The document is a survival guide for international students at Linnaeus University in Växjö, Sweden. It provides information about VIS, the international student association, including their activities, trips, refund policies, and contact information. It also discusses the student union Linnéstudenterna and their roles and services. Additionally, it covers obtaining a SIM card, student ID card, places to study on campus, transportation, emergencies, and basic Swedish phrases. The guide aims to help international students settle in and make the most of their time in Växjö.

1. 1
SURVIVAL GUIDE
Spring 2016
1

2. 2
Välkommen till VIS!
Welcome to VIS – one of the biggest student associations at
Linnaeus University, run by students in Växjö!
We are a non-profit organization with the aim to ease the
integration of international students and facilitate the contact
with Swedish students through cultural and social activities.
VIS organises trips, sport activities, and parties as well as
shorter daytrips and activities. We want to give you the chance
to experience the Swedish and regional culture and all types of
events. Simply put: we want to make the best out of your stay
here in Växjö.
By giving you this booklet we hope to sort out some of the
questions you might have.
We know you will have a great time here and that you will
create memories for life from your stay here in Växjö and at
the Linnaeus University. We hope you will feel welcome and we
are looking forward to having you with us as a member of
VIS – Växjö International Students!
Index
Välkommen till VIS.................................. 2
The Board............................................ 3
The Committees..................................... 4
Where to find us..................................... 5
VIS and ESN.......................................... 6
VIS Activities Fall 2015............................. 7
Activities, Trips and Refunds...................... 8
A SIM Card and a Smart Card...................... 8
Linnéstudenterna................................... 9
What is a Nation?.................................... 10
...and a Sittning?................................... 11
So Where do I go to Party?......................... 11
I’m Starving!......................................... 12
Keep Fit, Stay Healthy.............................. 13
A Place to Study..................................... 13
Getting To and From Campus...................... 14
In Case of Emergency............................... 15
Some Necessary Swedish........................... 15
The Ultimate Campus Map......................... 16

3. 3
The Board
Dominik Selzer
President
president@visesn.org
Annie Grahn
Treasurer
treasurer@visesn.org
Lisa Tover
Vice Treasurer
vicetreasurer@visesn.org
Mikaela Åhlén
Secretary
secretary@visesn.org
Rebecca Höwing
Vice President
vicepresident@visesn.org
Marcel Ritsema
External Relations
Coordinator
external@visesn.org
Alan Luu
Booking & Facilities
Coordinator
booking@visesn.org
Andreas Liebert
Info & Members
info@visesn.org
Aser Hobani
Slottsstallarna
Coordinator
stallarna@visesn.org
Alexander Spottka
Webmaster
webmaster@visesn.org

4. 4
The Board & Committees
Lotti Biro
Activity Committee
Coordinator
acc@visesn.org
Alexander Stern
Sports Committee
Coordinator
scc@visesn.org
Nathalie Van Kenhove
Marketing & Media
Committee Coordinator
marketing@visesn.org
Lauriina Pernu
Buddy Committee
Coordinator
bcc@visesn.org
We are in charge of planning
some of the biggest campus
events, and when an event
comes together and all your
friends say they had such a
good time, you can be proud
to say that you were part of
the team that put it all
together!
The committee is in charge of
planning events that are for
the buddy and the exchange
student to get together, have
fun and get to know each
other, and others! We are
there to make sure they will
have the best time possible
together.
In order to keep you healthy
through all the "rough nights"
in Växjö, the Sport Committee
organizes a lot of sport events
for you! Join us if you are
passionate about sports!
Memories last forever, and
so do our well-made photos
and videos! We welcome you
to join us if you are skilled in
photography, filming, designing
or interested in running our
radio show.

