Author: Guestblogger (Page 15 of 18)

Dear You,

I have thought long and hard about my next post and how I could express myself in such a way that it would matter. So, I decided to write you this open letter. Words have been an outlet for me and I earnestly hope that as you read this, it helps you as much as it has helped me.

Coming to Sweden for me was somewhat like coming to America for Eddie Murphy. I set out with a huge grin on my face… I didn’t roll in in a limousine but my flight was pretty neat. So, I wasn’t complaining. Ready to take on Europe in grand style. I had a vision and I was running with it and I was pretty excited about this new phase.

Surprisingly, I wasn’t jet lagged like I had been told I would be…I guess just having an hour in the time difference helped. I was ready to take on this new adventure. New city, New age (30 is the new 30), New thing! Boy was I ready to find love, build friendships that will withstand enormous iceberg hits (Ah! forget new discoveries that the titanic was actually sunk not by the iceberg but by the fire on board; either ways, no matter how dramatic the stumble…I was going to build eternal friendships)!

It’s been a little over two months since I landed this Nordic beauty, actually it has been 2 months, 10 days and 12 hours…but who is counting. I never would have imagined that I was capable of experiencing a million and one emotions in just two months. An exponential increase in what I have experienced my whole life prior to coming to Sweden. An emotional rollercoaster!

I have cried (crying seems so put together, I mean I have sobbed…sloppy sobs) and laughed (hysterical meets genuine meets funny laughs), literally at the same time. I have felt shame and grace, content and lack, rage, anger, sorrow, doubt, uncertainty, I felt alone even in the midst of a crowd … Leaving home has been a harsh reality. I did not understand why I questioned my rational move to further my education or be a better lawyer every second. But I did!

Then I felt despair. It was mixed with a feeling of being lost.  Don’t be alarmed! The strongest of these emotions was hope. Hope trumps all others… it wasn’t as bright or colourful as the northern lights but it was a simmer …just enough to pull me through the melancholy, the dark hole. Most of which started with me comparing my history to my now. Rewind back to how I got to this point… I had flash pictures of how different life was in Nigeria. There were deep disturbing thoughts thrown in the mix as well. You might have similar experiences to mine. Feelings of giving up mixed with a sense of losing oneself and a pinch of clarity. It was all too confusing. Don’t mean to rain on your parade but the first few days, scratch that months are tough. Hold up! Is that to say that I am not meant to be where I am or you shouldn’t take the chance?

Now my letter is going to take an unbelievable twist into one of the columns in your favourite pop-culture magazine. The ‘How to’ segment.  I can’t say I speak for all international students who have left home and country to be here. I can only speak for myself and how I got myself out of this funk. You can caption it…drum rolls…How to get out of the funk…So cliché, more like cheesy, if you ask me. But hey, who is asking?

1. Making friends

Remember how you felt on your first day of any school you ever attended? Well, you will feel that way everyday till you meet your Monica or your Willard or your Casper or your Sadia or your Presita or your person (Christina Yang, Grey’s Anatomy). The best way to get out of the funk is to make friends. For me, I am so loyal…I probably have the same friends from when I was younger till date and because of this you might, like me feel you have friends, why add more or more honestly, why put myself through the stress of making an impression or making new friends… Guess what? You don’t have to go through a whole lot of stress Your course mates form your first friend pool… It’s their first day too and they feel the exact same way you do… Don’t be shy…exchange numbers…go to the student nations to get burgers and chips or invite them on a walk through the city…You get to discover both Uppsala and your new friend. It better to be a pest than assume no one wants to be bothered and end up having a city filled with loners and clicks.

