we often forget when we move to a foreign country; we are, primarily, students. We are here to learn, to get better, and as long as we remember that it is okay to not enter the field as professionals with 27 years of experience and a million citations, but as exactly who we are, we’re going to be okay.

Hi again guys, it’s me Yasmin writing for my last blog as Uppsala Student Ambassador (yes, unfortunately). I wrote this blog on Sunday, May 26th, 2024 which is also correspondence with 1 more week before my final thesis submission and graduate at the end of May which mark the end of my journey as a Uppsala Student. I am stressed with the thesis, yet I took a little bit of break writing this to reflect on my overall journey here as non EU/EEU international student in Uppsala University.

My purpose with this blog is to give you insights on some of my regrets on what and how I could have done better or planned better when you have less than 1 year left as a Uppsala student. This blog is intended for fellow or future students about things you may need to be aware of beforehand and make the best of your time with such limited time, especially as an international student.

Time surely goes by fast especially since I studied Master of Entrepreneurship which is only a 1-year program instead of 2 years here in Uppsala. Ironically, here in Sweden most of the 1-year program doesn’t last for full 12 months, but officially only for around 10 months (August-May). Even our residence permit ends just two weeks after we finish the program. Therefore, I cannot even extend my stay until the summer here in Sweden to experience the iconic Swedish midsummer tradition. Even for people who study for 2 years in Uppsala, the time when your student residence permit ends will come eventually. For most cases, it will end around June.

Therefore, here are some of regrets, suggestions, and things I wish I could have done better:

Apply residence permit / coordination number (for 1 year) as soon as possible

As you may have heard this is important for everyone living in Sweden to get access to insurance and also get back account. Gather info as early as you can before you come to Sweden and during your first month, you go apply. I regret that I procrastinated on doing this since I only could apply for a coordination number, didn’t know that it was actually possible for people without personal numbers to create a Swedish bank account with a coordination number. You can only officially apply it once you are in Uppsala, it may take up to 1 month to get your number, only then you could apply a bank registration which will take another 1-3 months.

Network and be as social as possible during the first 2 months in Uppsala

Making friends and networking is crucial during your study abroad. It what makes the whole journey special and more valuable on top of your study. You never know what the network and good relationships will people might bring you in the far future. So, the first 2 months in Uppsala is usually filled with many opening ceremonies for international students coming from the faculty, the nations, and lots of student community.

This is the best period to explore and mingle with diverse people from around the world! The weather would also be nice when the late summer-early autumn still lets people to party and travel a lot. The classes are also still considered light at the beginning of the semester. So you could put more priority on socializing during this period. The reality is, for some people, getting to know new friends by themselves might be difficult. Therefore, the help of some networking events and parties happening a lot around this time will give you a plethora of opportunities to meet with people you resonate with! Nations exist for that reason. Everyone was super open and in the same spirit of networking during that period.

I regret not doing this networking more often during my first semester as I was focused more on my studies and searching for internship opportunities for my second semester. Even when I did, I only focused on things that related to my subject / my interest. I did not let myself to go out of my comfort zone and explore more things around to meet more diverse people. I did not even join the nation since I thought it would be a waste for me since I’m only here for less than 1 year anyway and I spent most of my 2nd semester doing part-time work and thesis already.

If you planning to get an internship for spring/summer, start looking early!

The Swedish internship job market isn’t necessarily easy to get I tell you. Especially for international students, your best bet would be to work in a startup or small company that is more open to international students. Although some big Swedish companies may also have some openings, the problem would be that the competition will be much higher. Not to mention some companies still prefer their talent to speak Swedish as a plus point. Some course program has an internship as one of their credits as an elective, some don’t.

Therefore, consider to actively looking for opportunities starting from 3-2 months before your internship credit / preferred time. This can be done by actively searching via LinkedIn, the Career at UU portal, or even getting some opportunity via networking in Sweden. In most cases, companies hire talent on a first come basis, therefore make sure you apply early,  update your CV, and stand out from the crowd! Make use of the Uppsala career help team to get tips on understanding the Swedish company and industry better as there might be some unique insights you can utilize to help your application journey.

