Kevn Wang, accustomed to the warmth of Taiwan, faces the prospect of a northern winter with a blend of fear and anticipation.
The academic year kicked off with a sunny welcome event on campus, designed to give students a great start. Lunch wraps were served, and the cultural association Mullberget provided live music.
Various educational associations, authorities, organizations, and companies were present to inform students about their services.
Kevin Wang from Taiwan, who recently began studying VFX, was among the attendees. He has been living in Skellefteå for two weeks and has a positive first impression.
– It's quite nice here. But to be honest, I'm a bit concerned about the winter and the cold, he says.
Md Sihab and his namesake Md Azizul, both from Bangladesh, are impressed by Skellefteå's international character.
Md Azizul from Bangladesh, a master's student in IT security, agrees.
– My program, offered through LTU, can only be studied here in Skellefteå, so I didn't have many options. It's a small town, but there's a lot going on, and I think it has a great atmosphere.
Campus Skellefteå continues to grow. This year, the town boasts a record number of educational institutions.
– I believe we're stronger together, said Helena Blackbright, course coordinator at Mälardalen University, a new addition to the campus.
– We simply improve when we work together.
Helena Blackbright (in the middle) is the course coordinator at Mälardalen University, which is part of the new collaboration model "Skellefteå Universities Alliance," SUA.
Starting this year, there is a chiropractic program at Campus Skellefteå.
Skandinaviska Kiropraktorhögskolan, (the Scandinavian College of Chiropractics) is a recent addition to Skellefteå. A clinic has been established on campus, and chiropractor Jonatan Wallqvist was there to provide information.
– Anyone can book an appointment, but staff and students receive a discounted rate, he said.
Ewa Hasinska and Hannes Mineur, studying computer graphics for games and films through LTU, were primarily drawn to the free lunch but took advantage of the event to explore other offerings.
– I'm from Poland, and it was pure chance that I ended up here. But after a year, I have no regrets, said Ewa Hasinska.
In addition to on-campus programs, various distance learning options are available.
Lise-Marie Skivik and Amanda Nilsson from Överklinten are pursuing support pedagogy degrees through a 'semi-distance' program.
– We have occasional on-site weeks in Skellefteå, said Lise-Marie Skivik.
– It's rewarding to have face-to-face classes and meet in person. And it's not too far for us to drive.
This year, a record number of institutions are offering education in Skellefteå. For the autumn semester of 2025, even more are planned, with the University of Borås, Mid Sweden University, and the University of Gävle set to launch programs.
Lise-Marie Skivik and Amanda Nilsson.