"My time here has definitely been one of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences of my life"

Clarice Teo from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore was an exchange at Umeå University in Autumn 2024.

ImageDavid Meyers

Why did you choose Umeå University?

I study environmental science and saw that Umeå University offered a wide range of courses related to that field of study. I also thought it would be interesting to experience school further up north as I don’t get many chances like that. Umeå University also seemed to have a vibrant study life, which is why I chose to study here for a semester.

What do you like most about your studies in Umeå?

One thing that was different about studying in Umeå University was how students tend to take one course at a time. Once one course ends, another would start. I thought this was quite an efficient way to make students more focused on one subject at a time, instead of stressing out about multiple courses. Another thing I like about my studies here in Umeå was that there was always a balance between studying and having fun. There are many activities planned for fun and I look forward to those while working hard in my studies.

What is one difference between education in your home country and education in Sweden?

As mentioned above, Umeå University organizes courses to be taken one at a time, whereas in my home university, we take all the courses together throughout the entire semester. I was also surprised when I saw that the examinations in Umeå are 6 hours long. In my home university, examinations tend to last for 2 to 3 hours, and there are no food or drinks allowed. These long examinations give you ample time to think about your answers and write carefully, which I really appreciated. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of your exchange experience?

To be honest, there has not been many challenges here in Umeå. My classmates and peers have been very welcoming and nice, and studies have been manageable. If I had to choose, I would say that I was not really prepared for the weather. I had to get extra clothing and supplies to deal with the upcoming winter, so I would recommend doing some research on dealing with that before coming here. 

What has been your most memorable moment?

Seeing the Northern Lights around my accommodation and at Lake Nydala was definitely the most memorable experience. From where I’m from, we don’t get to see the Northern Lights at all, so it was so crazy to experience it firsthand and to see this natural miracle happen before our eyes. The memories with the friends I have made here have also been very special; I’m glad that I was able to find some of the nicest and most heartwarming people here. 

What do you like do when you are not studying?

I like to watch movies and shows. I also like anything craft-related, such as making jewelry and scrapbooking. I love to thrift and shop, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Umeå has many options for thrifting.

What are your favourite spots around Umeå and/or campus?

On campus, I really like to eat at the café in Lindellhallen. The menu changes each time and the price is determined based on how much you take. The pond in front of Lindellhallen is also a nice place to chill and relax. Around Umeå, I really enjoy going to PMU, which is a secondhand store, to thrift. They have many cute trinkets and glassware, as well as nice clothes. I like to go around and eat fika as well. My favorite café so far is Mekka.

What will you miss most about studying here at Umeå University?

I would miss the people and the social life the most. The International Students Community in Umeå University always plans amazing activities for us to enjoy, and making these memories with other people has been great. I would also miss the fika culture and having a sweet treat ever so often. 

What would you say or what advice would you give to another international student thinking of attending Umeå University?

My advice would be to come to Umeå University and be prepared to have the most fun! My time here in Umeå has definitely been one of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences of my life. I would recommend doing your research on the place and life here, and think about the essentials you should bring along. Other than that, Umeå has been a great place to be in and I hope you have a good experience as well!