The Friendship Bench – a place for conversation and quiet reflection
The Friendship Bench – the opposite of small talk
Would you like to discuss something? The Friendship Bench is a place on campus that invites conversation, closeness, and human contact. Here, you can sit for a while by yourself – or chat with the person next to you.
Why warm conversation?
In Sweden, we are not always quick to make contact with strangers. It can feel even lonelier to sit alone on a bench marked ‘friendship bench’. That is why we have created something new – with two clear purposes:
- An opportunity to meet people: A bench that signals: you are welcome to sit here – and perhaps make contact with someone.
- A path to support: For those who want to talk about something important. If it feels difficult, seek support from the university's support functions or talk to someone you trust.
Where to find the benches
The Friendship Benches are painted in a wine red colour with a lighter accent that makes them visible in the environment.
They are located, for example, at Engelska parken, Blåsenhus, Ekonomikum, EBC, and Ångströmlaboratoriet. They are carefully placed to create peaceful, inviting environments.
Want to know more or find someone to talk to?
You can find more information about the benches on the university church website.
