"I was looking for the experience of a university town where students are everywhere"

What made you interested in applying for the programme and choosing Umeå University?

I was looking for a plant science program that included biotechnology and that could offer broad possibilities for a thesis project. This is exactly what Umeå Plant Science Centre has to offer. Additionally, I thought that the location would be enjoyable, since I love winter – and I was right! I also was looking for the experience of a campus university/university town, where students are everywhere, and it's exactly what I got.

What are the best things about the programme and the teachers?

Lucija visited the forests in Nordmaling to do fieldwork for her master's thesis.

ImageLucija Kariņa Bērziņa

I love how small the programme is! With only three of us, it was easy to become best friends, and the rest is history. The teaching is also great; it’s a special feeling to hear about specialized subjects from researchers who are actively publishing in those areas. My favorite was Stefan Jansson, who was part of the first Norway spruce genome sequencing project and had lots of stories to tell! Visits from companies in the industry, as well as weekly seminars from researchers kept us engaged with current science developments.

What are the biggest differences between studying in Sweden and your home country?

Sweden isn’t too different, particularly with regards to nature – it’s almost entirely the same plants and landscape, just with mountains. But the darkness and corresponding long days was a challenge to get used to! You think “it’s already plenty dark/light, the night/day won’t get longer”, and then it does… Umeå really makes sure the winter is enjoyable though. I hadn’t seen heated sidewalks before I moved here! (Or people cycling through knee-deep snow.) I also really enjoyed the yearly Höstljus festival in November, which fills the city center with gorgeous light installations as the darkness deepens. The other category that is quite different here is infrastructure! So many buses, all on time, easy access to the airport and trains, and cycling lanes throughout the city mean that it’s always easy to get where you’re going.

Out of all the places I’ve lived, Umeå has the greatest access to nature both within and outside the city.

What do you like to do in Umeå during your free time?

I am an avid knitter and found many crafting-related events to attend! I also enjoy long walks in nature. I lived in the Grisbacka neighbourhood, which has direct access to lots of beautiful paths along the river that I took extensive advantage of. Some of those walks were late at night in deep winter, hoping for (and usually seeing!) Northern lights. Out of all the places I’ve lived, Umeå has the greatest access to nature both within and outside the city. I explored the surrounding area through hiking – there are amazing trails with huts for overnight stays both along the sea and inland, and there’s truly something for every skill level.

Lucija meeting a friendly sheep at Mickelbo gård animal, just north of Umeå.

ImageLucija Kariņa Bērziņa

What would you like to have known before you came to Umeå?

I wish someone had told me about the Aurora app for finding Northern lights earlier! Everyone I know here has it. Same goes for Naturkartan, a resource of hiking trails and other outdoor infrastructure compiled by the Swedish government! It’s also good to start looking for a place to stay as soon as you can, since the competition for student rooms is fierce, although certainly better than most capital cities. Aside from that, as an international student I recommend joining the Buddy Programme which starts with the semester, since it’s a perfect opportunity to make friends.

What are your plans after graduation? And where do you see yourself 5 years now?

I’ve found a job in the industry in Latvia, although if I had been interested, there were PhD positions available at the Umeå Plant Science Center as well. However, I am planning on continuing down that path after working for a few years, so I hope to come back in some way eventually! My passion lies in science that has the potential to bring positive environmental change, and I think Umeå has given me the skillset for this. In five years, I hope to be a scientist working on environmentally sustainable solutions in forestry, doing my part to make the world a better place.