Fika with us

Fika with us – and learn more about international studies at LiU Show/Hide content

Artwork for the podcast Fika with us The podcast “Fika with us” is for international students who are considering Sweden and Linköping University (LiU) for their studies abroad as well as for those who are already here.

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Episode 40: Gen!us student association Show/Hide content

Three girls sitting on a table and smiling at the camera with a forth person behind them on a TV.

Wondering what student associations we have at LiU? Meet Gen!us! They are working to increase gender awareness and social inclusion at Linköping University. Caroline and Bianca are here to answer all your questions about what this association does and what it’s like to be a part of it. Make sure to bring your best self to this fika!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guests: Caroline and Bianca

Episode 39: Checklist for leaving Sweden Show/Hide content

Graphic picture that shows pen, paper, keys and passport.

As the academic semester is coming to an end it is time for many of us students to graduate from LiU. Indeed, a wonderful accomplishment and as much as we would love to keep you here in Sweden, one day there might be a time when you feel like spreading your wings and flying away.

In this episode, we will walk you through the process of leaving Sweden and point out important bureaucratic steps to take. Grab a coffee and come along for an information-packed episode.

Host: Julia Berger
Guest: Therese Lindkvist, Senior Coordinator at The International Office

Episode 38: The Master’s in Sustainability Engineering and Management Show/Hide content

Guest Niraj Kumar Sontha looking into the camera.

Ever wondered what the Master's in Sustainability Engineering and Management is about? Niraj, a former international student ambassador and student of this program, is here to answer all your questions. Whether you're thinking of applying or have already applied, this fika is for you!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guest: Niraj Kumar Sontha

Episode 37: Staying fit as a student Show/Hide content

The host Rebecca together with episode guests Julia and Matilde standing in a human triangle.

Everyone knows that physical health is important. This fika is all about how to stay active without ruining your student budget. From the classic gym to martial arts and trampoline parks, join us to hear about all the different activities you can do in and around Linköping throughout the seasons!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guests: Julia Berger and Matilde Coppye

Episode 36: How to: Prepare your move to Sweden Show/Hide content

Moving to a new country can be very overwhelming but don't worry we got you covered. Today's guests Rebecca and Abhijeet have already gone through the whole process of moving countries. Rebecca moved from Portugal to Sweden and will provide us with useful insides for EU-based students.

Abhijeet relocated from India and will share his tips and tricks about getting a visa, accommodation and insurance for fee-paying students. Come along and learn how to make your move to Sweden as easy as possible.

Participants: Julia Berger, Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker and Abhijeet Anand.

Episode 35: Fika like a Swede Show/Hide content

Waffles with some jam and cream is placed on a dinner table. Fika, the custom of enjoying a coffee and a treat is as Swedish as IKEA.

It isn't just another word for a coffee break - fika is so much more! Grab something warm to drink, something sweet to eat and join us for a mouth-watering episode of Fika with us!

Host: Julia Berger
Guests: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker, Lisa Goldschmidtböing and Abhijeet Anand

Episode 34: Mental health at University Show/Hide content

The host Julia and todays guests Emily and Lisa sitting in beanbags in Studenthuset.

In the past few years, awareness towards mental health has increased and its importance is more recognised than ever. We all know that exams and assignments can be incredibly stressful and living in a new country, far from home, with only a few hours of daylight in the winter, brings its own challenges as well.

Today, we are sitting down with Julia, Emily and Lisa for a reflective fika, where we discuss some of our struggles and our tips and tricks for keeping good mental health.

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guests: Julia Berger, Emily Nebot Pérez. Lisa Goldschmidtböing

Episode 33: Corridor Life Show/Hide content

A group of people sitting in a sofa and smiling at the camera.

Rebecca, Emily and Romi are three LiU students who all live in student corridors throughout Linköping. A student corridor is an approximately 20 sqm large room with an ensuite bathroom. The kitchen and communal areas are shared with seven other students. Living in a student corridor is very popular and affordable!

Our guests share their experiences of corridor life and help to unravel "corridor myths" such as the always dirty kitchen, parties all night and much more. Tune in to find out if living in a student corridor could be for you!

Host: Julia Berger
Guest: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker, Emily Nebot Pérez and Romi Al Saleem

Episode 32: The Master’s in Gender Studies Show/Hide content

Guest Maria Kousoula is smiling into the camera.

Ever wondered what the Master's in Gender Studies - Intersectionality and Change is about?

