Choosing where to live when studying at Linköping University (LiU) can be a little confusing at first — you might find yourself asking:
“Wait, where exactly will I study? And where will I live??”
Truth is, you can study in a city and live in another, if that’s your wish. Let me explain it to you.
At LiU, there are three main campuses:
- Campus Valla (Linköping)
- Campus US (University Hospital, Linköping)
- Campus Norrköping (I think I don’t need to tell you where 😉)
The best part? They’re all connected by a free university bus! 🚌
The famous campus bus.
So technically, you can study in one city and live in the other while commuting free of charge. Some courses, like Design, have classes in both campus Norrköping and Valla, making it easier for you to just choose the city you like the most. In that sense, let’s have a friendly competition to help you decide what is your favorite!
🏠 ROUND ONE: Accommodation
Both cities use a point system for student housing. Basically, you register for free at the housing company websites and earn one point per day. The more points you have, the better your chances of getting your dream place.
👉 Chelsea explained it in details here!
That’s Ryd Centrum in Linköping. One of the most common student residence areas.
Here’s the trick:
- Linköping is a bit more competitive — most students are here, so getting a private studio or larger apartment early on can be harder.
- Norrköping tends to be easier if you’re aiming for a studio or a multi-room apartment. Also, if your course is held entirely here, you are secured housing by StudentBo (super convinient!).
🏆 Winner: Norrköping takes the first point!
Score: Norrköping 1 x 0 Linköping
🎉 ROUND TWO: Student Life
Since most students are based in Linköping, it naturally becomes the center of student life! Linköping has even won “Student City of the Year” — three times! Events range from wild parties, festivals, and fancy dinners, to orchestra parades, corridor olympics, bonfires, and much more.
There are events almost everyday at Campus Valla during spring and summer!
Parties and events in Ryd are also very common.
Norrköping is growing its international student community and offering more activities every year, but Linköping still rules this category!
🏆 Winner: Linköping!
Score: Norrköping 1 x 1 Linköping
🚲 ROUND THREE: Practicality
All three campuses are relatively close to their respective city centers, but:
- Campus Norrköping is right in the heart of the city. After class, you can literally walk (for around 5 minutes) to grocery stores, cafes, or pubs!
- Campus US (Linköping) is fairly central, but I’d still recommend that you have your bike with you. Also, it’s the hospital area so it needs to be quiet and organized.
- Campus Valla (Linköping) is a bit further, so biking is the way to go. But don’t worry, Linköping is super bike-friendly, even in winter. The bike lanes are always clean and ready for you!
Of course, the river view in Norrköping is also an amazing plus!
While public transport is efficient in both cities, Norrköping’s campus wins for ultimate convenience.
🏆 Winner: Norrköping!
Score: Norrköping 2 x 1 Linköping
📚 ROUND FOUR: Facilities
Both cities offer fantastic facilities, but they each shine differently. While Campus Norrköping has modern labs, quiet study spaces, a calm atmosphere – that is perfect for concentration, Campus Valla + US offer a huge amount of labs, study areas, and my personal favorite, green spots where you can eat lunch, read, or study while having a picnic 🌳.
There’s a park inside Campus Valla. I love it!
Special mention to Studenthuset at Valla — an incredible library with a massive glass wall that will seriously save your mood in the dark months. ☀️
🏆 Winner: Linköping!
Score: Norrköping 2 x 2 Linköping
🎯 It’s a tie!
Choosing where to live depends on your own priorities. If you prefer convenience and easier housing? Norrköping might be the best option. But if you want an intense student life and endless events, Linköping waits for you.
Also consider where most of your classes will be.
Daily commuting can get tiring, even with the free bus — but sometimes it’s worth it if you get everything else you’re dreaming of.
I trust you’ll make the right choice! 🙌
Good luck, and see you soon at LiU!
Nati
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