5. 5
Subscribe
to
our
events
on
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/vaxjo.interna9onal.students/events
Where to find us
Our office is located on the second floor of Tufvan.
You can visit us on Tuesdays between 11am and 1pm.
We will be selling tickets for events
and giving information that you may need.
Official
Facebook
Page:
www.facebook.com/vaxjo.interna;onal.students
Official
Website:
www.visesn.org

6. 6
VIS & ESN
VIS is a part of Erasmus Student Network (ESN).
This is the biggest interdisciplinary student association in
Europe, founded in 1989 for supporting and
developing student exchange.
ESN is present in 460 Higher Education Institutions
in 37 countries.
ESN is operating on three levels,
Local, National and International.
VIS is a local section in the ESN network participating in
national, regional and international meetings in order to
improve cooperation, exchange and work
within the network.
ESN:
• works in the interest of international students.
• works to improve the social and practical integration of
international students.
• represents the needs and rights of international students
on the local, national and international level.
• provides relevant information about mobility programs.
• motivates students to study abroad.
• works with the reintegration of homecoming students.
• contributes to the improvement and accessibility of
student mobility.
• cares about its members.
• values volunteering and active citizenship.
For more information visit esn.org or esnsweden.org
E

7. 7
VIS Activities Fall 2015
VIS Welcome Week
January 15-23
We have plenty of
activities planned to
make sure you feel at
home and have the
chance to meet new
people!
January 18
This is where you can
meet our board and
committees. You will be
able to sign up for
several events and have
Swedish “Fika”!
VIS Evening
January 22
Visit the IKEA museum
and let IKEA be your first
Swedish cultural lesson!
Otherwise, it is at least
a rather nice furniture
store.
VIS IKEA Trip
Remember:
Always Bring Your VIS Card!
VIS Welcome Dinner
February 6
Give a fancy start to the
amazing semester!
Prepare a show, dress up
and join the night.
Party starts when the
dinner ends!
VIS Sports Saturday!
Stockholm
February
11-14
Norway
May 12-15
St. Petersburg
April 5-10
ESN Sea Battle
to be confirmed
Sports
Saturdays
Every Saturday
Activity
Committee
Theme Parties
Lapland
March 4-12
Goodbye
Dinner
May 28
Event Dates Can Be Subject to Change.
Moose & Glass
May 21

8. 8
When you sign up for an event or trip, it is your own
responsibility to make sure that you take part of all the
information given to you before the trip. Subscribe to our
events on Facebook in order to get invited to all the events
and get all the necessary information! It is also your own
responsibility to make sure you do not miss (or that you can
make up for) school work.
When paying for trips, always bring your VIS card.
Sometimes there are many members that want to sign up
for trips and activities; therefore we only allow you to buy
one ticket at the first sign up. This means that if you have a
friend who cannot be at a sign up, you cannot buy a ticket
for him/her. The only solution is to find someone who
doesn’t plan to go on the activity him/herself and have
them buy the ticket. At the second sign up you can sign up
for as many tickets as you want.
We will only be able to refund your ticket if there is a
waiting list, and only maximum two weeks before the event.
Send the person responsible for the trip an e-mail and they
will contact the next person on the waiting list.
Any questions regarding refunds in general please contact
the Vice Treasurer at vicetreasurer@visesn.org.
Activities, trips & refunds
SIM Card
In your welcome package, you have received a SIM card
from Comviq. This is a gift to help you connect with your
friends in Sweden and in your home country at a low price.
Further instructions for how to use the card is presented in
the brochure that came with the card.
Mecenat
All students at Linnaeus University will receive a national
student card from the company Mecenat. This card proves
your student status. This card can be used as an access card
to enter the university at night and on weekends.
There are some discounts connected to the card, but please
note that the card doesn’t offer the same benefits as the
student union membership card.
This card is provided in the welcome package that is given
to you upon arrival. To activate the access card, go to the
information desk in the H building.
A SIM Card & Smart Card

