Linnaeus University, Sweden
Today I thought that I would take a study break and show you where I have been living and studying. The Linnaeus University campus itself is a beautiful one, located alongside the lake and full of students biking around. I'm able to enjoy the view of the lake every morning during my bike to campus, as it is about 10 minutes from my residence. The international residence building (fully furnished by IKEA of course) is located between an elementary school and a high school, and is very close to the town square in Växjö.
While it can be a bit of a nuisance to have to bike back and forth multiple times every day, it's a good way to workout (without trying) and many of the other students that live on campus don't get the opportunity to spend as much time downtown. Without further adieu, here are some very overdue photographs of Linnaeus University.
I love this corner chair! I always sit in it while I blog and listen to music (which I am currently doing). The room also has plenty of storage space and a large window.
My room is fairly empty at the moment, but I'm hoping to figure out a way to put up pictures from home to make my room a bit more personal. It is hard to decorate when I know I am only here for three more months (a thought that makes me very sad)!
Anyways, the more exciting photographs are of the campus and surrounding nature. Linnaeus University is located right beside the lake, has a castle on the campus, and has plenty of natural elements throughout the campus.
The K Building with the only Linneuniversitetet sign I have seen on campus. A majority of my classes take place within this building, but I still manage to end up lost on occasion...
This is another building on campus. I love the large open glass wall that lets in natural light and makes the building look more inviting.
This is one of the many bike huts on campus. It's the emptiest I have ever seen them, but that is because I was on campus at about 6:00 pm on a Friday night, so it was nearly deserted. Also, Maestro Pizza is a quaint eatery with some delicious (and huge!) personal pizzas.
My favourite place on campus is the Teleborg Castle. It is a relatively newer castle, but I think it is so beautiful to look at and adds some character to the university campus.
A panoramic shot of the lake and the biking path on a gorgeous, sunny day.
What I enjoy most about going to school in Växjö, Sweden is the view I get everyday, the benefits of biking to campus daily and constantly meeting new people (international and Swedish students). I have met some incredible locals whom I've been able to have some great conversations with, learning about their journeys. Many of the students I have met in Sweden took a couple years off to travel and work between high school and university and they have great stories of their experiences. Another thing about Sweden I have been extremely thankful for is everyones ability to speak amazing English and their ability to not get frustrated when I tell them I do not understand what they are saying to me in Swedish (they tend to speak incredibly fast).
However, I am thankful that the school offers a beginners' Swedish class, even if I find it quite difficult. It has helped in understanding basic Swedish conversation. Luckily, at the grocery stores, you generally only need to know "hej, hej" (hello) and "tack" (thank you). It has also been helpful learning the numbers so I know how much I need to pay. It's strange however because you put your kronor change into a machine and receive it from the same machine, while only giving bills to the cashier. The grocery store is an extremely efficient place though, which is nice when you are in a rush!
Well, that is all I have to say about my residence and school so far. Seeing as it is currently 3:00 am here, I should probably get some rest. I'll be spending tomorrow with a cup of coffee and some textbooks in the library, then attending a BBQ with some of my building mates.
Until next time,
Kaitlyn xo