2. VOLUNTEERING

Just an observation! Do things you did back home. It helps! For me, going for symposiums and law events back in Nigeria was a thing. Moving to a new city can be daunting and feeling homesick can steer up those million and one emotions that can screw up your psyche. For me, I found volunteering at the ITech Law Conference 2017 at Stockholm helped me in more ways than I could possibly imagine. I got to volunteer 3 days out of 5 and it was an amazing experience. The elements agreed with me…the sun was out…I found myself strutting through the streets of Stockholm. When you join the Uppsala University community, you will be privileged to be informed of events such as these. Being affiliated with the university affords you opportunities to volunteer and be a part of conferences, competitions of such an international scale. I had a glimpse of the life I could have as a practicing international lawyer that despair didn’t mean a thing when purpose was re-ignited. I met amazing students like me…Shout out to Cee from Azerbaijan, turns out we were like minds. I also got to interact with top lawyers from all over the world. How cool is that. When push comes to shove and you weigh the pros and the cons…the pros far outweigh the cons…

3. TAKE A TRIP

When I think of Europe, I think of the functional internal market…Nah! Just kidding, I think of the free movement in the EU…oh yeah baby! Your residence permit (RP) card permits you to go to other European countries…think Oslo…think Helsinki…think Tullin…think Prague…think Amsterdam…people, Europe is your oyster and your RP is your oyster card. You came a thousand miles not just to read and get good grades but to live…to explore…to travel…to see the world. Just do it!

So take a trip with your new friend or friends. This week I am finally going to go to Estonia…and I am not alone… it always seems lonely in the beginning till you take stock and realize it is not and life is beautiful

4. HAVE LOADS OF CASH

I said it! Money does make the world go around. Have a budget for everything…from your monthly bus card to groceries to taking the ferry to neighbouring cities to shopping in Ahlens…have wads of cash…lol I hate it when people say students are poor…we shouldn’t be…so as you plan to come here as an international student, come with a lot of cash…like really!!! Haggle that aunt or that uncle…save enough from your job in your home country…sell clothes just to make the extra income before coming…You will thank me later, believe me!

5. Work at a student nation

Work, work, work, work, work!!! Laying it all at the table…working at one or all of the student nations helps…not so much for the money but it helps to meet people and learn about the Swedish culture… So, you need to apply for personal number at the tax office to get your four magic numbers **** if your course is 12 months and above or if less, like mine, a coordination number is just as effective. it allows you to work. Get this and you are good to go!!! It’s honest work and trust me you will be happy you did. Oh yeah, there’s free food and soda…lol

6. Mind over matter

Need I say more! Willpower overcomes any physical huddle you may face. For me, I also had the G-man on my side. This ship ain’t sinking…not by a long shot! Have the will to excel, where many others see failure. Remember so many have come and conquered…you can be among the number.

7. FAITH

Have a little faith! Faith never killed nobody…it just two-months. What’s to say the next 8 months won’t be amazingly great? As I wake up each morning, I will be grateful for my many blessings…Now faith is the substance of things that I have hoped for and the evidence of thongs yet seen…

These 7 things gave me hope… They seem so little but it’s the little things that matter most to me. See you soon! x.o.x.o

Warm regards,

Fifi

Åke Daun, a respected former professor of Ethnology at the University of Stockholm who sadly passed away earlier this year, spent a decade of his life researching the people of Sweden for his book, ‘Swedish Mentality’. His conclusions? That Swedes are “socially closed”, “spiritually empty” and, put simply, “dull”. Now, you might be wondering where I’m going with this; it seems a bit harsh opening a blog post by insulting the Swedes! But don’t worry – whilst some Swedish people may seem a little shy when you first meet them, I promise all it takes to transform them into some of the loudest, jolliest, most welcoming people you’ve ever met is an opportunity to sing!

As you may already know, the student nations at Uppsala University hold traditional dinners called gasques throughout the year for various occasions (or just for fun). Every gasque begins with a song: ‘Helan Går’, which roughly translates to ‘drink the whole thing’ – referring to the shot of Snaps provided with the meal. Only once this song is over, can you begin the meal – of course singing comes before food. At my first gasque I was quite taken aback by the speed and vigour with which the Swedes around me proceeded to tuck into their dinner, but I soon realised that this was purely practical as, just a few minutes later, the next song began. This was followed by more Snaps, more speedy nibbling of food, more singing, and always more to drink!

