Erasmus experience in Jönköping, Sweden by Laure

Why did you choose to go to Jönköping, Sweden?

I choose it because I wanted to go in an English speaking country in North of Europe and that I found Sweden really attractive.

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

I spent a year there (from the 16th of august till the 20 of june). I didn't receive the Erasmus grant because I was not part of the Erasmus program, but I received from my region something around 1200€.

What is the student lifestyle like in Jönköping?

It's crazy, there's a lot of student and a huge part of Erasmus... if you like to travel and to party that's the place to be... the only thing you'll regret is to not stay longer!

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

I'll definitely, the university is really good with lots of materials... a huge library and everything that you need to study + the student association is really efficient, providing a lot of activities for everyone. The only thing is that the city is not that big at all, but it's still a cute place and with friends you're good anywhere.

What is the food like?

It's ok, I mean it's not French food but you'll be ok and you'll find everything that you need + Erasmus year is the occasion to change your habits (Swedish food is not that bad) + when you're in Erasmus, you'll have a lot of international diner, the occasion of tasting food from everywhere (so think of bringing some specialities from your place)!

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How did you find your accommodation?

The accommodation was provided by the university, so I didn't have to search for anything. They also pick me up at the airport.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

I paid something like 250€ per month and i used to live in a big flat with three other girls. We had each one our own room (mine was 24m²... not bad) + two bathroom + one kitchen fool equipped! So the price for the rent is really ok. For the food and more generally the life it's a bit more expensive.

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

I used to learn Swedish at the uni during the first semester, it's kind of easy 'cause that's just the beginning, but you don't really need it and you're not going to be fluent in Swedish. For English, you'll just be fine with it, after only two weeks you'll see how much you have improve your level... it comes because you need it everyday, just avoid to hangout only with people that speak your language and it'll come easily!

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

You can either fly with Ryanair till Stockholm or Göteborg (the two biggest city) when you come from Paris. And then you take a bus (Swebuss company) from Stockholm or Göteborg till Jönköping... really easy!

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

Akademian definitely, that's the student place for every Wednesday night and you'll see how much you'll wish for more Wednesday in a week. Other places are Bongo bar (but it's small) Atta Glas, Twins... it depends on the program of the party... + a lot of party occur in someone house (and that's often the best).

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

You should do the after work, going to eat a buffet on Friday evening (around 17h), you paid for a drink and you eat as much as you want... a great place for that is Atta Glas and the Sport's bar (do not remember of the name) that is at Juneporten, you can't miss it... and of course Coffee House by Georges (coffee is really important in Sweden)!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The biggest city: Stockholm, Göteborg and then you have an island, not far from Jönköping which is really beautiful, walking around the lakes...

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

Go there and enjoy it 'cause a year will never be long enough!

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