Author: Guestblogger (Page 16 of 18)

It is that time of the year when the buzz and vibrancy of Uppsala returns with the arrival of new and old students after the long summer break. One place which takes centre stage in any student’s life in Uppsala is a student nation. If Uppsala was Twitter, then the words ‘Student-nation’ would most certainly be one of the top trending words. Apart from being the epicentre of a student’s social and cultural life, student nations also provide employment opportunities. It is probably one of the very few employment opportunities in Uppsala for non-Swedish speaking International students. Though relying just on the income from working in a student nation is not a very wise idea. The nations are organisations run by the students and so quite naturally the pay is not something that can be correlated to a regular job. Working daily is generally not possible as it is bound to affect one’s academic performance. The real USP of a job at the nations is the complete package of some money, food/drinks and a huge opportunity to socialize and make new friends. The salary generally differs from nation to nation. The bigger nations are known to be more generous in their compensation package than the smaller ones. The pay is generally higher for private rentals and during special occasions like Valborg. One can work in a variety of positions during a nation activity. The usual jobs include bartending, helping in the wardrobe, serving, manning the door, washing dishes etc.

A bartender on a semi busy day

My recent experience of working for a student nation

The whole concept of a ‘Student nation’ was so new and fascinating  that I decided to experience it in close quarters and the best way to do that is  by working in one.

I decided to try out a shift in a nation during my second semester in Uppsala. It was the second week of the new semester and I opted for the supposedly easier wardrobe shift at the Friday Club at Varmlands. The first few weeks of the semester generally has the new students flocking to the clubs in large numbers. The enthusiasm mellows down a bit as the semester progresses. My first shift, being at the start of the new semester was extremely busy with a constant inflow of students wanting to use the wardrobe facility. Luckily I had 4 other fellow workers to help me .This allowed me to take breaks, avail the free drinks (non-alcoholic) allowed for the club workers and mingle with new people. After the end of the club, all the club workers of that day clean the nation together. Though it was a pretty hectic day, I ended up making many new friends. After my first taste of a nation shift, I decided to continue the new trend. I actually became a regular as a wardrobe staff in Varmlands during its Friday clubs. To be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and have made many friends and memories throughout the semester. I have also worked in few other nations and at times they have offered a higher per hour pay. But the rapport I had with the club-masters and my fellow staff made sure that I keep coming back to Varmlands. Some of my friends had similar preferences and attachments to other nations. On the downside, there have been instances where the shifts in some of the nations were not enjoyable due to either mismanagement or rudeness of the Nation staff. Thus it is important to choose a nation (for working), which has a balance of good pay and good people (in the management)

That feeling when a hectic & unpleasant shift is about to end

FAQs

– How can I get a job in a nation?

Every nation (club/pub /rentals) has its own facebook group where they advertise the vacant positions. One should join all the groups and respond to the relevant/convenient post

– What is the general pay package?

The pay ranges from 15 kr to 60 kr /hour + tips .Most shifts will have food and drinks included

– Do I need any documents/proof?

The requirements vary from nation to nation. Generally a ‘personnummer’ or the personal identify number provided by the tax office is a must. Some nations may also ask for a copy of the resident permit card and passport. These have to be sent to the Second Curator (2Q) of the particular nation. To get the salary one should also send the following information:

Name:
Swedish personal number or coordination number:
Email:
Address:
Swedish bank and account number:

– Is it necessary to be a member of a particular nation in order to work there?

One can work in any nation without even being a member.

– How and when do I get my salary?

The salary will be directly transferred to your Swedish bank account (if and when provided). Normally the payment is never made in cash. The salary will be sent after a week or next month (for special events) depending on the event.

– Do I have a choice regarding the work I want to undertake in a shift?

Yes there is always a choice. Depending on availability, one can choose between the different vacant positions i.e. wardrobe staff, glass picker, bartender, dishwashing staff etc.

– Is prior experience necessary?

Most of the shifts don’t require prior experience. Specialized tasks like bartending, serving (especially during rentals and gasques) and cooking may require prior work experience.

/Arindam

I arrived in Uppsala less than a week ago and I’ve had to get accommodated quickly!

Day 1:
Landed in Arlanda Airport and tried to buy a train ticket from inside the airport. No luck, the machines only sell tickets to Stockholm. Once outside the airport I found a tourist helpdesk, they directed me to the main train station where I bought a ticket to Uppsala from a big yellow machine. Train time – around 20 minutes.

Arrived at Uppsala train station. Luckily my UK Sim card has no roaming charges so I used google maps to find the best route to my new home (either no. 2 or no. 3 bus to Kantorsgatan). Took money out at a cash machine only to find that the bus machines accept solely card payments. Bought my bus ticket (aware that the cost of the bus ticket was less that the charges that would be applied to my overseas card transaction) and hopped on bus number 3 with my luggage in tow. After arriving it occurred to me that the ticket I bought at the train station may have applied to the buses as well, but it was too late.

My new room: big, bare and grey/white. How much more student-y can you get? I have a shared apartment with one other person who, as I later found out, had been living there alone for 4 months prior to my arrival. I had no internet, kitchenware, sheets, blankets, towels, study materials, food and limited toiletries. My classes in Basic Swedish started the next day. I had to register. I had to get items. I had to get food. I had to get to know the city. I had to do all this relatively quickly.