This also goes to if you plan on doing a thesis in a company setting. It is common for companies to advertise on Linked In about looking for thesis internship talent where you can apply for your thesis topic if you want to. Again, the timing may vary a lot so keep aware of it.

Travel as much as you can!

Having a Swedish residence permit means that you are eligible to travel around EU Schengen countries so make sure you don’t miss any opportunity to travel! Plan ahead would save you a lot of money. There are also many budget airline options to travel around countries, or train and busses options if you fancy trying it out. You will be surprised how cheap it can get to travel around Europe, so make sure you browse appropriate tickets and accommodations. Most of these countries are enough to be explored in a 1-2 day setting, so you can consider planning some travel during normal or long weekends and put the longer travel plan on winter holidays.

I did travel a lot in the span of 10 months, my suggestion is to travel during the low season of autumn (Example: Germany, Netherlands, France), travel to a warmer country during winter like Spain / Italy to cure your winter depression (haha) or go challenge yourself to the Arctic Circle city like Kiruna or Tromso in Norway during the winter season and try some winter sports like skiing! Try to explore the eastern and Balkan countries also on your list! Keep in mind that starting from April, the ticket price will gradually rise. (So prioritize a more expensive country first in your list, if you want)

However, I do regret that I did not travel to Sweden enough for the entire period when I could have done so! UL region is so big with lots of small cities around, so make sure you utilize the monthly bus ticket to explore more Swedish UL cities. You most likely subscribe to a bus during winter time.

Have a clear goal of what’s after graduating

We know that most of us already have some plans after graduation, but the reality is, once you step in Sweden and dive into the routines, and get exposed more to practical implications, you may need to reevaluate again your plan after graduation. Ideally, you need to start seriously thinking about it after your first 3 months of studying and getting to know how things work in your field.

Decide on this “Do you consider going back home, or do you want to stay and continue to work in Sweden?” For people who are firm that they would continue giving impact back home, things may be simpler. However, if you want to continue your journey in Sweden then you need to seriously make a thorough plan during your stay in Sweden especially when you have limited privileges as an international student. The earlier is of course the better plan it will be

Be aware of the immigration policy/rules for your next plan!

You should always check on Migrationsverket on the rules that apply to you when you need to extend your residence permit due to studies, or changing your permit after graduation into job seeking visa, or even the job permit visa and understand every consequence that it has (documents and financial wise). Therefore, you may need to prepare around 1-2 months before your student permit ends if you want to stay in Sweden after graduation. Be resourceful, ask the relevant source, share the info to others, keep up to date.

Make sure to have great memories with your friends!

Last thing, make sure to spend more times with your friends at the end of the period. Not all people stay in Uppsala and Sweden in general after graduation, keep in touch with everyone and make sure to have lasting memories together to make your summer time more meaningful~ I regret to not having enough time to do with more of my friends, but hey at least I tried and we ended our journey with good remarks

Hope these things bring you insights in a way~ I’m grateful for whatever the time I had in Uppsala despite it being less than 1 year. (I am planning to go back to Indonesia due to some personal reason and career). Thank you for all the memories and friend that I will cherish forever!

Yasmin signing out from Uppsala, May 2024!

As winter gradually transitions into spring and the days grow longer in Uppsala, one can’t help but notice the change in atmosphere – not just the rising temperatures, but also the increased presence of students outside, soaking in the bits of sunshine. As a student at Uppsala University hailing from Mexico, I’ve personally witnessed how the shifting seasons affect my mood, energy levels, and social interactions.

Back home in Hermosillo, located in the northern part of Mexico known for its very high temperatures (45-50°C!!), I often found myself running away from the sun seeking refuge indoors, to protect myself from the heat and the intense rays of the sun. However, in Sweden, after almost 4 months of darkness and an extreme cold weather, the sun becomes a treasure, something almost mythical that one constantly seeks to capture. It’s a big contrast from my previous experiences, where I would seek shelter from the sun’s intensity. Here, after months of gloomy skies and dwindling daylight, all I yearn for is to be in its warmth and to enjoy a beautiful sunny day outside.

