You may have experienced Stockholm already. As a citizen, as a student, as a tourist. And yet, here I am about to offer you the perspective of a student, once a tourist, experiencing Stockholm and SSE until December comes.  

As a Greek student, living in Luxembourg and studying in Groningen for the past two years, which is the student city of northern Netherlands, I am in awe of what I’ve already gone through in a month in Sweden.  

What amazes me are the people, the nature, the architecture and the busy lifestyle once you open your eyes. From having waiters and cashiers ending a conversation with “Nice to have met you!” to Swedes teaching me the proper pronunciation of “Ett kaffe och ett Kardammombulle, tack” (still learning), the beauty in Sweden lies beyond the sun which I try to absorb most of before winter.  

“Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.” Poetic expression for an ever-so-real experience. Beauty lies in what you see, how you see it, and how you would like to see it.  

Which leads me to embracing the life of a student at SSE. Students from around the world and around Sweden, wild dreams, even stronger ambitions, backed by goals and plans, all matter to those who desire to achieve. The environment inspires a creative atmosphere of academics sharing travel experiences, social interactions, academic pursuits and sport endeavours, while embracing knowledge, a thirst for knowledge unable to be quenched, and a desire for broadened horizons, impactful internships and eventful extracurriculars.  

Not one student have I met from SSE mentioning a “boring” lifestyle. You create your own ecosystem. Whatever may inspire you, drive you, push you, you’re the one creating that source of momentum. Involvement through the university’s opportunities, contributing to so many levels through SASSE, filling up your life with unforgettable events and keeping an active lifestyle, all contribute in choosing how you’d like to lead the days, weeks, months and years as an academic in Stockholm. And believe me, that is but a mere peak of the tip of the iceberg to what the culture here is cultivating, through the eyes of an incoming exchange student.  

What I’d like to motivate is the rediscovery of what your environment provides you through initiatives, opportunities, lunches, visits, workshops, recommendations and hints of exploration. Whether you’ve just arrived, studied a year or two or three or more, whether Swedish or international: Open your eyes once again for all that awaits you, which may shape you, and broaden the horizons you seek to explore from now on. The responsibility lies in your hands and your willingness. Embrace it and enjoy!