Student blogs

Hej! In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of the highlights of Karolinska Institutet (KI) Campus Solna. The Solna Campus is one of the two main campuses that belong to KI (the other one being Flemingsberg). It’s located in Hagastaden, in the north part of the city, surrounded by many other buildings involved in the life science industry, academia, and healthcare (e.g. the university hospital). Although the campus itself is not very large, it’s incredibly charming, with plenty of great spots to study, relax, or hang out with friends. Without further ado, here are some of my favorite spots on campus!

Note: If you want another perspective of the campus or want to see more footage, check out this video!

For working

As a master’s student, I spend a lot of my time on campus studying. Thankfully, many areas around the campus are well-equipped with electrical outlets, lamps, TV screens/projectors, whiteboards, etc. Most places also have vending machines and areas to store/heat up food nearby, which is perfect for taking short breaks.

My favorite study spots change all the time, but the current go-to place this year has been the university library. When studying alone, it’s a great spot to sit down and get motivated by the focused atmosphere around me.

When I’m studying with friends, I prefer to sit somewhere we can talk without disturbing others. One of my favorite places for this is the wooden houses found in the library building. This cozy area is surrounded by a wall of plants 🌱 on one side and huge windows on the other side, making it perfect for studying while still enjoying the nice weather outside!

And if you don’t feel like studying

There are many spots to take a break, hang out in between classes with classmates, or partake in activites around campus.

For those who like to stay active, the KI gym is a popular destination. It’s equipped with weights, cardio machines, and floor space for functional exercises. Not a fan of working out alone? You can join in various sports like basketball, volleyball, or ping pong with others, or book a spot in one of the many free (for students and employees) actvities offered. The best part? There’s a sauna to reward yourself after an intense workout or study session. 🏋️

On sunny days, the absolute best place to be is outside. The grass in front of the library building is a perfect spot to eat lunch or just sit and relax. You’ll often see students playing volleyball or other sports there too. ☀️

Final words

Finally, an honorable mention goes to the embryo statue in the the library building. Why are there bikes under it? What does it mean exactly? No idea—but the campus wouldn’t be the same without it, so it definitely makes my list.

There are many more small spots around campus that aren’t particularly notable on their own but are special to me because of the memories I’ve made during my time at KI. I couldn’t fit them all in this blog, but I encourage you to explore and find your own favorite spots when your journey at KI begins!

I hope this little campus preview of my favorite spots gives you a glimpse into what the Solna Campus looks like. Thank you for reading and see you in the next blog! ❤️