Guide for International Students

Guide for international students

With this guide we provide some information that will be useful both before you arrive and during your academic studies.

2020/2021 PRODUCTION: KRISTIANSTAD UNIVERSITY, 2020 COVER PHOTO: © DIMITRIS M. STEPHANIDES/ISTOCKPHOTO PHOTO: LARS STRANDBERG.

Welcome! We are happy to welcome you to Kristianstad University. With this guide we provide some useful and important information to you.

Please read everything carefully, as it might answer most of your questions and help you to avoid problems before and during your stay. Do not forget to take this guide with you when coming to Sweden. We hope that your time here in Sweden is going to be interesting and fruitful, concerning both academic studies as well as your personal development in a multicultural environment. You will certainly discover new things, open your mind and see the world differently.

Arrival...... 5 Accommodation...... 9 Medical care ...... 10 Residence permit ...... 13 Kristianstad University...... 15 Academic information...... 18 Sweden, Skåne and Kristianstad...... 23 Other useful information...... 27 Checklists...... 30 Campus ...... 31

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PHOTO: LARS STRANDBERG. Arrival

You can reach Kristianstad easily by plane, train or car. Kristianstad University provides a pick-up service to all exchange students arriving during the arrival days.

By plane can travel to Kristianstad by train. Be Although Kristianstad has its own aware that you have to change trains airport, the easiest way for you might at least once. Usual changes are in be to fly to Copenhagen (Denmark). Alvesta and Hässleholm. Malmö also has a small international airport. Växjö (Småland) has another By train small airport in the region that offers The train station is situated in the some international flights. We strongly center of Kristianstad (there is only recommend you to fly to Copenha- one train station in town). For the train gen airport as it has the best connec- schedules please visit these websites: tion with Kristianstad.  www.skanetrafiken.se

 www.sj.se From Copenhagen Airport (CPH) From the train station at Copenha- By car gen Airport (Kastrup), there are hourly In Sweden headlights must be trains to Kristianstad. (SEK 215). There switched on all the time, even during are some direct trains, but be aware the day! There are three main options that there are also combinations in to reach Kristianstad: which you might have to change train in Malmö and/or Hässleholm. Option 1: arriving via the The train schedules can be found on Öresundsbridge: Road ‘E22’ direction this website: www.skanetrafiken.se. Kalmar. After about 100 km, you will arrive to Kristianstad. From Malmö Sturup Airport (MMX) Airport buses leave regularly taking Option 2: taking the ferry to you to Malmö or Lund train station Helsingborg: Roads ‘E4’ and ‘21’ where there are direct trains every hour to Kristianstad. Option 3: taking the ferry to Trelleborg: Road ´108’ direction From Småland Airport (VXO) Lund and then ‘E22’ direction You should take Bus Number 4 to Kalmar/Kristianstad. Växjö Main Station. From Växjö you

5 Way to Kristianstad University If you arrive before or after the arrival In Kristianstad you follow the direction days you should take a taxi or bus to Sjukhus (hospital). After leaving the your accommodation. You can pay motorway, you’ll pass a traffic light with your credit card (visa or master and you arrive at a big roundabout. card) on all the buses in Kristianstad. Cross the roundabout, then go Bus number 4 brings you from the straight ahead (Snapphanevägen). central station to the university (stop Högskolan). After ca. 2 km, you’ll cross a bridge. Turn left at the traffic light, drive You should always inform the straight to the next roundabout and international relations when you are turn right there, direction Högskolan. delayed during your trip; if you arrive You cross the next roundabout to later than filled in, you can call this arrive at the university. number: +46(0) 44 2503633.

Pick up service Introduction days Kristianstad University provides a pick- During the first class week of the up service to all exchange students semester there are some information arriving during the arrival days. sessions taking place to get to know the university and the other exchange The arrival days for the academic students. You will receive a schedule year 2020/2021 are: for the introduction meetings when you arrive in Kristianstad. Autumn semester 2020:  22-24 August Please note that you need to register (online) for your courses before the Spring semester 2021: semester starts.  16-17 January Address The staff of the international relations Kristianstad University will welcome you at the train station Elmetorpsvägen 15 in Kristianstad and will bring you to S-291 88 Kristianstad your accommodation. If you arrive by Sweden car, we will meet you at the dorm to +46 44 250 30 00 welcome you and to give you the key to your room. Location of international relations 15-131 (see map on page 31). To make use of the pick-up service you should fill in the Information about Arrival in the online application as soon as possible, and at least 2 weeks before you arrive.

