"I want to make a snowman"
As Stockholm University welcomed new international students during Arrival Service on 14 January, small snowflakes swirled through the air and made the Frescati campus more winterlike than ever.
”I want to make a snowman and, what’s it called, you know when you slip and lay on the ground and move your arms and legs in the snow? A snow angel!”, Greek exchange student Pavlina Karapapa exclaimed with a happy smile.
Her friend from home, Katerina Thoma, was equally enthusiastic.
“Choosing Stockholm University seemed like a pretty good idea and now that I’m here I really want to experience the Swedish winter.”
Swedish fika, help and support
Pavlina and Katerina belonged to the many international students who had come to Studenthuset on the Frescati campus to enjoy some Swedish fika, chat to other newcomers and get help and support from Stockholm University's staff and student ambassadors. They are both going to study chemistry during their exchange semester in Stockholm.
“I’m in my fourth year but I’m not quite sure what I will do when I finish my studies”, Katerina explained. “Let’s see what the future holds for me. I’m open to different options.”
Aliki Argyrou-Pappa, also from Greece, is going to study computer science.
“I visited Sweden for the first time when I was six years old. My family has always had many Scandinavian friends so it seemed natural for me to come here for my exchange studies.”
Exciting nature and good study reputation
Her compatriot, mathematics student Paraskevas Mollaris, vowed to explore all the mountains in Sweden and added that he also wanted to visit Norway. French exchange students Theo Maignan, Rodrigue Hostein and Arthur Thomas were also keen to explore the Nordic nature and hoped to be able to do some winter sports. However, they were slightly apprehensive of the severe cold (minus twenty degrees) meant to hit Stockholm in a few days time. Their study subject is business economics.
"I chose Stockholm University as I wanted to discover Sweden and also because of its good reputation", Rodrigue said.
Margot Gilbert, also from France, has chosen to pursue her performing arts studies at Stockholm University as she is very interested in Swedish theatre.
"I have been to Stockholm and Sweden before and I wanted to come back and learn more about this culture."
Great turnout and party theme
Hailin Wu from China is in the second year of the Master's Programme in Education with International and Comparative specialisation and she was one of the student ambassadors working during Arrival Service.
"I really enjoy meeting and helping the new students. It's good to share things with them that I wish I had known myself when I was a new student here."
Together with her colleague Karolina Lodskär, International Coordinator Hanna Kritz from Stockholm University's International Office coordinated the event which is part of the Welcome Activites for new international students.
"So far today we have received more than 300 students on campus", she explained. "Not all of them have come by shuttle bus from Arlanda Airport, though. Some have travelled here by bus or train and I came across a student who had actually driven all the way from Germany. It's great to see all the happy faces here. Our theme for today is 'party'."
Read more about Welcome Activities for international students.
Text: Karin Persson
Last updated: January 14, 2024
Source: Student Services