Erasmus Experience in Lund, Sweden by Urszula

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Why did you choose to go to Lund, Sweden?

I was eager to get to know the Swedish culture and language. Also I had plans to write my master thesis on Swedish Kingship, so Lund seemed like a perfect place to go (great library, academic city). I couldn't go to Stockholm, because my university didn't have an agreement with Stockholm University for Erasmus in Political Science area.

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

I was in Lund for 10 months and I received 400 euro per month which was enough for the dorm, but I had to get more money from other sources to survive.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lund?

You're spending time mostly with people from all around the world apart from Swedes, who seem to hate you for being an outsider. You can make your own dorm parties or sign up to one of the Nations. There is not many public places outside of the Nations where you can grab a beer. Alcohol is half prohibited in Sweden - Systembolaget, the only place you can buy actual booze is rarely open longer than till 4 pm. In markets you get beer and cider up to 3, 5% alc. During the winter it's hard to accommodate, because the nights are very long, but in summer you can see the sunset at midnight. There are some festivals in the city, mostly for students, as not many people apart of them live here. Lund is also 1 hour away from Copenhagen, so you can make trips to spend some time in less academic environment.

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

Yes, if they have enough additional money to survive or they know the language and want to work.

What is the food like?

Normal, markets are everywhere and they contain classic European food. And kottbullar - Swedish meatballs - they're awesome. But be carefull with liquorice - it's disgusting and they use it to make really bad candy.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lund?

No, I applied for the dorm via university site (or connected to it - don't really recall). But not everyone was that lucky. I had my friend crashed on my floor for 2 weeks and after that she started to live 1h by bus from Lund, 'cos there were too many students for too little dorms and apartments to rent.

How much does it cost to live in Lund?

It's not cheap, but I can't give you the actual cost, 'cos it's been 5 years since my stay in Lund and frankly, I don't remember. But apart from the scholarship, my family sent me some money every month and I had to borrow some additional money too.

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

Language courses are available for every student. Swedish is rather easy, the easiest for Germans and Dutch, because of the similarity. I remember they started talking after one semester. I wasn't that lucky, but I still remember how to order a coffee.

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

Kraków - Katowice: train or bus, Katowice (Pyrzowice) - Malmo: plane (WizzAir), Malmo - Lund: airport bus

It's the easiest and most economical way.

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

Copenhagen. No, really, if there's no dorm party anywhere and you're not involved with any Nation, go to Copenhagen for a night out. Plenty of bars and clubs, and Christiania included.

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

There are some in the centre, but I can't recall the names. I was mostly eating at home, 'cos it was much cheaper. Sometimes we cooked with friends in the dorm and had a meal together. Restaurant were not anyone's first choice.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is a beautiful cathedral with a great, antique, moving-figures' clock. And the Skansen is rather awesome. The university buildings are old and very nice to look at too. You can spend some time on the coast, which is near by, reachable by bike.

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

The Internet connection in the dorms is really fast. Bikes are the best way to move around the city and on the outskirts too. Don't worry if Swedes are running away from you when you enter the room. It happened to my friend, but we discovered it's their problem, not his.

Try to watch out for your head, when there are Brannboll finals in the city and you're close to the dorm buildings. Have your booze shipped from your country. If it's the middle of the night and you're out of something, you'll be out of it till the morning, 'cos nothing's open. Not even a gas station. Enjoy!

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