Although at first it seemed quite terrifying to try and sing along with the natives in Swedish when all I could really say was “hej” and “tack”, it really only took me three or four songs (and three or four drinks) before I was singing as loud as any of the others. Fortunately, the most important thing at gasques in Uppsala is for everyone to have as much fun as possible, so nobody seemed to notice my less-than-perfect pronunciation (or tunefulness), which definitely lifted my spirits! The Swedish sense of humour certainly came into play with some of the songs, which have sudden, vigorous actions or surprising sound effects that clearly confused the international students such as myself. My Swedish table partners had a great time trying to explain to me when I ought to bang the table, which lines ought to be shouted instead of sung, and the ‘corrections’ to certain songs that made them a little more humorous to an audience of ever-so-mature students… (I’ll say no more).

Singing is very deeply-rooted in the traditions of the student nations, and it is not only guests at gasques who get to join in. The workers from the kitchen and serving teams present their own songs at the end of the dinner, which are usually well-known songs with modified lyrics so as to reflect the occasion and which always raise a laugh from the guests. Whilst a majority of these songs will, indeed, draw from more traditional tunes, I was once treated to a fantastic rendition of “I Will Survive” by the serving team, which left most of the room with tears (of laughter) in their eyes.

Some of the Swedish songs have fun and strange traditions, such as making a hat out of your serviette and waving it around your head!

You might be wondering how new students at Uppsala could possibly be expected to know a whole dinner’s worth of Swedish songs by heart, but have no fear! Each of the student nations has their own special songbook that contains all the songs you will ever need (and a few more). An important Uppsala tradition that must be observed by all students, new and old, is to share your songbook with your neighbours at the table towards the end of the night and write messages to one another. It might be thanking them for their company, complimenting them on their outfit, or writing down the funniest moment of the night so that they never forget it. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES may you read the messages left to you on that same night! You must instead follow these instructions: put your songbook away, carry on partying, drink far too much and stay up far too late with all your new friends, dance, return home at a ridiculous hour, and wake up feeling terribly exhausted, and hungover. This is when the magical power of the songbook is at its most powerful. The greatest hangover cure I have ever experienced is opening up my songbook, and reading the funniest, sweetest, silliest and most random messages left there by my brand new friends the night before.

It’s important to write messages to your friends and dinner neighbours when you go to a gasque, and it’s a lovely memory to keep

As you can see, the singing Swedes have made a lasting and joyful impression on this international student. I hope you will make sure to reserve judgement from any Swede you encounter who seems reserved, shy, or disinterested – at least until you sit them down with a songbook and a glass of Snaps, and see what happens.

/Emily

Innovation, a new method, idea, product et. I found the definition in the Webster Dictionary, don’t be fixated by such serious explanation. In my dictionary, innovation is more fun to embrace with. Last year, when I decided to participate the EIT health innovation day, it is more curiosity to learn, to exchange way of thinkings, to learn from each other. To pave this grounded mind-set, I was ready to go.

The entire day was full of brainstorming and fast prototyping method all at one shot. It is almost impossible to find a totally novel method nowaday at any existing product/services in any industries. The beginning of the innovation process, the tutor will hand out a set of tools, which is called innovation process, to guide innovators to define ‘what is the problem’, once it is defined, we are as solution providers have to come up with all sorts of solutions, and quantify ‘problem solution fit’, and stress test with arguments why one solution is better than others. It is similar to group discussion at school’s seminars.

The organisers also embedded a sense of reality into this innovation challenge that invited a different social group of people, from refugee, to elder care centre staff, from school teacher to pension takers, which offered us chances to interviewed them, received the genuine information they have been encountered with. This is the highlight of this event, I am fascinated that those words from these social groups seriously explained the social challenges, which for us sometimes staying at the Swedish Ivy League too long, already distance ourselves to the community surrounded by.

