Details

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

1. Preparation

One useful tip regarding travel is that I found a very affordable flight option with Ethiopian Airlines from Vienna to Copenhagen. An additional advantage was that the ticket included two free checked bags, which made moving for an entire semester much easier. Regarding course registration, I would not worry too much if you are unsure about your final course selection before arrival. Lund University is generally quite flexible, and I was able to adjust my courses after arriving in Lund without any issues. The process was straightforward, and many exchange students make changes to their schedules during the first weeks of the semester.

2. Accommodation

Unfortunately, none of the WU students in my semester were successful in the housing lottery, so we all had to find accommodation independently. Some WU students lived in a private student residence called Colive, which offered a convenient and social living environment. However, I would recommend keeping your options open and looking at different housing opportunities as well. Facebook groups were particularly helpful in my search, and many exchange students find rooms through private landlords or shared apartments. Since accommodation in Lund is highly competitive, I strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible and applying to multiple options at the same time.

3. Academic life at host university

Overall, I found the academic level of my courses to be somewhat easier than at WU. The workload was manageable, and the assessment methods often focused on assignments, presentations, and continuous participation rather than relying solely on final exams. Class sizes were generally smaller, which encouraged interaction with professors and fellow students. The international learning environment also made discussions particularly interesting, as students brought different perspectives and experiences to class.

5. Every day life in the host country

One of my strongest recommendations is to join a student nation as soon as you arrive. The nations are at the heart of student life in Lund and offer social events, dinners, clubs, sports activities, and many opportunities to meet new people. I joined Lunds Nation, which was particularly international and therefore a great place to connect with both exchange and Swedish students. I would also highly recommend participating in the Orientation Week (Novisch Week). There are orientation activities organized both by the student nations and by the student union of the School of Economics and Management, LundaEkonomerna. These events are a great way to meet other exchange students, learn about student life in Lund, and build your social network from the very beginning. Getting a bike is almost essential. Lund is a very bike-friendly city, and cycling is by far the most convenient way to get around. Depending on where you live and the weather conditions, it can also be useful to purchase a public transportation ticket through the Skånetrafiken app, which provides access to buses and trains throughout the region.

6. Testimonial

Lund is a very small city, so studying there is a completely different experience from living in Vienna. Compared to a large capital city, life in Lund feels much calmer, more relaxed, and cozier. While there is always something going on, the pace of everyday life is generally slower and more student-centered. My exchange semester was a beautiful experience and gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, experience Swedish culture, and enjoy a unique student environment. At the same time, prospective students should be aware that Lund offers a very different lifestyle than larger cities such as Vienna. Student life is strongly centered around the nations, which host numerous social events and parties throughout the semester. If you enjoy socializing, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so. Swedish student culture is quite active, and social events often play an important role in university life. However, the atmosphere and party culture are different from what many students may be used to in Vienna, making it a unique experience in its own right. Overall, Lund is an excellent destination for students looking for a close-knit international community, a relaxed lifestyle, and a distinctive student culture.