A few hours and a few bus trips later and I had some food, information from the University, paper and pens, a blanket and a little more knowledge about Uppsala.

There are so many flies in Uppsala.

Day 2:
Introductory class to Basic Swedish. Easy to find, helpful, awkward. The first day of class if always awkward. Talk to others or spend time on your phone? I did the latter, but only because I was trying to figure out where I could buy towels after class. I made a shopping list. I half-listened. They told us about tours, Nations, the fact that help was limited right now because most of the staff were on holiday. We got all the information in person, in our welcome pack and by email. Somehow, we always forget or lose track. The information is still never where you need it when you need it.

They told us Summer only lasts 6 weeks in Sweden. Maybe that’s why there are so many flies around right now.

After class, I ventured out to IKEA, around 40 minutes by bus. I bought as much as I could carry: pillows, towels, sheets, patterned fabric, a bin, a rug… I was unsure about the rug, it was quite large, but it was nice and it was cheap (200kr), so I bought it too.

When I tried to get on the bus the driver said something to me in Swedish (something about ‘matten’) I thought he might have been saying I couldn’t take the rug on the bus, but when I replied ‘sorry, pardon?’ in English he smiled and waved me on. Same as anywhere, there are nice bus drivers and not-so-nice bus drivers.

Now my home was starting to feel like home. Every hour I scanned the FB group ‘Uppsala University buy and sell’. Occasionally I could bulk buy items

IKEA

Day 3:
Classes continued and, naturally, friendships formed. I was a master’s student in a group with other master’s and PhD students / academics. Two days in and we were already quite talkative. After class I tried to buy tickets for the group tours, but the card machine wasn’t working. We only found this out after waiting in a queue for 40 minutes. So, shopping instead, this time for clothes and a frying pan. Every time you think you’re set up, you think of something else you need. I kept scanning ‘Uppsala University buy and sell’ for used bikes. I needed a bike. I really needed a bike.

That night I researched the student nations. To get a student card you need to join a nation. There are 13 to choose from and I wasn’t taking the decision lightly. I made a list of pros and cons for each. I considered their libraries, work opportunities, size, parties, clubs, pubs, food, gasques, sports teams, history, websites, Facebooks and, ultimately, whether they seemed open to accepting international students. I narrowed it down to three relatively small clubs and made my final decision.

My student card was on its way.

My room once decorated

Day 4:
Bike, bike, bike, bike. I still needed a bike. The 35-minute walk to campus seemed longer considering the possibility of a bike. After class, I went again to buy tickets for the group tour. Unfortunately, Stockholm the next day was fully booked and it was Stockholm’s pride parade. What a day to go. I joined two classmates for a Chinese Buffet lunch. There’s a big Asian presence in Uppsala, I can hear people all around the City speaking Thai, Hindi and Mandarin, not to mention the copious Indian, Chinese, Thai restaurants and massage parlours.

It’s nice, it’s diverse, everyone seems happy and friendly. I think I’m going to like it here.

Oh, and I finally bought a bike – from Bibblans Cycle shop. I bumped into my Swedish Professor in the shop who encouraged me to get one without hesitation. ‘You will need one’ he assured me and reminded me they cycle on the right here.

What happens when you cycle in Uppsala in the summer? You get a healthy diet of flies.

Top things to remember:
1. Make sure you have an EU sim with credit on arrival, otherwise get a Sim ASAP – the University welcome pack has a Sim included, so if you can make it there first it’s helpful.
2. Get a flight in the morning if possible, your first few days will be busy, but your first day especially busy.
3. Join ‘Uppsala University buy and sell’ Facebook group.
4. Be prepared to spend a lot of money on arrival.
5. Buy a bike ASAP with a very good lock.
6. Join a Nation.
7. Make sure you have a card you can make Visa/Mastercard payments with, some shops don’t accept cash and getting a bank account here is a lengthy process.
8. Be friendly, walk around and get a lay of the land. It’s not a big City, but it’s beautiful and it’s your home for now!

/Rhianna

August will see me pack up my bags and hop on a flight to Sweden. Naturally, this move requires slimming down the wardrobe and being selective in terms of what to put in the suitcase. Studying Sustainable Management, where better to start managing sustainably than in your own life. I’ve had clear outs over the years but approached this one with a different mindset after being inspired from The Minimalists Ted Talk.

The Oxford English Dictionary describes minimalism as “deliberate lack of decoration or adornment in style or design”. The Minimalists take it a step further claiming it as a “tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favour of focusing on what’s important”. The philosophy stretches beyond decluttering and is a welcome respite from the consumer culture I’ve become accustomed too.

The past two weeks has been a real challenge, trying to adopt this living style and pairing back on the “stuff” in my life. I still have a full wardrobe so definitely a long way to go yet I am already feeling the benefits of having less unnecessary things. I’ve compiled a list of tips for you to try if you to want to declutter and focus on what is important in your life.

