Ever dreamed of spending your summer in a place where learning feels more like living? Where lakes sparkle under endless daylight, and classrooms open straight into green parks?
That’s exactly what the Linnaeus University Summer Academy in Sweden offers a real taste of Swedish student life, where culture, community, and curiosity blend into one unforgettable adventure.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to study in Sweden to live in a society known for equality, sustainability, and fika breaks (yes, coffee is practically a ritual here) this might be your perfect starting point.
Welcome to Sweden’s Summer Learning Adventure
Imagine waking up in a cozy student dorm surrounded by pine forests, grabbing your bike, and riding past a lake on your way to class. That’s not a fantasy that’s Växjö, one of the two cities where Linnaeus University is based.
Every year, Linnaeus University (or LNU) opens its doors to students from all over the world for its Summer Academy, a short but deeply immersive experience that runs between July and August.
But this isn’t just about taking a few university courses. It’s about stepping into Swedish life making friends from 50+ countries, trying local food, joining summer festivals, and learning in a system built around creativity and critical thinking.
You’ll quickly notice that Sweden does education differently. Classes are small, teachers are approachable, and discussions matter more than memorizing. Students call professors by their first names it’s relaxed yet deeply respectful.
The Summer Academy captures that spirit beautifully. Whether you’re into sustainability, entrepreneurship, or the arts, it’s not just what you study, but how you experience it that makes this journey stand out.
What Makes Linnaeus University Special?
Linnaeus University isn’t one of those ancient European institutions that feel like a museum. It’s young, vibrant, and designed for modern learners.
Founded in 2010, LNU was named after Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who gave the world the scientific naming system for plants and animals. His passion for discovery and nature still runs through the university’s veins.
Today, the university has two main campuses one in Växjö (a lakeside green city) and another in Kalmar (a charming coastal town with a medieval castle). Together, they form one of Sweden’s largest universities, welcoming over 40,000 students every year, including thousands from abroad.
Is Linnaeus University a Good University?
In short yes, very much so.
Linnaeus University is well-respected across Europe for its innovative approach to education. It consistently ranks among Sweden’s top institutions for internationalization and student satisfaction.
Students often praise how accessible the faculty is, how the environment encourages collaboration, and how courses connect directly to real-world problems especially in areas like sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
And the best part? You don’t need to be fluent in Swedish. Almost all courses at the Summer Academy (and most degree programs) are taught in English.
Where Is Linnaeus University Located?
That’s one of the best parts.
You get to choose between two beautiful yet completely different Swedish cities:
- Växjö Known as “Europe’s Greenest City,” Växjö is surrounded by forests and lakes. It’s calm, safe, and filled with biking trails, cafes, and parks. Perfect for students who love nature and a slower pace.
- Kalmar A coastal gem on the Baltic Sea with sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, and an old castle that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Ideal for students who want culture, sea views, and small-town charm.
Whether you pick Växjö or Kalmar, both cities offer student-friendly housing, affordable public transport, and a strong sense of community.
Swedes love balance between study and life, indoors and outdoors, work and rest. That balance defines the student experience at Linnaeus University.
Inside the Summer Academy Experience
The Linnaeus University Summer Academy isn’t your typical “summer school.” It’s a community.
A place where you meet people from Brazil to Bangladesh, share fika (Swedish coffee breaks) together, and work on creative projects that could easily shape your future studies.
Each summer, the university offers around 30 short-term courses, mostly at the undergraduate level, though some open to graduate students as well. These courses typically run for four to six weeks and are designed to blend classroom learning with real-world applications.
Academic Courses and Projects
You’ll find subjects across a wide spectrum from business and innovation to environmental science, digital design, and social studies. Each course encourages you to think critically, debate ideas, and apply what you learn to practical situations.
For example:
- “Sustainability and the Global Challenge” introduces students to Sweden’s eco-friendly policies through field visits.
- “Entrepreneurship and Innovation in a Global Context” helps you build business ideas in international teams.
- “Swedish Culture, History, and Everyday Life” lets you explore the roots of Swedish identity.
Classes often include group projects, site visits, and hands-on workshops, not just lectures. Professors guide rather than dictate it’s very collaborative.
Language and Cultural Activities
But the real magic? It happens outside the classroom.
Students get to explore local traditions, from midsummer celebrations to open-air concerts. There are day trips to islands, forests, or cultural landmarks. You might even learn to bake cinnamon buns or join a language café where locals teach you simple Swedish words like tack (thank you) and hej hej (hello!).