9. 9
Linnéstudenterna is the student union for students studying
at Linnaeus University. A student union is a student
organization working for the wellbeing of students.
The most important task for Linnéstudenterna is to ensure
that the education offered at the university maintains a high
quality and that the students (= you) are represented in the
decisive organs at the university. They can also help with
student rights and accommodation.
Linnéstudenterna also works to provide student discounts,
guidance regarding accommodation, counseling on studies,
initiating cooperation with the business world and
the cities of Kalmar and Växjö, as well as creating meetings
points for students, whether it is pub evenings, lectures or
introduction activities.
You are welcome to them when/if you have questions that are
related to your studies and everyday life. We have offices both
in Kalmar and in Växjö.
For office hours and contact information visit our website:
linnestudenterna.se.
Our staff in Växjö
Your foremost contact person at Linnéstudenterna is the
International Student Coordinator. She guides international
students in social and practical matters and is also, together
with the International Office, responsible for
organizing the orientation/introduction. As you most likely
know, she is also in charge of the buddy program.
If you have any questions, contact Karin at
studcoord@linnestudenterna.se.
Linnéstudenterna also has a Studentombud (like a counsel)
whom you are welcome to visit if you have any questions
related to what you are studying, experience problems with a
teacher or a tutor, or feel discriminated against. Contact the
Studentombud at 0470-755455 or
studentombud@linnestudenterna.se.
The Friend Family project is also run by Linnéstudenterna.
The project matches international students
with local families. Want to know more? Contact
the Friend Family Coordinator at 0470-755454 or
friendfamily@linnestudenterna.se.

10. 10
Studentkortet
As a member of Linnéstudenterna you are entitled to several
benefits. The membership fee is 150SEK for 1 semester and
275 for 1 year. You find the membership benefits and the dis-
counts on our website. You are also granted admission to the
student pubs in Växjö and in Kalmar that are for members of
Linnéstudenterna only.
Once you have paid the membership fee you will receive your
membership card. The membership card looks like this:
How do I become a member?
Visit the office of Linnéstudenterna at Tufvan! It’s the same
house as VIS’s offices. You can also email
info@linnestudenterna.se for more information.
What is a Nation?
A nation is a kind of student club, usually associated with
various activities such as dinners, parties, sports activities
and trips. In Växjö there are five nations plus the Economy
School’s student union;
Norrlands nation (www.norrlands-nation.com)
Skånes nation (www.skanesnation.se)
Västkustens nation (www.vastkustenvxu.se)
Smålands nation (www.smalandsnation.se)
ÖstGöta nation (www.ostgota-nation.se/start.php)
EHVS (www.ehvs.nu)
It is possible to join whichever nation you prefer, and you can
also be a member of more than one. The nations own the
student pub Sivans on campus. This means that to be able
to enter Sivans you must be a member of one the nations or
EHVS.
How do I become a member? And why should I?
To visit the student pubs you need a few different membership
cards. To enter Slottsstallarna you need a valid ID and student
union membership. To enter Sivans you need a valid ID,
student union membership and nation card or EHVS card.
EHVS membership cards are sold at the EHVS office, located in
the K building (2nd floor, open Mon-Fri 11-13). To get a nation
card, visit the nation’s website. The price for a membership
can vary, but is approximately 50SEK per semester.

11. 11
...and a Sittning?
A dinner party very common in the Swedish student life is cal-
led a “sittning”. This is, however, a dinner unlike any other
dinner. On a “sittning” you usually have a nice meal, sing,
get entertained and meet new friends. Here is a guide for you
to survive such an event.
Toast Master – The one who “rules” the dinner by proposing
the toasts and starts the singing.
Snapsvisa – A short, often humorous song you sing before you
drink a snaps.
TEMPO – If you want the toast master to start a song, then
you shout TEMPO!
Sittning Rules
1. Borrowed silver cutlery is due back on Monday!
2. Conversations held under the table are not recommended!
3. Remember: Doors with high steps are windows, not doors!
4. Each and everyone eat from their own plate!
5. The table cloth should not be used as a napkin!
6. Avoid crowding under the table. If you cannot avoid it,
keep to the right!
7. There is no need to return consumed food or drinks!
8. Remember: do not consume more than you can
take in with force!
So where do I go to Party?
Sivans
Sivans is owned by EHVS and all the nations on Campus.
Everyone that works there does it on a voluntarily basis
without getting paid. If you go, please remember that they
accept credit cards, but not at the entrance! Also keep in
mind that you need a nations or EHVS card to be able to enter.
Sivans offers a night club, afterschool dinners and brunch.
If you have a friend visiting you can purchase a guest card
through their website. If you are interested in working at Si-
vans you can contact your nation or visit
www.sivans.com.
Slottsstallarna
Slottsstallarna is run by several student associations
(amongst them VIS!) and is located on Campus.
Slottsstallarna, also known as Stallarna, offer a disco, pub
and live bands. Some nights they have activities such as music
quizzes and open mic nights. You book guest passes for
Stallarna online at www.slottsstallarna.net.
Make sure to keep an eye out on VIS page if you are keen to
help out and work!

