Uppsala Universitet (UU)

Just be aware that any experience overseas in a different culture is what YOU make it. You get out of it what you put in. I strongly urge any travellers to Sweden to make any attempt (however small) to learn the local language - while it is true that Swedes demonstrate an ability to speak excellent English, knowing some Swedish will help you to feel more at ease in social situations of all kinds, and they are greatly impressed to meet a foreigner who has made some kind of effort to learn their "little" language. It's not all that different from English, and not hard to achieve a high level of competence once the initial difficulties are overcome.

It's not as cold as everyone thinks. Winter coats are fairly inexpensive here and serious snow clothes are seldom necessary. Take advantage of cheap flights to other European destinations such as England, Spain or Greece.

I can honestly say that this international experience has changed my life for the better. My perceptions of what goes on the in the world are not just from my nations point of view any longer. Having friends from many different countries and wanting them to be successful and happy, forces one to look at things from their point of view. This experience opens a whole new world and I have yet to meet anyone who has thought otherwise. Go with an open mind and you'll enjoy the experience.

Sudent accomodation in Uppsala is very good but some campuses are a bit far. I would avoid living in Polacksbacken for instance. If you are sent there try to discuss it with your coordinator. If you can speak with exchange students who go to your university while you are at theirs you could try to swap rooms, that's the only way you'll get a room in the Nations dorms where there's usually a huge waiting list. The best Nation dorms are the ones of Kalmar, Ostogota, Snerikes and Stockholms.