Student blogs

It has been 5 months since I moved to Stockholm (that was fast, time flies!). Many things have surprised me. But lately I have been thinking about the small differences between Sweden and the previous places I have lived (South and North America).

Here are a few small things that have surprised me:

1. Pantamera/Returpack

This is the recycling can/bottle program in Sweden. You can get 1kr back for most cans and plastic bottles. Similar programs definitely exist in other countries, but I was surprised as to how popular it is in this country! Many people go to grocery stores to recycle their bottles and then they can donate the return or use it in the same stores at the payment time. I find it very cool!

2. Love for snow

Most people I have met here love the snow! I am used to people complaining about the weather in Boston, especially if it snows too much and it gets too cold. Maybe I have only met positive people in Sweden. But during these past months, I have often been told that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. And when it snows and the snow stays on the ground, it is thought as a good thing. This is because it brings light, and when it is dark, it definitely helps! So, I am starting to also have this positive outlook about the snow.

3. Vitamins

Taking vitamin D is definitely needed during the dark months of winter! I was not used to this, and sometimes I would forget. Nonetheless, it is very useful, and I think it does make a difference when you do take it.

4. 24-hour clock

I have been getting used to the 24-hour clock. Here, it is very common to utilize it in emails or any form of written communication. While it is not necessarily new to me, I am familiar with mainly using a 12-hour clock, so 2pm or 3pm, instead of 14:00 or 15:00. It is a very small change but for some reason, it is interesting to me.  

Next part will come soon 🙂