Hello everyone and welcome back for the third time. Perhaps there was a bit of a rocky start to the year with this cyber-attack. However, if you’re still managing to read these diaries despite that, you must be very interested in the Erasmus experience. And I will say, it’s going great!
Stockholm continues to amaze me with its beautiful views and surprisingly cheap and tasty tacos. Since I last wrote to you all I’ve been doing is assignments (turns out you actually have to do work on Erasmus) and I visited the lovely city of Uppsala. Autumn has truly set in over here. The colours of yellow and red cover the ground and the wind is getting that bit crisper as the colder weather sets in.
However, the NUI Galway cyber-attack even managed to reach me in Sweden. My Erasmus grant was delayed as they weren’t able to distribute it because the systems were down. I’m not going to lie, the expense is hitting me over here. As I’m sure it is for other students on Erasmus. So, I have a quick few budget tips if you need them.
Number one, make sure you join your Erasmus university’s student union. Like our fabulous student union in Galway, the ones abroad often offer different free or cheap options for students. Just the other day I got a free breakfast on campus because the student union paired with this dairy company. And it was nicer than any breakfast I would’ve made myself.
The second thing I recommend is that you join as many Erasmus groups as you can. They often offer discounts on trips and this is how I managed to go to Estonia for only €14. Have a look on Facebook for the Erasmus network in your city.
The third and final tip, one you probably know already, always ask for student discounts! Anywhere you go, whether it’s a restaurant or a museum, they often offer discounts you just need to ask!
Anyway, budget tips aside, I’m actually back in Ireland this week. As sickening as I sound, I couldn’t stay away from my boyfriend too long and had to come see him. I also got to see my dogs and family as an extra bonus. So, if you see me around, don’t worry about me lying about being abroad. I promise by the time you read I will be back in Scandinavia.
Anyway, that’s all for now. I will see you next issue and good luck with assignments!
