First day in Linkoping

This post is the series of events that happened upon reaching Linkoping. It was a very tiring day with so many things to do. There are some notes and tips too for the future exchange students who wants to  come to Linkoping!

We arrived at Linkoping by train from Stockholm on Monday afternoon. The train booking is straightforward and it can be done through internet on the computer or through the train app on the smartphone. The app is called, 'SJ'. It is easy because you simply have to type in the departure and arrival points (Stockholm to Linkoping) and there will be many different trains to choose from. They vary in terms of the journey and duration - some are direct, others have pitstops in between. The direct trains are faster but usually more expensive. Tickets that are non-rebookable are cheaper than the rebookable ones. Hence, if you are going for the cheaper option, it is recommended that you reach the train station earlier than the departure time so that you would not have to rush to catch the train. It is also recommended that you  purchase a ticket in advance so that it would be cheaper and that there will be seats available.

Aishu and I spent a night in the Airbnb near Arlanda Airport at Runby, where we met two friendly host. The next morning, we then make our way to Stockholm Central Station from there to meet Brenda and Janice and to catch the train to Linkoping. However, Aishu had some problems with her luggages and we missed our train by a hair. We then had to book tickets for a new train. We were thankful that the man behind the counter at Stockholm Central Station was very friendly and he spoke fluent English too. He helped us to get the ticket that was best value for money.

The International Student Board from Linkoping University offered to rent a van to pick us up from Linkoping Central Station. So, if you have already booked your train tickets and you know when you will be reaching Linkoping, I suggest that you inform the Student Board earlier in advance so that they can make plans and do the necessary bookings. The ride from Linkoping Central Station to Linkoping Univerisity only takes about 7 minutes. With many luggages, this would be the best option.

However, by any reason if there is no pick up available, then there are always the taxi service or the public bus. The taxi is efficient but they only accept card payments. So be sure to have some value in your bank card or a multi-currency account activated. To take the public bus, you would have to purchase a bus card (similar to ez-link card in Singapore). The bus card can be purchased at convenience store called 'Pressbyran'. English is spoken as a second language in Sweden. Almost everyone is capable of interacting in English so you do not have to worry about language barrier.

Upon reaching Linkoping University, we were warmly greeted with the International Student Board who helped us around the campus to settle the important administrative duties such as collecting the keys to our accomodation, activating a maticulation card etc. They then helped us to order the taxi to take us to our accommodation.

The accommodation in Sweden is different from Singapore's campus. In Singapore, the accomodation are within the campus itself. However, in Sweden, the accommodation are outside the campus. In fact, university here do not own any building for accomodation. Instead, they "outsourced" with 'Studentbostaders', which is why there are a variety types of accommodations.

I live in corridor type of housing at Rydsvagen 244. There are 8 rooms in the corridor with a common kitchen and living room. The room itself has a toilet are furnished with desk, fridge, beds, cupboards and even quilts and pillows. Upon moving in, it was quite dusty because it has been left untouched for a period of time. We clean as much as we can before we can rest for the night.

The best thing about this house is that the other students living in the corridor are friendly and neat. They have a system on how things work around the house and it is very fresh to live with this type of housemates. It is also very close to the supermarket and bus stops so travelling everywhere is easy. There is also a small halal shop near the supermarket which sells all halal food, meat and ingredient. 

Sweden is quite a muslim-friendly place because there is an influx of immigrants and refugees from the Middle East. However, it is very difficult to find a Halal restaurant here. Most people cook on their own anyway because getting a meal outside is rather expensive here in Sweden. They mostly go to cafes outside for 'Fika', also known as coffee break (or as Singaporean likes to call, 'lepak').

It seems like so many things has happen in Day 1! Of course, moving in and settling down takes a lot of time and patience. It is important to be open minded and enjoy the process because every day is an adventure in itself.

Regards,
Siti Muliyanti