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Välkommen till VIS! 1
The Board 2
VIS and ESN 3
The Committees 4
VIS Office 5
VIS Activities Spring 2015 6
Activities, Trips and Refunds 9
Linnéstudenterna 9
A SIM Card and a Smart Card 11
What is a Nation? 11
…and a Sittning? 12
So Where do I go to Party? 12
I’m Starving! 13
Keep Fit, Stay Healthy 14
Getting To and From Campus 15
A Place to Study 16
In Case of Emergency 17
Some Necessary Swedish 17
The Ultimate Campus Map 18
Welcome to VIS – one of the biggest student associations at Linnaeus University, run by students from campus 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 participate in Swedish traditions. 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!
For more information online: Webpage: www.visesn.org
E-mail: [email protected] Facebook: Växjö International Students (VIS)
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Alex Bakardjiev
President [email protected]
Mai Härwell
Vice President [email protected]
Patrik Henriksson
Treasurer [email protected]
Hristo H. Jossifov
Vice Tresurer [email protected]
Mandy Gädeke
Secretary [email protected]
Emma Carlson
Activity Committee Coordinator
Josefin Ceder
Media Committee Coordinator
Marcel Ritsema
Sport Committee Coordinator
Rebecca Höwing
Booking and Facilities Coordinator
Martin Westman
External Relations Coordinator
Ryan Everson
Slottsstallarna Coordinator
Rami
Buddy Committee Coordinator
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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
Karin Siöö
International Student Coordinator
Timothy Daniel
Info/Web [email protected]
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Being a part of a committee is a great opportunity to get an insight into the work of VIS and you will meet a lot of fun people! If you feel like you
want to get involved and get to know a lot of people quickly, committee work is for you. Either email us at the e-mail addresses below or come
see us at the VIS Evening!
Activity Committee
The Activity Committee organises different activities throughout the semester. In the past such activities have
included a Gothenburg Trip, curling and Swedish night. As a part of the activity committee you will also help out
on activities organised by the VIS board – this can include going as a leader on different activities and help out at
sign-ups. If you are interested in joining the Activity Committee please send an email to Emma at [email protected].
Buddy Committee The VIS Buddy Committee is responsible for recruiting buddies for the new incoming students, as well as organising events where the buddies are involved. If you think this sounds interesting for you, or if you simply want more information, contact Rami at [email protected]. Media Committee The Media Committee is responsible for all visual material that VIS distributes. This includes making movies for different VIS event, designing the cover pages for the Facebook page and trips, and taking pictures at events and on trips. If you have some good ideas, want to become a part as a photographer, videographer or graphic designer, or just want some further information, feel free to send an email to Josefin at [email protected]. Sports Committee The VIS Sport Committee helps out and plans different sports events during the semester. On Saturdays they organize ‘Sport’s Saturdays’ where you can play a range of sports at Olympen Träningscenter right on campus. As a part of this Committee you will help out at these events as well as bigger events organised by VIS. New ideas are always welcome and if you want to contribute and be a part of this committee, please send an email to Marcel at [email protected]. Hope to see you in one of our committees this semester!
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The VIS office is situated in Tufvan on the 2nd floor (see map on the last page). The office is open Tuesdays between
11AM – 1PM. Smaller sign ups are held at the office.
We are here to help you with any questions you may have. If you want to buy a membership or pick up a refund from a trip,
this is also the place to go.
The VIS Membership
A membership for VIS costs 50 SEK for one semester. If you are not a member you can purchase a temporary membership for 30 SEK/activity or 50SEK for a longer trip. As you can see, a full
membership pays off quickly!
As a member of VIS, you can attend all the activities that VIS offers. You will also get your own ESN card. This member card should be brought to all our sign ups, events and trips. Once in the members’ directory you will receive regular updates when we have sign ups and when events are planned. The card also
offers benefits!
International Relations Office If you have questions about changing courses, introduction
meetings, or applying for a degree you turn to the staff at the International Relations Office
at the University. You can find them either in the H building or
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City Gross Shopping Trip
18/1
Come with us and get all the essential
items your new apartment needs! The
trip goes to both City Gross and Media
Markt, and is an excellent opportunity
to find out where the big stores are in
Växjö.
VIS Evening
20/1
This is your first opportunity to get to know VIS properly!
Buy your membership card, snag a ticket for one of our
many trips, and get to know the board.
Our committees will also be attending to let you know
what it takes to get involved in VIS yourself!
IKEA Trip
23/1
If your apartment is looking a little empty (even despite all
the food you got at City Gross!) this is the trip for you. Get
to know the Swedish giant at its birthplace in Älmhult,
stock up on furniture that comes in flat packages, and
enjoy the cheapest meal of meatballs you’ve ever tasted.