5 Tips

• Find your Easy-Wins – start with the stuff you hate or haven’t worn in years and stick them in a bag. Now you’ve made a start! Everything from here is a bonus towards a simplified life.
• Start Small – I started with my bedside table drawer and after emptying that, I had the strength to tackle my cabinet. I worked my way up to the biggest challenge which in my case was the wardrobe.
• Picture It – Some of the stuff wasn’t even on my radar for getting rid of, but when I had it laid out and photographed I realised the only reason I was keeping it was the memory. Now that I have the memory in an image, I don’t need to hold onto the physical possession. 
• Have a Purpose – Mine is simply that I’ll be moving out and need to clear the room, although a fresh start and leading a more conscious life are nice bonuses. It’s tough going and I realised through the process how sentimental I am but afterwards you’re left with the pieces you love.
• Go Easy – One of my friend’s mothers routinely picks up boxes she hasn’t opened for a while and flings it into a bin. Aside from the lack of recycling/donating in that scenario I just don’t have the ruthlessness to do it. You can do a review of all your items on a regular basis as not everything needs to go today. Needs change over time and the longer it’s not used the easier it can sometimes be to get rid of.

Embedding this routine into your life will mean you’ll be less susceptible to fast fashion bargains and think more consciously about the item. What needs is it satisfying in your life? Will this cheap item be up for review in 6 months’ time? If the answer is maybe, don’t buy it. Save your money and invest in something more worthwhile. Donating, recycling and selling off these items will hopefully put you in a great position to start the new academic year with a fresh start.

/Daniel

Early on, when my age just reached double digits, I became fascinated with a particular painting. It was alive,a scene in motion. It was also a little morbid. It is titled Valdemar Atterdag holding Visby to Ransom, 1361 or Valdemar Atterdag brandskattar Visby den 27 juli 1361. How do you pronounce that? No one knows. Painted by Carl Gustaf Hellqvist, dated 1882. It depicts Visby in disarray. The Danish king Valdemar IV has laid out three great beer vats and demands that the people of the town fill them with gold and riches. If they do not, he will burn the city to the ground. Not very fun times, the middle ages.

I wouldn’t have imagined that I would be living in that city. I visited it last October, and I didn’t realize until later that it was the same place as in the painting. The old town is much more modest than Hellqvist’s depiction. It’s much nicer than what’s shown in the artwork as well. No invading soldiers. But like the emotion of the painting, I did feel a sense of fear. The thought of moving halfway across the world to live on an island in the Baltic Sea. I don’t have much experience with islands. Hearing the word, I imagine a sandy piece of land with a single palm tree. While I do like alone time, I could imagine I might feel isolated living on a big rock protruding from the depths. My visit to the campus there was rather pleasant though. In fact I liked it much more than any university that I’ve visited. It felt homey. I had learned from a previous attempt at higher education that I really don’t like the anonymity in a herd of students as I had thought I might. In fact I only was in class for two weeks before I concluded I was going to leave (although my decision was partially based on not wanting to do a very tedious assignment. You could say I’m a bit lazy). My good feelings about the place did have a hint of uneasiness.

I soon came to the hurdle that is the immigration process. I found the Migration Agency’s website to be pretty confusing. Different sections seemed to contradict each other, some of the information was vague. To make things worse, I was rather delayed at collecting the money needed to show I can sustain myself in Sweden. It’s a whole lot of money. A whole lot. But it maybe won’t last all three years, as travel is much more important than food, of course. I look forward to budgeting though. Seems fun. Like a game. I’m sure many people agree. You have the control. The power. The taste of independence, while scary, is delicious. A good trick is to never shower so you save on utilities. And people? Who needs them. Going out is just a waste of money if you ask me. Sitting alone in the dark doesn’t empty your wallet.

I’m not a very outgoing person. I’ve never had very many friends. Not that people don’t like me. They love me. I am irresistible. My flowing hair hypnotizes them. Unfortunately, this does not satisfy me. I tend to avoid people, a habit that doesn’t serve me well much of the time, but most of the time it does. Many have told me that at university I will find my “tribe”. In fact it’s a little suspicious that they say the exact same thing. If I do find one, I’m not so sure I’d really be into a hunter-gatherer lifestyle if that’s their sort of thing. I have considered befriending the animals of the forest instead. I don’t doubt that I will find the tribe, but how long will it take? One difficulty is that I find many of the best places to meet people unenjoyable. Often my peers are aliens to me. But after some time, I just might find an E.T. And if you are reading this and are in Visby, I would like for you to ignore what I say here. Don’t let it affect your view of me. It’s not that I have a hard time with people, it’s that I am mysterious and hard to understand. What do I do? Where do I go? Why do I do the things I do? You may never know.

Meanwhile at present I face another task. After two experiences of traveling with a mighty collection of bags, two weighing around twenty kilograms (and I have the physical strength of a twelve-year-old) both times, I vowed to live a spartan life and release the majority of my possessions, never wanting to go through that again. Then I didn’t do that. My flights to Europe however have some serious luggage weight restrictions. That gives me the motivation I need to purge my belongings. Learning what is essential, now that is a wonderful thing. I have taken many clothes to second-hand stores. Then I bought more clothes at those stores. I had the fantastic and original idea of shipping things. I can even ship things I’d want very soon, before I even leave. I congratulated myself on my genius. I also found that not packing twenty books really reduces the weight of the luggage. Those books, however, are a symbol of hope for the future. I used to read a lot. I would get up early and read. I would stay up late and read. And this year I have finished one single book. I’m optimistic though, maybe next year it’ll be two.

