Hej!
If you don’t already know, the application period has ended on the 15th of January! I remember how anxious I was at that time last year, and that’s why I decided to share some ideas on how to wait for your results without going crazy 🫨.
Highly important things first: CHECK IF YOU UPLOADED ALL THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Although the application period is over, which means you can’t start a new process or change the course ranking, you can upload documents until the 3rd of February. Please, double, and triple check if you put all the required files for all your options. If you applied for more than one university, it’s not unusual that they require different documents even if the course is similar. The other way around is also true: if selected more than one course at LiU they might also have distinct requirements. So, before you relax a little, just certify you have everything you need uploaded on universityadmission.se before the 3rd of February!
Another important thing is having all your economies sorted out. If you have doubts about how to maintain yourself in Sweden, I made a post in December talking about scholarship opportunities. If you don’t need one, we also have other tips on how to make your money last, second-hand shops recommendations, and free experiences to enjoy in the city.
Now that we are done with grown-up stuff, let’s talk about managing anxiety in this tough period.
EXERCISING IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Shake off the dust from your body! You had enough time in front of the computer preparing your application, now it’s time to move around and strengthen your legs (you’ll need it).
Sweden is all about the bikes, the cities are well adapted for cycling even during the winter. Before coming here, I was not at all a good cyclist (I’m still not a pro, but I can handle it now ). That being said, take your bike out of the garage or borrow one from a friend and start practicing. It is very helpful to gain trust in your biking skills.
(You can clearly see that winter make us look super stylish)
Another great option is going to the gym. We have a great gym hall on campus Linkoping (picture below), and there are gyms nearby campus Norrkoping. Working out is a great habit, both for your body and your brain. I can tell for sure that cultivating it has helped me deal with study anxiety and regain the energy to overcome the winter darkness. If you start working out now, you’ll take your mind off the results, get your legs prepared for biking, and have strong arms to carry your luggage to your new home. It’s definitely a win-win 🎉.
If you prefer to start slower, maybe you could try some yoga moves. On YouTube, there are several channels with free classes for you to start practicing. It’s also a nice habit to have when moving here. There are several facilities where you can practice yoga in Linkoping, both in the campus gym and in the city center. My first class happened a few weeks after my arrival to LiU and I loved it so much that I still try to squeeze into my schedule at least once a week. So relaxing 😌.
HAVE SOME FUN
Hobbies are great companions for our lives. In Brazil, I usually go out a lot with my friends, having pool parties and some traditional drinks. However, I had to adapt to the new climate, which made it harder to stay outside for long periods. Therefore, I started knitting and crocheting, and it has been so much fun! If you are interested in hands-on activities, that’s a great hobby to distract yourself. Besides, it’s also super useful for when you get to Sweden. Can you imagine knitting your winter clothes?? Simply amazing! Plus, doing it with a friend is even cooler.
If you prefer a more technological way to relax, I have four great recommendations, two series and a game. First of all, I could not think of anything more thematic to watch while waiting for your results from a Swedish university than Vikings 🚢. This show tells the epic journey of a Viking called Ragnar and his descendants who lived in Scandinavia and expanded their empire through Europe. Of course, there are many adaptations from reality, but it’s still a great experience to immerse yourself in that adventure. Plus, after your acceptance (fingers crossed), you can visit the Vikings Museum in Stockholm, just a few hours away from LiU. Or even a Viking Burial ground in Visby, a city on the island of Gotland.
Another great option is to watch Young Royals, a sweet romance between a fictional prince of Sweden and his fellow student. It’s a very light story to get a glimpse into Swedish modern society and language. The series is also very addictive, so there’s a chance you won’t be able to stop after you start it.
*Pictures from Rotten Tomatoes
Do you need something more? What about a Swedish game to get you in the mood? Perhaps you heard about Minecraft, a super funny game that allows you to be creative and tell your own story. Plus, one of its creative directors is a LiU alumnus, isn’t it inspiring? If you want to know more about her, you can click here.
MAYBE YOU CAN STUDY A LITTLE?
Ok, you are already chilled enough and want to feel a bit more productive during your wait? I’ll give you some study tips.
Try to learn the basics of Swedish.
In the five months I have been studying here, I have never had trouble for not speaking Swedish. Almost everyone speaks English. Nonetheless, it is very cool to at least order my fika in Swedish. I feel like such a native! On YouTube and Udemy you can find some free courses that will definitely help you learn the basics. You can also complement it with apps like Duolingo. Have in mind that being fluent in Swedish is not a requirement if your program is held in English, but knowing the basics – like “thank you”, “hello”, “bye”, and “please” -, is always a good way to show your respect and willingness to integrate with the local community.
Get on studying mode
Finally, you can check your program’s course description and look for programs you might use during your studies, which you can start learning in advance or revisit. If your English is a bit rusty, it’s a good idea to read a book that you like to get in the rhythm. Trust me, it’s much easier to get into English mode with a nice story than with a scientific article 🤯.
With this many things, I believe you have enough to keep yourself busy until results are out on March 27th. Good luck, I hope to see you soon!
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