Sweden, MSc Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Double Degree, Hochschule für Life Sciences FHNW

What made you decide, what motivated you to go abroad?
There were many reasons why I chose to study abroad. First and foremost, I have a deep passion for traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. An exchange semester is the ideal way to combine these interests while also broadening my horizons and fostering personal growth. Living abroad exposes you to unfamiliar situations, helping you develop resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. This experience not only strengthens your ability to manage stressful or difficult circumstances but also equips you with valuable life skills. Additionally, pursuing a double degree enhances the likelihood of securing a PhD position, providing a solid foundation for academic advancement. On a professional level, a semester abroad is a strong addition to any CV, signaling to employers that you are flexible, resourceful, and eager to embrace new opportunities.

Why did you choose your host institution/country?
I have always been fascinated by the Scandinavian countries, and Sweden, in particular, had captured my interest. Many of my friends had traveled there and shared glowing accounts of its beauty. Additionally, I knew fellow students who had completed their double degree at Linköping University. Their overwhelmingly positive experiences played a significant role in my decision to spend my semester abroad there. Ultimately, Linköping University proved to be the perfect choice for my studies.

What does a typical day at the host institution look like?
A typical day at Linköping University usually began between 8 and 9 a.m. The day would start with meeting my flatmates in the common room to chat about our plans. Then it was off to the university always by bike, which is practically essential in Sweden. Upon arriving at Linköping University, the first challenge was finding a spot to park, as cycling is the most popular mode of transport among students. The lessons were quite similar to those at FHNW. However, there were fewer lectures overall, as self-study is highly emphasized here. After classes, I often headed to the Campushallen, the university’s fitness center. It’s conveniently located on campus and exceptionally well-equipped. In addition to the gym, the university offered a variety of activities, including table tennis, badminton, volleyball, and more. There were also student organizations for music, crafting, and other hobbies, making it easy to find something enjoyable to do. After a good workout, I would return to my corridor, which I shared with eight other students. There, I usually spent some time studying before gathering in the common room in the evening. Evenings were a highlight of the day, we often cooked together, played games, or watched movies. During the summer, we made the most of Sweden’s natural beauty by biking to a nearby lake for evening swims. I also joined a running group and went running twice a week, which added another enjoyable routine to my stay in Linköping.

What surprised you the most about your stay abroad?
What surprised me the most was Sweden’s coffee culture. Swedes have a deep love for coffee, often paired with something sweet, a tradition known as fika. Fika is more than just a coffee break; it’s a cherished time to connect with others, unwind, and take a momentary break from work or studies. I was also struck by how relaxed and stress-free Swedes tend to be. Their calm and composed demeanor created an atmosphere that I found incredibly refreshing and enjoyable.

What tip would you like to give to future exchange students.
If I were to do it again, I would definitely choose to stay in a shared room rather than my own apartment. Living with others exposes you to different cultures, makes it easy to form friendships, and ensures there’s always someone around to hang out with. I would also recommend arriving at least two weeks before the start of your studies. During this time, the ESN (Erasmus Student Network) organizes numerous events, providing a great opportunity to meet new people and establish connections quickly. As mentioned earlier, a bicycle is absolutely essential in Sweden. To be well-prepared, I’d bring bike lights, locks, rain trousers, and perhaps a helmet from home to avoid purchasing them here. Bicycles themselves can be bought affordably from local bike shops or from other students.

Are there any special experiences or memorable moments you would like to share?
If you come to Linköping during the autumn semester, a trip to Lapland is an absolute must. Organizations like ESN or Timetraveler offer a variety of trips throughout the semester, including over Christmas and New Year. This experience was the highlight of my time in Sweden.
Over the course of a week, we enjoyed husky sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, visiting reindeer, and even swimming in a lake at -10°C. Most unforgettable of all was witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora), a breathtaking and indescribable phenomenon that words simply cannot do justice. Beyond Lapland, Linköping’s central location makes it easy to visit cities like Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, or Oslo in a relatively short time. These short trips are a wonderful way to explore Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, adding to the richness of your semester abroad and ensuring it becomes a truly unforgettable experience. Another highlight of my time in Linköping was attending ice hockey games. Linköping is home to a top-league team, Linköping HC, and watching their games is an incredible experience. Tickets in the home sections are very affordable and the atmosphere in the arena is always electric. It’s definitely a must-do if you come to Linköping!