Sweden’s summer vibe is hard to describe it’s light, calm, and joyful. The days are long (sometimes the sun barely sets), and people spend time outdoors. You’ll feel that spirit everywhere at the lakes, in student picnics, and even in how classes encourage learning under the sun.
How to Apply for Linnaeus Summer Academy
Getting into the Summer Academy is quite straightforward. The university aims to make the process smooth, especially for first-time international applicants.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a university-level student (undergraduate or graduate).
- You need to be fluent in English (no strict test requirement, but TOEFL or IELTS can help).
- Some courses have prerequisites, so check the course description carefully.
Applications usually open around January and close by March or April. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of getting your preferred course and housing.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit Linnaeus University’s official website.
- Choose the “Summer Academy” section and review available courses.
- Create an account on the Swedish national application portal (universityadmissions.se).
- Submit your course choices, upload transcripts, and proof of English proficiency.
- Wait for admission confirmation (around May).
- Once accepted, apply for a Swedish short-term study visa if needed.
Is It Free or Paid?
Here’s where many students get curious is it free?
That depends.
If you’re already an exchange student from a partner university, your tuition might be waived.
However, if you’re applying independently, tuition fees usually range from SEK 10,000 to SEK 15,000 (about USD 900–1,300).
There may also be scholarships or discounts for high-performing or early applicants. The good news is, Sweden allows international students to work part-time if you plan to stay longer.
What’s Included in the Program Fees?
The fees typically cover:
- Tuition for your selected course(s)
- Access to university facilities
- Orientation week events
- Some social and cultural activities
Accommodation, food, and travel are extra, but the university helps students find affordable housing close to campus.
Living the Swedish Student Life
So what’s it really like to live as a student in Sweden?
Let’s just say it’s a mix of independence, simplicity, and kindness the Swedish way of life values both personal space and community.
Fika: The Swedish Art of Connection
Every day, you’ll hear the word fika. It means coffee break, but it’s more than that. It’s a moment to slow down, chat with friends, and recharge.
During the Summer Academy, fika is practically sacred expect to spend plenty of time over coffee and cinnamon rolls discussing life, culture, or your latest group project.
Cost of Living and Budget Tips
Living in Sweden isn’t the cheapest, but it’s manageable with good planning. Here’s what a monthly budget looks like for students in Växjö or Kalmar:
| Expense | Average Cost (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 3,500–5,000 | Shared student housing |
| Food & groceries | 2,000–3,000 | Cooking at home saves money |
| Local transport | 400–600 | Monthly student card |
| Entertainment | 500–1,000 | Depends on lifestyle |
| Total | 6,500–9,000 SEK | ≈ USD 600–850 |
Quick Tip:
Buy second-hand bikes, cook with friends, and use student discounts Sweden is full of them!
Accommodation & Student Housing
The university helps international students arrange housing. Most choose student dorms or shared apartments managed by housing companies like Växjöbostäder. Rooms come furnished, and you’ll usually have access to a shared kitchen and laundry.
Kalmar offers seaside apartments imagine waking up to ocean views. Växjö, on the other hand, gives you lakes and pine forests. Either way, you’re surrounded by nature.
Safety and Student Support
Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. Public transport runs on time, healthcare is excellent, and locals are respectful and helpful.
Linnaeus University also provides strong student support services, from academic advisors to mental health counselors. You’ll never feel alone.
Why Join the Linnaeus University Summer Academy?
The short answer because it’s more than a study trip.
It’s a life experience that changes how you see the world.
You’ll return home not only with academic credit but also with new confidence, lifelong friendships, and memories that make you smile years later.
You’ll learn to adapt to a different culture, understand sustainability not just as a word but as a lifestyle, and see how learning can truly be joyful.
Reality Check:
Getting accepted isn’t extremely hard, but spots are limited. The program is popular because of its mix of affordability, inclusivity, and cultural depth. So, apply early and keep your documents ready.
What Students Say:
“Studying at Linnaeus Summer Academy taught me that education isn’t about grades it’s about perspective,” shared Sara from Egypt, who joined the Entrepreneurship course last year. “We were from five different countries, yet we felt like one team.”
Final Reflection
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Swedish student life, even for a short while, this is your chance.
Linnaeus University’s Summer Academy isn’t just about textbooks or exams. It’s about sunrise over a lake, laughter in shared dorm kitchens, and those endless Swedish summer evenings that make you feel alive.
So, pack your curiosity, bring your dreams, and get ready to experience a side of education that feels refreshingly human.
Because when you study in Sweden, you don’t just learn you live.
Nada Wiles: Student life blogger offering real tips on living abroad, budgeting, visas, and work rules. Nada shares stories and advice to help students succeed overseas.