Erasmus Experience in Jonkoping, Sweden by Benedikt

Why did you choose to go to Jonkoping, Sweden?

I've never been to the Western North and you have so many possibilities to travel and also the university in terms of workload will allow you to do so.
Destinations I've been to and I can strongly recommend:
Stockholm, Gothenburg, St. Petersburg, Budapest, Finish Lapland (!), Helsinki & Copenhagen

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

My scholarship lasts approximately 6 months (January - May). I was provided with ca. 1400 Euro, approx. 10 Euro a day, besides the financial means my parents provided me with.

What is the student lifestyle like in Jonkoping?

Jönköping is a relatively small city but this is why the majority of people living here are students either locals or exchange students. The city and surroundings have a lot to offer when the weather is nice, even if it is just sitting in the sun at the lake. There are several parties hosted by different student associations on a weekly basis.

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

Yes, definitely! At first i was skeptical about the destination before moving here. But the city turned out to be lovely and welcoming after all. You will be hearty welcomed and the university makes sure you get to know a lot of people during the first weeks (Kick off week), this is why I would HIGHLY recommend going even if it is overwhelming at first, it will pay off. You will have enough time to relax afterwards! :)

What is the food like?

Typical Swedish food are of course meatballs and a marzipan cake, which of course you can't eat during your whole stay. Otherwise there are a lot of restaurants in Jönköping which provide different cuisine's food. Still, compared to Germany for example prices are pretty high also if you do groceries. I recommend going to Lidl even if its a little outside of the city you get double the amount of food which you would get at the local Swedish stores like coop or ica.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Jonkoping?

No, the university provided me with different choices which I could choose from.

How much does it cost to live in Jonkoping?

My accommodation called Beta is rather expensive compared to the others, but it is really central. I takes me approx. 15 min walk through the city centre to come to the university. Rent will be approx. 440Euro / month.

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

Yes, the university offers several language classes and also they provide language evenings on a weekly basis which are for free.

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

I had to take the plane, there was also the possibility to go by car which is nice to sea the landscape but which definitely does not pay off considering the financials.

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

Every Wednesday definitely to 'Aka', every Monday 'Shooters Bar', other than that Shooters is open every day as well as Pitcher's which are nice bars to have a drink at.

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

Ciro (Italian place the waterfront); Bryggan right next to it at the waterfront.
Mr. Rice provides you with some asian fast food which is price wise acceptable if you're in a hurry.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Dumme Mosse, Grenna, Brathuset, Husquarna

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

Make sure you get an accommodation located in a student house. At first it might be a little inconvenient to share bathrooms and kitchens, but you will be thankful afterwards to meet so many new people.