Maria, an international student ambassador and a student of this program graduating this year, is here to answer all your questions. Whether you're thinking of applying or have already applied, this fika is for you!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guest: Maria Kousoula

Episode 31: LARK - Linköping's Academic Riding Club Show/Hide content

Four girls in riding clothes sitting on the ground with blue and yellow ballongs and a LARK-sign.

Come and join us for fika with LARK, LiU's Academic Riding Club which is the perfect student association for everyone interested in horses. LARK holds weekly riding lessons at the local riding school, organises fun get-togethers and takes part in the national student championships in horse riding.

A great way of getting back into the saddle and meeting students from all over LiU. Are you interested in spending quality time with two- and four-legged friends? As you will learn during the episode international students are more than welcome to join LARK.

Episode 30: Why we chose Linköping University Show/Hide content

The host Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker is sitting together with todays guests Julia Berger, Abhijeet Anand and Agathe Malbet in a staircase.

Today’s episode is about the stories of some of our student ambassadors. Julia, Agathe and Abhijeet are here to share what made them move to Sweden and be a student from an international program at Linköping University. Was it a thought-out plan or more of a lucky leap of faith? Make sure to bring your cosy blankets and a nice cup of tea for this fika!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guests: Julia Berger, Abhijeet Anand and Agathe Malbet

Episode 29: A Christmas special! Show/Hide content

The host Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker is standing with guest Therese Lindkvist and Tobias Kontio in Christmas outfit.

It’s that time of the year again! The songs, the tree or the pastries, what makes a great Swedish Christmas? Therese and Toby are here to share their experiences on what it takes to have a truly Swedish celebration of this holiday. You will need some Julmust, perhaps even some Glögg, for this fika!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guests: Therese Lindkvist (International Office) and Tobias Kontio

Episode 28: Be safe Show/Hide content

The host Julia Berger is standing with todays guests Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker and Abhijeet Anand looking into the camera.

This episode is all about safety, both before you come to Sweden and once you are in Sweden. As you probably know - Sweden is considered a very safe country not only for tourists but also for residents.

However, there are still a few things that are great to keep in mind to stay safe and it might just be as simple as having lights on your bike at night, getting home insurance or taking the TBE vaccine to protect yourself against ticks transmitting tick-borne encephalitis.

Host: Julia Berger
Guests: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker and Abhijeet Anand

Episode 27: Spring Welcome Period Show/Hide content

Picture taken from inside of a plane looking out of the window.

The new semester is quickly approaching and this means another arrival period is in the making! Priya Eklund, who works at the International Office here at LiU, is here to give you a general idea of what to expect as well as some tips to survive this possibly scary yet exciting period. Book your flights and pack your bags for this very welcoming fika!

Episode 26: Being an Exchange Student at LiU Show/Hide content

Exchange studies are incredibly valuable experiences and in today's episode you get to meet Agnes, an exchange student of the international bachelor's program in Biomedicine.

She left her home university in Austria, drove all the way up to Linköping and is now spending one semester as an LiU student. Hear more about her experience of finding accommodation, learning Swedish, travelling around beautiful Sweden and emerging herself in Swedish student traditions.

Host: Julia Berger
Guest: Agnes Montecuccoli

Episode 25: Dealing with the Swedish Darkness Show/Hide content

Picture of a snowman in Sweden. The days in Linköping and Norrköping are getting colder and darker - Swedish winter is coming in big steps! What if I have never experienced a cold winter before... what can I look forward to besides the snow? In this episode, our guests' Rebecca and Abhijeet are partly excited and partly a bit nervous about the coming winter.

It's Rebecca's second winter in Sweden so she shares the best tips and tricks on how to survive the Swedish darkness, while Abhijeet has never experienced very low temperatures before. However, he already started preparing for the "white season" and surely he will love it once the snow arrives!

Host: Julia Berger
Guests: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker and Abhijeet Anand
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 24: To Sweden, from India Show/Hide content

The host Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker and episode guest Vinayak Menon is looking into the camera and smiling.

Ever wondered what it’s like to move to Linköping all the way from Kerala, India? Vinayak has done it and is here as a guest to tell you all about his journey. How did he come across his master’s program? What were his first impressions? What does he miss the most from home? Make sure to bring your adventurous spirit to this cozy fika!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guest: Vinayak Menon
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 23: ESN and ISA student organisations Show/Hide content

Guests Vinayak Menon and Oskar Johansson standing with host Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker and looking into the camera.

As a new incoming student, you will hear a lot about the International Student Association (ISA) and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), but what exactly do these student organisations do?

