Erasmus Experience in Kristianstad, Sweden by Cristina

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Why did you choose to go to Kristianstad, Sweden?

I chose Kristianstad because I wanted to meet the Scandinavian culture and to improve my English skills at the same time. Only a few Spaniards applied to this location so I had the chance to encounter people from all around the world: Hong Kong, Uganda, Barbados, USA, Irak... and all Europe!

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

I was for 10 months in Kristianstad, from August to June, but I only received money for 9 months. I cannot remember the total amount of money but be prepared for a pretty expensive life! It is possible that you need more money than what you receive from the scholarship. But... Do not be scared! It is possible to have a normal life in the city. Groceries are quite expensive as well as to drink outside. But you can check what offers are every week and adapt yourself to them!

What is the student lifestyle like in Kristianstad?

You will have to attend to the courses because these normally last for only 4 weeks (7. 5 ECTS). So it is very important that Professors see you come over the lectures! You will have some days free every week in order to study and prepare presentations (normally once per week). Most of the teachers ask the same to both Swedish and Internationally students but do not be afraid! You will find a very good educational system and you will like it eventually. Almost everyday the closer friends made plans to have dinner together, some other days we were meeting in the center and the University also prepared some parties for us!

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

I would totally recommend the city! Do not be scared for going to a small city because there are hundreds of students from all over the countries! You will meet very nice people and you won't want to leave the city afterwards.

What is the food like?

There is nothing special with the food in Kristianstad. There are some restaurants in the city though: Sushi, Turkish, Pizzeria, Kebab, Burger King...

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Kristianstad?

I lived by my own on the first months. I rent an apartment from a Swedish girl who was going to Taiwan for an Exchange semester, it was located just in front of the accommodation that University provides to the Erasmus students. I paid 3. 300kr per month. On the second semester I decided to be more involved with Swedish culture so I moved myself to a family house over that area. They were living in the main floor and I was living in the first floor with 3 more people from India, Germany and Spain. We had our own room but we were sharing the kitchen, living room and bathroom. There were two door for the house, one for the family and one for us, so we had a lot of privacy. It was a lovely experience! I paid over 2. 500kr per month in this house.

How much does it cost to live in Kristianstad?

I think you will need around 800€ per month for a basic life in the city.

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

I tried to learn Swedish at University but I found the language very difficult. Every semester there are Swedish courses available for International students so you can try to learn it! Swedes have a very high level of English so if you speak good English you won't experience any trouble.

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

Actually, there are two ways you can travel to Kristianstad. First one is from Copenhagen, there is a direct train to Kristianstad from Copenhagen Airport, I think it is around 30€ each way. Second option is to fly to Malmö, the airport is quite far from the city so you will fave to take a bus (flygbussarna) from Malmö airport to Malmö train station and then, to take a train to Kristianstad.

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

There are several pubs and clubs in the city. The ones I visited the most were Banken, Teater and Grand Nattklubb, normally you pay 100kr for the entrance with no drinks included on the price. However during the week if you arrive before 10pm at Banken the entrance was for free! Alcoholic drinks are very expensive because of the taxes, every 2cl of alcohol are 150kr. A pint of beer is around 70kr.

The University of Kristianstad also provides a room close to the dormitories where we were throwing parties very often, this way we did not have to go to the city center.

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

If you don't want to go outside your room, you can order pizza online. But if you want to try very good kebabs and pizzas you should go to Pizzeria Pinocchio's, in Näsbychaussén, its only 10 minutes by walk from yellow building. In the city center you can go to Burger King (you can apply for a discount with you student card), in Rose Garden you can eat good sushi and asian food. There are also some Turkish and Italian restaurants, take a look maybe you will find new places!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I would recommend you to visit all the lakes that are close to the city. Nature sightseeing is wonderful in Kristianstad so you just need to take some food and to ride somewhere with you bike! There are two museum I would recommend you to visit, Regionmuseet and Naturum Museum. I think both are for free. Do not forget to visit Ahus, Lund, Copenhagen and many cities as you can!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Kristianstad?

Kristianstad is a peaceful place but not boring. If you do not find a plan you would like to do just make it! I am sure you will find someone who will follow you. Try to have plans for everyday and try to meet as many people as you can, Erasmus it is an amazing experience for meeting people and cultures!

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