6 GOOGLE MAPS GOOGLE

Kristianstad

Copenhagen

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PHOTO: JENNY HULTMAN.. Accommodation

We recommend that you organise your accommodation before your arrival. You can apply for accommodation as soon as you are admitted.

Exchange students You can also find a list of other Kristianstad University housing assis- housing companies here: tance can book accommodation  www.kristianstad.se/sv/Kristian- to all exchange students. If you want stads-kommun/Bo-Bygga/Bostader/ us to book a room for you during the study period in Kristianstad you should Please note that accommodations fill in the Application for Accommoda- on this list should not be applied for tion in the online application as soon through Kristianstad University. The as possible. The information needs to student needs to apply directly to the be filled out by 26th of October 2020. housing companies. If you don’t fill in the form, you have to arrange accommodation on your For general questions about housing own. please contact the housing assistance: If you prefer to book your accommo-  [email protected] dation by yourself, please fill this in Mobility Online as well (choose NO). For international, tuition fee-paying students, housing in one of the stu- For questions about housing please dent dorms is guaranteed, provided contact the housing assistance: you apply in time.  [email protected] General information Non-exchange students Please note that Kristianstad Univer- To apply for student accommoda- sity does not own any accommodation, please send an e-mail to tion, we can book a room for you at a [email protected] and we will send you private housing company. Therefore a form to fill in together with some rules regarding rent, keys, cleaning, useful information. The form needs to deposit, etc. are decided by the be sent back on 26th of October housing company and not by Kristi- 2020 at the latest. anstad University. Rooms can only be booked for a complete semester.

9 Medical care

Although we hope that you will stay healthy during your time in Sweden, you still need to think about what will happen if you have an accident or get sick.

It is of greatest importance that you Please notice that some parts of the have a valid health insurance while insurance only apply for students you are here! that do not come from the European Union. If you are from the European Union, you have to bring the European NB! Loss of property is not included in Health Insurance card. If you don’t the insurance above. Please read the have the card with you, you might information carefully. have to pay the whole treatment by yourself. In order to be able to claim Please pay attention that Kristianstad the money back that you have paid, University does not cover any costs you should always ask for a written regarding medical treatment, dental diagnosis including stamp of the care, loss of property etc. It can be physician or hospital. extremely expensive if you need medical care and you do not have Students from the European Union any insurance! can find more information on the following webpage: Student Health Service

 http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/ The Student Health Service is here to citizens/health/index_en.htm help you with issues associated to life as a student, such as stress, worry, All exchange students are insured by anxiety and depression. The Student the insurance of Kammarkollegiet. Health Service can be found in house 13. You can always email them to For further information please see: make an appointment. Please use

 https://www.kammarkollegiet. the following e-mail address:

se/engelska/start/all-services/  [email protected] insurance-for-foreign-visitors/student-insurance/exchange-students- If you prefer to book an appointment in-sweden/terms-and-conditions-stu- online you can log on to the student dent-in-2018 portal and go to menu ”Web service” and then choose ”book counsellor”.

10 All visits are free of charge for students Contact information: from Kristianstad University. The coun- (Health Clinic) sellors are bound by professional Kristianstadkliniken secrecy. No information is released Döbelnsgatan 9 without your consent. 291 31 Kristianstad +46 44 280 200 For more information you can visit:

 www.hkr.se/studenthalsan (Central Hospital) Centralsjukhuset Contact information: J A Hedlunds Väg 5 Johan Olsson 291 33 Kristianstad Counsellor +46 44 309 10 00 [email protected] +46 44 250 30 92 (Health Clinic) Vårdcentralen Åhus Anna Hammer Sandvaktaregatan 15 Counsellor 296 35 Åhus [email protected] +46 44 309 01 50 +46 44 250 30 96 Pharmacies Visiting a health clinic You can find pharmacies (Apoteket) or hospital for example: next to the central In case of emergency you should hospital, in the city center (inside call: 112. of the shopping mall Galleria Boulevard) and near the University You can call 1177 (open 24 hours) for next to ICA Kvantum supermarket. medical non-emergency advice. They can always advice you about which other health clinic to contact during daytime, evenings, and Saturdays/Sundays.

