Details

• Sweden
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

When applying, make sure that you can provide clear answers on questions from the application sheet at the interview, since, at least in my case, they were part of it. Also, once being nomitated to the Lund University, you will have to write a statement of purpose when applying. Here, write as much as possible about your motivation to come to Lund, furthermore try to explain, how the courses you opted for at your exchange will benefit you and why you want to take exactly them. I also recommend you to look for A-Courses when choosing your curriculum, since most of them are introductory courses and therefore easier than B or C-Courses. But in the end, the course contents and syllabus should match your interests and expectations. When it comes to preparing for your stay at Lund, look for accomodation as soon as possible since the competition is very high. Make sure not to miss out on any student housing lottery!

2. Accommodation

First, I applied for housing through the LU Accomodation lottery which starts mid April. However, it is highly improbable that you will get a room in the 1st round of the lottery or in the 2nd and 3rd which occur later on. All students I've known that received housing from LU Acc got their spot mid-july or later. The 2nd student housing agency, AF Bostäder holds their lottery approx. in the 2nd july week, however if you get assigned a room, it usually happens very late, in my case it was only 4 days before my arrival... There is also a website called BoPoolen which connects landords and tenants within the Lund area, however from 10 announces I responded to, I received only one declining reply, which is why I wouldn't really recommend it. Still, you should read their tipps on how not to get scammed when searching for housing. I found my housing through a Facebook Group by writing to an elderly landlady who rented out rooms and caravans in her house to other students as well. The location of the place was quite remote since it was in the middle of a field in the outskirts of Lund. The nearest houses were some 50 metres far away and the nearest bus station was 15 minutes by walking. Therefore, it took me at least 30 minutes to get to my faculty by bike. Due to the remoteness, I felt very safe, however Lund is in general a very safe city to live in. I would definitely give a shot to this Facebook Group, as the admin seems to be very active in identifying and dodging scammers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/studenthousinginlund/?checkpoint_src=any Another secret tipp from me: The student nations also offer housing! In most of them it is very limited and pre-occupied already though, nevertheless, I would try to contact the nations and even apply to a foreman position if possible since they usually get priority in the housing queue. If I knew, I would definitely try to become a foreman in the nation I was active in.

3. Academic life at host university

Compared to the WU, the campus is not as beautiful and clearly structured, plus lectures and exams also take place at other faculties which may be a bit irritating. The academic culture is very relaxed, all teachers are very nice and seem to enjoy their job. All questions are responded to quickly and clearly, furthermore the students are encouraged to actively participate in both lectures and seminars and to tell their opinion as well as critically discuss the course contents. I have to admit that from most of the courses at the LU, I didn't learn as much as I would have learnt in Vienna, however I was very impressed on how every exam is digital and written on your own PC (Take your own device exams)

5. Every day life in the host country

First of all, get yourself a bike ASAP after your arrival, since its BY FAR the best way of transport in Lund. Public transport is quite expensive in Sweden and not as accessible as back home. While the nearby city of Malmö is considered to be criminial by many people, Lund is a very calm and relaxed city and it is highly improbable that you will become a victim of a crime. In most nights, the city seemed quite dead to me. Furthermore, the student life here ist absolutely on another level, mainly due to the 13 student nations which organize pubs, bars, lunches, dinners and club nights almost daily exclusively for Studentlund members. Also, mainly during the introductory weeks, not only the nations but also faculties and the ESN organize many social events which you should definitely participate in to get to know as much people as possible. Since there is something going on in Lund every day when it comes to social events, it is absolutely impossible not to make many friends. I also highly recommend everyone to get active in a nation, by working as a volunteer in a club, pub or wherever you like to. You won't get paid anything but you get free food, sweets, lots of fun while working and get to know more people! Also, you will be rewarded access to thank you parties which are also an amazing way how to connect with many people, especially Swedes. When it comes to sports, Lund has a very good handball team, but from what I've heard, also football, ice hockey, floorball, golf, basketball and lacrosse are played here. There are also several gyms to choose from, I definitely recommend Gerdahallen which offers also a student discount. What's more, the Hallands Nation organizes different sports activities every tuesday and sunday evening even for non-members of Studentlund.

6. Testimonial

Lund is THE perfect city for an exchange semester, since it is a student city organizing fun activities almost every day. Never ever have I made so many close friendships in such a short time as during my stay here and I definitely would recommend everyone to study at the LU at one point of your life. People are in general very social here and there is just so many events to choose from where you will meet tons of new fellas. Even if you missed out on the introductory weeks for whatever reason, the student nations will save you throughout the whole semester.