What strikes me most about the arrival of spring in Sweden is the noticeable shift in social dynamics. With the emergence of the sun, the city seems to awaken from its hibernation. Streets are now filled with people eager to embrace the outdoors, sharing meals, going for long walks, and engaging in spontaneous conversations. It’s as if the sun acts as a universal catalyst, fostering a sense of community and conviviality among strangers and acquaintances alike.

What strikes me most about the arrival of spring in Sweden is the noticeable shift in social dynamics. With the emergence of the sun, the city seems to awaken from its hibernation. Streets are now filled with people eager to embrace the outdoors, sharing meals, going for long walks, and engaging in spontaneous conversations. It’s as if the sun acts as a universal catalyst, fostering a sense of community and conviviality among strangers and acquaintances alike.

Observing the transformation that occurs when the sun makes its long-awaited appearance, I’ve come to realize the profound impact it has on my own well-being. I feel like myself. I feel more energetic, optimistic, and eager to do things. It’s a contrast from the fatigue, gloominess and sluggishness that often accompany the dark winter months. I’ve come to appreciate the vital role that sunlight plays in regulating my mood and overall mental health, a realization that I had previously taken for granted.

With this I would like to remind myself and you reading this of the importance of embracing the beauty and the challenges of each season. The beginning of spring serves as a reminder of how after long months of darkness  we get to experience the brightness, warmth, and the blooming of a new season.

It is no secret that students are short on money, and I am no different. Coming to a country that is known for being expensive, I was a little apprehensive of not being able to see a lot of things because they could potentially cost a lot, and while some things are expensive, there is no dearth of activities and sights that are inexpensive or even free. So here is a little “beginner’s tourist guide” of sorts that I’ve put together with some of my favourite things to do in and around Uppsala!

In Uppsala

1: Saturday Concerts at the Uppsala Cathedral
This might be the most obvious thing on this list, but it’s one you really should not miss out on. The cathedral is the tallest one in Scandinavia and is incredibly majestic both on the outside and the inside. It even houses the beautifully decorated tombs of past kings as well, which you will see as you take a round of the cathedral. There are usually a number of free concerts in the summer, as well as weekly classical concerts on Saturday afternoons which also have free admission and sound absolutely magical with the acoustics of the church!

2: A Little Art Outing at Bror Hjorths Hus
Bror Hjorth was a Swedish painter from Uppsala, and there is a little art museum dedicated to his works in the city that is free to visit! His home and studio in Uppsala have been converted into the museum it is today, and there is even an extension to the building where the museum hosts temporary exhibitions for other artists. I absolutely loved visiting Bror Hjorths Hus and I think it is my favourite museum that I’ve visited in Sweden so far. It is quite small compared to a lot of other museums and galleries, considering that it is literally in his old house, and they’ve retained a lot of his old shelves and books, along with so many of his sculptures, paintings, and murals. His artwork is so vibrant, and has such a distinct, bright style that it makes the space feel very positive as well. If you see closely, you will even find an artwork in which he has painted himself in the background!

3: Exhibitions and Contemplation at Uppsala Konstmuseum (Uppsala Art Museum)
I know this is the second art museum in a row, but I am a student of Aesthetics, so I am quite biased towards art! But Aesthetics student or not, the Uppsala Art Museum is lovely, with a large number of really interesting and thought-provoking artworks. They also have frequent exhibitions (of which I have visited a couple) that have fascinating themes (otherworldliness, humans vs nature, among others). The art museum is also free to visit, unless an exhibition mentions otherwise, and is also right next to Uppsala Castle if you’d like to pair the two for a convenient visit. It is also on a bit of a higher point in the city, and gives you a nice view of the cathedral come snow or sunshine.
I know this is the second art museum in a row, but I am a student of Aesthetics, so I am quite biased towards art! But Aesthetics student or not, the Uppsala Art Museum is lovely, with a large number of really interesting and thought-provoking artworks. They also have frequent exhibitions (of which I have visited a couple) that have fascinating themes (otherworldliness, humans vs nature, among others). The art museum is also free to visit, unless an exhibition mentions otherwise, and is also right next to Uppsala Castle if you’d like to pair the two for a convenient visit. It is also on a bit of a higher point in the city, and gives you a nice view of the cathedral come snow or sunshine.

