With my bags packed and my goodbyes said, there was only one more thing for me to do, leave for six months in Vӓxjӧ. Surprisingly I wasn’t at all upset leaving my family and friends but excited about the semester ahead.
Upon arriving in Vӓxjӧ, first impressions were that it’s not as cold or snowy as we had anticipated (I think this was a good thing until we find out feet here). In the taxi on the way to the hotel, we were given a short guide of the main features of the town. The main street itself is very small (I had heard it was small, but I think this is about the size of one street in Belfast!). At the hotel I was introduced to many other Erasmus students and quickly realised just how many countries participate in this programme.
The next day we moved into our accommodation where I am staying in a dorm room, it’s massive, much bigger than the Stran halls, and I have my own bathroom and shower which was an added bonus! I live with three other girls, German, Swedish and Vietnamese who are all lovely. The University and Vӓxjӧ town are all within walking distance from my apartment which is brilliant, saves bus money! A very modern looking University makes the experience more exciting as life here doesn’t seem like it can be too boring. It has been quite difficult to find our way round so far, hopefully we won’t be needing the maps as much in the coming weeks.
Everybody asks about the Swedish food, it’s pretty much the same as home once you learn the names of what you are looking for. Cooking for myself is not as bad as I thought, I’ve realised I’m not really a bad cook!
On orientation day we all had the opportunity to get to know a little about Sweden and of course Linneaus University. We also got talking to some other Erasmus students and went for a ‘fika’ (what the Swedes call a coffee date). After leaving the lecture building, we went outside where the ground was covered with a white blanket of snow, which Michael quickly threw himself into the middle of.
With our fellow Erasmus and International students, we have been for many walks around the campus which is surrounded by two beautiful, ice-covered lakes. The stunning Teleborg Castle is also located here on the college grounds where the lightening can be seen all over the campus. Having experienced little or no rain yet, the dry, crisp air is perfect for exploring the campus however a hat is definitely required!
