
Hosted by Lund University · EN

The QS World University Rankings: Sustainability has ranked Lund University #1 in the world for 2026, marking an incredible achievement for the many researchers, staff and students who have contributed towards a more sustainable future. But what, exactly, does the ranking mean for current and future LU students? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) is joined by special guests Cicilia Jeppsson and Erika Söderstjerna from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, who explain not just the ranking and the wide-reaching work that has gone into achieving it, but how it relates to everyday student life and why Lund University might be the right place to study for more sustainably-minded students.

For some international students, it's a natural step to consider studying a PhD after graduating from a Master's, and many students that come to Lund University go on to find PhD positions here afterwards. But how do you go about securing a PhD position, and what's it like to undertake one at Lund University? In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere speaks to Gabriele Cobucci, a current doctoral student in Mathematical Physics at Lund University, who discusses his academic journey and his experience of studying a PhD at Lund. Together they cover topics such as how Gabriele got his position and what it entails, a brief overview of quantum physics and how Gabriele's research contributes to the field, the practical and everyday outcomes of quantum physics research, and of course, Gabriele's advice for students considering a PhD at Lund.

It's understandable that many international students can feel apprehensive about moving to another country and settling in when they begin their studies, but with the right preparation and mindset, that transition can be made as easy as possible. In this episode, we take a look at what it's really like to settle into your life at Lund University in Sweden, as host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communications) speaks to three student guests about their personal experiences and advice for other incoming students: Freja Jepsen from Denmark, studying a Master's in Literature, Culture and Media; Seoyun Kim from South Korea, studying a Master's in Human Ecology, and Yuka Nishi from Japan, studying a Master's in Media and Communication. Together they discuss making friends, what events and student groups to join, how to keep a balance and avoid burning out during your first few weeks, and plenty of tips and advice on transport, groceries, days out in the Skåne region and more.

The International Citizen Hub Lund is your home away from home in Sweden, offering advice, support and events to help you and your family members with settling in while you study, work, or look for jobs. In this episode, we celebrate the ICHL's first decade and explore the many ways in which the ICHL can help new international students as they adapt to life in Sweden. Host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communication) is joined by three guests: ICHL founder Lisa Andersson, Lund University graduate and Social Hub Lund intern Luz Adriana Hernandez, and ICHL intern Kevin Law. Together they discuss how the ICHL started, their respective work and interactions with the ICHL as internationals, what events and services it can provide for internationals in Lund, how international students can get involved, and what's on the horizon for the ICHL going forward.

Of the many exciting events students at Lund University get the opportunity to participate in, the tradition of the student ball is perhaps the most glamorous. These white-tie events are held regularly throughout each year, giving a chance for Lund students and alumni to dress up for an evening of fine dining, dancing, and socialising. In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) catches up with student guests Megan Phillips and Kleia Sidra, who share their experience and insight into student balls at Lund University. Together they discuss the basics of what a ball is, what makes them a unique experience, how much they typically cost and how to meet the dresscode, plus much more.

Now open for applications for study starting Autumn 2026, the Master's programme in Innovation and Societal Change seeks to equip students with a systemic perspective on innovation, preparing you to become a driving force for change. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (LU Corporate Communication) speaks to Linda Stihl (Programme Director for the Master's in Innovation and Societal Change) and Markus Grillitsch (Professor at the Department of Human Geography) about their work on the programme, covering everything you need to know about this new opportunity for study. Together they discuss the programme's origins and purpose, course contents and learning methods, as well as how to apply and most importantly, why prospective students should consider this programme.

Lund University's Disability Support Services offer bespoke support for students with disabilities and other specific challenges to their studies, working to ensure that every aspect of your course is accessible and that you have the help and advice you need. In this episode, host Fabio Cavaliere (student worker at LU Corporate Communications) speaks to Ida Jarbe Holmlund, a Coordinator at LU Disability Support Services, delving into how the support services work, who can access them, when to contact them versus contacting your healthcare provider, and much more.

Many major innovations and recognisable brands across numerous fields have come from research and researchers at Lund University, from the first dialysis machine and the asthma inhaler to Bluetooth, Nicorette, and Oatly. But how can students kickstart their own innovation ideas and startups, and how does Lund University support them? In this episode, host Timothy Parker (LU Corporate Communication) speaks first with Peter Franck, Innovation Developer at LU Innovation, about his role in supporting new startup initiatives and innovations and how students can access these resources. Then, we turn to two more guests, Erik Karlsson and Julia Forsbacka, who are both current PhD students at Lund University and work at Nepri, an award-winning biotechnology research startup that aims to help farmers improve crop yields with more efficient, sustainable techniques. Together they discuss their journey with Nepri, from the very beginning through to obtaining funding and winning awards, and how they have balanced working on the business alongside their research and studies as PhD candidates. And of course, there's plenty of advice in there for students with their own innovation ideas!

Sweden - and Lund in particular - has a very high rate of English proficiency, making it easy for international students to get by during their studies without speaking Swedish. However, for those of you who are considering staying longer-term in Sweden or just want to integrate better into Swedish society, learning Swedish offers many benefits, and is heavily recommended if you're planning to look for work. In this episode, we look at Lund University's course, Study Abroad: Swedish as a Foreign Language, which is an intensive, full-time two-semester course intended for beginners who want to rapidly acquire Swedish language skill. Host Timothy Parker (LU International Office) is joined by course teacher Fredrik Persson and current international student Karyne Nogueira, discussing everything to do with the course and learning Swedish, from course content and learning methods to the challenges and benefits of learning in such an intensive way. And, of course, Fredrik and Karyne offer plenty of tips for prospective students considering learning Swedish for themselves.Please note that Study Abroad: Swedish as a Foreign Language is not a full degree programme, although it does give credits (ECTS) and certification for completion.

While prospective students have several scholarship options to help support their studies at Lund University, one of the newest of our offerings is the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) scholarship: a selective and merit-based scholarship programme for high-achieving African students who have demonstrated academic excellence at one of the ARUA member universities. In this episode, host Rebecca Kilpin (LU International Office) speaks to Beza Berhe, an international student from Ethiopia studying the Master's programme in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and one of the first recipients of the ARUA scholarship. Together they discuss Beza's background and professional interest in entrepreneurship, her journey to Lund, and of course, her advice for other prospective students considering applying to Lund and to the ARUA scholarship.