I do feel a little overwhelmed at times. There are so many things to do. I’ll have to visit the immigration office. Open a bank account. I will want to buy things for my apartment. I will have to cook. And I’ll have school on top of that. I don’t have time for this when I need to perform copious amounts of procrastination. Even now I spend most of my time not doing what I should be. This is my way of life, what I enjoy doing. I have been putting off selling some of my larger and more expensive possessions. I should be getting a head start on my studies. I should be reading up on some Swedish. I should be memorizing facts about Abba to fit into society there. Lately I have been doing some things though, as I have said, like booking my flights. I arrive late at night, so I need to get some kind of lodging, though I already have an apartment (for which I need to call about scheduling to pick up the keys). I’ve been thinking as an alternative, I could just wander the streets until morning. Sounds easier.

The day is ever approaching. I’m not the type to get excited. When I was accepted, I thought “Oh, okay, cool, I guess.” Yes, I am looking forward to it. It’s an adventure. A new point of view. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t really care. What I do know is to look out for invading Danish kings.

/Anders

Like many students in their final year of university, I was faced with what seemed like the fork in Frost’s famed divergent road: finding gainful employment (good luck!) or applying to graduate school.  The latter option, for me, felt most natural, since I’m one of those slightly odd people who loves conducting research and analyzing data in my spare time, pouring over dusty tomes in the library for hours on end, and taking detailed, color coded notes during lectures. With this in mind, I set aside my pile of job applications and cover letters last summer and began to search for the Master’s program best suited to my personal and professional goals.

Initially, I focused on American schools with highly rated, specialized programs corresponding to my research interests. Narrowing down these diverse interests to just one preferred field of study, however, proved more difficult than I’d initially anticipated, and one look at each of the program’s price tags left me hyperventilating over glimpses of my well-educated, albeit extremely impoverished future.

There had to be a better way. Sensing my frustration, a professor and mentor of mine suggested I consider graduate programs overseas. I wasn’t exactly opposed to the idea, having spent a semester abroad during university, but I was clueless as to where or how to begin the research and application process for foreign schools.

A quick google search for “graduate studies abroad” produced several thousand results and a variety of opinions on the subject. Unfortunately, being inundated by information didn’t seem to answer many of my questions. Even once I had decided on schools in Sweden and initiated the application process, I often felt alone and overwhelmed, since so few of my peers chose to pursue graduate school overseas and it seemed like a riskier, perhaps even foolish endeavor.

Does this scenario sound familiar to you?  If you’re reading this post right now, you might be considering graduate studies in Sweden and looking for application advice or general guidance from fellow students. When I was in your shoes, I wish someone more experienced had come alongside me to debunk the following myths pertaining to graduate programs abroad:

1. The application process is too complicated.

Multi-step? Yes. Complicated? No.  You should definitely do your best to stay on top of deadlines and keep application materials well-organized, but the process itself isn’t any more involved or difficult than it would be for your typical American school. The most confusing aspect is that you might have to submit some documents online to Universityadmissions.se and others by mail to individual schools – that’s it.

Should you be accepted to a Swedish Master’s program, you will need to apply for a residence permit, a personnummer, and other identification and immigration documents (at a later date). Once again, if you keep track of all applicable deadlines and ensure your supporting materials are easily accessible and well-organized, everything is very straightforward.

2. There won’t be programs applicable to my field of study.

You might be surprised! Swedish schools offer international Master’s programs in diverse disciplines – more than 980 programs are currently offered in English, many of which are highly ranked in terms of scope, content, and rigor.

Both one-year and two-year plans of study are available, each including compulsory and elective coursework and culminating in a research-based Master’s thesis. Thus, you are able to develop advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in your field, while also gaining increased familiarity with subjects pertaining to your specific research interests.

3. My GRE score isn’t competitive enough.

Again, surprise! When it comes to the application review process, many Swedish schools take a more holistic approach than their American counterparts. I didn’t even sit for the GRE and the program to which I was accepted (MSc in Political Science) evaluated international candidates based on their undergraduate coursework (transcripts) and thesis.

These requirements do differ from one program to another, so be sure to check online or consult with your admissions officer for information specific to your application.  As a general rule, however, don’t allow a less than stellar test score to hold you back. Put yourself out there, apply, and see what happens – worst case scenario, you’re told “no,” but you can always try again!

4. I don’t speak any foreign languages fluently.

Speaking as an American, here – while fluency in more than one language is certainly a wonderful thing, there are plenty of reputable programs offered in English by schools outside the US. Uppsala University alone features nearly 50 English-language Master’s programs, with more than 80 different sub-specializations.

English is often sufficient for day-to-day life outside of the classroom, too – many Swedes speak and/or understand English quite well, so you needn’t worry about mastering Swedish prior to your departure or facing a severe language barrier upon arrival.

That being said, knowing at least the basics of the primary language in your host country makes long-term integration much easier. There are numerous web-based resources readily available to those interested in studying Swedish, including the Swedish Institute’s free distance learning course. For even more practice, try browsing news articles on Swedish-language websites or listening to radio programs streamed online.

5. It’s too expensive.

If you’re thinking primarily about the cost of living, you might be correct in this assessment – sometimes, you’ll have to budget a little more for food and rent and transportation while studying overseas than you would in your hometown. Generally speaking, however, I’ve found that it’s actually far more affordable to pursue a Master’s diploma abroad than it would be in my home country.

One year of tuition for an American program relevant to my field of study, for example, demands a jaw-dropping $39,000. This doesn’t cover books, rent, food, or transportation costs (particularly inconvenient if you have to purchase and maintain a car due to non-existent or unreliable public transit infrastructure).

