Oskar Lövström: from student representative to Uppsala Student of the Year

Lövström had no inkling that he had been nominated for the Anders Wall foundation’s Uppsala Student of the Year award, worth SEK 150,000. But then came the call from the Vice-Chancellor.

“It’s pretty crazy to be recognised in this way, but obviously it also feels good to get confirmation that you've done something that has been appreciated,” comments Lövström as he shows us around the pharmacists’ union building.

It was here at the union building that he met his girlfriend during the very first welcome lunch of the Master of Science Programme in Pharmacy. And it was also where he met the other students who inspired him to become a student representative and part of the union. His official involvement in the student union was less of a plan and more of a natural consequence of the community that existed there.

“When there is a good atmosphere, it’s fun to do things together. The more you get involved in something, the more interesting it becomes; and that’s how my involvement grew. I now think that student influence is one of the most fun things you can do,” he adds.

Lövström has held student representative positions on almost all boards and bodies at the Faculty of Pharmacy, and has also served as president of the Pharmaceutical Student Union. His driving force has always been ensuring that the students’ perspective is included when important decisions are made about their studies.

“There are many ways to provide good and bad education. If both the education providers and recipients work together, the education will be better than if the teachers alone come up with what they think is good. Student influence simply makes for higher quality education.”

Lövström is convinced that a university thrives on having a vibrant student influence. Student policy efforts also give a lot back.

“I’ve met some amazing people through my involvement. The social aspects of studying are often emphasised when talking about Uppsala’s student life, but there is so much more to it. I’ve had many great experiences as a student representative and active union figure.”

He cites all the international conventions he has been able to attend as examples. For example, he has met with international students and discussed the differences in educational programmes between countries.

“Without having something to compare to, it’s difficult to know how you can do things differently. You can improve so many things after gaining new influences, while at the same time gaining perspectives on what actually works well at your own institution.”

Lövström has therefore tried to make it easier for more students to travel abroad to attend similar conferences and to study. While it is possible to study abroad, it is often difficult to transfer credits for some programmes because of their highly different structures.

Another important aspect of internationalisation is pastoral care of students who move here. Lövström graduated this spring but is currently organising a welcome reception for the international Master’s students who will be studying at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

After these welcome arrangements, his future is somewhat uncertain.

“The most interesting option would be to do some kind of research, to be allowed to indulge my curiousity and to dig deep into a field! It would be great to continue at Uppsala University. I have so much to be grateful for, so it would be nice to give something back.”

Text: Sandra Gunnarsson, photo: Mikael Wallerstedt