Elidad Addo
Step into a world where the thrill of acceptance to your dream program collides with the unparalleled joy of embarking on a two-year Euroculture adventure. Picture the sheer excitement, amplified even further when an Erasmus scholarship becomes the golden ticket to unraveling the diverse tapestry of European cultures and cities. Hold that image and join me beyond the acceptance letter—a journey through the labyrinth of securing a student residency permit for the first university and the immersive experience of navigating the charming streets of Uppsala. Suppose you’re a non-European dreamer contemplating the Euroculture program. In that case, my tale is a beacon of insights, a compass for those about to embark on this transformative odyssey. Buckle up, for the adventure is about to unfold.
Step 1: Admission
On March 17th, 2023, I received the confirmation email stating my nomination for the Erasmus scholarship to join the Euroculture program. The joy I felt was immeasurable, considering the anticipation that had built up over time. Receiving that email was a moment of pure elation, and I couldn’t contain my happiness.
From the admission letter to my first semester at Uppsala University, my days were consumed by a whirlwind of activities. Among them were information sessions, the meticulous process of signing and submitting additional supporting documents, and the essential task of applying for a residency permit. Amidst all this, careful planning for the upcoming academic journey added another layer to my already bustling schedule. The transition from acceptance to the first semester at Uppsala was a journey marked by deliberate steps and meticulous preparations.
Step 2: Residency Permit Application Process
Embarking on the journey of applying for a residency permit was a fascinating chapter in my adventure, and the tale is too good not to share. The process, surprisingly straightforward, required me to furnish basic information about myself and the program I had eagerly been accepted into. The Euroculture secretariat and the program administrator in Uppsala played their part seamlessly, providing timely access to the supporting documents needed for the application.
Anticipating the notorious deliberation time of the Swedish Migration Agency, I heeded advice to submit my application for my residency permit well in advance. I took the plunge on May 15th, beating the recommended deadline. However, my patience was tested as the customary two-week waiting period stretched to five weeks for my response, a time period significantly longer than that of my peers applying to other Swedish universities.
What added a twist to this waiting game was my blissful ignorance. Unaware I should have received feedback within two weeks like my counterparts, I stumbled upon this revelation through the Goin app—Uppsala University’s recommended platform for connecting incoming students. It was a moment of realization, prompting me to take matters into my own hands.
Cue a follow-up email in June, and the plot thickened. My journey took an unexpected turn as I was scheduled to visit the Swedish Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, which is the nexus for migration affairs for Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
My visit to Abuja was set for August 7th, 2023—merely 10 days away from the fall semester’s opening at Uppsala University. The catch? This meant missing out on the crucial orientation week, as the Swedish migration agency, notorious for its deliberation pace, takes two to four weeks (or longer) to decide on residency permit applications, post biometrics, and photo capture at the embassy.
The intricate timeline continued to unravel. Once the decision was made, a maximum of two weeks was needed to print the permit card, followed by an additional two weeks to ship it to the embassy in Abuja. Factor in the extra days to receive it in Ghana, and the process became an anxiety-inducing odyssey. The frustration peaked when my assigned case officer, responsible for my application, extended her leave beyond the initially communicated return date.
Cutting to the chase, I finally received my decision two weeks after my August 7th visit. However, unwilling to wait for an uncertain arrival date for the residency permit card, I opted for a short-stay visa (d-visa) despite the added cost of traveling back to Abuja and visa fees.
Navigating the d-visa application process involved securing a support document from the Euroculture program office at Uppsala University, detailing my travel itinerary, completing application forms, and making the necessary visa fee payments. With an appointment scheduled for August 28, 2023—mere days before my Saturday, September 2nd flight—the clock was ticking. Our first class at Uppsala awaited on Monday, September 4th, 2023, marking the culmination of a suspenseful journey to kickstart my academic adventure.
If you’re submitting your application and eyeing Uppsala University with excitement and nervousness, here’s a reassuring note—you might not have to endure a similar rollercoaster. While certain factors beyond my control added a layer of complexity to my process, your journey can be smoother.
One key lesson from my experience is to stay informed about the average feedback time. My delay was partly due to my initial ignorance. I only learned crucial information in the fifth week that could have been handy in the third week post-application. Timely follow-ups can make a significant difference.
