Erasmus Experience in Sundsvall, Sweden by Alba

Why did you choose to go to Sundsvall, Sweden?

Because I wanted to live in a northern country and specially this city is quite near to Lapland where I really wanted to go.

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

My scholarship is Erasmus+, I've been there one semester and I received 300€/month. It is not enough to survive but it help with the costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Sundsvall?

I really loved student lifestyle, people meet at uni, library... I've been in the fall semester so everybody was there or either at home together. We live all pretty near so we can visit each other easily. Then Wednesday the uni's pub "Nations" was open and also in the weekends as other pubs in the city center.

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

Of course yes, you can experience the northern lifestyle visiting the different forest, national parks, ski slopes, ice skating places, sea, lakes and lots of snow. It is pretty small city but cheap compared to Stockholm.

What is the food like?

Sweden is expensive so we didn't eat out too much, there was some cool places like Max or small restaurants in the city center or the shopping mall. Also in the uni there are two cheap places to eat, menu at Nations is delicious and economic. Meatballs well prepared are delicious, also surströmming (really typical dish ;))

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Sundsvall?

No, it was easy. Uni offered us two different places. Choose Mitthem, every international student goes there. Apartments of 2-3-4 rooms (of different sizes and so prices) unfurnished but there's a place that helps really much! They have no photos but don't worry about it, they all look similar. Some of them has kitchen table and other facilities and others don't, that's the fun part! Don't worry about it, IKEA is near ;) bring a router from home, you'll need it!

How much does it cost to live in Sundsvall?

My room was around 220€ (the cheapest) + furniture around 50€ + groceries pero month. Sweden is a expensive compared to Spain but Sundsvall is cheaper than Stockholm so daily life (restaurants, rent and so on are better).

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

Swedish is a mix between English and German. You get used when you go shopping or listen Swedish students and you start learning a lot of vocabulary!
In the University there's a subject about 7'5 ECTS for international students, another cool way to meet people!

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

I visited Sundsvall from Madrid by plane (Iberia) to Arlanda airport (north of Stockholm) and then I took a train (SJ.se) to Sundsvall, they have train connection directly from the airport so you don't need to go back to Stockholm. Uni had pick-up service so they pick me up to my apartment with my keys! Thanks Reza :D

There's also plane from Stockholm to Sundsvall but maybe you have to wait more.

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

Nations near uni and then Dalton's (karaoke bar), Oscars (really famous but expensive) or the Casino, once a month they used to celebrate Latin music parties!

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

Explore by yourself! They're changing all the time. I remember Big Boy (near to Nations), Max, some kebab... In early September there's an international food event in the major square, don't miss it!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There's some museums in the way to the top to Norra Berget, Domsaga Musikhus a cool play for those who love music (jam session every week), Kultur Magasinet and a place that I don't remember the name for borrowing different sports materials such snowboarding tables, skis or rollers, ask and take a look!.

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

Enjoy as much as you can! You'll always find something or somewhere to do there if you're an adventurous person! Install some Aurora alert in your phone, you never know when it'll appear! If you have any doubt don't hesitate and ask me!