Oskar (ESN) and Vinayak (ISA), two students at LiU, are the guests of this episode to answer all of your possible questions. This fika is all about living your best life while studying!

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Guests: Vinayak Menon (ISA), Oskar Johansson (ESN)
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 22: Learning Swedish Show/Hide content

Guest Rebecca Fonesca and the host Maria Kousoula is standing outside Studenthuset at Campus Valla in Linkoping.

Do you like learning new languages? Have you ever thought to learn Swedish? In this episode of Fika with us, Rebecca and Maria, student ambassadors studying here at LiU, talk about learning the Swedish language and ways to do so online or in person. We invite you to listen to our podcast and get all the tips and tricks!

Host: Maria Kousoula
Guest: Rebecca Fonesca
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 21: Alumni story - Kaushal Sadashiv Show/Hide content

Being a student at LiU is (of course) great – but what happens after you have finished your studies? Kaushal, a LiU alumni, shares his story in this episode.

Host: Wen Chen
Guest: Kaushal Sadashiv
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 20: Checklist for new arrivals Show/Hide content

Picture of the building Studenthuset at Linkoping University.

If you are newly admitted to LiU, listen up! In this episode Therese from the International Office, and Rebecca on of our student ambassadors will guide you through what you need to do when you arrive at Linköping University. Everything from roll-call to buying a bike!

Host: Priya Eklund, International Coordinator
Guests: Therese Lindkvist, International Coordinator, Rebecca Fonseca Pilzecker
Editing: Per Wistbo-Nibell

Episode 19: Surviving on a student budget! Show/Hide content

Three girls standing outside with one bike.

In a previous episode we looked at the cost of living in Sweden (go check it out if you haven’t!). This time we will go through which tips and tricks Nadia and Maria, two student ambassadors from LiU, use to maintain their student budget while studying. From second-hand shops to getting the best deals, make sure to listen in on this budget-friendly fika!

Host: Rebecca Fonesca Duarte Pilzecker
Guests: Maria Kousoula, Bernadia Dwiyani
Editing: Per Wistbo-Nibell

Episode 18: Cost of Living in Sweden Show/Hide content

Sweden is often spoken about as being an expensive country, but just how expensive is it to live here as a student?

Julia and Furkan, two student ambassadors from LiU, talk about their monthly expenses as well as how the cost of living differs from their home countries. Don’t forget to check your budget before joining this fika!

Host: Rebecca Fonesca Duarte Pilzecker
Guests: Julia Berger, Furkan Özkab
Editing: Per Wistbo-Nibell

Bonus Episode: The Master's in Business Administration Show/Hide content

Two girls taking a selfie and look happy.

Ever wondered what the Master's in Business Administration - Strategy Management in International Organisations (SMIO) is about?

Wen and Hakima, two students of this program that will graduate this year, are here to answer all your questions. Whether you're thinking of applying or have already applied, this fika is for you!

Host: Rebecca Fonesca Duarte Pilzecker
Guests: Wen Chen, Hakima Shiralzide
Editing: Per Wistbo-Nibell

Episode 17: The Student Health Care Show/Hide content

Girl looking at computer. The Student Health Care center offers varied support to LiU students - but what exactly do they do? In which situations can they help you? Marie Petterson works at Student Health and is our guest in this episode of Fika with us. Join us for a conversation about mental health, disabilities and how this LiU support system works.

If you would like to reach out to Student Health, you can do so here:
Welcome to the Student Health Care Center

Host: Rebecca Fonesca Duarte Pilecker
Guest: Marie Pettersson, Counsellor at the Student Health Care, LiU
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 16: Remaining in Sweden - finding a job Show/Hide content

Pexels.comIf you like Sweden so much that you want to stay after you have finished your studies, why not look for a job here? We talk the Swedish job market, how to find a job in Sweden, LinkedIn and much more.

Visit this page about Career Support if you want to know more what is offered by LiU.

Host: Niraj Kumar Sontha
Guests: Priya Eklund, International Office and Hilarian Demio Buck Silva
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Bonus Episode: Why Sweden? (In German) Show/Hide content

Three girls standing outside and holding up flags. Die Heimat in Österreich und Deutschland verlassen um in Schweden zu studieren? Iris, Katharina und Julia haben genau das gemacht und sind nun internationale Studenten an der Universität in Linköping, Schweden.

