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author
Szymon Rutkowski
Szymon
Rutkowski
faculty
Fakulta sociálních věd
academic year of the stay
2025/2026
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author
Szymon
faculty
Fakulta sociálních věd
academic year of the stay
2025/2026
Uppsala University
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
How does Szymon rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
When I think of Uppsala University, the fact that it is the oldest university in Scandinavia, founded in 1477, immediately comes to mind. Together with Lund University, it is considered one of the two most prestigious universities in Sweden, which initially made me expect a very formal and distant academic atmosphere. What I found instead was an environment that combines strong academic traditions with an open, supportive, and surprisingly approachable culture - something that made studying there both challenging and genuinely enjoyable.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
At Uppsala University, especially at the Department of Government, the study methods differed quite noticeably from what I was used to. One of the biggest differences was the organisation of the semester. Instead of attending many courses simultaneously, studies are often structured in shorter, intensive course blocks, where you focus on one (sometimes two) courses at a time. This made it much easier to immerse myself fully in the subject and keep up with the reading, rather than constantly switching between unrelated topics.
Teaching methods placed a strong emphasis on seminars rather than lectures. While lectures provided the theoretical framework, seminars were the core of the learning process. Students were expected to come well-prepared, having completed substantial readings, and to actively participate in discussions. Course management was structured and student-friendly. Each course had a detailed syllabus with weekly readings, and assessment methods explained from the start. Digital platforms were used consistently for communication, submissions, and feedback, which reduced uncertainty and last-minute stress. The approach of teachers was notably informal and approachable. Addressing lecturers by their first names was standard, and asking questions or challenging arguments was actively encouraged. Feedback was constructive, often focusing on how to improve rather than just pointing out mistakes.
Overall, studying at Uppsala felt demanding but fair, with a strong sense of mutual trust between students, teachers, and the institution - an approach that I think works particularly well for exchange students adapting to a new academic culture.
What is student life like at university?
Student life at Uppsala University is very vibrant. It is largely organised around the famous "Student Nations" - historical student associations that function as social, cultural, and networking hubs. Each nation has its own building and identity and offers a wide range of activities: student pubs and cafés, concerts, themed parties, sports clubs, choirs, debate societies, and even job opportunities. What makes this system special is that students can usually join any nation, regardless of their field of study, which makes it easy to meet people from different disciplines and countries. In addition to nations, there are many student unions and subject-specific associations, which organise academic events, guest lectures, and informal meet-ups.
The university offers elective courses introducing Swedish language and culture, specifically designed for international and exchange students (Basic Swedish 1-4). Swedish language courses are available at different levels, from complete beginners (1) to more advanced learners (4), and they focus on practical communication as well as cultural context.
The university and its student organisations are very active in organising integration activities, especially during the first weeks of each semester. Apart from Welcome Days, which are organised by the university, there are welcome events organised by the Nations and student associations. Throughout the semester, there are also events organised by the local section of the ESN (Erasmus Student Network).
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
At Uppsala University, communication was primarily in Swedish, but all courses I attended, including lectures, seminars, assignments, and exams, were fully taught in English, and both academic staff and students use English fluently on a daily basis.
Knowledge of Swedish was not required for studying or handling administrative matters. English was sufficient in contact with lecturers, university administration, libraries, and student organisations. The university does not formally require exchange students to meet any English language requirements, but I would suggest at least a B1 level, so that you are able to follow the lectures, make notes, and actively participate in seminars. There are no Swedish language requirements unless you study Swedish language or literature.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
I would characterise Uppsala as calm, student-oriented, and intellectually focused, rather than busy or cosmopolitan in a big-city sense. The city clearly revolves around the university, and academic life shapes its rhythm, atmosphere, and social interactions.
Compared to Prague, Uppsala is much smaller, and this was something I personally found a bit challenging at first. Living there requires getting used to a small-city dynamic, where it is very easy to run into people you know - on the street, in a café, at the library, or even during a casual walk. On the one hand, this creates a strong sense of community; on the other, it can feel limiting if you are used to the anonymity and constant variety of a larger city like Prague.
That said, the city has a very distinct charm. What makes Uppsala interesting is the way history, nature, and student life intertwine. The city centre is compact and walkable, dominated by the cathedral, the river Fyrisån, and university buildings. There is a strong presence of green spaces, which makes everyday life feel balanced and unhurried. It’s a place where people genuinely slow down — studying in cafés, walking or biking everywhere, and spending time outdoors even during colder months.
My favourite places reflected this atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the cafés and reading rooms, which felt like extensions of academic life - spaces where studying, socialising, and relaxing blended.
Overall, Uppsala is not a city that overwhelms you with attractions or nightlife (which exists, but you have to get used to the fact that clubs are not open daily and they usually operate between 20:00 and 2:00). Instead, it offers a focused, calm, and immersive student experience. While its smaller size took some adjustment and occasionally felt restrictive compared to Prague, it also made daily life more personal and cohesive.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
The scholarship covered a significant part of my basic expenses (about 50%), but not everything. In practice, it was usually enough to cover housing and part of everyday costs, while food, transport, and social life often required additional personal funds. Accommodation is the biggest expense, so securing student housing at a reasonable price makes a huge difference.
