Is this programme right for you?

Carolina Bernárdez Martinez, from Mexico, and Melika Haghikia, from Iran.

Sweden has become such an important place in the videogame industry, and it just felt right to choose this country, as well as this university, to further my studies – Carolina.

How did you choose this programme?
Melika – I have loved playing games since I was a child, and my passion for gaming made me choose art as a field of study at a university in Iran. During the past ten years, I worked with different companies in the gaming and animation industry, but I felt that it was necessary to update my knowledge.

Carolina – Sweden has become such an important place in the videogame industry, and it just felt right to choose this country, as well as this university, to further my studies.

What is it like to be an international student?
Carolina – Arriving in Sweden was a very interesting experience because of the culture shock. But as soon as I started meeting people and making friends, I found that people here are very nice and welcoming.

Melika – Being an international student, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the work because of the language barrier. However, after arriving in Visby, my worries disappeared. Studying abroad is exciting, challenging, and adventurous at the same time, but it comes with certain difficulties.

What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
Melika – The staff has been supportive. They answer all your questions regardless of how silly you might think they are. They take time to make sure you have a full grasp of the subjects and specialisations. The professors are well-qualified and committed and enthusiastic. Also, there are lots of activities to take a part in on campus.

Carolina – I would have to say the people. Moving from Mexico was an overwhelming experience at first, but they helped me feel comfortable whenever I was homesick. As for the studies themselves, they have been super interesting so far.

Do you remember your first impression of Visby?
Carolina – I’m from a big, noisy city. Visby is the opposite of what I grew up with! When I came from the airport I remember seeing all the wooded areas and thinking about how amazing it looked. Being from a big city, it definitely took some getting used to.

Melika – My first impression was the open sky. My biggest issue with major cities like Tehran, where I grew up, is that you can’t see the sky because pollution and tall buildings hide it from your line of vision. For me, Visby represents beauty and freedom.

What are three things on your schedules this week?
Melika – Planning for GGC 2023 (Gotland Game Conference), practicing Swedish, hanging out with friends and gaming.

Carolina – I usually have classes in the morning and then I like to go climbing and swimming in the afternoons. I do homework in the evenings. At the weekends, I usually meet with my friends to watch a movie or play a game.

Autumn 2022