If you need to visit a physician, you should always have your insurance card and identification with you. Be aware that you might be asked to pay directly at the clinic.

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PHOTO: LARS STRANDBERG. Residence permit

If you plan to study in Sweden for a period longer than three months you must have a residence permit. Special rules apply for citizens of an EU/EEA country.

Non EU/EEA-students residence permit and you must If you are planning to study as an have completed at least 30 ECTS exchange student in Sweden for credits or one term of postgraduate longer than three months, you must education in Sweden. However, it have a residence permit. is difficult to find a part-time job in Kristianstad, especially if you don’t For further information you can visit speak Swedish. In addition you have the Swedish Migration Board: to find and organize a job on your

 www.migrationsverket.se/ own. English/Private-individuals/Study- ing-in-Sweden/Universities-and-uni- EU/EEA-students versity-college.html EU/EEA citizen have the right of residence in Sweden and may Please take a very good look at the study without a residence permit. information on this website! You don’t have to register with the Swedish Migration Board. Citizens from certain countries must have an entry visa, also for studies On the website of the European that are shorter than three months. Union you can find more information We advise you to check with the clo- about your rights and administrative sest Swedish embassy or consulate formalities while staying in another to see which rules apply to you. Be EU country: aware that the application process  www.ec.europa.eu/youreurope/ for a visa takes several weeks! citizens/residence/student/index_ en.htm You can find the address of the Swedish embassy in your country on:

 www.swedenabroad.se/en/ about-sweden-non-swedish-citizens/

If you wish to work during your studies, you must have a student

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PHOTO: LARS STRANDBERG. Kristianstad

University

Kristianstad University is a small but at the same time large university in southern Sweden. The campus is situated just 10 minutes from the town Kristianstad.

Kristianstad University was foun- working perspective on Campus. We ded in 1977, but we can trace our are linked with partner universities all roots way back to teacher training over the world. At the same time we (1835), nurses (1893) and engine- co-operate extensively with the local ers (1912). community.

Programs and courses are offered in Orientation on campus Humanities, Social, Natural, Behavi- Everything on campus is quite easy oral and Health Sciences, Business to find. The numeration systems func- Administration, Computer Science tions as explained with the following and Engineering. example: Room 15-226 means: Hou- se 15, Room 226 on the second floor. The campus of the university is situa- Notice that in Sweden the ground ted in Kristianstad. It is created from floor is named first floor. the idea that you, as a student, shall have access to modern informa- Students with special needs tion technology, inspiring meeting Kristianstad University is dedicated places and good services. We offer to create equal opportunities in a highly qualified faculty in a friendly the academic environment also for atmosphere. Our new and former students with special needs students are our most valuable resource. The concept ‘functional disability’ re- fers to physical or mental restrictions Internationalization is an issue of of a person’s ability to function and importance at Kristianstad University, to reading and writing difficulties/ whether it involves Swedish students dyslexia. In order to get access to going abroad, or international stu- the supportive measures, you have dents studying here. We also provide to verify your functional disability all students with an international with a testimonial. If you are in need

