Chris studies in the Master's Programme in Human-Computer Interaction and Social Media.
Favourite thing about Umeå University: People
Three words to best summarise your time in Umeå: A Real Experience
I wanted to study Human-Computer Interaction for Master. One day I was reading a book about UX design. It was one of the best sellers. The book has one chapter that author introduces good schools to study the subject (HCI). And I saw Umeå University on there. That was the first time that I became familiar with Umeå University. Admission happened several months after that moment, but that is the time that I made the decision.
I would say the people. I'm amazed by the faculty of this programme and the atmosphere they make. The professors are always open for debates and willing to give feedback. And we, the students, often talk about the topic freely before and after the lecture. I could see how Sweden has built such high academic standards even though there are only limited number of universities and students.
There's a new thing I do since I moved to Umeå. I often take a walk in the forest near my apartment or Lake Nydala. I have lived in big cities until now so it is something that I never had before. It is lovely that anytime I can have my own space out of my home. I can simply go out and take a walk into the forest with a cup of coffee. That's the time I fall in love with Umeå.
There are many things I can tell. But if I tell one thing, it's my first day in the lecture. I saw my classmate calling the professor with his first name. He said, "Hey, John, I don't understand". It is nothing special in Sweden, but It was shocking to me. I had to stare at their faces for minutes, but no one even cared. I still remember that moment very clearly. I want to tell to new international students, Do not be surprised. Everyone is equal in Sweden.
When I came here for the first time, my friends asked, why are you going to the arctic? And I answered, "I will figure out when I get there." And now it's been one year.
Well, Umeå is a city that has freezing cold weather, but the people melt it down with their warm heart. The food is rather expensive but BBQ and Fika with friends make it up for it. The sun goes down before even you leave the lecture room, but you see the amazing Northern Lights on the way back to home from campus.
You can have a new experience that you never had before. The biggest value in life is experience. Umeå University can provide a real experience to you. Start your journey with no regrets.