Erfahre mehr über ihre Reise hierher, die Vorteile die man hier als Deutschsprachiger/e hat und inwiefern sich die schwedische Bildung von der Bildung in Österreich/ Deutschland unterscheidet. Ob die Drei rückblickend den Schritt, Schweden ihr neues Zuhause zu machen, erneut wagen würden? Das und vieles mehr erfahrt ihr in dieser Episode von „Fika With Us“.

Episode 15: Ensuring your academic writing is your own Show/Hide content

Many books stacked on top of each other.

What is plagiarism and how do you avoid it? Mikael Rosell from the University Library and students Rebecca and Maria give their insights on what you can and cannot do to ensure your academic writing is your own.

Host: Priya Eklund, International Coordinator
Guests: Mikael Rosell, Rebecca Fonseca Duarte Pilzecker and Maria Kousoula
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 14: Dealing with the pandemic Show/Hide content

Three people are standing outside the building with face masks.

In this episode of Fika with us, we are joined by Maria, Nadia, and Simona who talk about dealing with the pandemic while studying at LiU. The topics being discussed highlight the policy in Sweden in general from last year until recently.

Also, how does the pandemic impact the daily life as students, to what extent they are facing anxiety, and how to deal with it. Lastly, some final tips are given to combat the difficult situation we are all currently dealing with.

Host: Maria Kousoula
Guests: Nadia Dwiyani and Simona Bisiani
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 13: Be your own cook! Show/Hide content

Two girls hold frying pans in front of their mouths.

An obligation, a choice or a hobby - cooking can be all of these! Making your own meals is a great way to save money in Sweden, but where to start?

Rebecca gives us some insight about how it was for her, as well as some tips and tricks on how to cook in a corridor. Don't forget to bring your favourite pastries to this fika!

Episode 12: Corridor life in Corona times Show/Hide content

Mona Lisa with mouth protection, toilet paper and rubbing alcohol

Living in a corridor with other people during a pandemic might seem a bit scary – but it does not need to be! In this episode you will hear from Akhil and Iris, who both live in corridor rooms, about how it is to live with other people in times like these.

Come enjoy a warm cup of fika while we talk about the good, the bad and what has changed.

Host: Rebecca Fonseca Duarte Pilzecker
Guests: Akhil Rajendran and Iris Potakowskyj
Editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 11: The Rich Student Life at Linköping University Show/Hide content

The richness of student life at Linköping University is well-known and the university has won the “Årets svenska studentstad” (Student City of the Year) award three times. This is a lot thanks to the hard work of the student unions, sections and various associations at the university. Today we get to know more about student life at LiU from Sara Hamrefors, international responsible at the Mechanical Engineering section here at LiU.

Host: Therese Lindkvist, International Coordinator
Guest: Sara Hamrefors, international responsible at the Mechanical Engineering section
Recording and editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 10: Come visit Östergötland! Show/Hide content

Besides a very rich student life, Linköping, Norrköping and the region of Östergötland has so much more to offer. In this episode you can hear about all the interesting activities you can do and places you don´t want to miss when coming to Linköping University as an exchange student!

Host: Therese Lindkvist, International Coordinator
Guests: Maria Hamre, Visit Linköping and Viveca Valgren, the Municipality of Norrköping
Recording and editing: Per Wistbo Nibell

Episode 9: Worldish - from student idea to company Show/Hide content

Naveen Sasidharan and Abhishek Jacob ChethikattNaveen Sasidharan and Abhishek Jacob Chethikatt - two master students from India with an idea that eventually turned into the company Worldish. In this episode they talk about their journey!

Episode 8: The academic side and how to prepare for Sweden (in Chinese) Show/Hide content

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.

Episode 7: Why we chose Sweden and our experiences so far (in Chinese) Show/Hide content

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.

Episode 6: Studying in Sweden - academics Show/Hide content

Avsnittsbild - Fika with us 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

Episode 5: Swedish culture and life in Sweden Show/Hide content

Avsnittsbild - Fika with us

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

Episode 4: Studying Engineering and Science in Sweden Show/Hide content

Avsnittsbild - Fika with us 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

Episode 3: Student life in Sweden Show/Hide content

Avsnittsbild - Fika with us 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

Episode 2: Accommodation in Sweden Show/Hide content

Avsnittsbild - Fika with us 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

Linköping University, Sweden - Accommodation

To find accommodation – here are a few things to consider before you arrive to Linköping University, Sweden.

http://www.liu.se/master

Episode 1: Introducing Fika with us Show/Hide content

Avsnittsbild - Fika with us 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: