Lisa from Germany: “I’m Glad I Ended Up in Stockholm”

First, I have to admit: Stockholm was not my first choice. I was chasing the dream of that beautiful posh British accent and therefore I wanted to go to Northern England. Stockholm was actually my second choice – and I assure you, I am incredibly glad to have ended up in this beautiful city. I remember exactly how I scrolled through all the possibilities where I could apply, in Europe, Asia, Australia, America… Stockholm was the first destination that caught my eye that was not in Britain.

I love the big city life and for me this exchange was a unique possibility to experience a European capital, which I knew was supposed to be beautiful. Also, I had heard that the people who lived there were often referred to as the happiest people in the world. And since Swedish is not a very common language (the population of Sweden is around 10 million), Swedes already have to deal with the English language from an early age. For example, movies are never synchronized in Swedish – they have to watch them in English. After six months in Sweden, I knew I would not return home with a British accent, but I would still have the chance to live in a language-educated environment and to improve my English. The more I thought about my choices, the more I hoped for Stockholm. And I was lucky because – as you might have already concluded – I got the spot at Stockholm University.

After six months in Sweden, I knew I would not return home with a British accent, but I would still have the chance to live in a language-educated environment and to improve my English.

I couldn’t wait to see Stockholm and right on my first day I started to explore the city. I didn’t know my way around at the time, so I just strolled around and followed all the unique, old, beautiful houses. Still, after two months of living here, I am overwhelmed every single time I go the city center and the old town, Gamla Stan. When you enter the Old Town island, you feel like as if the time stood still, as if you’ve just entered another world. There are some touristic shops, but there aren’t many. When you’re there in the morning on a weekday, it’s very quiet and peaceful in those cute small lanes where one colorful house follows another. You totally forget that you’re in the capital of Sweden, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

And what I’ve learnt of lifestyle in Stockholm so far: take time for your friends and for yourself! The Swedes love to have fika, coffee and pastries (kanelbullar, of course) with friends. There are so many beautiful cafés! And for all the vegetarian and vegan readers: this is the most vegetarian and vegan friendly country I’ve ever been to! Stockholm is so inspiring and although I miss my actual home, I am so happy to live here.