Contributors: Stella Keval (UC Berkeley) and Max Morena (UC Berkeley), 2024 blog writing contestants
Step into the world of Sweden’s oldest universities, where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with modern student life to create an experience unlike any other. At Uppsala and Lund Universities, historic buildings house vibrant communities where international students discover a unique culture built on shared celebrations, midnight screams, and the art of taking time to truly connect.
Balancing academic rigor and joyful tradition, where cycling through cobblestone streets in formal attire is normal and singing during dinner is expected, two UC students found themselves becoming part of a legacy that spans generations of scholars before them. See what they learned so you can settle into life as a university student when you study abroad in Sweden.
First Step in Swedish Student Life: Get a Bike!
If there’s one thing that defines Swedish university life, it’s the bicycle culture. In Uppsala, Max Morena (UC Berkeley) discovered that a bright yellow, second-hand bike purchased for $50, became central to his entire study abroad experience.
I rode everywhere on my bike—to classes, choir rehearsals, the grocery store, and even nights out at Uppsala’s student nations, wearing a black tailcoat and white tie. I rode in beautiful weather and icy roads, through snow and rainstorms. The brakes often screeched, the chain fell off a few times, the gears froze when it snowed, and I even had to fix a flat tire. Yet these challenges didn’t stop me from carrying everything from a hockey stick, ski boots, a suitcase, and an IKEA bookshelf across town.
Max Moreno (UC Berkeley)
Photo credit: Max Morena (UC Berkeley cycling in Uppsala in a black tailcoat and tie
In Lund, student cycling adventures reach the peak during Tandemstafetten, a tandem relay race and one of the biggest University of Lund traditions. Each May, teams from different student nations race from Gothenburg back to Lund on tandem bikes, turning a 310-kilometer journey into an unforgettable adventure.
My friend and I joined the Västgöta nation team, dressed up as Tiger Kings (thanks Netflix), and embarked on this epic adventure. The race kicked off in central Gothenburg, with bikes zooming everywhere. At 2 am, we made a pit stop in Varberg for a rave, dancing with exhausted but hyped-up students. By 3 am, it was our turn to cycle. We pedaled our hearts out to Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter for a solid 13 km stretch. It wasn’t easy, but the other teams’ cheers kept us going until we passed the bike to our next teammates.
Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
Photo credit: Stella Keval (UC Berkeley, on right) on tandem bike race in Lund Sweden
Next, Join a Student Nation
The historic student nations are the heart of university life and a must for US students studying abroad. Student nations are far more than social clubs—they’re the cornerstone of campus culture, each with its own unique character and traditions. These organizations, named after regions in Sweden, have evolved from medieval support networks into social hubs that welcome students from around the world.
Blekingska, Göteborgs, Hallands, Helsingkrona, Kalmar, Kristianstads, Lunds Malmö, Smålands, Sydskånska, Västgöta, Wermlands, Östgöta– to an outsider, these might all sound like Swedish cities, but to a Lund student, they’re the beating heart of student life and community on campus.
Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
At Lund University, student nations are not just clubs. They are welcoming social hubs, each with their own vibe and trademark events. Named after regions in Sweden, these nations once exclusively welcomed students from their respective areas, and now any student can join! From cozy soup lunches to spirited volleyball tournaments, themed club nights, elegant balls, and even delicious American brunches, nation events can turn any day of the week into a fun social gathering. What’s unique is that they’re all organized and run entirely by students.
One of my most memorable experiences was volunteering at Västgöta nation’s kitchen. From flipping 200 pancakes to baking a traditional Swedish kladdkaka, it was a fun crash course in Swedish culture and tradition. What made it even better was the friendliness of fellow Swedish volunteers, who made it a social experience to remember.
Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
Photo credit: Stella Keval (UC Berkeley, on left) volunteering at Västgöta nation’s kitchen
What makes nations particularly special is their student-run nature, offering countless opportunities for involvement. While students can only choose to be a member of one nation, all events are open to everyone, creating an inclusive environment that is ideal for international students.
At a nation, you can eat and drink in the pub, dance at the club, participate in choirs and sports associations, and attend events such as gasques, which is a formal three-course dinner that involves lots of singing. I went to many gasques throughout the semester, learning the specific traditions of different nations. For example, during the song Smedsvisa, everyone folds their napkins into a hat and places it on their heads, and then at the end of the song, spins the napkins in the air.
