Lund, Sweden: Where Old Town and College Mix
The author in Lund, Sweden, during his study abroad
Long ago, I dreamt a dream of studying abroad as my brother had done once before me. In my dream, I wished to learn and experience a new and different culture. Once in college, I was given the chance to study abroad in Sweden. There, I studied in a cute college town called Lund- located in the southernmost part of Sweden.
Lund is a small city and at the heart of the city is the Old Town. The Old Town is filled with very nice pedestrian walkways, cafes, and restaurants. You will find yourself walking on cobbled streets, next to half-timbered houses, and students speeding down the bike lanes as it is a very bike-friendly city. I could not imagine living in Lund without a bike, it is the fastest way around the city and environmentally friendly. Amidst the cafes and restaurants is the romanesque church, Lund cathedral. A beautiful church that towers above the old town and is one of the centerpieces of the city. Though a small city the food scene is quite diverse. Get your fix of Japanese ramen, sushi, Chinese dumplings, pizza, and middle eastern cuisine. As a student, you are always looking for the best food at the cheapest price. In Lund, the go-to was usually a falafel wrap, and you could get very tasty falafel wraps in the city center. Just north of the old town, you will find yourself in the Lund University campus.
Lund is a research-based university that was established in 1666. As an economics major, I had the blessing of taking classes at LUSEM “ Lund University School of Economics & Management” the top-tier business school in Sweden. Even though Lund University is known for its business school, Lund has many disciplines to choose from whether you want to become a doctor or an engineer. The beauty of the school or maybe the students is that there is a healthy mix of having fun and learning. With the fun comes traditions that have been around for centuries.
A special event that is held at Lund University is Karnevalen. A weekend event filled with different games, food, concerts, and a parade that goes through the city. Each time the event is held they base it on a new theme, this year it was “Catastrophe”. Being true to the theme the event is brought to life by none other than Lund University students who all volunteer. It is even said that it is the largest volunteer event in the world. I was very lucky to experience this special event because it only happens every four years.
Lund university is big on student life. There are tons of student organizations that you can join from academic, political, and sports associations. All these associations are not that different from the ones we have here in the US. One organization that stood out was Nations. Nations are similar to Fraternities or Sororities but, are not segregated on sex rather both boys and girls can be a part of the same Nation.They are student-led organizations with their own atmosphere and own themes. Nations have their own houses where they typically host different events whether they are movie nights, game nights, nightclubs, or weekly meals. I joined “Kristianstads Nation” whose slogan is “Where the Sun Always Shine”, one of the few nations that stay open all year round. The most famous event that they hold is called “sittnings”. Sittnings tend to be fancy dinner parties where people get together to eat, play games, and make new friends. Each sittning can have its own theme, for example, I had an invitation to an “Apre-Ski Sittning”. At this sittning everyone came in their ski gear and enjoyed some after-ski-inspired games. This is just a snapshot of what my life in Lund consisted of. A place of culture, tradition, and higher education.
The city and University will also have a special place in my heart as I grew as a person during my time abroad. I met people from around the world expanding my worldview and knowledge. An experience that I will always treasure and I hope this will inspire those of you who had the same dream to experience another culture and to take the leap. Thank you or rather “Tack så mycket” and “ Hej då”.