In general, prices in Sweden are high, especially compared to Central Europe. Groceries, eating out, and services are noticeably more expensive than in Prague. That said, student life in Uppsala is adapted to this reality. Many students cook at home, bring lunch to campus, and take advantage of student discounts. Student nations also play an important role here, offering relatively affordable meals, cafés, and social events, which help keep costs under control.
Public transport costs can be reduced by biking, which is extremely common and practical in Uppsala. The city is compact and very bike-friendly, so owning or borrowing a bicycle helps save both money and time.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
For groceries, the cheapest option is usually Lidl, which is noticeably more affordable than most Swedish supermarkets (like ICA or Coop). Willys is another good choice, offering reasonable prices and frequent discounts. Larger stores outside the city centre tend to be cheaper, so combining shopping with biking is a good strategy.
Cooking at home saves a lot. Bringing your own lunch to campus is very common and socially normal. A big money-saver are the student nations, which offer cheap lunches, dinners, and cafés at prices that are hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Uppsala is extremely bike-friendly, so using a bicycle instead of public transport saves a significant amount of money. Many students buy second-hand bikes at the beginning of the semester and resell them before leaving.
For clothes, kitchen items, and furniture, second-hand shops are very popular and well-stocked. You can find good-quality items for a fraction of the original price.
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about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
The apartment at Kantorsgatan was located in a building from the 1970s and was clearly outdated and in need of a major renovation. Given its condition, it was not worth the price, despite the fact that each tenant had a private room and shared common areas with only one other person.
The standard of the apartment was problematic in several ways. The windows were not airtight, which affected comfort, and there were issues with the heating system, which were only resolved after maintenance staff were called. The toilet was damaged, and the paint in the bathroom was peeling off the walls, giving the space a neglected and worn-down feel.
In addition, the apartment initially lacked basic, guaranteed equipment, which we only received after a visit to the housing office (UUHO). The freezer was far too small for two people, especially for students who prefer cooking at home rather than eating out, making everyday life unnecessarily inconvenient.
Overall, while the layout offered privacy, the technical condition and equipment standard did not justify the cost of the accommodation.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Because of good transport connections, it is possible to travel cheaply to Gdańsk, which is a great option for a longer weekend or a budget-friendly trip abroad. I also used the opportunity to go on a weekend trip to Copenhagen, which was a highlight of my stay - vibrant, walkable, and quite different in atmosphere from Swedish cities.
Thanks to the close distance, I made many trips to Stockholm and other smaller towns nearby. Stockholm is extremely picturesque, and I especially enjoyed visiting its museums as well as simply walking around the city and exploring different districts. Its mix of water, historic architecture, and modern urban life makes it one of the most interesting cities in the region.
As for what I would not recommend: spontaneous, last-minute travel in Sweden can be very expensive, especially when it comes to trains and accommodation. Planning is essential.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
During my stay at Uppsala University and in Uppsala, I noticed clear cultural differences, especially in communication style. Swedes are generally calm, reserved, and value personal space.
The language of study was English, and all courses were fully taught in English. Swedish was not required for studying or everyday university life, as English is widely spoken.
However, I did engage with the national language by learning basic Swedish and using it in daily situations (I did my best to order coffee in cafés, hah. While it is easy to rely entirely on English, it is also really nice to broaden your horizons and learn the language of the place you are currently in.
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
The university stands out for its high academic standards, discussion-based teaching, and continuous assessment system, which encourages regular work instead of cramming for one final exam period. Relations between students and teachers are informal and based on trust, and the university is very open to international and exchange students. Academically, it is a very rewarding place to study.
At the same time, there are some clear drawbacks that are worth mentioning honestly. Uppsala is much smaller than Prague, and adjusting to life in a smaller city can be challenging. Social life is more limited, and it is very easy to constantly run into the same people - in cafés, on the street, or at the library - which may feel restrictive if you are used to a larger, more anonymous city. In addition, the cost of living in Sweden is high, and scholarships do not always fully cover everyday expenses.
Housing can also be a weak point. While university housing provides security and convenience, the standard of accommodation does not always match the price, and some administrative or technical issues require persistence and repeated requests before being resolved.
Despite these disadvantages, I would still recommend Uppsala to friends who value academic depth, structure, safety, and balance over big-city intensity. It is an excellent choice for students who want to focus on their studies, experience a different academic culture, and live in a calm, well-functioning environment - as long as they are prepared for higher costs and life in a smaller city.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
good waterproof shoes and an extension cord.
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
the idea that Sweden is “much better” or more developed in every aspect is partly a myth.
What surprised me most was that...
social interactions with Swedes are often very polite and friendly on the surface, but more low-key and restrained, with fewer spontaneous conversations than I was used to.
The hardest thing for me was...
adapting to the high cost of everyday life and constantly budgeting my expenses.
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