Max Moreno (UC Berkeley)
Photo credit: Max Morena (UC Berkeley on left) at gasque while studying abroad in Sweden
Attend Sittnings
Picture a grand ballroom filled with candlelight, laughter, and students in their finest attire—this is a sittning, one of Sweden’s most beloved university traditions. These special dinner parties, hosted by academic departments and student nations, range from casual pajama-themed gatherings to elegant formal affairs that rival the Oscars in glamour.
Photo credit: Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
At the heart of every sittning is a three-course meal served with strict but entertaining etiquette—guests must wait for the “green light” between courses to leave their seats at formal events.
Photo credit: Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
The true spirit of sittnings comes alive through song and toast. “Skål!”—the Swedish toast—rings out as students flip through songbooks filled with traditional tunes and heartfelt messages.
Trust me, you haven’t experienced Swedish culture until you’ve belted out tunes like ‘Helan går’ or ‘Jesus lever’ at a sittning! Getting your songbook signed by fellow students becomes a cherished rite of passage, creating a tangible memory of these special evenings.
Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
Photo credit: Stella Keval (UC Berkeley, on left) at a Swedish sittning
These gatherings do more than serve good food—they weave international students into the fabric of Swedish university life, deepening their appreciation for local customs and community spirit. Each sittning offers its own distinct charm while maintaining the timeless traditions that make these celebrations uniquely Swedish.
Join in the Flogsta Scream at 10 pm
The Flogstavrålet, or “Flogsta scream,” occurs every night at 10 pm. It’s a unique student tradition that started at the 1960s-era student dorm called Flogsta on Uppsala Univerity. Some say it began with a physics student who needed to release stress during exams and it’s spread to other Swedish universities to become a well-known part of Swedish student culture.
The Flogsta scream acts as a much needed safety valve and stress reliever that helps students handle the pressures of university life while creating a sense of community among students. The Flogsta scream goes like this: students collectively scream from their windows, balconies and rooftops at 10 pm each night.
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Valborg
Valborg is the Super Bowl of Lund, marking the beginning of spring. As Sweden emerges from the freezing cold of winter and the sun finally emerges, Swedes become sun worshipers.
Kvalborg, the day before Valborg, kicks things off with a bang. Student nations hold events to amp up excitement for Valborg. My friends and I camped out to score tickets to Västgöta nation’s event, and it was one of the best festivals I have attended. With Swedish artists performing, sponsors handing out gifts, and a huge stage setup, we were in for a day and evening of non-stop celebrations.
Stella Keval (UC Berkeley) at Valborg
Valborg happens on the last day of April and every student flocks to Stadsparken, Lund’s main city park, for a day of hanging out and celebrating. It’s recommended to arrive bright and early, armed with blankets, snacks, and a portable grill. The park buzzes with excitement as students claim their spots for the day of festivities that ends with a massive bonfire—a tradition that occurs in towns throughout Sweden as everyone celebrates spring.
Try a different kind of coffee break called Fika
Fika is a Swedish tradition that happens daily (sometimes more than once a day). It’s like a coffee break, but more than just a break, it’s a chance to unwind, connect with friends, and eat some seriously good kanelbullar (cinnamon buns).
Photo credit: Fika cinnamon buns by Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
One time they asked me to put away my laptop because of their café policy so everyone could savor the fika moment!
Stella Keval (UC Berkeley)
Cherished traditions create an unforgettable tapestry of Swedish student life that transforms international students into lifelong ambassadors of Uppsala and Lund’s unique culture. As Max and Stella discovered, studying abroad in Sweden isn’t just about attending classes—it’s about embracing a centuries-old university culture that welcomes newcomers with open arms and sends them home with stories they’ll tell for years to come.
Learn more about how to adjust to a new culture with these topics:
- What four months in Paris taught Angelina Engalla (UC Berkeley, and winner of the 2024 blog contest) about culture, politics and society.
- How new shared traditions 5,000 miles from home and a general lack of fear lead Irish Vaughan (UC Santa Barbara) to finding community abroad.
- How Yvonne Liu (UC Berkeley) defined her Mediterranean study abroad experience through cuisine and culture to reinforce tradition, connection and discovery.
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