Erasmus Experience in Umea, Sweden by Anna

Why did you choose to go to Umea, Sweden?

I had never been before in Scandinavia and I was interested how the culture looks like there. I wanted to sightsee this region of Europe.

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

I spent in Umea 5 months. I received 1000 Euros at the beginning of the semester and 1000 when I was back to Poland.

What is the student lifestyle like in Umea?

Students in Umea go out a lot to party, but they also study hard. I had difficult classes and I had to spend a lot of time to prepare to exams. Unfortunately, not a lot of students can affort to travel a lot and sightsee Sweden, because travelling costs a lot there.

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

I would recommend this city, however not for a long period of time. I think that the perfect duration is 2 months. It enables to sightsee a little bit and meet nice people. After a few months the city becomes boring, since it is rather small.

What is the food like?

I had a few ocasion to try Swedish food. Firstly, I went to the swedish restaurant, where I ate reindeer meat. The second time, when I was in the north part of Sweden, I had the opportunity to visit a house where people live as they used to do in the past. The food is quite good, but I know a lot of better meals.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Umea?

I found the accomodation via University. It offers to rent a room with toilet in dormitory.

How much does it cost to live in Umea?

It's hard to say, because the cost of living depends what you're doing in Umea. The food is not so expensive, the flat costs me aproximately 1800 Euro/5 months. However, as I mentioned before, the travel is very expensive, as well, having parties is very costful.

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

I took part in Swedish language course. It's not so difficult language, the course at the University is very interesting and the exam is easy. However, I think it's difficult to get to know the language during 5 months stay. By the way, everybody in Sweden speaks English, so Swedish is not necessary.

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

I think that the plane is the cheapest and easiest way to get Umea from Warsaw.

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

There are a few clubs in the city centre. However, most students go to Korona club, which is situated on the campus. As I mentioned, go partying in Umea is rather expensive.

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

I usually cooked by my self but there is a good restaurant in the city centre, where I ate reindeer meat.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I'd recommended to go to Tourist Information and there to know what event is celebrated at that momento in the city. A lot of cultural events take place in Umea.

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

Take warm clothes!