In contrast, thanks to a generous tuition scholarship from Uppsala, I’ll only be paying $36,000 total for a two-year program (including living expenses and related costs/fees) AND I’ll be able to fulfill a lifelong dream of living abroad, immersing myself in a new language and culture.

6. I don’t know anyone.

This is intimidating, I get it – I’m not the most outgoing person by nature and few things make me feel as nauseated as does forced small-talk with strangers.  If you’d told me several years ago that I’d pack up my entire life into 80 lbs of hand luggage and move across the ocean on my own, I would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. That just wasn’t “me.” Yet here I am, preparing to embark on my second solo-stint in a foreign country, and I’m a little nervous, yet exponentially more excited.

Living on your own might be a huge step outside of your comfort zone, but the opportunities for personal growth are endless. Besides, in a university setting, you’ll be surrounded by fellow international students who can easily relate to what you’re going through (and who will likely become your new best friends!).

Few experiences teach you more about yourself, your worldview, and your limitations and strengths than several years spent studying or working abroad… if you’re anything like me, you’ll discover that you know far less than you once assumed, yet you’re far more competent and confident than you ever could’ve imagined.

7. Employers won’t consider a degree earned abroad valuable.

Last, but not least, it’s seems to be a common perception that employers in your home country will hold degrees earned abroad in low esteem. Perhaps local universities are also trying to steer students away from foreign schools, citing accreditation concerns, inferior rankings, and return on investment figures.

Educational standards do vary, even among institutions within the same country, so evaluating diverse schools on the same sliding scale is often impossible; however, depending on the program, numerous international institutions have an excellent reputation, emphasizing collaborative research and faring very well in global rankings.

While factors like rankings and name recognition are certainly important to consider, and vital to positioning yourself for future success in some fields, I would argue that an international education is especially attractive to many employers in today’s globalized society. Not only are you exposed to new material and teaching methods in a foreign classroom, but you’re also introduced to a new culture and way of life.

By pursuing a graduate education abroad, you’ll meet a diverse range of people, gain independence, learn to appreciate nuances in language and culture, and develop a global, more informed perspective on your area of study, your home country, and the world at large. (Check out these statistics on international education and employment prospects, if you need even more encouragement!)

Best of luck in your future endeavors, wherever they may take you, and if you have any questions about studies in Sweden (or life in small-town Texas), feel free to reach out and say hej 🙂

Margaret

How I ended up with the decision to pursue my Masters:
It was during my last year of undergraduate studies in 2016 that I decided it was time, time to decide what I want to do in future and as a teenager its not at all easy. Indian families and parents have very high expectations about their children’s education and careers. My father never forced me into anything but I knew he had high hopes from me. It was a very difficult time for me. Finally after a lot of thought, I finally decided that I would like to work in the field of Renewable Energy in the future. So in order to do that, I needed to upgrade and enhance my knowledge, my know-how.

Why Uppsala University?
The next task on the list was to decide on the country I would like to study in and looking for support on my work field in the future. The quest of seeking the perfect place for my Masters ended when I read the news that Sweden’s government want Sweden to be the first fossil fuel-free country in the world. I went through the list of top universities in Sweden and found Uppsala University. Not only that but my friend’s grandfather studied from Uppsala University and he assured me that it would be a great place. “Good Education is important but Experience and Exposure matters more. It’s how you learn LIFE.”

Destination Sweden Seminar:
It was like a dream come true when I received my acceptance letter on 22nd of March 2017. Soon I was invited to “Destination Sweden” at the Embassy of Sweden.
Many of my friends have gone for their masters abroad but this “Personal Touch” through the interaction with the representatives of Uppsala University which I got, worked like a charm and each and every question and query on my mind when I reached for the seminar were acknowledged and answered in the best way possible. All thanks to Lina and Hannah for travelling out here all the way from Sweden.

Residence Permit Application Process:
It was the most seamless and easy visa process I have ever known.
1. Fill the application form online.
2. Attach the necessary documents.
3. Pay the application fees.
4. Go to the embassy on the given timings and get done with your biometrics.
5. Wait.
After about one and a half month, I received my Residence Permit Card.

Welcome Kit:

Its the small things and the gestures that make all the difference. A Welcome letter, Uppsala Map, Student guide and the most important thing, The Bumper Sticker. Being a collector of bumper stickers, you guys had me right at that very moment. Cheers.

What am I doing now?
To be very frank, there is a lot to do for preparing to move to Sweden. Researching about the local customs, learning Swedish(Duolingo for now), various cities and places nearby, some laws that I am not yet accustomed to, talking to people who are already there for their valuable experience and tips. Visiting the doctor will be next as we’ll need to carry prescription for the medicines we are taking with us. Shopping is sometimes fun and sometimes a really tedious task.

There are some things that I think we all should carry:
1. Electronics: Lan Wire, Wi-Fi Router, Travel Adapters(the power outlet switchs in Sweden might
be different from where we are from)
2. Medicines: Some general medicines, First Aid kit and Vitamins.
3. Spices, Pickels,etc
4. Basic Stationary stuff
5. Utensils: Cooker(Must for all the Indian subcontinent students), some spare gaskets
5. Clothing: Winter clothing is something that we should buy in Sweden, formal clothing, formal
shoes, Towel, small sewing kit and a traditional wear for the occasion.
6. Basic Tool kit

I think that will be all.

