Student blogs

Ringgggg. My alarm goes off. It’s 7:30 am. I grab my phone to hit stop, force myself to get up and open the curtains. As I look out the window it’s dark, rainy and cold. Those three factors will me to get back into bed, but the lab awaits. Surviving Swedish winters is no easy feat, and there will be many times when you ask yourself what you are doing in this cold, dark, gloomy country— but you quickly remind yourself it’s worth it, (you are pursuing a masters at KI!) and there are ways to make it bearable, magical even! 

Here are the ways that I get through this season:

1) Many day-time walks 

Since I’m doing my research project, I get to the lab before the sun rises and leave after the sun sets. So I have made it a habit to take out at least 10 minutes from the busy day to go on a walk during daylight hours. Not only do I get some fresh air, but I get some much needed sunlight as well. 

2) Exercise (outdoors if I can!) 

Personally, after a while the darker days begin to affect my mood. I start to feel more down and tired during the day, which I think a lot of people can relate to. Exercise has been something that has helped me feel better throughout the long winters. If it’s not too rainy, snowy or icy, I usually go on runs outside, because, again (fresh air and sunlight). 

3) Making my space cozy 

Candles and fairy lights. Hot chocolate, marshmallows and reading a good book. A warm blanket and the sound of rain outside (or if you’re lucky, snow!). Suddenly winter doesn’t sound so bad anymore. 

4) Doing activities with friends 

During winter I try to see my friends very often. Even a short hangout with them will turn my gloomy mood into a happy one. So even amidst busy schedules, I make sure to make time for my friendships. There are so many fun activities to take advantage of during the winter, for example, I usually go ice skating on one of the many ice skating rinks set up throughout the city! (they’re free of charge)

5) Making the most of the snow 

My favorite part of winter (besides Christmas) has to be the snow. Having grown up in a warm country, I am not used to snow at all. So every snowfall it fall is just as magical as the last. I try to go out in nature to see the frozen lakes, the snow on the trees and all the beauty that comes with it. I build a snowman with friends, make snow angels and attempt to sled down the snow-covered hills.

It’s true…

Swedish winters can be difficult, but, also magical. These are a few things I do to make the not-so-great aspects bearable, but also to make the most of the great-aspects. Time flies by, and I don’t know if I will end up living in such a snowy country forever, so at the end of the day, I try to just savor the experience.