Flash back to a year ago. Second year was over, and all I had to look forward to was a short summer and a year in a country that I knew very little about. I’d never lived abroad before and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Of course I was looking forward to … Continue reading The End – Kyran Penny
On my second day in Sweden, during the walking tour around the city, our guide mentioned the celebration of the arrival of spring known as Valborg. When I was researching Uppsala before I arrived, there was a lot of talk about this celebration and how Uppsala is like a hub for people to come to … Continue reading Valborg – Kyran Penny
In the past couple of weeks, change has been blowin’ in the wind. By that I mean the wind is no longer blisteringly cold, and has become somewhat pleasant. As winter moves into spring, the Swedish population has begun to appear from their homes after many months in what seemed like hibernation. Having never experienced … Continue reading The Changing of the Seasons
I spent a while thinking about what to write for this blog post, and the only thing that came to my head was something a little depressing. So I read through my previous posts and realised I had never written about what an average day in Uppsala consists of. Bearing in mind that I spend … Continue reading A day in the life of a student in Sweden – Kyran Penny
Contrary to the title of this post, I won’t try to get into an extensive political discussion about the UK’s decision to leave EU. Rather, I want to address something which has become more apparent as my time abroad has progressed. When one moves to a different country, especially to a university with many other … Continue reading BREXIT – Kyran Penny
And just like that, first semester was gone. Four amazing months with amazing people in amazing places. I remember the first time I woke up in Sweden thinking to myself ‘what on earth have you gotten yourself into?’ I didn’t know anybody, I didn’t (and still don’t) speak the language and I certainly didn’t feel … Continue reading Semester Two – Kyran Penny
I went to the pub the other day with a few friends of mine, two of whom are spending the year out here in Sweden like me, and one who unfortunately is not. Jack, Joe and I spent a good chunk of our evening discussing how strange it will be returning here in January with … Continue reading Goodbyes – Kyran Penny
Within the first few minutes of speaking to my new flatmates in August, they all had the same question: how cold does it get in the UK? Slightly taken aback by their direct approach, I took a moment to think of my answer, coming up with the rough estimate of ‘it usually hovers around five … Continue reading Winter is Coming – Kyran Penny
I am a very lucky person. Everything I have achieved, everywhere I have been and all the opportunities that have come my way are all the result of the hard work of my parents. I could not have asked for anything more from them. One thing which I credit them for however, is their insistence … Continue reading Travelling – Kyran Penny
Having been in Sweden for almost three months now, I can safely say that I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here. Like with anything, studying abroad has its ups and downs, but the fact that I’ve moved so far out of my comfort zone and met so many amazing people from all over the world effectively … Continue reading The View from the Outside: Fellow Exchange Students and their Experiences – Kyran Penny
It’s easy to forget sometimes that I am here to study. The social side to university is always great fun no matter where you are and I know that when this year is over, most of my fondest memories will be of the times outside the classroom. However, one of the main reasons why I … Continue reading Learning – Kyran Penny
Waking up for the first time in a new country and realising that you’re going to be there for the next nine months conjures a strange mix of emotions. Excitement, confusion and nervousness immediately springs to mind. My flight out to Sweden was at 5:40am on 18th August. I was accompanied by my parents, who … Continue reading Moving and Settling- Kyran Penny
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