My plans for future:
I am a clean energy visionary for the better future. In the future, I would like to work on an off-grid local Renewable Energy plant. It will help me with my goal of a clean future. Maybe even a Ph.D. but who knows where I will be after 2 years but one thing is for sure, I will be working in a multinational company or an Energy Consultancy that works on this path. But for now I am eagerly waiting to travel to Sweden on 18th August. A month seems like a lifetime of wait.

See you all soon. Signing off.
/Kanishk

Like Christmas, Easter and Valborg, Midsummer is one of the most significant days in the Swedish calendar. For many, it is the most loved holiday, and is celebrated enthusiastically all over the country by young and old alike. Like the other holidays I mentioned, Midsummer is recognised on the evening preceding Midsummer Day. Given Sweden’s long, cold and dark winters, it is no surprise that the beginning of summer is an occasion to be solemnised. There are countless traditions and festivities surrounding the day, and many of which are practiced as devotedly today as many years ago. Before I tell you how to experience a classic Swedish Midsummer, here is a little information about its origins.

Where did it all start?

Midsummer was initially celebrated in Northern Europe as a pagan festival that recognised the summer solstice, when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the North Pole. Through Midsummer festivities, the end of winter was rejoiced and the longest day of the year was welcomed. Many cultures acknowledged the event with various types of feasts and rituals, often with themes of fertility to ensure a bountiful summer season and a successful harvest. The holiday always falls around 24 June, which is also the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Apparently, the early Catholic Church decided to take possession of pagan festivals by associating them with important Christian dates. This is why Midsummer is also known as St John’s Day, and often also incorporate themes of religion and specifically, Christianity.

In 1952 a decision was made by the Swedish Parliament that Midsummer should always fall on a Saturday, and Midsummer Eve on a Friday. This means that in Sweden the observance of Midsummer now transpires on the Friday between 19 and 26 June.

So, here are my tips for a traditional Swedish Midsummer:

1. Head for the country

In the days leading up to Midsummer more and more people will head out into the countryside or the archipelago. Midsummer is definitely an outdoor occasion, so it is important that you leave the city centre in order to celebrate. Hopefully you will be invited to a party at somebody’s summerhouse. If not, there are plenty of areas (such as Gamla Uppsala or Skansen in Stockholm) that host large Midsummer events for the public.

2. Make a flower crown

To look the part, you need to wear a flower crown on Midsummer. Early in the morning, people go outdoors and find wild flowers and leaves to adorn their hair. This is most common for women and children, but often for men too. Many Swedes will also wear traditional folk costumes on Midsummer, with the details of each outfit representing the specific region in Sweden that the wearer comes from.

3. Raise a maypole

One of the most iconic Midsummer symbols is the tall wooden maypole, or midsommarstång, decorated with flowers and ribbons. Some claim it represents an axis that connects the world of the living to both the heavens and the underworld, originating from Norse mythology. However, given that Midsummer is a celebration of reproduction and fertility, many others see the maypole as a phallic symbol, and I have to agree.

4. Dance around the maypole like a frog

Once the maypole is up, the music starts and it is time to dance and sing. There are many different Midsummer songs, but arguably the most popular is a song called Little Frogs, or Små grodorna. During this song, both adults and children hop around the maypole pretending to be frogs, singing the deep and poetic lyrics “Little frogs are funny to look at, they don’t have ears or tails”. When this song starts playing we encourage you not to ask why, but to join in and enjoy. We understand that there’s versions of this song in a lot of countries. So if you recognize it, feel free to post it below!

5. Eat a Midsummer meal

Like all of the main Swedish holidays, a big part of the Midsummer tradition is to eat, drink and be merry. Once you have been in Sweden for a while you will start to realise that similar food is eaten on each major occasion, and this includes pickled herring, boiled new potatoes served with sour cream and chives, smoked salmon and gravadlax, hard boiled eggs and strawberries. On Midsummer, this is all washed down with a spirit called schnapps, and partygoers sing a drinking song before each new glass.

6. Pick more flowers

Midsummer is thought to be a magical time for lovers. At the end of the evening, girls and young women are supposed to pick seven different types of flowers, and place them under their pillows. Legend has it that their future spouses will come to them in their dreams.

If you want to see more of Midsummer in Sweden, we encourage you to watch some of our current international students take over our Instagram account, TaggedforUppsala on Friday 23 June.

Happy Midsummer everyone!

/Jorja

Change can be scary. There’s no doubt about that.

But the thing is, sometimes change is exactly what you need. Starting over can be intimidating – but it brings you a healthy dose of fear, mixed with excitement and opportunity.

Uppsala was exactly the change I needed in my life. It worms its way into your heart so quickly that when it’s all over, it’s a shock to your system. I’ve already said a few goodbyes to friends I am not sure I will see again, at least not for a long time… I was warned before coming here that reverse-culture shock is a very real thing when exchange is over – and I think I am already feeling the effects.

As my time here draws to a close, I find myself reminiscing more and more on the memories I have made here and the lessons I have learned – and so I have compiled some of the most important ones in a list of tips for anyone heading to Uppsala in the future!

