My journey to Lund 

Having never been to Sweden or Scandinavia you can imagine my surprise when I found out that I had been selected to study at Lund University. I was so excited as I have always wanted to visit Sweden and having the opportunity to start learning about a completely new language and culture. 

Studying 

When I arrived in January, I was astounded at how beautiful the university town was, it really did look like a town out of a fairytale. I enjoyed the experience of studying at Lund, specifically the teaching style offered and the emphasis on the importance of group work. This teaching style encouraged students to get to know each other and gave study abroad students the opportunity to meet their fellow exchange students and Swedish students. 

Student life and friends  

The main reason why I am so passionate that people should do a semester abroad is the friends you make. Studying abroad provides the chance to meet people from all over the world, and I am lucky to say I have made some friends who I know will be in my life for years to come.  

Making these friends was made possible through the incredible student life Lund offers. On my first weekend all the exchange students were taken by Swedish mentor students for a beautiful hike through the Swedish countryside in the snow. At Lund University student life revolves around student groups called ‘Nations’. Students are able to join a nation and do activities within the different nations. These activities included going to ‘sittnings’ which are sit-down dinners in which you sing songs together and volunteering at your nation, for instance I volunteered as a cook at my nation. With my Nation and friends, we joined in the Swedish celebration of Valborg, welcoming the arrival of Spring at dawn in the central park. 

To anyone starting a semester abroad at Lund or elsewhere, my advice to would be to put yourself out there and get involved in student life. It will both develop your confidence but also provide occasions to make new friends and fully immerse yourself in the country’s culture.  

Apply to the University-wide programme! 

Now looking back after completing my six months in Sweden, I can confidently say applying for the programme was the best thing I ever did and has made me even more grateful that I studied at Nottingham.  

It was a life-changing experience which I will never forget, and I am so grateful for the study abroad team at the University of Nottingham for making it possible.