The academic year consists of two semesters. I'm trying to get two minors here, so I spend one semester on each minor. This semester I'm studying English, whereas I probably will be studying psychology next semester. English is quite interesting (not all the time) since I've always been fascinated by it. It is, however, proving to be a more challenging task than I initially expected. Well, whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you stronger, right? At least I'm giving it my all; I end up studying many hours a week (even during the weekend), which sometimes is a necessity if you want to keep up with the teacher(s) and the lessons. I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever worked this hard at school/university. Ever. On the bright side, I guess I'm learning something. My teachers are great; we only have one native English teacher, but she is funny and possesses a charming Scottish accent (toned down, so we'll be able to grasp what she says, though). The rest of the teachers are all Swedish (as far as I know), but they speak English just like any Briton. One normally has to be prepared for every class, so reading and preparing is always a good thing. You don't really appear as very smart if you answer "I don't know" to every question. Speaking of English - I have an exam in English linguistics next week. Wish me luck!
So how is living in Sweden? Not too bad actually! The language is very easy for me, so I understand everything I read and hear. At least almost everything! The Swedes seem to understand Norwegian fine, but there are certain words/phrases that their brain just can't process. Oh well. When I came here, I was pleasantly surprised about the price level. It's relatively cheap to live in Sweden, especially if you come from Finland or Norway (which I do). Put simply - I have more buying power in Sweden than in Finland. Hail to the euro! There's one big difference, however, and that is when it comes to the price level of the lunch at the university's restaurant; a lunch actually costs as much as 6€ here! Compared to Finland where you have to shell out a mere 3-4€ for a lunch, the difference is noticable. I suspect the food served here might be a bit better though. Not dissing school food in Finland, but sometimes I ate what resembled prison food at my home university. That hasn't happened here yet, but maybe I was just unfortunate in Finland? Could be!
So besides studying - what does Tommy do? I have returned to my healthy lifestyle, which means I'm going to the gym again. It's been a bit on and off during the last year (often due to moving and such), but I feel very content now: I usually do a few bodypump/bodycombat classes per week. It feels great, and if you are to believe researchers, it should boost one's learning ability. Here's to hoping! I have noticed that going to classes is way more fun than just playing around with all the strange equipment in the gym; I push myself harder in classes and time goes much faster. Plus I get to listen to loud music while exercising! I still drink soda, though (Dr. Pepper is my new addiction), which could be considered unhealthy, but I can live with that. It's hard to be 100 % healthy. Oh, and I still love to play computer games, but who in their right mind wouldn't?
I'm going to spend the weekend reading for the exam and preparing an oral presentation. Great. I hope YOU will have a more exciting weekend!
