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Nell from Sweden

Why do you think it is important to study archaeology? 

"I think it’s important to study archaeology because there is so much of our heritage that is still undiscovered. I believe that we humans, as a society and community, really need to know our history before moving forward. There’s so much we can learn from the past which could save us from making mistakes in the future!"

What do you think about your programme so far? 

"The programme fits me so well, so every expectation I ever had has been exceeded. It's the most fun thing ever! I don't really want it to end. Honestly, all the people you meet, such as professors or other students, make it feel like home. It's very cliché to say, but it's true!"

Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies? 

"Oh, yeah! I've excavated now four times in Uppåkra, a site just outside of Lund. It's so much fun and it’s so much more than just digging up old things - it's getting closer to what you really want to do. It feels like a little adventure every time."

What is the best thing about your programme? 

"There are many great things about this programme! It’s a programme with a syllabus that isn’t completely set in stone, so you’ll have some choices to make in order to customise your own programme, which is great! However, I think my absolute favourite part is the fact that it is a very “hands-on” learning process, both in the field and in the classroom. We’re able to not just recover and study artefacts, but also use the many different instruments and technologies required for the field."

What is the relationship like with professors at Lund? 

"At my first introductory meeting for Lund, where we were 65 students in the course I was taking, my professor said: 'Oh, hello, I'm going to introduce myself, I know there are many people in here, but I really want to take the time to make the effort to get to know you guys'. Then he went in the typical round having everyone introduce themselves. When I compare this to my previous studies at a different university, where we were only 35 people, the professor just walked in, held her lecture, and that was it. At Lund, it really felt so personal and like you were coming home, in a way, instead of just being another student in a system. It was amazing. My professors in general have been very, very helpful. So, if you have any questions, just ask them and you'll be fine!"

How “international” is your programme?  

"My programme is around 50/50, Swedish and international I'd say. It’s a very nice mix."  

What has been your favourite course and why? 

"My favourite course so far in the Master’s programme has easily been the field course! It was the very first course as part of the programme, so for that first month, we were all able to really get to know each other while working closely together. At the same time, we were all doing the most fun thing in the world - excavating and rediscovering pieces of history!"

What are you planning to do after your studies?  

"Well, I don't really want it to end. I really want to at least get a second bachelor's degree. That's the plan, and I'd be definitely open to getting a PhD too because I genuinely feel so passionate about this subject and archaeology in general. So just doing anything concerning that would be amazing!"

How do you feel like you've benefited from international life in Lund? 

"I've come more alive. That sounds really weird, but it's only recently with the Master’s programme that I've actually stayed later in Lund hanging out with friends at the Nation pub, for instance, because that's really where we can hang out and meet people. That’s when I benefited a lot. Really, most of my friends now in my class that I actually talk to and hang out with outside of lectures are international students."

Want some tips on historical places to visit in Lund? Check out Nell's blog post! 

Blog post 'Archaeology Student’s Guide to Must-see Historical Sites In Lund'