Debunking stereotypes about Sweden - with Themis!

What is it really like to be an international student at Linköping University? Beyond the brochures, packing lists, and welcome emails? In this episode of Fika with us, we sit down with Themis, an international student at LiU, to talk about the things they wish they had known before starting their studies in Sweden. Themis shares honest reflections regarding stereotypes about Sweden; From everyday student life and Swedish habits to culture shocks, small surprises, and practical tips that make settling in easier. We talk about navigating student life, adapting to a new culture, and learning those lessons you only really understand once you’re here. Whether you’re already studying at LiU, planning to apply, or just curious about life as an international student in Sweden, this episode offers useful insights and relatable experiences to help you feel a little more prepared. Resources for international students: Studenthälsa.se - your portal to student health Support and contact on LiUnet All you need to know about studying at LiU Student Health Care at LiU These are just a few places to find help, don´t hesitate to contact the the university if you have any questions! 📬 Have a topic you’d like us to cover – or want to share your own LiU story? Get in touch via email: [email protected] Participants: Themis Bokini and Nike Johansson.

In this episode, you’ll meet the new host, Nike, who’s in her third year of the bachelor’s program in Communication, Society, Media Production (KSM) at Linköping University. She shares her background and what’s coming up in the podcast this season. Throughout the year, Nike will talk with both current students and university staff about life during and after LiU – from study tips and student engagement to what it really feels like to be a university student. Tune in for insights into student life, inspiration for your own studies, or a bit of nostalgia if you’ve already graduated. 📬 Have a topic you’d like us to cover – or want to share your own LiU story? Get in touch via email: [email protected] For more information: LiU´s other podcasts in english All you need to know about studying at LiU Student life at LiU Participants: Nike Johansson.

This episode of Fika with us is about the various applications and websites that are important in the day to day student life Linkoping University. It helps give insight on the functions of each of these websites and applications and how to navigate your way through them. Participants: Chelsea Draru Deborah and Fatima Abdullahi-Muhammed.

What does “design” really mean — and how do sustainability, creativity, and research all come together in one programme? In this episode, we sit down with Kacper Brach, a first-year student from Poland in Linköping University’s Master’s in Design, specializing in the Sustainable Design track. Kacper shares his journey from Poland to Sweden, and we talk about what it’s like to study design in an international, interdisciplinary environment. He explains the different tracks in the programme, what sustainable design actually involves, and how his own perspective on design has evolved. We also touch on creativity, climate challenges, cross-campus studying, and balancing inspiration with deadlines. Whether you’re curious about studying design, passionate about sustainability, or just want to hear how art, technology, and society can come together — this one’s for you.   Participants: Kacper Brach and Bartosz Likoński.

What’s it like to move across the world to study a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary field? In this episode, we sit down with Clara (Yun-Tsz Tsai), a first-year student in the Computational Social Science Master’s programme at Linköping University. Clara shares her story of growing up in Taiwan, why she chose to study in Sweden, and how she’s navigating life in a new country. We dive into what Computational Social Science actually is, the types of students the programme attracts, and how sociology meets data science to tackle real-world problems. Clara also opens up about cultural differences, managing the academic workload, and future career dreams. Whether you’re curious about studying abroad, interested in social data, or just love a good fika story — you won’t want to miss this conversation! Links from the episode: Read Clara’s blog posts on the LiU International Student Blog Participants: Clara (Yun-Tsz Tsai) and Bartosz Likoński.

Finding a place to live can be one of the most stressful parts of moving to a new country. What if a fellow student built a tool to make it easier? In this episode, we sit down with Aditya Upadhyay, a first-year Aeronautical Engineering student from India, to talk about his experience of moving to Sweden and the challenges of finding student accommodation. Aditya shares how his own housing struggles inspired him to create a Python-based tool that monitors and alerts students about available accommodation options in Linköping. We dive into how the tool works, how it’s already helping others, and his vision for expanding it further. Along the way, Aditya reflects on Swedish culture, settling into a new environment, and — of course — shares his favorite fika. Whether you're a newly admitted student or just curious about how tech can solve real-life problems, this episode shows how a bit of code can go a long way. Links from the episode: Accommodation Direct Monitor tool on GitHub Read more about Direct Monitor tool on LinkedIn Participants: Aditya Upadhyay and Bartosz Likoński.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s part of daily life in Sweden. But how do students at Linköping University experience sustainability? What challenges do they face, and how does LiU support them in making greener choices? In this episode, we sit down with Jai Krishnan Murali, a Master’s student in Sustainability Engineering and Management, to explore how sustainability is embedded in student life. From biogas-powered buses and district heating to second-hand culture and industry collaborations, we discuss how Linköping makes sustainable living both accessible and practical. Jai also shares his personal journey from India to Sweden, his thoughts on the biggest sustainability challenges for international students, and how small changes—like learning Sweden’s waste sorting system or choosing second-hand furniture—can make a big impact. We also highlight some exciting trends in Sweden’s sustainability landscape, including AI-powered waste sorting and hydrogen-fueled public transport. Whether you're a student looking to get involved in sustainability or just curious about how Sweden is leading the way, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. Links from the episode: Check out LiU’s Student Second-Hand Shop on Instagram Participants: Jai Krishnan Murali and Bartosz Likoński.

Starting a career in a new country can be daunting, but what if there was a way to bridge the gap between international talent and Swedish companies? In this episode, we explore how international students can successfully transition from studying to working in Sweden. We sit down with Hela Galvisbonilla, Project Manager of Switch to Sweden, to discuss the challenges international students face when job hunting, the importance of networking, and how Swedish work culture might differ from what they’re used to. Hela shares valuable insights on how students can make themselves more attractive to employers, the role of language skills in the job market, and which industries offer the most opportunities. We’ll also dive into Switch to Sweden’s matchmaking tool, designed to connect international talent with Swedish companies looking for their skills. Whether you’re just starting your job search or considering staying in Sweden after graduation, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take the next step. Links from the episode: Find your perfect talent match at Linköping Science Park. Participants: Hela Galvisbonilla and Bartosz Likoński.

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Marino Kurilj, President of LUFF (Linköping University Aeronautical Association), to talk about his journey from a small coastal town in Croatia to leading one of Sweden’s most exciting student aerospace projects. Marino shares insights on competing in the SAE Aerodesign competition in Brazil, the challenges and triumphs of building an RC aircraft team, and the future of LUFF as a hub for aviation enthusiasts. Whether you’re passionate about aviation, engineering, or simply curious about what it takes to lead a student organization, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Don’t miss it! Links from the episode: Visit Team Findus AeroDesign on Instagram for more information. Participants: Marino Kurilj and Bartosz Likoński.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of study counseling—a service that’s often overlooked but can make a huge difference in your academic journey. Whether you’re struggling with time management, unsure about course selections, or feeling stuck on how to balance your studies with other responsibilities, a study counselor can be your guide. We’re excited to sit down with Jonas Johansson, an experienced study counselor, to explore how they support students through challenges big and small. We’ll discuss how to make the most of study counseling sessions common issues students face, and practical strategies to stay on track academically while maintaining your well-being. Whether you’re a first-year student finding your footing or further along in your degree and looking for direction, this episode will shed light on how study counselors can help you navigate your university experience. Stay tuned for tips, insights, and maybe even some advice you didn’t know you needed! Links from the episode: Visit the Study advisory service Read more about Study skills Participants: Fatima Abdullahi-Muhammed and Jonas Johansson.