Student nations
With its 13 student nations, student life in Uppsala is something quite special. The nations are the core of Uppsala University’s student life.
The student nations were established in the 17th century and ever since have served as a second home for Uppsala University students. At a nation, you can have a coffee, study, borrow books from the nation’s library, or play and sing in one of the many student choirs and orchestras. You can also go to the nation’s pubs or dance at the nation’s clubs. Or what about writing for the nation’s newspaper? Become a member to get access to lots of activities!
Uppsala University also has several student unions. Read more about the student unions!
Become a member
You can become a member of one or more nations. To become a member of a nation, you register via the Kuratorskonventet's website. You then need to visit the nation to show that you are a student at Uppsala University to complete your registration. You can also register with each nation directly by visiting them and completing your registration on-site.
Once you have completed your registration, you will receive your membership card. At Uppsala University, "Mecenat" is used as a membership card for student nations and unions. The Mecenat card also gives you access to student discounts and serves as student identification when, for example, you buy bus tickets with a student discount.
Get involved!
Each nation’s activities are run by the students for the students, and anyone can choose to be actively involved. In addition to working at the bar, serving food, or cooking, many nations encourage you to come up with suggestions for events and things to do.
Nation housing
The nations own approximately 3,500 centrally located accommodations. The accommodations consist of rooms, doubles, triplets and apartments of varying size. To live in a nation housing, you must be a member of the nation to which the residence belongs.
Student sports
The student nations and student unions offer a variety of sports activities, such as various team sports. As a student, you can also take part in Campus1477's student sports activities.
What's happening at the nations?
Pubs, clubs, activities, sports – Uppsala's student life is limitless. Check out the Nations guide with Uppsala’s nation events so you don't miss a thing!
Nations for dummies
Still confused? Watch the video and you will learn all about the nations.
The nations – a glossary
- First Curator: Also referred to as 1Q, the top representative of all the nations with overall responsibility for them. Similar to a chairperson.
- Second curator: Also referred to as 2Q, manages the nations’ finances and, in some instances, their real estate. Similar to a treasurer or financial manager.
- Third curator: Also referred to as 3Q, manages the nations’ kitchen and restaurant activities. This post includes extensive human resources responsibilities.
- Klubbverkare (club workers): These are the people who work in the nations’ catering and restaurant activities, either as volunteers or paid workers.
- Kuratorskonventet (Curators Committee): Also referred to as KK, the Uppsala student nations’ cooperative body. Have a look at the Curators Committee’s Youtube channel for more insights into life at Uppsala’s student nations.
- Underkonvent (Subcommittee): The cooperative body for matters affecting all the nations, such as sports or choral activities.
- Inspector: Generally a professor or senior lecturer at Uppsala University or the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) who serves as the liaison between the nations and the University.
- Landskap (County): This is also the nations’ conference. It is the highest decision-making body of the nations. It is similar to an annual general meeting, but is held four to seven times each year – this varies from nation to nation.
- Gasque: A formal, traditional sit-down event, usually in formal dress. Includes entertainment, speeches and singing.
- Sexa: A simple dinner.
- Skattmästare (Bursar): Older member with special responsibility for managing the nations’ finances and real estate.
- Spex: A kind of amateur theatre that involves singing and music. Often rendered in rhyme.