12. 12
I’m Starving!
There are a number of places on and around campus where you can get food when you feel your stomach growling.
Whether it’s fika, dinner or a midnight snack after Stallarna or Sivans,
just decide what you’re hungry for and the choice is yours!
Cafe Tufvan
A cafe located in Tufvan. Student friendly prices
and a very popular place to have a “fika” with friends.
The closest place to camp out in and wait for the VIS offices to
open!
HÖRS
Restaurants Kristina, Rasken, Prego, Karl-Oskar
and Jalla Gatmat are all owned by HÖRS. They offer daily
lunches and drinks. You can find these restaurants spread out
in different buildings all over campus. Try to find them all!
ICA Supermarket
Located at Teleborg Centrum across the road from campus.
Here you can buy all kinds of food, toilet requisites and other
important stuff for your home. ICA is open until 10PM every
day.
Subway
Located at Teleborg Centrum. They offer sandwiches, chips,
salads and drinks. They also have student discounts,
particularly for VIS members!
Pressbyrån
Pressbyrån is a shop that covers the most basic needs.
Pressbyrån sells international magazines, post cards, stamps,
candy, ice cream and some basic food items. You can also buy
the refill-card to your cell-phone here. It is open until 10 pm
every weekday.
Maestro pizzeria
This is a pizzeria on campus where you can buy pizza,
hamburgers and kebab. In the evenings you might catch some
VIS board members sneaking a pizza here after a board
meeting that’s run late.
Statoil
Statoil is a gas station with a small shop for your most basic
needs. They also sell fast food. The gas station is open 24/7.
Willy’s
If you walk towards town you will find Willy’s. It is a big
supermarket store filled with pretty much anything you will
need. They sell everything from food to bed sheets, kitchen
utensils and more.


13. 13
Keep Fit, Stay Healthy
It is important to keep fit in order to manage the student life.
Here are some tips of where you can get the daily work-out.
Olympen Training Center
Olympen is a student association that offers multiple training
opportunities and health activities. It is located on campus in
newly built facilities which were opened in September 2010.
Approximately 800 members go here for different kinds of ball
games, group exercises, and to visit the gym. Organized sport
activities offered include volleyball, floorball, basketball,
badminton, strength class, aerobic, yoga, and spinning.
Additionally, Olympen offers massage and physiotherapy, and
every month they host a “member’s night” which allows the
members to meet other companies in the health sector. More
information can be found at www.olympentraningscenter.se.
Medley Swimming
When you feel like you need to get away from other students
to work out, go visit Medley! They offer an adventure pool,
slides, saunas and roman baths. They also have their very own
gym. For more information visit www.medley.se/vaxjosimhall.
A place To Study
 At the Linnaeus University library you can print, scan and
copy documents as long as you are logged into your account on
one of the computers in the library. Each printing credit costs
1 SEK for a single page in black and white, and 1,5 for a
double page. You can buy print credits at the information
desk in the library. You do, however, get 125 for free from the
library. If you want to print a larger amount, you can go to
Repro, in the basement of the H-building.
Opening hours for Linnaeus University library:
Mondays - Thursdays: 8am – 10pm
Fridays: 8am – 6pm
Saturdays: 11am – 5pm
Sundays: 11am – 5pm
Opening hours for Växjö Stadsbibliotek (Växjö city library):
Mondays - Thursdays: 8am – 8pm
Fridays: 8am – 6pm
Saturdays: 10am – 4pm
Sundays: 12pm – 4pm
Second hand from Campusbokhandeln:
vaxjo.campusbokhandeln.se
At the student union book shop at Tufvan
Buy Course Literature

