Is this programme right for you?

Name: Noah Godin
From: Canada

The best thing is the quality of education, available resources and staff expertise.

How did you choose your programme?
– I chose the Master’s Programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies because of my interest in historic and continuing settler-colonial violence. As it is an interdisciplinary programme, I was eager to further my understanding of violence and its consequences through the multitude of lenses employed during this programme.

What is it like to be an international student?
– Being an international student in Sweden poses a mix of challenges and rewards. As Uppsala is a student city, there are many ways to get involved, such as student nations and the student union. There are also a plethora of activities independent of the university, such as sports clubs, volunteering, and hiking groups. All in all, being an international student at Uppsala University can be a very lively and busy experience.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– I would argue that the best thing is the quality of education, available resources and staff expertise. Additionally, having a myriad of campuses and libraries to choose from when studying is a great benefit. Seemingly anywhere in the downtown area, one can find a location to study that is rich with resources. Finally, the quality of education at Uppsala University is often attributed, among other things, to its class sizes, staff invested in student development, and extracurricular lectures, seminars and professional development workshops.

Do you remember your first impression of Uppsala?
– I arrived in Uppsala around mid-August. Summer in Uppsala is characterised by dozens upon dozens of groups sitting in parks, having picnics, playing games and generally enjoying the warm weather in the numerous parks and gardens. The downtown of Uppsala is quaint and lively – not to mention, what Uppsala lacks in big-city infrastructure, it makes up for in large parks, nature reserves and forests. Uppsala in the winter has a very different atmosphere. The city slows down a bit and those groups seen in the parks six months earlier, are now huddled together in cafés, pubs and libraries.

Name three things you’re doing this week!
– This week I am wrapping up some things in preparation for the upcoming holiday. This weekend I’ll be travelling to a number of small towns with some fellow students to do a bit of Christmas market-hopping. Later this week I’ll be tying up any loose ends at my research assistant position. And, I will be attending a holiday “fika” organised by staff for my programme where we will socialise over traditional pastries and “glögg”.

Describe the student life
– As mentioned, the two staples of Uppsala University student life are the student nations and the student unions. Nations often have events such as karaoke, pub quizzes, formal dinners (gasques) and much more. Some nations also come with other benefits such as student accommodations and organised activities; like choirs. The student unions are a great place to get involved with the University and represent student interests. Further, sections of the unions host socials, academic discussions/seminars and other events for interested students.

Three quick questions:
What is your favourite place in Uppsala?
– The café Storken.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
– I want to further my academic endeavour through a PhD.

Where is the best place to study?
– My favourite spot to study on campus would be the Master’s room in Engelska Parken.

Spring 2023