Life at Linnaeus University
Studying abroad involves so much more than just getting an education. It also means making new friends, falling in love, building a career, learning a new language, maturing, gaining new perspectives, and becoming part of a community. Linnaeus University is vibrant and full of life. Choose a university where everything is possible.
A university in two nature-loving cities
Kalmar – the student city by the sea
In the heart of Kalmar, right by the sea, you will find the university premises, inaugurated in 2021. Everything is close by, and you can reach the university by bicycle regardless of where you live in the city. Kalmar has been appointed Sweden’s summer city of the year several times, but it has plenty to offer all year round. The city has a charming historical centre where small shops, cafés, and gyms mingle in alleys and cobblestone streets. The coastline offers beautiful nature for walking, exercising, swimming, and relaxing. The train station is next to the university, the airport is just outside the city, and the island of Öland is just a bridge away.
Växjö – a living campus
In Växjö, many students choose to live on our unique campus, which is full of life and activity. Here, you have friends, restaurants, lecture halls, gyms, grocery stores, the university library, recreational areas, and student pubs within a five-minute walking distance. At the same time, the city centre is not far away – it takes no more than ten minutes by bicycle or bus to get there. In addition to living on campus, you can also choose to live in central Växjö or in neighbourhoods just outside it.
With nearly 100 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of Sweden’s fastest-growing cities. You will find the typical entrepreneurial spirit of Småland and a broad and varied business community. Hence, you have excellent opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and employment after completing your studies.
Check out our virtual tour!
Explore our university with a digital tour. Walk around, click, and take a closer look on our study areas and buildings – A digital tour for Linnaeus University in Kalmar and Växjö.
Explore Linnaeus University Kalmar
Explore Linnaeus University Växjö
Student life
Student associations
Participate in sports events, play music in a student orchestra, join movie sessions, sing or be engaged in writing. Student unions are great both for your interests and your social life! The main student union is Linnaeus Union which works closely with the university with questions relating to student rights.
Then you have two student unions specifically for international students, one in Kalmar and one in Växjö. They’re called ESN Kalmar and ESN Växjö. Feel free to engage, enjoy their events and make friends.
The buddy programme
As an international student, it can be very helpful to have a local friend from the start who can show you how to do everyday things in a new country. The buddy programme matches international students with other (mostly Swedish) students. Your buddy will introduce you to life in Sweden and studies at Linnaeus University.
Chat with our students!
Living as a student
As a fee-paying student, you will get help from us to find a good place to live. One thing less to think about!
“It’s great that Linnaeus University does its best to assist international students with getting an apartment, especially because not all universities offer this service. The location I got allows me to access everything I need. It takes 10 minutes to cycle to most places of interest, such as the mall, the university and the beach.”
Getting a job
In Sweden you can combine work and studies when you have a residence permit for studies. Do however remember that your studies are your main purpose for your stay in Sweden. It is important to find a balance between studying and working, and studying should be your first priority. When you have finished a degree in Sweden, you’re free to stay one year to look for a job. If you find a job, you can rather easily apply for a work visa.
We wouldn’t say it’s easy to get a job as a student in Sweden, but to help you a bit along the way, we have a career portal where you can search for available jobs in your region. We also offer career counselling if you feel that you need help getting started in your job searching process.
Studies
The Swedish teaching style has many advantages and might differ from what you are used to.
Informal
The lectures have an informal climate, providing room for discussions to flow freely between students and teachers. You can call your teacher by their first name. And if you feel lazy – no one will judge you for wearing sweatpants to lectures.
One course
Having difficulties focusing on several things at once? No worries. In Sweden we only study one course at a time, giving you the opportunity to focus all your energy and time on one topic. You see what this means right? NO EXAM SEASON!
Flexible
Prefer studying late at night? Or are you an early bird? Swedish universities are quite flexible and have changing schedules between courses. You can do most of your studies at what time you like. Also, the exam forms changes between seminars, exams and essays.
Group work!
Each course is designed differently but Sweden love collaborations. We believe that everyone can contribute with different perspectives and experiences. To work in groups is also a perfect way to make friends and learn about other cultures.
Learn some Swedish along the way
If you’re curious to dive a little deeper into the Swedish language than “Hej” and “Fika”, you’re free to attend one of our Swedish courses. We offer both non-credit courses, which are easy to combine with other studies, and credit courses.