15 of supportive measures, you should Production Unit first of all contact the co-ordinator. The production unit is situated in House 11 on campus, which is the For more information please visit: little red house just behind the glass  www.hkr.se/functional-disabilities building. You can visit the production unit for questions related to photo- Facilities copying and access cards. The ope- Library & Learning Resource Centre ning hours are: 07.30-9.00 9.30-12.00 A light and spacious library is 13.00-15.30 situated in house 7 in the center of the campus. You can borrow books Lost and found free of charge with your own library If you lose or find something on card (Lånekort). It is possible for all campus, you can visit the desk at students to borrow media equip- the entrance of house 7. ment free of charge, such as video cameras, digital cameras, etc. Access card Study rooms are available. During During your introduction week, you will the Introduction Week you will be receive an access card allowing you provided with information about to enter some areas of the University, how to use the library. in the department where you study from 07:00 to 22:00 every day. Upon re- For more information please visit: ceiving your card, you have to choose  www.hkr.se/en/study-at-hkr/servi- a four-digit personal code that will ce-and-support/libraryandhighere- be necessary when accessing those ducationdevelopment/ areas. The cards are personal and must not be given to a 3rd person Eating facilities and must be returned to the interna- On campus, you find a few places tional relations when you finish where you can eat during the day: studying here. Lost cards must be • Restaurant Metropol offers lunch reported to the production unit to be buffet. If you get a Metropol card blocked without any delay. A new you will have a small discount. card can then be obtained for a fee • The cafeteria in house 7 offers of 25 SEK. While entering the pasta, sandwiches, salads, etc. buildings, the cardholder has to You can get 10% off food, coffee, make sure that no unauthorized candy if you get a Metropol card person enters the building at the and charge it with money. same time. To exit, always use the • Vending machines with drinks release button for the doors. Do not and snacks are available in most open the emergency exit cap on buildings. the door; it is connected to the • Food Trucks inside Campus alarm system. If doors with the sign • Microwaves are available in house “Larmad dörr” are open for more 7, 14, 15, 18, 21 than one minute, the alarm will go off, so please be careful with this. 16 Computer facilities ball. Twice a week swimming is offered Each faculty has its own computer in the swimming pool in Kristianstad. facilities (including laser printers) It costs 200 SEK per semester to be a for students. These are generally ac- member of HKIF and when you are cessible between 07:00 and 22:00, a member you can join all activities 7 days a week. Be prepared to show free of charge. You can find HKIF in your ID card/passport to the security building number 15 on campus. guards if you stay in the computer rooms during the evening, or at the For more information please visit: weekends. Ask your department for  www.facebook.com/HKIFatHKR detailed rules. You will have to pay for printouts via your print account. The student union When you start using your compu- Student Union (KSK) is an indepen- ter account it will be charged with dent organization, run by students 25 credits. You can recharge your for students. Their main purpose is account at the reception in house 7. to improve the quality of education A4 black/white 0.70 credits; A4 color and students’ possibility to influence 1.10 credits; Duplex 1.8 times higher; their own situation at the University. A3 2 times higher. Computer rooms The chairman and vice-chairman can be found in the following buil- are full-time employed and you can dings: 7-323, 14-427, 15-223, 18-420 contact them for all your problems and 21-225. that concern the environment of your studies at Kristianstad University. Copy machines If you want to become a member of You can get photocopy cards at a the student union you have to pay a reasonable cost at the desk in the membership fee. The student union entrance of the library. There are two membership fee is approximately 50 possibilities: You either buy a photo- SEK per semester. copy card or you borrow one and pay for each copy at the desk. If you For more information please visit: make a lot of copies, it is cheaper to  http://ksk.nu/english/ buy a copy card. You can also visit the Production Unit in House 11; they copy Student union’s social committee and bind material for a good price. The student union’s social committee (SAUS) works to switch things The university sport union up in daily life through organizing The university sport union is called several events such as movie nights, HKIF. HKIF arranges various sports language cafés and special parties activities almost every evening of the for students. week. Most activities take place in the sports hall on Campus. Examples of For more information please visit: sports offered are: badminton, basket-  http://ksk.nu/english/saus-soci- ball, football, box-exercise and volley- al-committee/

17 Academic information

An academic year in Sweden is divided into two semesters, autumn and spring. Here you will find information that will be useful during your academic year.

Teaching methods at the end of the semester. To many Education at Swedish universities is international students, the Swedish based on the principle that students academic environment seems very take responsibility for their studies, informal. Teachers and other mem- with support from the teachers. bers of staff dress informally and Student responsibility and individual speak in a familiar style to students. performance are stressed. Courses, schedules Teaching is carried out in different and registration forms: lectures, seminars, group work, To keep a place in your courses that independent study etc. Students are you are admitted to, you need to expected to raise questions and to register for your courses in the week take part in discussions during lectu- before the course starts. You can only res. In addition, they are required to register for courses you have been write short essays, solve specific pro- admitted to by the international coor- blems and describe the procedure dinator of Kristianstad University. applied. Examinations seldom require that students merely reproduce the You can register at: material presented during lectures.  www.student.ladok.se A good level of English is necessary to be able to follow the courses. There are 3 administrative issues you need to complete for each course Often you have only one of your you are admitted to in order to keep “main” courses at a time, followed your place in the course: by the exam. That means that you yy Register for the course one can concentrate on one subject week before the course starts. before the next course starts. It yy Perform the 3 week control in also means that exams take place the course platform Canvas in during the semester, and not only the 3rd week of the course.