With the upcoming Innovation day 2017-2018, the innovators should be encouraged to grab this chance to roll up your sleeve, join and have tons of fun.

The Swedish traditional ‘Gasque’ roughly translates as ‘Formal Student Party’ usually involving a three-course themed dinner. You can expect good food, formal attire, speeches and, most importantly, songs. Most Gaques are followed by a ‘Släpp’ an afterparty with a dancefloor with a DJ, occasionally until 0400. Alternatively, there is also a ‘Ball’ which is more formal and a ‘Sexa’ which is a less formal student dinner. Almost every student is affiliated with at least one nation and therefore has the right to attend all that nation’s Gasques. The themes vary from nation to nation, but the most common ones are: Crayfish Party, New Members dinner, Christmas, Spring Ball and Male / Female dinners.

The very first Gasque I attended was the International Gasque held at Vastmalands-Dala Nation in my first month. This was organised as an ‘intro to gasques’ for international students. The dress code was Kavaj (which means smart). Men were expected to wear dark suits and the women, at least knee-length dresses. This is the story of my first experience.

The pre-drink

Entering the main entrance, I put my coat into the dressing room and was welcomed with a glass of bubbly. Once I began mingling, I soon began recognising people from my course, nation and Swedish language classes. Everyone knew everyone somehow. It felt like a game of six degrees of separation. There was a list of names and table settings on the wall for us to find our places before we entered the main hall. Traditionally the table settings are man-woman with the man’s date to his right.

2 sets of cutlery, 4 different glasses and an already prepared starter were waiting at our table settings. We had a set menu on a sheet in front of us, song books and a set of instructions for the night. The waiters came around to make sure our shot glasses were filled with schnapps for toasting at the end of every song. We later found out these should last 3 songs – a third of the glass per song. After that you should purchase an ‘snaps’, an extra glass of schnapps. Or toast with beer or wine. Whatever you have, as long as you’re toasting it. Our hosts for the night welcomed us and went through the main rules: no talking or eating during speeches, no going to the toilet or smoking (unless you really have to!) until the official breaks and sing with the whole group (no random solo singing).

The songs were mostly Swedish, so a hall filled with International students, well you can guess how we did… singing in a language you can’t read to a tune you don’t know. Luckily the host table was loud enough for all to follow and I’ve since found that after the second or third time singing a song, you get the hang of it! There is also a certain way to toast at the end of each song. Tonight, we toasted (for women) left-right-opposite DRINK opposite-right-left DOWN. For men, it goes right-left. Confusing at first – I know, but we sang a lot, got a lot of practice and had great fun.

The head of the International Committee giving a welcome speech

The International committee graced us with fantastic entertainment for the evening from many different nations. A jazz band from Uplands performed during our starter, with an entertaining bubble / balloon artist at the forefront. A female choir from Göteborgs during our main course who sang beautifully in Swedish and then ended with ‘Africa’ by Toto. And for dessert, a ‘Spex’ (drama) group entertained us with a ‘How to Swede’ comedy set, calling on different members of the international committee to answer questions like ‘what is lagom?’ – ‘it’s a state of mind’.

The Jazz Band from Uplands

During the night my neighbours and I spoke about where to get the best Swedish Meatballs (IKEA obviously), how to make great Pytt-i-panna and what a cykelstyre is. Gasques are a fantastic way to meet new people and make great friends and songbooks help to remember the night (especially if you’ve had a few too many avecs!!). Traditionally, those around you will write a note in your book which you’re not allowed to read until the next morning. It can just be a short line about how nice it was, a long spiel about all the things you spoke about, or a surprise – like a number from someone who’s interested in seeing you again.

Our last song, O Gamla Klang, ends with everyone standing on their chair holding hands. (Fair warning: there’s also a section in the middle of the song where people bang on the table and drinks can spill everywhere… like mine did…). The tradition dictates that if you sit down again after the song finishes, you will never graduate. A nice way to get everyone out of the hall quickly and ready for the Släpp.