4: A Summertime Day Trip to Gamla Uppsala
Gamla Uppsala or Old Uppsala is a not-so-long bus ride away from the main city, and you can definitely make a little day trip of your visit there– something that I’d definitely recommend doing in the summertime. Not only do they have a museum showcasing the history and significance of Uppsala, they also have several huge burial mounds from the age of the Vikings. At specific times of the day, they even take little groups out to climb the burial mounds with a tour guide, which you do not have to pay extra for. While the “tour” is super short, it is the only way for you to get close to and climb the burial mounds and for that reason I would say it is worth it. The ticket to the museum does cost 100 sek, but the card you get is valid for the whole year, and you can come back several times for free.

Along with the museum and the burial mounds, there are also several trails, an old church, an open-air museum depicting an old Upland village from the 19^th century (only in the summer), and a cute little old-style café and restaurant. The sprawling grounds at the base of the burial mounds are also a nice place to soak in the sun, read, or have a little picnic with your friends!

Around Uppsala

1: History and Art at Västerås
Västerås is another city in Sweden that is 1.5-2 hours away from Uppsala by bus. The tickets aren’t super expensive, and if you already have a monthly bus pass, you have nothing to worry about since the journey is included in your ticket.

Västerås is a smaller city than Uppsala, but still has a bunch of stuff to see and do. The Västmanland County Museum is very immersive and interactive, and almost makes you feel like a child again. It is housed in the same building as the Västerås Art Museum, and yes, they both are free to visit! The city also has a cathedral, and you will even see some art pieces and installations as you walk around the city centre. There is also a historical landmark, Anundshög, situated a short bus ride away from the centre which is considered Sweden’s largest burial mound that is also a must-see.

2: Strolling Around Enköping
If you’d like to visit a little town that almost seems to be stuck in a time of the past, I would recommend a little trip to Enköping. It is not that the town lacks modern infrastructure, but some parts of the town’s centre can only be properly described as “quaint.” It is much smaller and quieter than Uppsala, with an old, quaint church looking upon an old, quiet cemetery. The storefronts in the town also emanate a feeling of being transported into the past, and walking around the town at sunset in the autumn evokes a very specific feeling that is hard to describe to anyone that has not already experienced it.

If you’d like to visit a little town that almost seems to be stuck in a time of the past, I would recommend a little trip to Enköping. It is not that the town lacks modern infrastructure, but some parts of the town’s centre can only be properly described as “quaint.” It is much smaller and quieter than Uppsala, with an old, quaint church looking upon an old, quiet cemetery. The storefronts in the town also emanate a feeling of being transported into the past, and walking around the town at sunset in the autumn evokes a very specific feeling that is hard to describe to anyone that has not already experienced it.

I think visiting Enköping was one of the most unique and unexpected experiences I’ve had in Sweden, and I would suggest a little day trip to see for yourself if you agree with me! Enköping is just a one-hour bus ride away from Uppsala and requires the same kind of ticket as Västerås, which isn’t very expensive!

These are my recommendations to you for now, and I hope to add to this list with the time I have left in Sweden. Happy exploring to those of you that are going to make your way to Uppsala, and I hope you enjoy these places and experiences!

So, you’ve eagerly awaited the verdict on your application, and finally, the moment of truth has arrived. But as you look at your Notification of Selection Results, you may find yourself confused with the terms and information.

Fear not! Let’s unravel the mysteries together.

Your Notification of Selection Results serves as your compass, guiding you through the outcome of your admissions application. Here’s what you can expect to find:

🔍 Which courses/programmes you’ve been offered a place in
📜 Which courses/programmes have placed you on a waiting list (reserve)
❌ Courses/programmes that have been deleted
📝 Special instructions from the university
📞 Contact and other pertinent information
⚖️ How to initiate an appeal, if necessary

But hold on! Before you jump to conclusions based on your application status, let’s decode some common questions:

🔍 “Qualified” Status: Does this mean I’ve been accepted?

Not quite. While being “Qualified” signifies that you meet the prerequisites for the programme, it doesn’t guarantee admission. Think of it as passing the initial stages; now, it’s onto the next phase—selection.