18 yy Register for the exam (and if If you want to change your courses needed re-exam) at least 14 during your stay, you should always days before the exam takes check with your home university if place they agree with your change. You can visit Karen at the international To find the schedule of your courses relations to ask for a change of please visit courses. After your courses are  www.hkr.se/schedule changed, you should fill in the changes in your learning Be aware that the schedule might agreement in the online not be published until shortly before application. the course starts. Changes can oc- cur, so please check the schedule Examinations regularly. You can also see in which A course can be examined in period the course is given. Note that various ways. A common method is in Sweden the academic schedule a written or oral examination is often expressed in weeks (veckor). that includes the presentation of a V3-V22, means that a course starts paper. Group papers are normally in week 3 and ends in week 22. discussed during seminars towards the end of a course. A written exami- Under type of course you will find if nation takes place at the very end of a course is given full time (100%) or each course. Continuous assess- part-time (25-50%). If a course is gi- ment is used in some courses and is ven part-time, you can take another based on compulsory attendance course in the same period. ‘Web-ba- as well as participation in seminars sed distance’ means that a course is arranged throughout the course. given over the internet, so there are no classroom lectures. A student who fails an examination is entitled to re-sit the examination at Learning agreement pre-scheduled times. As exchange Together with your home universi- students stay for a limited period ty you should select courses and of time only, they are assured of at afterwards you should fill ni the least one more chance to take the learning agreement and let it be examination later. It might also be signed by the coordinator at your possible to do the re-exam at the home university. Your home univer- home university when you are back sity coordinator certifies ithw his in your country. signature that the courses will be recognized after passing the exams Please note that you need to regis- during your time abroad. When the ter for both ordinary and re-exams at learning agreement is signed, you least 14 days before the exam takes can send it to our international place! You can register at: relations or take it with you to  https://studentportal.hkr.se/en/ Kristianstad. web-services/examinations/ 19 Examination Rules year, and 30 ECTS one full semester. On the following website you will find One week’s full-time studies corres- the examination rules. Please read pond to 1,5 High Education Credits: a them carefully! No exceptions will be fulltime 7,5 ECTS course will thus nor- made during exams! mally be scheduled over a 5-week period. Included in the work load are You can also find a specific do- lectures, practical works, seminars, cument regarding deception and private studies and examination or how to handle disciplinary matters. other assessment activities. ECTS cre-  www.hkr.se/en/study-at-hkr/ dits thus express a relative value. during-your-studies/examination Grades Canvas Traditionally, three grades are awar- Canvas is a learning management ded at Swedish universities: passed system that is used in all cour- with distinction (VG) passed (G) and ses and programs at Kristianstad fail (U). Exceptions are sometimes University. Canvas is a web service, made and in this case there are which allows you to log in from any only two grades: passed (G) or fail computer. You can also log in from a (U), see the syllabus of your courses smartphone or tablet: for more information. Engineering  www.hkr.se/en/study-at-hkr/servi- courses are usually graded from 5-3 ce-and-support/learning-platform/ (passed) and fail (U). Some courses use the grading scale A-F. The table In almost all courses there is an on the next page shows the “equiva- activity control in the third week of lents” for ECTS grades. the course; you have to confirm that you intend to continue the course. If Transcript of records you do not participate in this activity After finishing your courses a “Trans- control you will lose access to the cript of Records” will be sent to your course. home university. You can also get it in person before going back to your ECTS-credits home country at our International The European Community Credit Relations in Kristianstad University (if Transfer System was developed by all the results have already been the Commission of the European published). Communities in order to provide common procedures to guarantee The transcript of records shows the academic recognition of studies courses you passed and the grades abroad. It provides a way of obtained, it enables you to get your measuring and comparing learning courses accepted at your home achievements, and transferring university. You can also print a copy these from one institution to another. of transcript of records for yourself to 60 ECTS represent one full academic keep.

20 ECTS grade Swedish system Definition

A VG 5 Excellent: outstanding performance with only minor errors B VG 4 Very good: above the average standard but with some errors C G 4 Good: generally sound work with a number of notable errors D G 3 Satisfactory: fair but with signifi- cant shortcomings E G 3 Sufficient: performance meets the minimum criteria F U U Fail: considerable further work is required

The “equivalents” for ECTS grade.

