Sweden, BSc Bioanalytics, Hochschule für Life Sciences FHNW

What made you decide to go abroad?
I went abroad for my bachelor’s thesis and absolutely loved the experience. The chance to meet people from all over the world, experience a different academic environment, and become more independent by living in a foreign country was extremely appealing to me.

On top of that, I really enjoy travelling. Living in another country gives you the chance to explore it from a completely different perspective than just visiting as a tourist.

Why did you choose your host institution/country?
I had heard a lot of great things about the Double Degree programme at Linköping University from former students, especially regarding its active student life. I also found the course content and the academic environment really interesting. Plus, Sweden itself was super appealing to me in many ways, including its society and culture to the overall lifestyle.

What does a typical day at the host institution look like?
University courses usually started at 8 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. I would get up, make some coffee, get ready, and ride my bike to campus. Around noon, I grabbed lunch with friends or headed to the gym. I usually bought takeaway from the cafeteria, whereas the Swedish students almost always brought homemade food. Around 3 p.m., my classmates and I would usually take a fika break before heading back to our final lectures. Classes finished by 5 p.m. at the latest, after which I would head back home to my student corridor. Once there, I hung out with my roommates or bought some groceries and cooked my dinner. On Thursdays and Fridays during the summertime, there was usually an after-school event where you could grab a drink, meet new people, or just chill with friends.

On weekends, I usually planned day trips or activities, followed by parties in the evening with the huge international student community at LiU.

What surprised you the most about your stay abroad?
Academically, I was impressed and reassured by just how well our practically focused education at FHNW prepares us. Most FHNW students already have industry experience or gain extensive hands-on practice through the many lab courses during their bachelor's studies. The high standard of practical experience I brought from my FHNW background became very clear to me during the various lab courses I took throughout the Double Degree programme.

On a personal level, I was amazed by how many different cultures come together at this university and within the student corridors. You live alongside people with vastly different cultural backgrounds, which can sometimes be a challenge, but it also shows you just how similar we all actually are. You end up getting along really well with people from cultures that might be considered opposing from a political standpoint. This experience really proved to me that nationality doesn't change anything when it comes to genuine human connection.

What tips would you give to future exchange students?
Generally speaking, prepare yourself for an incredible experience! It can feel a bit overwhelming and frustrating right at the beginning, but once you arrive mentally and make your first connections, it gets amazing.

Speaking of connections: I can only recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and being open from day one. Attending social events, especially early in the semester when everyone is actively looking for friends, makes a huge difference. While people are generally very open, being proactive helps ensure you don't miss out as initial friend groups start to form.

On the administrative side: in my case, university housing wasn't available, so I had to find a place on my own. Sweden relies heavily on a queue system, and local students often sign up for housing portals while still in high school just to accumulate enough points for a nice place. If you're planning to go to Linköping, I strongly recommend registering on portals like studentbostader.se immediately to start collecting points (1 point per day). If you end up not going, you can simply delete your account, but if you do go, it heavily increases your chances of securing good accommodation.

Are there any special experiences or memorable moments you would like to share?
I went on a student trip to Swedish Lapland, and I can't recommend it enough! I was lucky and saw really strong Northern Lights. This was truly a breathtaking experience. And on top of that, I made friends on that trip who I'm still in contact with today.