Erasmus Experience in Kristianstad, Sweden by Zsófia

Why did you choose to go to Kristianstad, Sweden?

The university was very sympathic on the website, then I looked the whole city and the area of Sweden, and it convinced me in less than 15 minutes!

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

My scolarship took 4-5 months, from September till January. Compared to other nations, I got quite good money from my university, but as Sweden is very expensive, it was not enough.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Kristianstad?

There are loads of common programmes for the international students, we were never alone. But we could not really join to the Swedish students. But they are very nice, helpful and speak perfect English! They party a lot and enjoy life!

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

I would totally recommend it! I really loved being there and I would choose to study there again!

What is the food like?

You can buy any kind of food in the shops, so basically food is like how you do it! At the restaurants and at the cantine, they cook very well. They eat lots of fish and vegetables. And once you are there there is one thing you must try, the Swedish meatballs with potatoes and brown sauce! But of course lots of people already know them from IKEA.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Kristianstad?

The university offered a place in the university dormitories for good price, and I accepted it. Most of the international students lived there also. The dorm is very close to the university, 5 minutes walk. But of course you can search for a flat, or house on your own.

How much does it cost to live in Kristianstad?

Sweden is an expensive country, so bring as much money as you can! For the semester with accomodation, travelling, trips, shopping and everything, you need around 4000-5000 euros!

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

If you speak English and/or German, it is not that difficult, but of course you have to practice. We had a Swedish course for free, where we have learnt the basisc, and by the end of the semester, we could start basic conversations.

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

From Budapest, Hungary, I travelled by plane, directly to Malmö, and then I took the train to Kristianstad. Lot of students arrived with the plane to Copenhagen, and then they also took the train. There are direct trains between Copenhagen and Kristianstad as well. The whole public transport works very well in Sweden!

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

Well, there were two clubs very close to the train station that I remember, but I dont know their names already. As alcohol is very expensive, especially when you are in a club, we usually bought it and then made our own parties!

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

Next to Konzum shopping center there was a nice coffee shop, I ate only there when I was in the city.

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

I really loved being there, so enjoy every moment of your stay! Try to take part all of the programmes that are organized, visit as many places as you can! Go to Stockholm and Kiruna, everywhere you can! Bring lots of money, and get as much alcohol as you can from visitors!