The academic calendar Epiphany: 6 January, 2021 The academic year at all Swedish Good Friday: 2 April, 2021 universities consist of two semesters, Easter Sunday: 4 April, 2021 the autumn and the spring semes- Easter Monday: 5 April 2021 ter. There is usually a short break at International Worker’s Day: 1 May, 2021 Christmas, when there is no formal Ascension Day: 13 May, 2021 tuition. The academic year starts Whit Sunday: 23 May, 2021 with the autumn semester in calen- National Day of Sweden: 6 June, 2021 dar week 36; the spring semester Midsummer’s Day: 26 June, 2021 starts in calendar week 3 and ends in calendar week 22. De facto full holidays In addition there are “de facto” holi- Academic Year 2020/2021 days which are the days before an Autumn 31/08/2020 - 17/01/2021 official holiday. De facto full holidays Spring 18/01/2021- 06/06/2021 (treated as official holidays with a full day off) Official public holidays Defined by law, full day off: Christmas Eve: 24 December, 2020 All Saint’s Day: 31 October, 2020 New Year’s Eve: 31 December, 2020 Christmas Day: 25 December, 2020 Midsummer’s Eve: 25 June, 2021 Boxing Day: 26 December, 2020 New Year’s Day: 1 January, 2021

21 PHOTO: ÖRESUNDSBRON/ DRAGO PRVULOVIC. DRAGO ÖRESUNDSBRON/ PHOTO:

22 Sweden, Skåne and Kristianstad

There are 10 million people in Sweden, of whom about 2 million are under the age of 18. Eighty-five percent of them live in cities such as Kristianstad.

Sweden Skåne Official name: Konungariket Skåne (Scania) is the southernmost Sverige (Kingdom of Sweden) region of Sweden. Danish until 1658, Inhabitants: 10,2 Million it still keeps a bit of Denmark in its flag and in the ”Skånska” the dialect Capital: Stockholm spoken in the area. Together with Form of government: Constitutional the Danish Zealand, it belongs to monarchy, parliamentary democracy the Øresund Region, one of the Currency: Svenska Kronor (SEK) fastest expanding areas in northern Europe. It is the most populated To check exchange rates visit: area of Sweden but you can still find  www.xe.com wild nature, lakes, forests and small villages along the coast. In area, Sweden is the fourth largest country in Europe. Half of its land The north-eastern part of Skåne area is covered with forest, and less (where Kristianstad is situated) is than 10% is farmland. The distance also called ”The green part of Skå- from north to south is 1600 kilome- ne”. In the dark forests around the ter; the country incorporates a fairly lakes you will find ancient strong- wide spectrum of climatic zones. holds of the ”snapphanar” - the partisans who fought on the Danish More than a third of the population side after the Swedish conquest of lives in the three largest cities – Skåne in the 17th century. Hovdala Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö. castle just outside Hässleholm for example. The coast-line is famous For more information about for its white sandy beaches and Sweden you can visit: eel-fishing. The sculpture park sur-  www.si.se/en rounding Wanås castle is a must for  www.sweden.se every art-lover.

23 PHOTO: KRISTIANSTADS KOMMUN, CLAES SANDÉN.

24 Kristianstad  www.kristianstad.se/en/cultu- Kristianstad is situated in the south re-and-leisure/tourism/ of Sweden in the province of Skåne. The city was founded in 1614 by the Kristianstad Tourist Office Danish king Christian IV to defend Västra Storgatan 14 his kingdom against Swedish at- 291 32 Kristianstad tacks. The town was built as a fortress [email protected] in the Renaissance style. A beautiful +46 44 13 50 00 Renaissance church finished in 1628 lies in the center of Kristianstad. Kristianstads Vattenrike In 1658, after many bitter conflicts Biosphere Reserve between Denmark and Sweden, Few places have as rich and the city finally became a part of the varied nature as Kristianstads Swedish kingdom. In the 19th cen- Vattenrike. There is something to tury the ramparts were torn down experience for everyone. The area and replaced by straight boulevards. is designated a Biosphere Reserve The town started to expand, but the by UNESCO. Biosphere Reserves are old renaissance square town plan areas designed to promote and was fortunately left intact. demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. In all parts of Kristianstad you can Visit Naturum Vattenriket visitor easily move by bike or on foot; there center and all the other special are plenty of trails that allow you to sites around Vattenriket. experience the beautiful landscape of the area. There are many oppor- For more information please visit: tunities to enjoy outdoor activities  www.vattenriket.kristianstad.se/ as canoeing, trekking and climbing; other-languages/english/ the area is well known also for the numerous beaches. Climate The average temperature in Kristian- Today Kristianstad and its surroun- stad in December is 1°C and 17°C dings have 85 000 inhabitants (the in July. However, winter temperatures town itself: ca. 40 000). It has the ad- can drop to -15°C and the wind vantage of a town center concen- increases the chill factor. Therefo- trated within a small area. It provides re warm and windproof outdoor all kinds of shops, banks, a variety of clothing is essential for the winter. In services, a modern cinema, a thea- spring and summer the temperature tre, museums and entertainment, all can rise up to 30°C so light clothes within easy walking distance. will be needed as well.