10 Things Exchange in Uppsala Has Taught Me:

1. Forget playing it safe: say yes to adventure more often. Take advantage of every moment you can, because it will be over before you know it. Spur-of-the-moment decision to bike into the middle of a forest at night in search of one of the reputable Swedish forest raves? Why not! Be spontaneous – you’ll be surprised by the incredible adventures you’ll have.
2. Talk to your Swedish floor mates, and don’t give up after any initial awkward encounters (Swedes can be a bit reserved with strangers)… because who knows, they might just become some of your closest friends.
3. No matter the different social or cultural backgrounds of all the people you’ll meet, you will always find people who get you – people who’ve been through similar experiences and with whom you truly connect. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let it isolate you! You will make friends who love you for who you are – sometimes you just have to pluck up the courage to talk to a stranger. What you need to remember is that we’re all here for the same reason, and we’re all in the same boat – everyone is looking to make friends!
4. Plan adventures with your exchange friends. If you’re a travel bug, do it with the friends you find here in Sweden: it’s an easy way to make memories you will always remember in new places, and an even better way to get to know each other.
5. Visit Sweden. Get to know the country by traveling to places such as Stockholm, Sigtuna, Gotland, Abisko… Sweden has so much to offer – don’t forget to explore the country you’re living in while planning your trips!
6. Don’t forget that Uppsala is only your temporary home. You shouldn’t feel like you have to be constantly planning trips just because others are. The best way to feel comfortable here and make the most of it is to make sure you spend time getting to know the people here and remain involved with activities going on in Uppsala. While I highly recommend traveling if it’s an opportunity you get, you will have a harder time making very close, permanent friends here if you are always gone. You should also absolutely not feel pressured to spend money on travels if you don’t want to or are concerned about costs: Uppsala is a lively, quaint place and you will love every second you are there whether or not you travel throughout the semester.
7. You need so much less than you think you do when you move away – don’t over-pack. Moving away for six months is a great way to practice living efficiently. I arrived with a small carry-on suitcase, a backpack, and a box mailed to me with my shoes and clothes for warmer days – and I still felt like I had too much at times! Furthermore, you will almost definitely end up bringing back purchases you made while here in Sweden. Pack smart.
8. The nations are a wonderful way to be involved in the campus environment and meet new people – you will undoubtedly hear this many times, but I can’t stress it enough. Go to the nations! Whether it’s for fika, dancing, studying, or working a shift, you will be so glad you did it.
9. Budgeting – if you haven’t had a lot of experience doing this at home, you most certainly will have to learn to do it here. Sweden is not cheap, and your bank account will empty faster than you expect it to. Make sure to sit down every now and then and look at your activities and travels and plan everything efficiently. Being involved around Uppsala can have its expenses: it does sometimes mean opening your wallet for events like fika, entrance fees on club nights, gasques, gym membership, spin lessons… you name it. Plus, budgeting is a life skill – may as well learn it now!
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be in terms of classes, sickness, mental health, logistical questions, Swedish culture, navigating the city… you can always find someone to help you out in Uppsala. I highly recommend signing up for the International Buddy Program – not only do you get an automatic friend, but they will patiently help you with all of your mishaps. Full-time Swedish students are also a great resource –if you want the best tips, they have them!

While uprooting your life can seem frightening, it’s one of the best decisions you will ever make. Enjoy every second, because you will miss it when it’s suddenly over. Coming here is so worth it – don’t hold back!

/Gabrielle

My room looks like a natural disaster has hit. Maybe a tornado, if tornados were made of winter clothes, English books, never-used rain boots, and postcards from half a dozen countries. And in the middle of it all sits my trusty blue suitcase, which seems to have mysteriously shrunk over the past semester.

I remember a similar scene five months ago, when I was packing to come to Uppsala. I googled “Swedish fashion” at least twice a day, trying to figure out which of my clothes were cool and European enough to bring (in my opinion: very few). I stuffed my suitcase full of running shoes, shampoo bottles, room decorations, and a bunch of other things I either didn’t need or could have easily bought in Uppsala. So, whether you are preparing for a semester abroad or starting your degree, here are a few dos and don’ts to help with your packing for Sweden.

Do:

• Pack some fancy clothes (and a floor length dress or suit jacket if possible!). The nations love to hold gasques and other formal events, and you’ll save a lot of money if you don’t need to buy a new outfit
• Bring a power bar if you’re from outside of Europe. You’ll need an adapter to plug in your electronics, but if you bring a power bar or cube, you can charge multiple things from one adapter (*I’m not sure this is the greatest idea from an electrician’s point of view, but it’s worked for me so far!)
• Visit second hand shops when you arrive. If you’ve forgotten something, or want to buy some decorations for your room, these are probably the cheapest option (like, even cheaper than Ikea) and they have lots of cool stuff. Myrorna and Erikshjälpen are both great stores
• Look around your room before you go shopping. The previous occupant might have left useful things behind that you won’t have to go and buy. My room came with blankets, a small heater, and coat hangers. Thank you to the former resident of room 511!