Additionally, ensure your passport validity aligns with the program duration; mine fell short, which meant I had to resubmit my passport details or align the permit with my valid passport. If the Swedish Embassy responsible for migration matters is conveniently located in your country, count yourself lucky. Avoiding cross-country travel can be a game-changer.
For those yet to embark on the application journey, consider this advice: When choosing your starting university, opt for one in a country with an embassy in your residence country. Streamlining the permit process becomes more straightforward, particularly when transitioning to a second host university in the second semester. Securing a permit for this scenario is notably easier.
Stay connected with peers undergoing the same application process. The Euroculture secretariat, a beacon of assistance in my journey,can provide the support you need. They were instrumental in my experience, and maintaining communication with fellow applicants ensures you stay abreast of the latest updates and requirements.
Step 3: Welcome to Sweden
Picture this: It’s a tranquil Sunday afternoon on September 3rd, 2023, and I am standing at Arlanda Airport in the enchanting city of Stockholm. However, I have missed the welcome day, meaning that I now have to navigate my way from Stockholm to Uppsala. Options? Train or bus. Advice? Opt for the bus, given the extra luggage space. So, I patiently await the next bus to Uppsala Central Station and conveniently purchase my ticket with a swipe of my credit card onboard. The ensuing hour-and-a-half journey treats me to breathtaking scenic views along the way.Upon arrival at Uppsala Central Station, the next leg of my adventure commenced. My destination? The bus stop that would ferry me to my student housing in Flogsta. Yet, finding this elusive bus terminal proved to be its own saga. Several well-intentioned but misguided directions led me astray until, at last, I received accurate guidance from a group of policemen stationed at the central station. Imagine the scene: me maneuvering with two bulging suitcases and a backpack in a chillier environment than I was accustomed to. The journey to settle into my new academic chapter was an adventure filled with twists and turns.
Step 4: Weather and Cultural Contrast
Let’s talk about the weather in Sweden. Being in northern Europe, it’s notably cooler than other countries hosting Euroculture consortium universities. When I arrived in Uppsala in September, the temperature ranged between 5 and 16 degrees—quite a shift from the average 26 degrees I was used to in Ghana.
I’d often complain about the cold, only to be met with responses like, “It’s not cold yet.” Little did I know, the real chill was yet to come. November brought a sharper drop in temperature, accompanied by snowfall and negatives on the thermometer. I’ve heard tales that February and March can be even more bone-chilling.
Another weather-related revelation was the extended daylight hours when I arrived. In September, I’d marvel at clear skies even at 7 pm, with the sun setting after 8 pm. However, come November, the scenario took a stark turn. Darkness would descend after 4 pm, and glimpses of the sun during the day became a rarity. Picture yourself in a cold, dark setting after 4 pm—a different experience.
Beyond the weather, I noticed a cultural contrast. Swedes, I observed, are reserved. This became evident during bus rides to campus, where passengers often choose to stand rather than sit close to others. Exchanges between passengers are only frequent if friends or family travel together. Many Swedes I’ve spoken to about this weather admit they never quite get used to it. The blend of chilly temperatures and reserved social dynamics adds an extra layer to the unique experience of being a student in Sweden.
Step 5: Beautiful Uppsala and Academic Culture
Uppsala, a vibrant student community, offers delightful spots to unwind from the rigors of response papers, presentations, and exams. Take a moment to soak in the castle’s beauty, meander through the botanical garden near the English Park campus, visit the Uppsala Cathedral, or simply stroll through the city center—an effective remedy after days indoors buried in assignments.
The academic culture in Uppsala is refreshingly flexible, granting students the freedom to shape their studies—a departure from the more rigid structures I encountered during my bachelor’s degree. In the Euroculture cohort here, our class is a tight-knit group of four students, fostering an engaging and interactive learning environment. I can confidently say that I’m surrounded by the best colleagues, and our professors are also open and ever-ready to offer assistance. Beyond its academic charm, Uppsala is a nurturing environment where learning and relaxation find their place.
If Uppsala University is on your mobility schedule for the Euroculture program, prepare for a fantastic experience! I assure you that Uppsala has all the ingredients for a memorable time. As I eagerly anticipate my upcoming adventure in Groningen in February, I can’t help but reflect on the beautiful moments I’ve had here in Uppsala. Get ready for a fantastic journey ahead!
The Euroculturer 