Erasmus experience in Gothenburg, Sweden by Javier

Why did you choose to go to Gothenburg, Sweden?

I love Sweden, especially its landscapes, plus it's a country that is very involved in environmental protection, a field in which I am interested.

How long was the scholarship? How much financial aid did you receive?

Well, I think that they give you a maximum of 8 months of scholarship, I got €180 a month from the Spanish government and €100 from Europe, it was in two payments, one around November and the other came in September when I had already come home.

What is the student lifestyle like in Gothenburg?

It's great, the universities are really good and they have a lot of resources.

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

Yes! Aside from it being a big city, it's a city for students, meaning there are a lot of students and young people here, so you can make a lot of friends with other Erasmus students, it's a bit more difficult to get to know Swedish people but it's definitely possible. The tram is ideal for getting around the city and the University of Gothenburg is one of the best universities in Europe.

What is the food like there?

That was actually the biggest issue for me, they don't have everything that we have in Spain. The most expensive things are vegetables and meat, which are basic things that you'll always need, but the good thing is that all the vegetables come from Spain and they are excellent. The meat has a green rating from the Swedish cattle industry or something like that, so it's high quality.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Gothenburg?

No, because I did it far in advance, I went to Gothenburg in September 2012, but applied to the residence in April and I got a place in May. If you don't get it sorted in advance or if you go there without already having somewhere to live, it's so much more difficult to find accommodation, because there are a lot of foreign students and not enough accommodation. I know quite a few cases of people that had to live half an hour out of Gothenburg by bus, because they couldn't find anywhere to live here. In second semester you can apply to residences that you didn't apply to last time around or who didn't give you a place originally because you were too late and they'll give you a place more easily.

How much does it cost to live in Gothenburg?

About €600 a month, the residence is almost €400, you spend €100 on food, €50 on transport and €50 on leisure activities, but, of course, that cost depends on what you get up to.

How did you find the language? Did you go to any courses at the university?

I didn't in the beginning, because I spoke quite a bit of English already, but eventually I did go. I was sad that I couldn't learn enough to stay, because anywhere you go in Sweden, even though they speak English, you have to know Swedish to get a job.

What is the most economical way to get to Gothenburg from your home city?

Well, I went from Madrid and I'm from Valladolid, but I think you can get a flight with Low Cost Flights from Bilbao and Malaga, which is cheaper, I suppose.

With a normal airline and having one change, it cost €100, €200 for a return ticket. But with Low Cost it's cheaper, I guess.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Gothenburg?

Valand, Andralangattan, the centre in general and especially the parties in the student residences, like Ostkupan or Helmuts... the best ones are the ones at Ostkupan.

And to eat in Gothenburg? What were some of your favourite places to go?

The central market next to the Kungsportplatsen is very good for food, everything is expensive but so is the entire city. Then, of course, there are the typical burger places, MAX is the best one.

What good cultural visits are there?

Well, there's not much in Gothenburg itself and you can see everything in 2 days, but the best thing is that you're in Sweden and you can travel to other nearby cities (Stockholm, Lysekil, Copenhagen, the Norwegian fords, Lapland... ).

Do you have any advice for future students in Gothenburg?

If you study anything to do with environmental sciences, biology or anything like that, I recommend you take Climate Change and Society, it's a second semester course worth 15 credits, which has a trip to China as a part of it! The journey both ways and everything (food and hotels) are all included for 15 days for around €800, you go to different cities (Beijing, Xi'an, Yan'an, Hohhot, Qinhuangdao, Ordos City.... ). It was the best trip I've been on in my life!