First year students Xiaou Xue, Lingyu and Kang walk us through the typical Swedish way of studying and how to prepare for the Linköping University study experience.

* What we expected about studying in Sweden and what we’ve gained since the start
* Experiences of the programme so far
* Lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and study trips
* Programming, lab work and lab reports in engineering programmes
* Course literature
* Academic writing and spoken English
* Group work in social science programs
* Lab work in engineering programmes
* Working with international students
* Student life in Sweden
* Exams (paper, written exams, group assignments, reports)

This episode’s three students are studying: International and European relations, Communication Systems and Science for sustainable development.

In 2019, more than 30 students with previous studies in China were admitted to degree programmes at Linköping University. In addition, there are exchange students, doctoral students and researchers from China currently at LiU. Today, Lingyu talks with other Chinese first year students about Sweden and daily life for Chinese students at Linköping University. Participants in today’s episode are first year student Xia0 Xue, and second year student Charlie.

Here are some highlights:
* English in daily life
* Equality and gender equality
* Seasons in Sweden
* Sustainability in every aspect of daily life
* Food and cooking
* Public transportation
* Online payments
* Teaching methods and academic atmosphere
* A piece of advice: Explore your own program
* Master thesis
* Distance mode right now

This episode’s three students are studying: International and European relations, Ethnic and migration studies and Science for sustainable development.

In this episode of Fika with us, first year students Lingyu and Simona and Julia talks about the purely academic side.

• A regular week of full-time studies.
• Lectures, seminars and computer labs.
• Self-study and group studies.
• Papers, essays and articles.
• Seminars, group work and oral presentations.
• Problem-based learning.
• Labs and lab reports.
• Written/home exams and practical examinations.
• Developing academic reading.
• Project assignments and reports.
• Attendance.
• Learning from each other.
• Time management and to-do lists.
• Lunch boxes and running for the microwaves.
• Get to know your fellow students!

Our students are studying:

BSc Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine
MSc International and European Relations
MSc Computational Social Science

First year students Julia, Lingyu and Amanda chat and compare different cultures and perspectives.

• Sweden from German and Chinese perspectives.
• Gender equality: good but could be better.
• Taking your shoes off when you enter someone’s home.
• Swedish service for youth.
• Advanced technology.
• Cash, credit cards and payment apps.
• Cardamom buns, chocolate balls and the Swedish semla bun
• Alcoholic beverages: only at Systembolaget
• The queuing system
• Keys and hot dogs in Sweden
• Opening hours.
• Personal identity/social security number.
• Stad i ljus, the song that ends Swedish student parties.
• A piece of advice: Get to know the Swedes!

Learn more:

Gender equality in Sweden
Cinnamon buns recipe
Personal identity number
Stad i ljus, song and English translation

Studying in Sweden is challenging but fun! Today Simona leads a conversation with first year students Adam and Likith and study counsellor Marie Carlsson about what it is like to study at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Linköping University.

• Why we chose Sweden and Linköping University.
• Hands-on assignments, case studies, seminars and exams.
• A study plan that includes social life.
• Group-oriented seminars and labs.
• Learning Swedish.
• Study advisers, master’s coordinators and Student Health Care.
• Close connection with teachers and professors.
• A piece of advice: make friends early.
• Study workload and part-time jobs.
• How to deal with new subjects.
• Contributing equally in group assignments.
• Deadlines.

Our students are studying:

MSc Intelligent Transport Systems and Logistics
MSc Industrial Engineering and Management

Learn more:

Sweden’s focus in group work

Obviously, there is more to student life than just studying. First year students Julia, Lingyu and Simone talk about student life. Highlights of today’s show are:

• Swedish student traditions, like overalls for each bachelor’s programme.
• Patches for overalls.
• The welcome period, Nolle-P and welcoming activities by student organisations
• Kalas, a party to welcome new students.
• Swedish language courses and Language Café.
• Close connection between students and professors
• Swedes, introvert but friendly
• Student associations for film, sports, International Students Organisation.

Learn more:

Student Associations at LiU
Studyinsweden.se: Social life

Accommodation is not only a roof above your head but a place to study, live, cook, meet friends… a home. First year students Julia, Lingyu and Simone chat about their different experiences about getting accommodation in Linköping and Norrköping.

• Accommodation offer for international (non-EU) students.
• Corridor rooms, private housing and buying an apartment.
• Areas mentioned in the show: Ryd, Lambohov, Flamman, Norrköping.
• Campus Valla and Campus US (University Hospital) in Linköping.
• Student agencies for housing and how the queuing system works.
• The best piece of advice for interested students: sign up for housing now!
• The advantage of having many second-hand stores and websites.
• Living in Norrköping and studying in Norrköping, or the other way around.
• Cooking days with friends.
• Laundry rooms and the importance of booking your laundry slots.
• Be aware of scams when looking for accommodation.
• Emergency accommodation.

Learn more:

Student Accommodation

This is the first show of Fika with Us, aimed at students considering a degree in Sweden. Hope you enjoy! First year students Julia, Lingyu and Simone introduce themselves to our listeners and talk about.

• Why they chose Sweden and Linköping University.
• “Fika”, not only a coffee break but a philosophy of live.
• Perspectives on Sweden, Europe
• Happiness and work-life balance.
• How different study areas are combined in my programme and how that will benefit my future career.

Our students are studying:

BSc Experimental and Industrial Biomedicine
MSc International and European Relations
MSc Computational Social Science