Living in Umeå, Sweden by Kim

What is it like to live in Umeå? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Umeå is young and full of energy. People speak out, say their opinion and are in general very engaged in political and social issues. Not being very big (about 100 000 inhabitants) there's a strong DIY (do-it-yourself) feeling to all of it. Many people are playing in bands, organising stand-up events and much more.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Umeå?

Since I study at the UMA architecture school which is located at the Art Campus together with Umeå school of Design and Umeå school of Fine Arts I am not very involved in the general student life. The Art campus is located in the city centre, while the Main campus of the university with student pubs and various activities (such as choirs, theatre groups and so on) is in another part of town. Being an architecture student I don't really have a life, and since the school is open 24/7 we often hang out at school.

How much does it cost to live in Umeå?

Sweden is in general quite expensive. For housing you usually pay between 2500 kr-4500 sek (250-450€)/month. Then food and alcohol is expensive, plus phone, gymcard, travel, entertainment and so on. The student loan that most swedish student live on is about 9000 sek/month, and that or a little more is what most people spend.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Umeå? Is there any advice you can give?

It's quite difficult to find housing in Umeå, but it is definitely not impossible. The easiest option is to look private, the website blocket.se is worth a try. Another thing that many people I know have succeeded with is by placing an ad in the local newspaper Västerbottens Kuriren (vk.se).

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Local dishes include Palt (potatoe-based balls that are boiled, served with lingonberry jam and pork), of course the Swedish meatballs (also served with lingonberry jam and potatoes) and the more desserty cloudberry jam (preferably with vanilla ice cream).

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What places would you recommend visiting in Umeå?

Umeå is not that big so make sure to get around and you will see most of it. A walk/run around Nydala sjön (lake) is beautiful. Bildmuseum, the museum at the Art Campus does usually have really good exhibitions. Furthermore is there a underground cultural house by the main train station.

Is it good to eat out in Umeå? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Traditional Swedish food is not usually too easy to find if eating out - rather Chinese, Italian, Indian, Japanese and so on. Central is there and bunch of different ones. Something typical Umeå (or rather Norrland) is Rullpizza, a rolled pizza. Buy it from one of the food stands at the main square.

Is the nightlife good in Umeå? Where is good to go?

There's a few different clubs at the university campus, but as I mentioned I don't hang out there too much. Lottas or Pipes of Scotland are good to go to grab a beer. Guitars has sometimes parties and sometimes concerts.

What advice would you give future students headed to Umeå?

Get a bike!

Last but not least, I've lived in Umeå for one and a half year and I love it (and I've been around in other towns in Sweden, Australia and Great Britain). Summers are magical, sunny and light almost 24/7. And if you're here in wintertime - keep an eye out for the northern light.

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