Isaberg Ski Trip
30/1
A day in the slopes!
Join the sports committee on their day
trip to Isaberg. If you don’t have any
equipment, don’t worry – you can
choose to include rental in your ticket.
Stockholm
12/2-15/2
Take the chance to experience the Swedish capital like it
should be experienced. Museums, a visit to the castle,
clubbing, good food, better company, and enough free
time to roam around and discover the city on your own.
Welcome Dinner
TB
Settle in properly and meet new friends
over a meal! Get to know what VIS is
and how VIS does, and get to know the
people you’ll spend the next 4 months
with at the same time. Could it be any
simpler?
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Lapland
6/3-14/3
Take a trip to Finland to experience the
true north! Everything that is typical
Scandinavia you will find here.
If you’re lucky you may even get to see the
northern lights!
Moose and Glass
11/4
Get to know the locals!
Take a day trip to the “Glass Kingdom” and learn how
glassblowing is done. Then take a break from the heat,
get out into the woods and get to know the king of the
forests.
ESN Sea Battle
12/4-15/4
The legendary cruise with over 2000 exchange students
from all over Sweden! Organised by our mother
organisation ESN, this non-stop party trip from
Stockholm to Tallinn is not to be missed.
St. Petersburg
22/4-28/4
Difficult to get a visa to visit Russia? Not for
VIS! Join us on the visa-free trip east to
breathe in the culture by day and then
dance the night away. A stopover in
Helsinki is included!
Norway
7/5-10/5
Visit Sweden’s neighboring county and
experience nature close up. Paddling in kayaks
or hiking on glaciers? After this trip you
can brag that you’ve been there, done that!
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Sport Saturday
Every Saturday!
Sweat out the stress from the week at our
sport Saturdays! Play a range of sports
each week and meet new friends (and
teammates). Rumor has it there’ll even be
a water fight at the end of term…
Goodbye Dinner
30/5
Finish the term as it started: with a kickass
dinner! Remember those people that you
met four months ago and didn’t know who
they were? They’re still here. Probably next
to you. Saying “YOU KNOW I’M GOING TO
VISIT!”
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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. Add “Växjö ISevents” 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 [email protected].
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.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the English flag for information in English.
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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 Relations 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 [email protected].
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
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
Studentkortet
As a member of Linnéstudenterna you are entitled to several benefits. The membership fee is currently 150SEK per
semester. You find the membership benefits and the discounts 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:
Read more at www.studentkortet.se
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 [email protected] for more information.
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SIM Card In your welcome package, you have received a SIM card from Telenor. 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 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 (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? The nation’s office is located next to the student union in the
same building as Tufvan. EHVS kansli is located in the K building. Both are open 11-13 Tuesday to Thursday. The price for a membership vary, approximately 50SEK per semester.
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A dinner party very common in the Swedish student life is called 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!
Sivans
Sivans is owned by EHVS and all the nations on Campus. Everyone that works there do it on a voluntarily basis without
getting paid. If you go, please remember that they accept credit cards, but cash is generally king on campus! Sivans
offers a night club, afterschool dinners and brunch. If you have a friend visiting you can purchase
a guest card from the Nations’ Office at Tufvan. If you are interested to work at Sivans you
can contact your nation or visit www.sivans.com.
Slottsstallarna Slottsstallarna is run by several student unions (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!
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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, 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.
Maestro pizzeria This is a pizzeria on campus where you can buy pizza,
hamburgers and kebab. In the evenings you might catch some board members sneaking a pizza here after a board meeting
that’s run late.
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.
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.
Subway
Located at Teleborg Centrum. They offer sandwiches, chips, salads and drinks. They also have student discounts,
particularly for VIS members!.
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.
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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. The
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.
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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 easy 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 center 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 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.
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
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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
As always when starting a new course or programme you
need to buy course literature. In Växjö you can either buy the books in the second hand book shop
Campusbokhandeln or at the student union book shop at Tufvan.
Of course it is also possible to buy course literature online if you have a credit card. If you don’t have a credit
card the student union can help you to order the books. Campusbokhandeln
http://vaxjo.campusbokhandeln.se/
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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. This is also where
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.
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).
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Willy’s
Pressbyrån
Statoil
Ica
Subway/Pizzeria
Stenladan (Exams,
sittningar)
Stallarna
Maestro
Library
H – Building
(Repro, Info Desk,
International
Relations)
Tufvans
Sivans
Bus Stops
City
Recommended