One final thing. During the breaks (we got two, it was a big night) some went out to enjoy a ‘Mellansup’. I won’t tell you what this is, but again it’s a tradition – one which I hope you’ll be able to find out for yourself!

Some students enjoying a Mellansup

/Rhianna

Leaves turning orange, falling off their branches in slow rhythmic sways, I imagine they are dancing to Beyoncé’s “I Was Here”. Landing on the gravelled ground with a sense of fulfilment. I spot a squirrel just in my path running off with a nut. My first encounter with one. Oh my, I think I just saw a rabbit…yikes, it’s a hare…long hind legs! This is so incredible! I feel like I am in a movie. My first autumn season!!!

“As I stroll past the Botanica garden to the city centre, I am drawn to other passers-by. Most of them in just T-shirts and jeans. Some have on light coats and scarfs. I am curious why? Aren’t they freezing? I ask myself. I look down at my outfit and I am wearing a very thick jacket, the thickest I could find with a thick wool scarf around my neck. Don’t even get me started on the layers of long sleeve tops and sweater I had underneath or the thermal tights underneath my trousers. My hands in gloves… Can you tell, I am freezing still!

From Stings second Album released in October 1987, “Nothing Like the Sun”, I begin to hum the chorus of “Englishman in New York” …

“Oh, oh…I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien I’m an Englishman in New York…  I’m an alien, I’m a legal alien, I’m a Nigerian woman in Uppsala, Sweden…”

Okay, my version of the lyrics won’t fit into the beat but you get the gist.

I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones. Who isn’t? I think David Benioff and D.B Weiss are awemazing (awesome and amazing at the same time). Remember that scene in Episode 10, Season 6, where Sansa Stark and Jon Snow were talking? A white raven came from the citadel and Sansa says…” Winter is here”. It so is for me.

I am from Lagos, Nigeria. The urban heats of that island range from 34 degrees to 39 degrees Celsius. Night live is saturated with tunes of afrobeat, hip-hop, neo-soul, Jazz, R& B, traditional songs and Spiritual hymns. The days are full of Sunshine and Sunshine… And when it rains, the thunder and lightning set the perfect stage for children to dance in it. memoirs from my childhood…

If you are used to the tropical climate in Africa or Asia and looking to stop by Sweden, heads up! End of summer, beginning of Autumn means Winter, Winter, Winter! Grab a few extra sweaters and thermal wears on your way to this Scandinavian beauty. Add some thick socks and solid boots in your luggage. Trust me it will be a few extra kilos in your suitcase but it would be worth it.

You can thank me later!!!

So, if you are new to Sweden and you can relate, drop your comments below and let me know I am not alone on this.

/Fifi

I’ll start with a story:

In my first week, I went to the house of someone who was selling me a guitar he had advertised on Uppsala Buy & Sell. Happy with my purchase I took the guitar and went on my way, but as I was leaving he asked, ‘do you need a bike as well?’. I did. I saw three lined up by his doorway. I asked how much. ‘800 each’ he replied. I thought about it, but something about it didn’t feel quite right, the bikes didn’t have locks, nor lights, and if he sold the guitar on Uppsala Buy & Sell why not the bikes too? I told him I’d think about it and went home. The next day I wrote to him again and asked if the bikes were still available. They were, of course they were. I told him I only had a budget of 500 and his price dropped to 600, an hour later I got a text saying 500 was fine. I asked for a picture and he said he would as soon as he returned home. I didn’t hear from him again.

Message of the story – the bikes were probably stolen, as so many are in Uppsala. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. In the case of a theft, or to avoid theft, there are a few things to remember:

• Never EVER leave your bike unlocked, not even for a moment, thieves are opportunistic.
• If your bike is stolen the large intimidating police station in the North of Uppsala is where you need to go to report it (call 11414 if you have tips for the police).
• Having a picture of your bike helps efforts to retrieve it.
• Use 2 locks if possible, there are instances where U-bend locks have been cut or broken and nothing is 100% secure.
• Generic bikes are more likely to get stolen because they’re not easily identifiable, put something on your bike like a sticker to make it unique, it’s an easy way to make it less appealing to thieves.

