Sweden’s best reception for new students?

Taking up studies in a new country, perhaps on the other side of the world, can seem daunting. There are so many questions. How will I find accommodation? Will I make new friends there? What am I getting myself into?

Students participating in reception activities. Photo credit: Charlotte PerhammarHowever for most new students at Linköping University, the reception period is an unforgettable experience. There are parties and presentations, barbecues and ‘brännboll’ tournaments. Of course there’s the famous Swedish ‘fika’ – a break for coffee or tea, and something sweet. On campus you’ll see people wearing sunglasses and strange outfits, marching back and forth. It’s a couple of weeks when you’ll hardly see your bedroom – but your laundry basket will end up overflowing. You won’t get enough sleep – but you’ll make loads of new friends.

Preparations for the activities start months in advance. Roughly 2,000 students are trained in how to be a peer student, whose job is to take care of the new arrivals, and make sure they feel welcome. Every study programme has its own club, which offers the newbies a packed agenda. For international students there is a special peer student programme, and the international student clubs organise a wide range of activities.

The icing on the cake is Kalasmottagningen – New Students’ Day – one of the largest such events in the country. It includes a fair with all sorts of special offers for students and an outdoor area with loads of activities. Topping off the day is a concert featuring some of Sweden’s most popular musicians.

Compared to the other major Swedish universities, Linköping University has the highest retention rate of students continuing to year two. In other words, fewer who break off their studies, and more who feel they’re in the right place. Perhaps it has something to do with the reception they get. 

Welcome activities for international students

Check out some pictures from the reception

Picture of speed friending.
Making new friends is one of the things with the reception. Charlotte Perhammar
Picture of running student
Competitions and games are common during the reception period. Cecilia Olsson
Picture of a go-cart race.
A go-cart race at Märkesbacken, Campus Valla. Magnus Johansson
Picture of student overall
Students in overalls - a very special garment worn at all sorts of student experiences. Every student club has its own. Teiksma Buseva
Picture of students playing fire ball.
Outdoor activities are common.  Charlotte Perhammar
Students playing
Students playing fireball. Charlotte Perhammar
Picture of students during a lunch activity.
Students gathering at Campus Valla, watching a lunch activity. Teiksma Buseva
Picture of students during a lunch activity.
Lunch avtivity outside Kårallen, Campus Valla. Teiksma Buseva
Picture of students eating outdoor lunch.
Having a lunch outside. Teiksma Buseva
Picture of students at campus Valla.
New students meeting up at Campus Valla. Magnus Johansson
Picture of student reception
Peer students are usually dressed up.
Picture of students on Campus Norrköping.
New students outside the Kåkenhus Buildning on Campus Norrköping. Magnus Johansson
An overall
As the autumn term kicks off, the bib overalls come on.
Picture of student reception
Who are all the people wearing strange outfits and sunglasses?
Picture from a student fair.
Vibrant student fair at Kalasmottagningen. Thor Balkhed
The Kalasmottagning stage at Campus Valla.
Kalasmottagningen concludes with an action-packed concert. MagnusAndersson

More about previous years' reception

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