Uppsala, Sweden, was not initially on my radar when planning my exchange. In all honesty, I had never even heard of it before filling out my applications. However, after some research, it quickly became my top choice, and fortunately I was able to spend the 2025-26 academic year there. It proved to be the single most rewarding experience of my life thus far.
Upon arrival, I was blown away by the campus and student life. is the oldest in the Nordics, founded in 1477, so both the university and student culture are deeply rooted in tradition. The defining part of the experience is the 13 student nations, each historically representing a different part of Sweden.
The nations are student-run organizations dating back to the seventeenth century that offer cafés, libraries, study spaces, housing, sports teams, pubs, clubs, and themed gasques—Swedish dinner parties. In my humble opinion, the nations create one of the most unique and fun student cultures in the world. They were especially valuable during the long, dark Swedish winters. The nations also allowed me to make actual Swedish friends, which can be a challenge with the more "reserved" Scandinavians.
Another thing I came to appreciate in Sweden was the emphasis on balance. Sweden is famous for fika, a social coffee break with pastries and conversation. While it may seem like a small tradition, I found it reflected a broader mindset, and I came to value a more balanced approach to work and enjoying life, something refreshing compared to student life in Canada.
Uppsala's location was also a huge bonus. With Stockholm's main airport only 15-minutes away, travel was super accessible, and I tried to take full advantage. I visited European classics like Paris, Rome, London, and Vienna, but I also made a point of exploring places I knew less about, like Istanbul, Malta, Finland, and Estonia. Every one of these trips was a highlight, and they have motivated me to travel as much as I can and seek out destinations I might not have previously considered.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention the friends I made, as they were my biggest takeaway from exchange. My classes in Uppsala were largely filled with other exchange students, which made for a really fun and unique environment. Sharing the experience of living and studying in a new country resulted in fast and good friends. What I miss most is hanging out and having dinners with our very multinational friend group, and comparing experiences from back home. Even though we have all returned home, I am confident these friendships will last, and I am incredibly grateful for that. (I also fully intend to use these relationships to couch surf around the world.)
This was my experience, but to anyone considering exchange, I cannot advocate for it enough. Before leaving, to calm my nerves, I told myself that I would never regret going, but would always regret not going. I still hold that to be true.
James' Photos
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