Don’t:

• Pack extra makeup or shampoo. Sweden has all the brands you’re used to back home, and these things will eat up your precious 23 kg weight allowance. Bring travel sized bottles if you want to have a shower as soon as you arrive, but that’s all
• Bring too many shoes. The eternal question: What kind of shoes do you pack when traveling? My answer, after packing way too many myself: Sturdy boots for fall/winter/spring, a pair of fancy shoes for formal occasions, running shoes, and one pair of everyday shoes. That’s all
• Worry about looking good when it’s cold outside! And whether you’re coming for one semester or a couple years, it will get cold. Forget about your fashionable-but-useless light sweaters and instead pack thick, warm layers to make it through the colder months
• Forget about warm weather, either! The tricky part about packing for Sweden is preparing for all four seasons at once. Bring your wool socks and sweaters (see above), but don’t forget your shorts and summer dresses, either. Try to pack a little bit of everything so you’re ready for the unpredictable weather

For a bit of international insight, I asked my friends about how they packed for Sweden:

Is there anything you wish you brought with you but didn’t?

“Vegemite! I wish I brought unique foods from Australia to share with people, because they always ask what certain things taste like… and it’s a fun way to entertain people I guess!” – Linda, Australia

“I wish I brought some cold medicine with me. At home you can buy it at a grocery store or whatever, but in Sweden you need to see a doctor and get a prescription for most medicine. You don’t need to pack a whole pharmacy but it never hurts to be prepared,” – Caleb, USA

Is there anything you packed that you’re glad you brought?

“Since I wasn’t sure if I could ever feel at home in my Flogsta room when I first entered it, I was really glad that I brought some decoration stuff from home like some colourful lanterns or a big, thick scarf which I put on my wall, and also so many pictures… And I brought a warm blanket which reminds me of home!” – Lea, Germany

“I’m happy I brought so many pictures of my friends and family with me. It made me feel more at home, and made my room look a lot cozier with something hanging on the wall,” – Michelle, Canada

It’s always hard to image squeezing all your favourite things into a suitcase, but don’t panic if you forget something – or bring so much stuff that you struggle to pull your suitcase through the airport (that was me). Happy packing!

/Erika

Living in Flogsta equals many things. In the mornings you join the biking crowd in the run to the University. Midday, you search for free washing machines as the possibility of finding one is the highest. In the evening you carefully step outside and listen where the nearest party is happening. However, at any time, your eyes scroll the surroundings looking for white-orange fluff. Ingefära, local celebrity, took over Uppsala’s Facebook groups quite a time ago and stayed there for good. Despite having his own page, selfies with the ginger cat still pop up in notifications, and well, we just couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit his home. This is how we met two computer science students in one of Flogsta low houses.

When you first walk toward Ingefära´s home in the Flogsta low houses you will notice a kitty ladder leading toward the apartment from the outside. Clever way for him to get safely back home after roaming the neighbourhood for days. That is also one of the reasons that he got so famous around here. Ingefära is probably the most social cat you will ever meet. According to his owners he just likes to follow people everywhere. You can often see him inside the high houses just chilling in someone’s kitchen or popping in to check out the loudest parties. No wonder that people often think he is lost and post pictures on Flogsta Facebook groups to help him get back to the his owners. Even after most people has been informed that this behaviour is just part of his amazing personality and he is very much not lost they still kept on posting pictures. It became a source of pride to be blessed by Ingefära´s presence and one must document such honor! At one point the groups were so spammed with pictures of Ingefära that his owners simply had to make his own page.

You never know when Ingefära decides to check on your party!

When he does not explore everything that Flogsta has to offer he lives his calm life in Flogstavägen with Linn, Kristoffer and their roommates. His original owner Lukas is on adventure of his own in South America keeping an eye on Ingefäre over the ocean. Even Ingefära´s origin is tight to Flogsta. He was born one and a half years ago to a cat belonging to the previous owner of that flat he is currently occupying. Nobody expected him to be the most beloved and famous cat in Uppsala but now that he is Linn and Kristoffer are joking about making some merchandise with him. And to be honest, if someone was selling Ingefära t-shirts I would already own three.

Of course what is high houses residents little orange blessing can be a bit of a hustle for his owners. Ingefära´s adventures can take him to quite unexpected places once he took it trip in a bus once, somehow got all the way to the hospital, another time he got found Stenhagens pet store where he hang out in until someone could pick him up. Thanks to non-functional chip he also got himself into a shelter. Thankfully, the good people of Flogsta are always here to help and take good care for their favourite feline. Just few weeks ago Ingefära took the Valborg celebrations a bit too seriously and disappeared for almost two weeks. That was untypical even for him as he usually get back to eat every two our so days. He got his owners quite worried. However, shortly after them posting about this Flogsta residents were able to track him day by day for the whole lost period and get him safely home! What a way to get your faith in humanity restored.

Now you might be wondering: “What I am supposed to do when I meet this glorious cat? Are there any dos and don’ts?” Well yes and no. Ingefära´s owners are pretty chill about him meeting all of his fans. So letting him chill at your place, taking pictures or rubbing his belly is totally fine. However, even though it might be very tempting, you should not keep him for too long or feed him too much. The more people feed him around Flogsta the less likely he is to go and check what his bowl at home has in store. If you decide to give him a little snack, you might want to know that he does not really love vegetarian food!

Some stretching is an absolute must after spending a day in the high houses!

So next time when you cycle home in the middle of the night and you see a fast moving orange ball you can keep calm knowing that you are not hallucinating but you were merely very lucky to get a bit of precious Ingefära´s attention. Now you just need to hope that you have enough battery in your phone to take at least twenty selfies out of which at least one of them will have him not blurred in movement.

/Lucie & Adrianna