January 15, 2024
Big city buzz or small city peace?
Hello! 😀
The main indication regarding where you want to study should be based on academics. But, choosing the right city for your university is also an important aspect as you won’t be 24/7 at the university. So, this decision can greatly influence your overall university experience. Linköping is the seventh biggest city in Sweden but, as it is not a very densely populated country, it sounds bigger than it is. Linköping has 160 thousand inhabitants and depending on where you originally come from, it can be a lot or just a little. In this blog, I will explore the pros and cons of studying in a big city versus a small city, with a focus on Linköping.
Large City:
Networking Opportunities
Pros: Big cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg have a diverse range of industries. This creates opportunities for networking and internships, providing students with a valuable chance to connect with professionals and potentially secure employment post-graduation.
Cons: However, the fierce competition can make it challenging to stand out. Networking events may also be crowded, making it harder to establish truly meaningful connections or even that they will remember you when you contact them afterwards.
Cultural Diversity
Pros: Big cities are a meeting point of many cultures, offering a wide array of international events, and experiences. This cultural richness can be especially alluring for international students as it may be easier to blend in or find pieces of your culture away from home (trust me, homesickness is a real thing if you’re here for longer 🙁 ).
Cons: On the flip side, the scale of cultural offerings might be overwhelming, and the cost of living in such cities is generally much higher, impacting your budget.
Academic Prestige
Pros: Big cities often house prestigious universities providing access to world-class faculty and cutting-edge facilities. This can enhance the academic experience and open doors to more opportunities.
Cons: However, the intense competition for resources and attention may result in larger class sizes and less personalized interaction with professors.
Transportation
Pros: Big cities typically have well-developed public transportation systems, making it easy for students to navigate the city and its surroundings efficiently.
Cons: On the downside, the hustle of city life can lead to increased stress and a faster-paced lifestyle, which might not be suitable for everyone. In small cities, you can reach everything in a short time with a bike, for example, while in large cities you may need to spend a lot of time travelling. Also, in Linköping, student areas are located near the campus thus, you don’t require a lot of time spent on travelling.
Small City:
Close-Knit Community
Pros: Small cities like Linköping create a sense of community among students. With fewer people, it’s easier to form close relationships with classmates and professors, creating a supportive learning environment.
Cons: However, this may also mean fewer networking opportunities compared to a big city. Nevertheless, on that note, I wanted to mention that Linköping was named the most innovative city in the category under 250 thousand inhabitants.
Lower Cost of Living
Pros: Generally, small cities have a lower cost of living. This can significantly ease your financial burden, allowing you to allocate resources to other aspects of your education or personal development.
Cons: On the other hand, the limited job market in smaller towns might pose challenges for employment opportunities. No matter the size of a city though, remember that Swedish is highly appreciated skill (or often mandatory).
Access to Nature
Pros: Small cities often offer proximity to nature. In Linköping’s case, its scenic surroundings (just by the forest) and the nearby Göta Canal offer a quite cute setting for long bike rides or relaxing strolls.
Cons: However, the lack of urban amenities may be a drawback for students accustomed to the hustle and amenities of big cities. As a person who moved from a city with 1 million inhabitants, I appreciated that calmness and peace.
Personalized Learning
Pros: Smaller class sizes in small cities allow for more personalized interactions with professors, allowing more collaborative learning experiences. This is what I really appreciated about Linköping and it is one of the reasons why I stayed at LiU for my master’s degree.
Cons: Conversely, limited academic offerings and research opportunities might be a drawback for those seeking specialized programs or research focus as LiU is still developing.
/Aleksandra, Experimental and Medical Biosciences
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Still left wanting more?Book an appointment with our recruitment coordinator at international@student.liu.se.
