Written by Jazmin
25 Feb 2025
One of my friends from Peru came to visit me in Lund—not just to see me, but also to explore the city and, of course, the university. Like me, Leslie has plans to study at Lund University, but before taking the leap and applying next year, she wanted to experience the city and get a feel for student life firsthand.
I was excited to show her around and even more curious to hear her first impressions. So, as she explored the campus, I took the opportunity to chat with her and interview her about what it’s like to see Lund University through the eyes of a future student.
1) What were your first impressions of Lund as a student city?
Lund is such a complete city! I never expected a student city to have everything that a regular city does—pet shops, spas, malls—it has everything I could imagine.
I was also surprised by how multicultural it is. There’s a restaurant for almost every region of the world—Turkish, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and more. Sometimes, when I’m walking down the street, I feel a sense of culture shock because I hear Spanish, Chinese, and many other languages all around me. Even when I visited the library, I was amazed to see a whole section dedicated to books in different languages.
Another thing that impressed me was the facilities and support systems available for students, as well as the cultural and sexual diversity in the city. As a Latin American woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and just as a person in general, I feel safe here.
2)How does Lund University compare to what you expected?
It’s much bigger than I expected—it feels like a city of its own! I only had the chance to visit one faculty, but even that was as big as my entire university back home—and my university is one of the largest in my country.
Seeing the size and facilities here made me realize that there are so many more opportunities for learning and specialization. There are more professional areas, research possibilities, and hands-on projects. If I wanted to specialize in something, I feel like I would definitely have the resources here.
When I compare it to my home university, I realize that I didn’t have access to the same level of resources that students at Lund University do.
3) Was there anything about the student life that surprised you?
It’s hard to find just one word to describe it, but I’d say it’s unique.
What really stood out to me is how Lund’s education system truly focuses on learning. Here, students are encouraged to research, analyze, and engage with topics in depth. In my home country, education was much more about memorization—just repeating information for exams. If you didn’t take the initiative to explore topics on your own, you wouldn’t truly learn.
In Sweden, teachers take their time to teach fewer but bigger topics in depth. You’re not overwhelmed by having eight or nine courses at once; instead, you have the space to study, analyze, and apply what you learn.
The student lifestyle here is shocking in the best way—the university doesn’t treat students like machines but as real people. Yes, you have academic responsibilities, but the system also gives you the time and resources to balance your studies with your personal life—something that isn’t always possible in other countries.
4) How do you feel about the idea of moving here after experiencing it in person?
I can already see myself living in Sweden. I can picture myself studying, working part-time, and building a life here. If I have the opportunity—and that’s what I’m working towards—I would definitely make the move.
I know that moving abroad is challenging, but Lund feels like more than just a university—it’s a complete city, multicultural and full of opportunities. I can already imagine meeting people from my own region and from all over the world.
Beyond academics, I feel that studying here would help me grow, explore, and develop—not just as a student, but as a person.
5) Did this visit help you decide whether Lund University is the right choice for you?
Yes! I had considered a few universities, but Lund was always my first choice. After this visit, I’m even more certain that this is where I want to be.
I believe that Swedish culture and education are incredibly efficient, and my goal is to learn, grow, and develop myself both academically and personally. Lund feels like the perfect place to achieve that, and I’m excited about the possibility of studying here.
Visiting your future university before moving is an exciting way to ease any nerves and ensure you’re comfortable with your new environment. Whether it’s exploring the campus, meeting future classmates, or simply experiencing the vibe of the city, having that first-hand look can make a world of difference in your transition. So, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend it!
