Munich wasn’t exactly the plan

Hi! I’m a 23-year-old student from Sweden, originally from Stockholm, but currently studying Business Administration at Linköping University, which I love! This semester, however, I’m spending a few months in Munich as an exchange student at LMU.

To be fair, Munich wasn’t exactly the plan from the beginning. Germany wasn’t one of my first choices, and I had actually never been here before. I wasn’t even planning on applying here until my dad convinced me to add Munich to my list, just the day before the application deadline. He had a pretty positive picture of Germany, describing it as similar to Sweden, but with better weather, food and beer! That did not sound too bad to me. With quite a lot of competition, and few exchange places from my program, Munich ended up where I got accepted.

I’ve always liked the idea of studying abroad, and a good experience with a very successful exchange to Mallorca in high school, not going on an exchange semester didn’t seem like an option to me. Mainly because it’s a fun opportunity to experience something different, meet new people and get to know another country beyond just visiting as a tourist. I also think it’s good and healthy to occasionally put yourself in situations you’re not completely familiar with. Like the cheesy but true cliche says, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Since I didn’t know so much about Germany before coming here, I arrived with very few expectations. So far though, Munich has been a really positive surprise. I especially like the architecture, the cafes and the general atmosphere of the city. Some neighbourhoods actually remind me a little of Södermalm, my favorite part of Stockholm. There is something about the beautiful buildings, small cafes and relaxed atmosphere that feels familiar, although I might even prefer the architecture here. Of course, there have been some cultural differences as well. One thing I’ve noticed is that people here can sometimes come across as more direct than what I’m used to in Sweden. But that’s also part of the experience and just takes a little getting used to. I have also met plenty of lovely people, and it’s interesting to notice these small differences in everyday life.

Outside university I enjoy spending time with friends, discovering new places and having time to myself every now and then. I’d describe myself as a generally positive person, sometimes perhaps a little too optimistic having a mindset that tends to think most things work out somehow. It’s usually a good thing until you are the last student standing without an apartment two weeks before school starts, however my optimistic point of view was right and an apartment was found! 

For the coming months, I’m mainly looking forward to getting to know more people and making the most of living in Munich. I’d love to explore more of Bavaria, take some train trips and visit friends who are also on their exchange in other parts of Europe. 

Even though Munich wasn’t my original first choice, I’m really glad I ended up here. I’m curious to see what the next few months will bring, and hopefully I’ll leave with plenty of good memories and a few new perspectives. Whatever the coming months bring, I know for a fact that everything will work out!