Student blogs

To all of you who are still not convinced that there’s any student life in Sweden, it’s time I present to you: Absolut Gotland (also known as AG). It is one of Sweden’s largest recurring student events. Every May, thousands of university students travel to Kneippbyn Resort just outside Visby on the island of Gotland for three days of socializing, parties, and student activities.

The event package includes accommodation in cabins, as well as breakfasts and dinners. There’s live performances, parties by the beach, a fire show, and traditional student activities. There’s also organized bus transfers between Visby and the resort.

Here’s my experience of it all!

Getting to the island and resort

The first step was to take a train to Nynäshamn where we awaited our boat to take us to Gotland. It was a bad day for anyone other than a student to be travelling to Gotland, because the entire train and boat was filled with students.

And how could you tell? Well, students active in student unions tend to stand out a lot since they’re all dressed in their unique overalls.

During the 3-4hour boat ride, we made the most of our time by sewing patches on our overalls.

Off of the boat awaited a little bit of a walk towards the resort, but first a stop at some stores to fuel ourselves for a weekend of fun.

The resort

We stayed at a camp/resort, with the option to choose between bringing and setting up your own tent, or staying in a little hut. I took the hut option, which although was a bit more expensive, was very much worth the price since it was absolutely freezing at night.

Beer tasting, beach parties, swimming, late night fire shows…

Each day we had a few different activities. Although most of the time was just to hang out with friends, there were activities planned by the organizers too. For example: karaoke, a fire show, bands playing, then each night concluding with a party by the beach till 3am. 

And sure it was 13 degrees outside, but if there’s sun out and water is in the vicinity, to Swedes it’s time to go for a swim. But to be clear that means just quickly running into the water and getting out before you stop feeling your legs.

Exploring Gotland

On our last day, a few of us decided to make the most of the sunny day and explore Visby. So we walked ourselves there and back, explored the city, had lunch and coffee. It’s a cute town.

The tough commute home

And then unfortunately there was a last day. After a long night of partying and a very short night of sleep and no buses around, we geared up for a 50min walk to the boat. I guess in some ways it was pleasant walking as the sun was rising, and the frost on the grass made everything shine…but we were too tired to appreciate that. During this boat trip home no one was sewing, we were either asleep or eating.

This was overall a super fun and unique event. I was very happy I got the opportunity to experience it! So, once you get here I would really recommend getting involved in Medicinska Föreningen (the student union) so that you get to go to all these unique student events!

Photos by: Julia Krapenc and PrU.