Surviving the First Semester

Moving to a new country for studies is exciting, but it also comes with unique financial challenges. It can feel overwhelming navigating balancing living expenses and personal needs. That's why we're here to share practical tips tailored specifically for international students. Together with Chelsea Draru Deborah, a masters student in Aeronautical Engineering, we'll explore strategies to save on essentials, make the most of student discouts and plan ahead for unexpected costs. We'll also discuss how to navigate part time work opportunities and build long term financial habits that set you up for success. Wether you're new to budgeting or looking to improve your money management skills, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive financially while studying abroad. Stay tuned to learn how to stretch your budget and take charge of your financial future. Links from the episode: For student discounts - visit and login to Mecenat for more information. Participants: Fatima Abdullahi-Muhammed and Chelsea Draru Deborah.

In this episode, we're exploring the most underrated resources available to every degree students; the library. Sure, we all know it's a place with books - but it's so much more than that! Wether you're researching for a paper, trying to find a quite study space or looking for tools to help you manage your academic workload, LIU's library is packed with resources to make your student life easier and more productive. We'll be sitting down with Benjamin Forsberg, a staff from the library, who'll share insider tips on how to unlock the library's full potential. From accessing digital journals and borrowing tech gadgets to discovering hidden study corners and even getting help with referencing - this episode is all about showing you how to make the library your ultimate academic ally. So, whether you're a regular visitor or haven't stepped inside the library since orientation week, this podcast is for you. Stay tuned to learn how to maximize this incredible resources and take your studies to the next level. Links from the episode: Log on to liunet.liu.se and click on "Use library resources" to access more information. Visit the Linköping University Library-page on the LiU-website. Participants: Fatima Abdullahi-Muhammed and Benjamin Forsberg.

Listen to our new hosts, Fatima and Bartosz, as they introduce themselves and tell you about their journey of how they came to study in Sweden as well as other Interesting facts about Linköping University for International students. And also gives a preview as to what is to come in Season 4 of Fika with Us. Participants: The hosts Fatima Abdullahi-Muhammed and Bartosz Likoński.

At LiU, there are plenty of opportunities to travel around Sweden and its surrounding countries. But how do you fit traveling into your schedule? And what is the best way to travel? In this episode, three current international students share their experiences with (and advice for) domestic and international travel during their time in Sweden. Participants: The host Connor Turner with todays guests Shivani Devata, Valentina Bresciani and Yannick Reischl.

It’s no secret that the winters in Sweden are cold, but just how cold does it get? And how should you prepare for your first winter at LiU? In this episode, we talk with three current international students about their experiences with winters in Linköping, and they give you their advice on how to thrive in the winter. Participants: The host Connor Turner with todays guests Shivani Devata, Leonor Fernandes and Fleur Antje Ilsa van der Neut.

Between studying for classes, setting up your documents, and adjusting to life in a new country, the first semester at LiU can be a bit overwhelming at times. In this episode, we talk with three current first year students about their experiences navigating the first semester and what advice they would give to new students. Participants: Connor Turner (Host), Chelsea Deborah Dwaru (Guest), Erica Keirungi Twinomugisha (Guest), Fleur Antje Ilsa van der Neut (Guest).

Starting your master’s program can be a difficult task, but luckily LiU has plenty of study resources available to help you succeed! In this episode, we talk with Marie – one of the study advisors at LiU – about the role of study advisors on campus and all the resources available to students at LiU. Participants: Connor Turner (Host), Marie Söderholm (Guest).

With the unique semester format here in Sweden, managing your time properly is crucial to achieving your academic goals. In this episode, our guests Leonor, Shivani, and Barbara discuss how they stay on top of their studies, organize their schedules, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Participants: Connor Turner (Host), Shivani Devata (Guest), Barbara Fischer (Guest) and Leonor Fernandes (Guest).

Between corridor events, program gatherings, student organizations, and campus parties, there is always something to do at LiU! In this episode, our guests Shivani, Rana, and Yannick go over all you need to know about social life on campus and how you can get involved with student life. Participants: Connor Turner (Host), Shivani Devata (Guest), Rana Elsayed (Guest) and Yannick Reischl (Guest).

The start of a new school year brings new beginnings for the podcast! In this episode, our new host Connor introduces himself, talks about how he came to be in Linköping, and gives a preview as to what is to come in Season 3 of Fika with Us. Participants: The host Connor Turner.