Testimonials from our International Students
These are actual comments from participants who responded to the International Student Barometer in Autumn 2012.
"Umeå is a great place for students to study. The surrounding scenery and campus are lovely. In addition, there are a lot of activities that go on which active students can participate in. I think anyone who is interested in experiencing the amenities of a big city, while staying in a small town, would really enjoy what Umeå has to offer."
“Great environment, great staff and overall phenomenal university to study at if given the opportunity.”
“The community life at Umeå University is wonderful, and I feel like I really fit in here. The students and staff and activities make it a great place to study.”
“Umeå University makes it so easy to study abroad. The experience is great and something I will never forget.”
“You can learn many things both professionally and personally. It is a wonderful experience. The place is beautiful, the people lovely and the courses offered by the university are very competent and useful for your future career”
“The fact that lectures are ready to help me understand each course as and when it becomes a little difficult for me is really encouraging. Also it’s amazing to have about ten different nationals as course mates studying under one roof. Umeå is a very calm, neat, safe and obviously a little cold city. Everything one needs as a student to make life comfortable is within reach just within a shorter period of time.”
“The International Office, Buddy Programme and International Housing Office are great and help you always. They give you the feeling that they really care about you and you feel welcome.”
“I like how diverse the nationalities are here. I also feel like my voice is heard and my opinion counts. I feel like I fit in.”
“All people speak English very well and always are ready to answer of your questions and help you. They are always friendly. The Academic Research Centre at the university was very helpful for me.”
“Umeå University's environment is extremely international and friendly. I really enjoy staying in the library and in other university facilities, talking to colleagues and professors, knowing that if I need any kind of help there will always be a very professional support from anyone in the university's staff.”
“People care for international students. There are a lot of events and activities organized. The buddy programme is an excellent idea and I don't think that there are many other universities where there are so many people caring for international students!”
"This is a great university. It is very well organized, both in terms of scientific and technical (organizational). The staff are very helpful and English is not a barrier to communication."
"I absolutely adore Umeå's library system!"
"Umeå University is very progressive and can be a good foundation for further study. To compare with my hometown university this one is more developed and level of education is more higher."
"Well organised international programme, good services offered by the university, beautiful landscape and a great experience."
"The system promotes learning, the accomodations are great and if you are motivated to learn the culture and meet new people, it is easy to do it here!"
"Great facility and reputation. Eager students and good vibe around school."
There were also some suggestions for improvement:
- No welcome at the airport
- Some courses are poorly organised
- It is very hard to find accommodation as a freemover
- High living cost
- Campus eating places are expensive
- No wifi in the student dorm rooms
- Difficulty getting a part-time job
