My time in Linköping is coming to an end!?

Reflections on My First Year at Linköping University

Hello and welcome back to my blog! As May rushes by, I find myself reflecting on my first year in the Master’s program in Sustainable Development at Linköping University. With an exciting summer of European travels ahead and an Erasmus Exchange at the University of Oslo this autumn, I want to share my journey and experiences from the past year.

Moving to Linköping

Moving to Linköping in mid-August last year was both exciting and daunting. My parents helped me settle in, and Sweden welcomed me with a beautiful late summer. Despite having lived in many places, adjusting to a new country is always challenging. The initial months were tough, with moments of loneliness and homesickness. However, it does get better quickly!! What really helped me in the first semester was attending all the ESN/ISA (these are both international student associations here at LiU) events, being open to new friendships, and just accepting that some things are hard. What also helped me a lot was finding this job as an international student ambassador and becoming a part of the Travel Committee at Navitas (if you want to know more about Navitas, check out my other blogs!). This made me feel like I was part of the student life here and it gave me a sense of purpose.

Navigating the First Semester

My first semester was filled with events, jobs, finding my study rhythm again, parties, hosting visitors, exploring, making new friends, and adjusting to Swedish weather. It was incredibly busy, with little to no alone time. Balancing my social life, studies, and alone time was challenging and often overwhelming. Looking back on it, I am super grateful to have met all these amazing people, did all these cute trips, danced the night away, got to know the Swedish university system, and explored Linköping and the region. This semester was essential for figuring out life at LiU and in another country.

Winter Break and a New Perspective

As you may have read in my blog about “Going Home for Christmas,” going home for Christmas was a turning point. Spending time with friends and family was very healing and helped me return to Linköping with renewed confidence. Adjusting to friends leaving after the exchange semester was tough, but it also allowed me to focus more on the friends who stayed and on balancing my time better.

The Second Semester: Adjustments and Adventures

This semester has been different and rewarding. I continued focussing on my studies and still explored more of Linköping and Sweden. Winter was long, making it even more important to have good people around. I also enjoyed visits from friends and trips to places like Norrköping, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Vadstena, The Netherlands, and Finland organized by my Travel Committee from Navitas (see also my blog called “Navitas trip to Finland!!!”). And now, finally, spring started in Sweden and it makes you forget all the dark winter days. Spring here is truly beautiful and something I am very grateful to get to experience.

Looking Ahead: Summer Travels and Moving to Oslo

This year went by incredibly fast, and it feels surreal that it is almost over. I will be traveling through Europe all summer and starting my semester in Oslo afterward. Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for the people I’ve met, the university, and the experiences I’ve had in Sweden. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

I hope these reflections give you a bit more insight into what it’s like to study at LiU and live in Sweden for a year! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me 🙂

/ Fleur, Master of Science for Sustainable Development

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