Details

• Sweden
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Before the exchange semester, I checked the available courses as early as possible, since course selection at Uppsala University starts quite early. I also contacted former exchange students to get useful tips and insights about studying and living in Uppsala. In addition, I applied for housing in time and booked my flight to Sweden after completing the main preparations.

2. Accommodation

I lived in a student residence called Rackis, which was, in my opinion, by far the best accommodation option in Uppsala. The location was excellent, only around three minutes away from Ekonomikum, making it very convenient for daily university life. The apartments were modern, well-equipped, and overall very comfortable. I shared the apartment with four other students, which made the experience much more social and enjoyable. Flogsta is also very nice but I would choose Rackis all over again and so would everyone who stayed here.

3. Academic life at host university

The teaching style at Uppsala University was very different from my experience at WU and, in my opinion, much better. The courses were more personal because the groups were smaller, which created a more interactive learning environment. Students were encouraged to actively participate in discussions, and there was much more direct contact with professors and classmates. A typical course structure consisted of one lecture followed by a seminar, where the topics from the lecture were discussed in smaller groups. The lectures themselves were relatively short, usually not longer than two hours, and included several breaks, which made it easier to stay focused. Compared to WU Vienna, students generally spent less time physically at the university, but more time working on group projects and individual assignments outside the classroom. Group work played a major role in many courses, which also helped to improve teamwork and communication skills. Every teacher knows you by the name and critical thinking is requested. Overall, I found the academic culture more practical, interactive, and student-oriented.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in Uppsala was amazing and very enjoyable. The university offers a huge variety of social and leisure activities, so there was always something happening. Especially during the colder months, students often met for coffee, lunch, or dinner together. A large part of student life takes place at the different student nations, which were definitely one of the best aspects of Uppsala. The nations regularly organized parties, gasques, balls, concerts, and many other events, which created a very active and social atmosphere. It felt like there was always something to celebrate or participate in. During warmer days, we spent a lot of time at Lake Ekoln, which is very close to the city. We often had barbecues in our yard, relaxed in the sun, and enjoyed spending time outdoors with friends. Public transport in Uppsala is very reliable and well organized, but in my opinion the best option by far is using a bike. Since the city is relatively small and very bike-friendly, almost everything can be reached quickly by bicycle. There were also many sports opportunities available. With the gym membership, students had access to unlimited sports and fitness activities, making it easy to stay active during the semester.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Uppsala was definitely the highlight of my bachelor’s degree. I can highly recommend Uppsala as an exchange destination. In my opinion, it is probably one of the best exchange experiences in Europe. I had an incredible time, met many new friends from all over the world, and created memories that I will never forget. The balance between university work and social life was perfect. The workload at university was easy, while the student nations made student life unique and extremely enjoyable. Although Uppsala is a relatively small city, it is large enough to offer everything students need and always has something going on. In my opinion, it has the perfect size for student life. Uppsala has the best student life, trust me it's worth it :)