For information about museums, other Swedes have a saying: “There is no amenities and attractions you can such thing as unsuitable weather, visit the local Tourist information office just unsuitable clothing!”

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PHOTO: SKÅNETRAFIKEN. Other useful information

There is a lot to know before you arrive and during your stay. Here is some useful information for day-to-day life in Kristianstad and at Kristianstad University.

Books machine outside of the train station Students are expected to use books hall with your credit card. during their studies. As the number of editions of books in the library is 2. You can download the app limited, you should buy your books in ”Skånetrafiken” from Google Play or town or order them online. App Store. You need to register your credit card and pay on the app. For buying books online please visit:

 www.bokus.com 3. You can go to the train station hall

 www.akademibokhandeln.se to get a student monthly travel card

 www.adlibris.com from the reception.

In addition you could ask students at As a student you can get discount for your home university who already stu- tickets if you apply for a Mecenat card. died in Kristianstad if they would like to The student union in House 15 can sell their books to you. It is very impor- help you with applying for Mecenat tant that you have the books when card. your course starts. The student union also sells and buys second hand Notice that you cannot pay with books in building 15 on campus. cash in the local buses or trains. At Skånetrafiken office in Kristianstad Public transport Central Station you can buy a card If you want to travel by bus and train to use unlimited buses and trains in Kristianstad and the province of inside Kristianstad or in Skåne. Skåne, you have three choices. Notice that you always need to buy 1. You can pay with credit card (visa a train ticket before entering the or master card) on all the buses. You train. If you do not buy a ticket befo- can buy a train ticket on the ticket re entering the train you pay a fine.

27 For more information, departure Drugs and arrival times of buses and The transfer, use and possession trains inside the province of Skåne of drugs (like marijuana, heroin, please visit: cocaine etc.) is strictly forbidden  www.skanetrafiken.se in Sweden! It can lead to a fine, imprisonment or deportation. As an If you want to travel by train outside exchange student you will be sent Skåne please visit: back to your home country immedi-  www.sj.se ately.

Alcohol Smoking Alcohol that is stronger than 3.5% by Smoking is not allowed in almost volume is very expensive and can any public buildings or any restau- only be bought in special state-ow- rants. It is also prohibited to smoke ned stores (Systembolaget). Don’t on campus. You can be fined if you forget to bring your ID since you smoke in non-smoking areas, so have to be at least 20 years old to please respect the rules! buy alcohol. The same age limit applies to the import of alcohol. Bicycles Check the customs regulations for Most students in Kristianstad use a import rations. bike to go around town. Be aware that you should have lights on your Restaurants and bars with proper bike when you are riding while it is permission can serve alcohol to dark outside. You are not allowed to anyone who is at least 18 years old, ride two persons on the same bike. though many nightclubs voluntarily You could get a fine from the police require a minimum age above 18 if you do. years (normally 20 or 23). Take a photo ID with you when you are out Taxi at night. Only official taxis (with the signs on top) guarantee fair prices and a Police safe ride. So-called “black taxis” In general, police officers speak well might be a little cheaper, it is English in Sweden. If you need to however not advisable to use them. contact the police you can call: Those drivers do not have a taxi +46 77 114 14 00. If you have a license and they might charge Swedish sim card you can call: much higher prices in the end. 11414. The visiting address of the police station in Kristianstad is: ÅK taxi Åhus-Kristianstad Östra Kaserngatan 1, Kristianstad. +46 44 12 30 00

For more information please visit: Sverige Taxi  www.polisen.se/en +46 44 10 20 00