14. 14
Getting To and From Campus
There are three buses running to and from Campus with a
travelling time of approximately 10-15 minutes. With buses
departing every 10 minutes (on weekdays), Campus is easily
accessible. Make sure you get a bus card to save money!
How do I get to Campus from the town center?
(Resecentrum)
Bus #1 headed for TELEBORG:
Bus #1 leaves from bus stop ‘C’. ‘Teleborg C’ is the stop to get
off at. This bus stop is close to both ICA and Statoil.
Bus #5 headed for TELEBORG:
Bus #5 leaves from bus stop ‘D’. Just like with bus #1 you get
off at “Teleborg C”.
Bus #3 headed for UNIVERSITETET:
Bus #3 leaves from bus stop ‘A’. It travels around the whole
campus so it is up to you where you choose to get off. If you
take this bus the other way, you can get to the shopping cen-
ter Grand Samarkand.
How do I find out when the buses leave?
To find out when the buses leave, simply visit
www.lanstrafikenkron.se or have a look in your welcome
package for the bus timetable. If you have a smartphone,
download the app Mobitime.
If you don’t want to bother with buses, buy a bike!
Campus is located approximately 4 km from the city and there are
bike paths all the way there.
Where do I get a bike?
Below is a list of places where you can find bikes in Växjö. Most of
them have both new and used bikes for sale from 500 SEK and up.
Tempus (The second hand store on campus)
PG Vejdes Väg 21, +46 72 712 12 77
Cykel & Fritidscenter (Both new and used bikes)
Sandgärdsg. 16, +46-470- 194 00
Rydhs (Both new and used bikes)
Kungsgatan 2, +46-470- 400 80
Smålands Cykel (Used bikes to rent and to buy)
Västra Esplanaden 15, +46-470- 475 48
Cykel Impak (Both new and used bikes)
Furutåvägen 41, +46-470- 812 27
Macken Araby (Used bikes only)
Nydalavägen 42E, +46-470- 286 38
Velotex Cykelservice & Fritid (Both new and used bikes)
Alegatan 25B, +46-470- 287 85
Team Sportia (New bikes only)
Storgatan 29, +46-470- 723 690

15. 15
In Case Of Emergency
Sjukvårdsrådgivningen/Health advice – 1177
Sjukvårdsrådgivningen is the Swedish medical care hotline and
is where you should call if you get sick or have any medical
problem. They give you counseling about what to do and
where to go. They are open 24/7.
If it’s an emergency you should instead call 112.
Campushälsan (“Campus health”)
A doctor located close to Statoil specifically for students.
Usually a time needs to be booked, but may have drop in
times.
Apotek/Pharmacy
The pharmacy/drugstore in Sweden is called Apotek. You can
buy your prescription and non prescription drugs here. For
medical prescriptions you will need to contact a doctor. For
students staying on campus the closest pharmacy
is situated next to Statoil Teleborg.
You can also purchase non-prescription drugs at ICA Teleborg.
Please note that these times can change so check the relevant
websites for updated information.
Some Useful Swedish
Hello - Hej
Good bye - Hej då
Please - Snälla
Good - Bra
Bad - Dåligt
Rain - Regn
Thank you - Tack
You - Du
I - Jag
Dinner - Middag
Preparty - Förfest
Afterparty - Efterfest
Good morning - God morgon
How much does it cost? - Vad kostar det?
How are you? - Hur mår du?
My name is... - Jag heter...
One beer please - En öl tack
Where are you from? - Var kommer du ifrån?
Wanna grab a fika? - Vill du ta en fika?
See you in the fog! - Vi ses i dimman!
(This is usually a greeting at the beginning of a night,
indicating that you’ll see each other later
when you’re all drunk).

16. 16
Willy’s
Pressbyrån
ICA
Subway /
Pizzeria
Statoil
Stenladen (exams,
sittningar, pub)
Slottsstallarna
Maestro Pizzeria
University Library
H–Building (Info Desk,
International Relations)
Tufvan
Sivans
Bus Stops
The Ultimate Campus Map!