If you’re still looking for a bike there are many options for you. The Uppsala University Buy & Sell Facebook site is a good start, you’re more likely to interact with students selling their own bikes at the end of their time here and it (hopefully) won’t be a stolen bike, that being said, nothing’s guaranteed. There’s Sweden’s answer to craigslist – Blocket. There are also many bike shops in and around Uppsala, some offer extra protection against theft by labelling your bike or putting a number on it connected to your receipt so that it’s more easily traceable. Occasionally you may see mobile numbers for bike sellers around town on noticeboards or lampposts. One of my friends even gave me a number in my first few days, but it came across a bit shady, like a strange drug deal ‘Do you have a number for a bike? Because I’ve got a guy…’. Many Germans I’ve met here transported their bikes from home using the train, bus or by car (I take it in Germany bikes are a worthwhile investment). The benefit of buying a bike inside Sweden though are the inclusive foot brakes which are very useful in the winter.

Whatever you do, make sure you take precautions:

• Oil your brakes and chains before and after winter.
• Get ‘winter tyres’ when it starts to get cold.
• Keep your tyres pumped at any of the handy pump stations dotted around town.
• Make sure your brakes are always working (you can get a 500kr fine if they’re not working properly).
• You can also get a fine for not stopping at a red traffic light (1500kr), pedestrian crossing (1500kr), having an extra person on the bike (500kr), not using lights at night (500kr/light), absent reflectors on the wheels (500kr) and not having a working bell (500kr).
• Beyond the age of 15 helmets are NOT a legal requirement, however, I’ve heard stories of students falling off their bikes in winter and suffering from brain damage – so it’s always better to be safe.
• Know who has right of way, if you’re coming from a cycle path to a main road, the main road ALWAYS has right of way.
• And just because someone let you have right of way in a certain spot before doesn’t mean that’s always the case, never assume.

I like to park my bike in a nice visible spot

During Uppsala’s infamous Spring celebrations, it is entirely possible that some (intoxicated) individuals like to throw bikes into the river. AVOID PARKING NEAR THE RIVER DURING THIS TIME. Or use 2 locks. I’ve heard speculations that up to 400 are thrown in each year, but could not find any exact figures. Either way, it’s a lot.

Finally, make sure you shop around. If you’re after bike accessories, LIDL, Clas Ohlson, Flying Tiger and IKEA offer the best prices for lights, locks, baskets and other bike related goodies. Some bike shops offer student discounts for sales and repairs too.

At the end of a cold and wet day cycling, there’s nothing like a classic Swedish Fika break

Here’s an infographic I made to sum up the tips mention above:

/Rhianna

To all of our newly arrived international students, we would like to say a big “Welcome!” By now you will have landed in a new country, moved into your new accommodation, and met your new classmates. You will have found your way to campus, and done your first grocery shop in a foreign supermarket. You may even have bought yourself a bicycle, and had to remember how to ride again. For some of you, it may even be the first time you have lived outside of your family home. These first few weeks are energising and exciting, and full of memorable new experiences. But as you start to settle in, and the novelty starts wearing off, it is perfectly natural that you start to miss home.

One of the biggest challenges our international students face, especially those living abroad for the first time, is homesickness.

What is homesickness?

Homesickness is defined as the distress caused from actual or anticipated separation from one’s homeland, family, friends, and an environment which is familiar. It commonly leads to one feeling sad, worried, and having difficulty focusing on topics unrelated to home. Simply put, feeling homesick is not fun at all.