🎯 More about Selection:

Selection is where the real magic happens. Universities assess candidates based on academic achievements and other criteria to determine who secures a spot. This process is competitive, with only a fraction of applicants securing admission.

In this website you can see statistics of past years: (only in Swedish)

❌ “Unqualified” Status: What does this mean?

If your status reads “Unqualified,” it means you haven’t met the general entry requirements or submitted complete documentation by the deadline. Don’t lose hope! You can still rectify this by providing additional documentation, albeit after the admission results have been disclosed.

🤞 “Conditionally Placed on Reserve”: What’s next?

Congratulations, you’re on the waiting list! This status indicates that you may still snag a spot, provided you fulfill certain conditions—such as paying tuition fees or submitting requested documentation—upon receiving an offer.

🔍 Haven’t Received Results: What should I do?

If you’re anxiously refreshing your inbox to no avail, don’t panic. Reach out to University Admissions for assistance. Sometimes, technical glitches or communication mishaps may occur, but rest assured, help is at hand.

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to deciphering your admission results. Remember, regardless of the outcome, your journey doesn’t end here. Embrace the process, stay resilient, and keep striving for your dreams.

Best of luck!

Your future awaits! 🌟

For more information don’t forget to check University Admissions

When I was barely 16 years old I came to a scary and troubling (at least for me at that time) realization. I understood that I am not exactly like all my friends around me getting into their first relationships and thinking about their future. Barely 16 I came to the conclusion that I am in fact queer and there was no going back.

Now the obvious question – why would it be scary, why would it trouble me in such a way. The answer is quite simple. Where I grew up it was not really accepted to be any way different from the accepted normal. Latvia at that time and even now has no legal protection to same sex couple which follows from the undeniable neglect from the general public, which logically follows from the history of the country, more specifically, 50 yearlong soviet occupation just last century. 10 years ago it was quite hard to be openly queer in public, in your workspace or even to your family. And you can imagine what it felt like being surrounded by teenagers in high school. Terrifying.

It was quite tough trying to understand who I was while trying to keep it on the down low so my classmates or teachers would not find out. And at that time all I hoped for was to have a place where I could be who I was unapologetically and just live without being in fear. I always thought it would be the university for me. Moving away from my little town and to the big city of Riga, getting to know new people who have no previous idea of who I am and reintroducing myself. However that did not work how I intended. I did of course tell more and more people about myself but it always came after a long consideration and partly shame.

But it did however change quite a lot when I finished my bachelor’s degree, gained courage and moved from Latvia to Sweden. When I arrived to Uppsala and started looking for friends I was still quite careful with what I say and how I present myself, quite reasonable I think since I had spent around 20 years of my life surrounded by people telling me how gay people are evil, it is not right etc. Anyway when I started being active in my nation I met a lot of people who were just like me. Not necessarily queer or traumatized by the views of their society while growing up, but interested in the same type of music, same movies and the same kind of activities. Soon I was surrounded by people that I like a lot and I had found myself into this wonderful bubble where everyone is exactly who they want to be and it is totally normal and acceptable.

The most surprising part of getting to now so many new people here was that nobody ever cared about things like sexuality or gender. And not in the weird ignorant kind of way, more like everyone was allowed to be whoever they want and express themselves however they please. That was such a charm! People here are not defined by what their sexuality or gender identity is like they were back home and it is so incredibly wonderful.

This might seem a little weird for people who come from Western Europe but just seeing people in Sweden hold hands publicly and hang out together even if their relationship does not follow the traditional sample whatever that must be. It made me so emotional seeing two queer people sit on a park bench, holding hands and chatting while everybody around them paid no mind in any sense whatsoever. What a privilege to live in a country where no matter who you are, you are allowed to love freely and live in peace with themselves.

As well as that, the amount of queer events and activities around Uppsala is incredible. There are queer clubs, pubs, book circles, movie nights, fikas and so on. Everywhere you look there are events for us to hang out and get to know our community better and let me tell you – it`s marvellous.

Here I have collected some of the biggest groups for queer students in Uppsala:

• The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Rights
• Queer research group
• Queer book club
• SFQ Uppsala
• And nation events found on the specific nation sites!