28 Voltage Willy:s Hemma 230 V/50 Hz (Sockets are European Kanalgatan 50 standard). Monday-Friday: 08:00 - 20:00 Saturday-Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00 Supermarkets ICA Kvantum Kristianstad Coop Åhus Stridsvagnsvägen 1 Järnvägsgatan 5 Monday-Friday: 07:00 - 22:00 Monday-Friday: 08:00 - 20:00 Saturday-Sunday: 08:00 - 2200 Saturday-Sunday: 08:00 - 19:00

ICA MAXI ICA Kvantum Åhus Sjöcronas gata 7 Vallgatan 30 Monday-Sunday: 07:00 - 22:00 Monday-Sunday: 07:00 - 22:00

ÖoB Willy:s Åhus Stridsvagnsvägen 14 Sandvaktargatan 22a Monday-Friday: 09:00 - 19:00 Monday-Sunday 08:00 - 21:00 Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 17:00 Some of the supermarkets have discount only for their members, Netto which you need to apply in the Näsbychaussen 70 stores in order to get a membership Monday-Friday: 08:00 - 20:00 card. Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00 Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 Recycling Sweden pays Coop City Kristianstad a lot of at- Nya Boulevarden 18 tention for re- Monday-Friday: 08:00 - 20:00 cycling. That’s Saturday-Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00 why most of the pet-bottles Lidl or pet-cans always have this logo. Fäladsgatan 1 That means, when you are buying all Monday-Friday: 08:00 - 21:00 kind of pet-products, they will always Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00 charge you 1 SEK or 2 SEK extra. Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00 Supermarket does this to encourage buyers to return recyclable bottles Willy:s and cans. There is some recycling Rörvägen 2 machines that allow you to receive Monday-Friday: 07:00 - 21:00 the payment back when you return Saturday: 08:00 - 21:00 the bottles and cans. Most of them Sunday: 09:00 - 21:00 are allocated in the supermarket’s entrance.

29 Checklists

Leave the toaster behind but don’t forget to pack your passport. These are the essential checklists on what you must do and remember as an exchange student.

Before leaving home Before going back home FF Did you read this “Guide”? FF Have you returned the keys FF Accommodation of your room to your landlord? information completed? FF Have you returned the access FF Arrival information completed? card? FF Learning Agreement? FF Have you been to International Relations to receive a FF National ID card (or passport) signature on the Erasmus form still valid? that you’ve completed the FF Did you arrange your health semester successfully (only if insurance? requested by the home FF Driving license valid in Sweden university)? (EU licenses are valid)?

After the first days in Kristianstad FF Did you sign the contract for your accommodation with your landlord? FF Have you paid the rent and deposit to your landlord? FF Have you been to the Internatio- nal Relatinos to receive a signature on the document proving that you have arrived (only if requested by the home university)? FF In case you want to change courses: Have you changed your Learning Agreement?

30 Campus

Our campus is only a short walk from the city center and “Vattenriket”; a biosphere reserve with beautiful trails and home to a wide range of animals and plants.

Administration Academic Skills Center...... 7 Administration & Services...... 4 Bus stop Admission & Graduation...... 18 Auditorium...... 7A, 7E Café Coordinator for students with disability...... 7 P Car park Dental care...... 18 Health Point...... 13 Deﬁbrillators HKR Innovation...... 18 International Relations...... 15 Food IT-pedagogics/Media...... 7 IT-support...... 9 i Information Library...... 7 i Property & Services...... 117 Reception...... 7A P P Sports Hall...... 7B Student councellor...... 6, 21* Student Health...... 13 Student Union...... 15 i Uppdrag AB/Holding AB...... 18 Vice-Chancellor’s Office...... 4

Laboratories Laboratories...... 12, 20 i 6 5 To city centre Laboratory, P Molecular Analysis...... Krinova i Sensory Laboratory...... Metropol A

Services P Café...... 7 i Deliveries...... 117 Restaurant...... Metropol B

Other Defibrillators...... 6, 7, 13, 18 To city centre

*Student councellor will move to building 7 during autumn 2020.

31 Kristianstad University is an international, progressive and open-minded university. We keep a close relationship between teaching staff and students and integrate studies with a large proportion of practical work. Studying in Kristianstad opens up a world of possibilities. Our campus is only a short walk from the city center and “Vattenriket”; a biosphere reserve with beautiful trails and home to a wide range of animals and plants.