Erasmus Experience in Gothenburg, Sweden by Amaia

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Why did you choose to go to Gothenburg, Sweden?

Because:

1) I wanted to experience the education system in there, specially in this Technical University (Chalmers)

2) it is in the coast (and I come from a place that is in the coast)

3) it is really well located: Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen are easily reachable.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Well, I received 150€ from the Basque Government and another 150€ from my home university. Nothing more.

What is the student lifestyle like in Gothenburg?

Awesome. Faculties are dispersed throughout the city so you find students everywhere. There are many cafes where you can study (apart from the library) so don't be surprised if you find groups of students in most of the cafeterias, which have wifi, by the way.

There are a lot of nice pubs, cafés and clubs as well. The nightlife in Gothenburg is very varied. I think each one can find his/her place in there.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Gothenburg to other students?

Definitely.

It is not a very big city, but there are many things going on in there. Nice music, nice people, nice culture.

What is the food like?

You can find pretty much everything you are looking for. There is a big vegetarian culture as well. Fresh fish can be found at the big fish market that is next to the river and there is a large variety of meat as well.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Gothenburg?

Yes. This is a very important issue in Gothenburg. There is higher demand than supply in the beginning of each course. I had a hard time to find it. But after searching for it, you can get places that are reasonably good.

A suggestion: if you are looking for an accommodation, try agencies like SGS and boplats, and call the landlords instead of emailing them. Don't lose time waiting for answers that many times won't come. Be proactive and patient.

How much does it cost to live in Gothenburg?

It depends on how do you want to live.

A standard room costs around 300-500 €. Public transport, around 30€ per 3 months (if you buy this travel card, which is necessary in Gothenburg). Alcohol is pretty expensive, specially the ones that have more than 5% alcohol. Clubs range between 2-15€. Drinks in there are really expensive. You have different supermarkets in Gothenburg so it is recommendable to check prices in different stores.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

They talk perfect English so if you talk English then you are save. Swedish is, let's say, more complicated for people that are not German/Danish/Dutch, but yes, of course, there are many courses available (in Chalmers was not for free, though).

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Gothenburg from your city?

One year ago: Bilbao-Brussels. Brussels-Gothenburg.

Now I think I would rather go via Barcelona, since Vueling has a direct flight to Gothenburg.

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Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Gothenburg?

• Wednesdays: Yaki-da
• Thursdays:

  Sticky fingers

• Fridays: first (and this is very important) one should go to the "afterwork", which starts around 4pm and ends around 8pm. You pay around 5 euros and get as many food as you want (there is a bufé) and drinks. In the evening: Excet
• Saturdays: pretty much everywhere

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Gothenburg?

Go to the neighbourhood called "Haga". There are a lot of many small places where you can eat pretty well.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Opera house.
• Botanic garden (Botaniska).
• Theatre.
• Amusement park.
• Natural history museum (next to the amusement park).

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Gothenburg in the future?

Try to meet Swedish people. They are awesome. Travel around and try to get involved in their culture.