Symptoms of homesickness can be cognitive, behavioural, emotional and physical. They can include:

Cognitive:

• Preoccupying thoughts of home, and all that you left behind
• Negative thoughts about your new environment, and critically comparing it to home
• Idealising home
• Obsessing over all that you are missing out on by not being at home
• Thoughts of inadequacy

Behavioural:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent crying
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Social withdrawal

Emotional:

• Depression
• Loneliness
• Moodiness
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Feeling stressed and overwhelmed
• Feeling tired, drained and unmotivated

Physical:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Muscular tension

Homesickness varies in severty from person to person. While many international students are able to overcome these feelings, for some it can be quite debilitating.

What to do if you start to feel homesick

First of all, it’s important to realise that homesickness is not a sign of weakness, but a normal part of the international student experience. In fact, nearly all people miss something about home when they are away, so the actual prevalence of homesickness is close to 100%, mostly in a mild form. In the international student population, homesickness is often experienced more intensely. If you find yourself feeling sad and longing for home, know that you are not alone. These feelings won’t go away overnight, but you can find ways of coping, and eventually get through it. Once you remove the homesickness glasses, everything in your new environment can be received in a much more positive manner. Each individual has their own way of dealing with homesickness, but here are a few tips and strategies to help you started:

1. Talk to others

As I mentioned, homesickness is something that is felt to some degree by almost every single international student. So find someone to talk to and share what you are going through. Getting your feelings off your chest may make you feel instantly lighter, and it may also comfort you to know that others are going through the exact same thing. If they know that you are feeling down, your new friends, classmates or dormitory mates may go out of their way to cheer you up, and might also share with you new strategies for overcoming these emotions. We understand that not everybody feels comfortable initiating conversations with others. If you feel shy or are having trouble making new friends, we suggest joining a language exchange group for example.

2. Keep busy and get involved

While withdrawing and staying in your room may be all that you feel like doing, it won’t help you in the long run. One of the best ways of overcoming homesickness is to distract yourself, so go out and have some fun. Join a club, start exercising, explore the city extensively and say yes to all the social invitations that come your way. Plan a weekend away, sign up to work at a student nation, learn Swedish, and make a bucket list for all the things you want to do and see while you are here. If you are busy enough, you might just start forgetting how homesick you are.

3. Keep in close contact with your friends and family

Connecting with a close friend of family member can instantly brighten your mood, and make the distance between you feel shorter. These days, with social media and smart phones, it is so cheap and easy to stay in touch with people, no matter where in the world you are. Book in weekly Skype calls, send photos and videos back and forth, and ask your friends to keep you closely updated on everything they have going on. It may help you to conquer your feelings of missing out. And your family and friends are likely to be just as interested to hear about your new life in Sweden.

4. Learn to make your favourite meals from home

Food is more powerful than you think, and eating your favourite comfort food can help you to feel more at home. There are several international grocery stores in Uppsala, so you should be able to find many of the products you require, or at least a good alternative. There are also a variety of restaurants in town specialising in international cuisine, so you may be able to have a taste of your homeland at one of them. You could find other students from your country, and take turns cooking for each other. Or, you could invite other students with different nationalities to dinner, so that they can enjoy a meal from your country. If you are lucky, they may even cook one of their national dishes for you in return.

5. Make your own traditions

Remember, feeling homesick is about your instinctive need for love, comfort, security and stability, all qualities that are regularly associated with home. So whatever you can do to make your new environment feel like your own, the better. One way of doing this is to establish new traditions. They don’t have to be complicated, and can be as simple as grocery shopping on a Sunday morning, or taking a brisk walk before dinner. The more you build routine in your new life, the more familiar things will feel.

6. Stop comparing everything to home

Try to stop judging everything new against what you are used to, and idealising your old life. When you are homesick, it is very easy to fall into the pattern of thinking everything is better at home. Remember that nowhere is perfect, and make an active effort to focus on the positive aspects of life in Sweden. The grass is not always greener on the other side – it’s just different.

7. Remember that your time here is limited, so try and make the most of it

Whether you are an exchange student here for six months, or a Master’s student here for two years, at some point your time as an international student will be over. This is such a special period of your life, and one that you will look back on for years to come. It will go faster than you think, so make every day count and take advantage of every opportunity you are given.

