Life at Linnaeus University
To study abroad is more than just getting an education.
Studying means making new friends, learning about a new culture, falling in love, building a career, learning a new language, getting a bicycle, and becoming part of a community. Linnaeus University is full of life.
Choose a university where life is possible.
A university in two nature-loving cities
Kalmar – the student city by the sea
The city of Kalmar is located on the coast, something Linnaeus University recently took advantage of by building new university buildings right by the harbour, to gather the university in one place. As the harbour is found in the city centre, students can go about their daily business downtown and fill the city with the buzz of activity. Kalmar has roughly 65,000 inhabitants and a long history dating back to the Middle Ages – which will not go unnoticed as the majestic Kalmar Castle lies just a few hundred metres from campus. The city has been voted “Sweden’s Summer city” more than once, perhaps thanks to the many days of sunshine, the beaches dotted around town, and the events and concerts.
Växjö – a living campus
Everything on campus in Växjö is within five minutes’ walking distance – student accommodation, classrooms, the library, restaurants and pubs, lakes and leisure facilities. Campus is full of life and energy and is a natural meeting place for all students and interests. Växjö has about 90,000 inhabitants and has been declared “the Greenest city in Europe” because of the environmentally-sound solutions implemented. The name Växjö literally means “the city of lakes”, which is something that doesn’t go unnoticed as one of the many lakes is found right next to campus. Combined with the surrounding woods, it becomes the perfect place for walking and jogging.
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.
Located in the south-east of Sweden – Småland
Linnaeus University is located in the heart of Swedish entrepreneurship, in Småland. It’s the very county where IKEA was founded, as well as a major player within the wood industry, Södra. That’s something we’ve been taking advantaged of by creating a close collaboration with both parties. In addition to its entrepreneurship, Småland is also known for its rich nature.
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!
I would say it’s the people in general that make a university what it is, and at Linnaeus University the people are the best thing. You’ll make friends with people from all over the world and the teachers are very helpful.
Cajsa, USA, Peace and Development work.
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.”
Modern study environment
The buildings in which you study at Linnaeus University are up-to-date. Both campuses are newly-built and we are always working to make sure all facilities look flawless.
The Swedish weather
Does the idea of Swedish weather frighten you? Well, it’s not all snowy and cold; it actually varies quite a lot! With Sweden being up in the North, we enjoy the full expression of all seasons. And with Linnaeus University being located in the southern part of Sweden, it’s significantly warmer than many other parts of the country.
Temperatures can go down to -5 or -10 degrees Celsius in winter, which means we do get snow! But the summers can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30–35 degrees Celsius at most.
To sum it up, you can expect varying weather in Sweden! One summer week can be full of rain while the next one is bright, sunny and warm.
Estimated cost of living
One month
- Food 2,300 SEK
- Accommodation 4,000 SEK
- Course literature 750 SEK
- Phone/Internet 400 SEK
- Local travel 400 SEK
- Medical and personal care 250 SEK
- Clothes, hobbies and leisure 600 SEK
One semester
- Food 11,500 SEK
- Accommodation 20,000 SEK
- Course literature 3,750 SEK
- Phone/Internet 2,000 SEK
- Local travel 2,000 SEK
- Medical and personal care 3,000 SEK
- Clothes, hobbies and leisure 3,000 SEK
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.
Life after Linneaus University
So you decide to study at Linnaeus University, but then what? Meet some of our previous students!
I learned a lot from the local entrepreneurial spirit in Småland, which I’m convinced will prove valuable in my future career.
Alina Veksler, Russia
PhD student in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Luleå University of Technology
Former student in Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Social Change, Master Programme at Linnaeus University
I gained experience of the local entrepreneurial context in Småland, which is invaluable for my future career.
Alina Veksler, Russia
PhD student in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Luleå University of Technology
Former student in Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Social Change, Master Programme at Linnaeus University
I got the chance to write my thesis in collaboration with Volvo which gave me a deeper understanding for supply chains.
Rina Dalimunthe, Indonesia
Hacktiv8 Teknologi Indonesia, Start up
Former student in Business Process Control and Supply Chain Management, Master Programme at Linnaeus University
I got the chance to write my thesis in collaboration with Volvo which gave me a deeper understanding for supply chains.
Rina Dalimunthe, Indonesia
Hacktiv8 Teknologi Indonesia, Start up
Former student in Business Process Control and Supply Chain Management, Master Programme at Linnaeus University
The knowledge I have gained during my internship is invaluable. Working with something you like in a supportive, innovative and engaging environment is everyone’s dream.
Osama Zarraa, Syria
System developer, Kalmar Energi
Former student in Software Technology Programme at Linnaeus University
The knowledge I have gained during my internship is invaluable. Finding yourself to work with something you like in a supportive, innovative and engaging environment is the dream of everyone.
Osama Zarraa, Syria
System developer, Kalmar Energi
Former student in Software Technology Programme at Linnaeus University
I acquired the skill of critical thinking as an important tool to understand processes better and reflect why and how business and society progress in the way they do.
Miranda Kajtazi, Kosovo
Assistant Professor, Economics and Management, Lund University
Former student in a number of master courses in informatics, computer science and media technology at Linnaeus University
I acquired the skill of critical thinking as an important tool to understand processes better and reflect why and how business and society progress in the way they do.
Miranda Kajtazi, Kosovo
Assistant Professor, Economics and Management, Lund University
Former student in a number of master courses in informatics, computer science and media technology at Linnaeus University