Erasmus Experience in Gothenburg, Sweden by Charlotte

Why did you choose to go to Gothenburg, Sweden?

Because of the courses given, the nature surrounding the city and the fact that it is not too small (second biggest city of Sweden). The city is also right between Oslo, Kopenhagen and Stockholm, which makes it easier to visit these cities too.

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

One year and around €300 per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Gothenburg?

It is nice. The classes are kind of easy compared to Belgium and the professors and assistants are very relaxed. The partying is less interesting since most of it is in clubs on Friday and Saturday and expensive, but people do a lot of parties at home and sometimes there are student parties at Chalmers. There is also a lot of other stuff to do like hiking in the hills, canoeing on the lakes, taking a boat to the islands, cultural activities...

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

Yes, I'm really happy I choose this university. Everybody is relaxed and you can talk to everybody about anything. The courses are quite easy, but it depends on what you're used to.

What is the food like?

It is tasteful. You see a lot of Swedish meatballs and herring. Having dinner is quite expensive, except on Fridays. Then you have "afterwork" and at a lot of places you have a buffet and drinks for a cheaper price.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Gothenburg?

I already knew that you have to be fast with searching for an accommodation so I was lucky and got a room at sgs. But Göteborg has a huge housing problem, both for students and working people. Sometimes you have to be in a waiting list for years to hire an apartment. Luckily it's easier for students and especially internationals, but be quick with it, there are people who are still looking when they arrive.

How much does it cost to live in Gothenburg?

It is quite expensive, but it is okay. Especially alcohol is expensive so if you can, take some from home.

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

The language sounds a lot like my mother tongue, Dutch. For people from Germany and of course the Nordic countries, the language is quite easy to learn. For people from France, Spain, Italy,.. it is harder. But the university provides language courses.

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

By car, but it is quite far. By plane is also okay but you should be fast to book your tickets.

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

There are a lot of clubs around Valand. Always check the event, sometimes the entrance is cheaper or free if you dress up or go before a certain hour. If you just want to have drink, Andra Långatan is the place to be with a lot of pubs.

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

There are also a lot of good restaurants around Valand and Linnégatan. Kings head is a cafe with a free buffet at certain hours and pizza on Saturdays. Afterwork is nice in a lot of places.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are several musea, konstmuseet has a few paintings from famous painters like Rubens, Picasso, Rembrandt,.. The Natural history museum in slotskogen park (which had a mini free zoo) has a few beautiful, old collections and even a stuffed whale. The Göteborg museum also has some nice rooms and the entrance is free until 26. The architecture is quite nice but I'm used to have a lot of beautiful buildings around so it's not that much here. But there are very cosy streets.

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

Take alcohol from home, be fast to find accommodation but don't freak out when you don't have one when you arrive. Do a lot of new stuff, even when you don't know anybody, everybody is nice here. Do activities like the esn sea battle, Lapland trip and student things (kräftsittning, Halloween party,.. ). Go to Liseberg and try helix, baldr and loke, best attractions ever. Take some food and your bathing suit and enjoy a fika (afternoon tea but in Sweden, they are really proud of it) on the islands or the lake.

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