Remember that if you really feel as though you are struggling we are always here to help. You can contact my colleagues Lina, Hannah or I at the International Office, speak with your programme coordinator or get in touch with the Student Health Centre.

/Jorja

A day in Gripsholm Castle.

Gripsholm Castle, is located in Mariefred, Sodermanland, not very far away from Uppsala, in front of the castle you can find a lake called Malaren, just about 60 kms west of Stockholm.  Since the King Gustav Vasa, Gripsholm has belonged to the Swedish Royal Family, and it was used as one of its residences until 18th-century.  Today is now a museum, but its still at disposal of the Royal Family.

Here are some fun facts:

1. This was a Carthusian convent for almost thirty years until it was confiscated by the King Gustav I during the Swedish Reformation.
2. The king Gustav tore it down, and built a fortified castle for defensive purposes.
3. The castle was constructed between 1537 and 1545, and often serve as the residence of the royal court.
4. Sigismund, later king of Sweden was born in here in 1566.
5. This place is known as the widows castle, because it served as home for all the widows of the crown.
6. For a short period it was used as a prison in the 18th-century.
7. Gustav III spent several months in this castle every year.
8. It has a theater inside, where the king Gustav III and his friends performed.
9. Gustav IV Adolf, sign his abdication in this castle.
10. The museum includes a baldy stuffed lion which has become in most famous one in the recent years, I am sure you all have seen him.

A day in Linnaeus’ Hammarby.

‘Omnia mirari etiam tritissima’, which translates to ‘Find wonder in everything, even the most commonplace’. Linnaeus.
Most of you might not recognize the name of “Linnaeus” or more properly the name of “Carl Linnaeus”. He was a Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist who laid the foundations for the modern biological naming scheme of binomial nomenclature, among other things.

Here are some fun facts that I learned of him when I visited his summer house in the small estate of Hammarby in Uppsala:

1. He was the eldest of five children.
2. His father was a Lutheran minister.
3. He entered the University of Lund after a year of studies he was transferred to Uppsala University.
4. He was the first to name the humans as “homo sapiens”.
5. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy and ecology.
6. He could host as much as 300 students from all over Europe and the world in the garden of his summer house.
7. He lived in Netherlands for three years.
8. The Swedish King Adolf Fredrik made Linnaeus a noble in 1757.
9. At the time of his death, he was one of the most acclaimed scientists in Europe.
10. He died on January 1778 and was buried in Uppsala Cathedral.

/Pollo

One week prior to the beginning of classes, the International Committee (IK) and the Student Nations arrange a large number of activities with the goal of welcoming international students to Uppsala. These activities are a great opportunity to get to know the city, culture, meet new friends, and of course, learn more about the Student Nations. Since classes have not started yet, and the weather is still very nice outside, this is the perfect time to go out and experience many of things Uppsala has to offer!

During this year’s orientation week activities included guided tours of the city, FIKA, Swedish games, beer pong, pub-quizzes, mini waffle day, a light hike to see viking graves at Gamla Uppsala, among many others.

Viev from Gamla Uppsala

Besides the events organized by the IK and the Student Nations, I highly recommend taking a look at the “Nationsguiden” app (an official app to check what is going on at Uppsala’s Student Nations) and see if there is a restaurant, pub, or FIKA open and go there with your friends as well. Going to a Student Nation outside of the organized events is also a great way to learn more about a nation, meet some of its members, and determine if it is a nation you would like to join or not.

Friends and I enjoy dinner at a nation’s restaurant

It might also be the case that the department you will study in has also organized a few welcome activities. Make sure you go to these as well such that you can get to know your classmates and in some cases get free food too!

ecue at the IT department – Photo by Divyansh Khunteta

My first week at Uppsala has been hectic and with many things going on at the same time. Take advantage of this week to go out as much as you can, make new friends, and enjoy all of the activities that have been organized. This week is specially designed to set you on the right path towards an awesome experience at Uppsala!

/Diego

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