Hello! Hello!
As I mentioned several times in previous blogs, Linköping University has a vibrant student culture and has been honoured with the “Årets svenska studentstad” (Student City of the Year) award on three occasions! Today, I will discuss a quite unusual topic for me, that is… parties. Despite the efforts of the student organisations, there is still some separation between the Swedish and international students when it comes to the social life. However, parties is the place where everybody joins.
Throughout the year, LiU hosts a variety of themed events organized by student sections, clubs, and societies. These range from friendly competitions like tug-of-war, baking gingerbread cookies, and sledding, to entertainment offerings such as spex (comedy shows) and lively parties. One of the highlight events is the student orchestra festival, SOF, which transforms the entire campus and the city of Linköping into a vibrant musical hub. Additionally, the university orchestrates the largest student welcome event in Sweden, popularly known locally as Kalas, though officially named New Students Day.
Student Pubs and Meeting Spots
Linköping University is home to four main student pubs, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings:
- Kårhuset Kårallen (Kårallen): Often the center of large student gatherings and major parties, including some of the most memorable Kravall celebrations.
- Kårhuset Kollektivet (KK): Known for its formal sit-down dinners and as a venue for more upscale student events.
- Ryds Herrgård (Ryds): Popular for its cozy ambiance and allows for a relaxed afternoons and evenings or a place to study.
- Flamman: a popular destination for a weekly party
- Trappan: last but not least, it is the only student pub based in Nörrkoping
Signature Event – Kravall
The highlight of the student social calendar is undoubtedly the Kravall—a massive, themed party where overalls are essential. The most anticipated Kravall takes place at the end of May, marking the end of the academic year. Kravall is popular and it doesn’t give you a headache while choosing an outfit because customary clothing is an overall. Student overalls are more than just clothing; they are like a badge. Each faculty has its own color and style (while exchange students have one from ESN), and students attach patches to them representing various parties and experiences or clubs. The overalls are not just worn but are celebrated—especially during the Kravall parties. Before these overalls can make their party debut, they must be ‘inaugurated’. This initiation involves various playful and messy challenges—from mud crawls to colour wars. It’s a great bonding opportunity for the new classmates.
Student Dinners and Sittnings
Linköping University hosts a variety of student dinners known as “Sittnings”, which range from formal gatherings to more laid-back, themed nights. These events are not only culinary experiences but also feature songs, toasts, and performances, making each dinner a night to remember.
- Fin-sittning: A formal affair with a three-course meal, often held at KK, requiring black tie attire.
- Ful-sittning: More relaxed, often involving funny and creative themes where the food and dress code match the casual mood.
/Aleksandra, Experimental and Medical Biosciences
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