Fika with us

This podcast is about the various applications and websites that are important in the day to day student life at Linkoping University [https://liu.se/en]. it helps give insight on the functions of each of these websites and applications and how to navigate your way through them. Participants: Fatima Abdullahi-Muhammed and Chelsea Draru Deborah.

What does “design” really mean — and how do sustainability, creativity, and research all come together in one programme? In this episode, we sit down with Kacper Brach, a first-year student from Poland in Linköping University’s Master’s in Design, specializing in the Sustainable Design track. Kacper shares his journey from Poland to Sweden, and we talk about what it’s like to study design in an international, interdisciplinary environment. He explains the different tracks in the programme, what sustainable design actually involves, and how his own perspective on design has evolved. We also touch on creativity, climate challenges, cross-campus studying, and balancing inspiration with deadlines. Whether you’re curious about studying design, passionate about sustainability, or just want to hear how art, technology, and society can come together — this one’s for you.   Participants: Kacper Brach and Bartosz Likoński.

What’s it like to move across the world to study a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary field? In this episode, we sit down with Clara (Yun-Tsz Tsai), a first-year student in the Computational Social Science Master’s programme at Linköping University. Clara shares her story of growing up in Taiwan, why she chose to study in Sweden, and how she’s navigating life in a new country. We dive into what Computational Social Science actually is, the types of students the programme attracts, and how sociology meets data science to tackle real-world problems. Clara also opens up about cultural differences, managing the academic workload, and future career dreams. Whether you’re curious about studying abroad, interested in social data, or just love a good fika story — you won’t want to miss this conversation! Links from the episode: * Read Clara’s blog posts on the LiU International Student Blog [https://internationalstudents.blog.liu.se/author/yunts820/] Participants: Clara (Yun-Tsz Tsai) and Bartosz Likoński.

Finding a place to live can be one of the most stressful parts of moving to a new country. What if a fellow student built a tool to make it easier? In this episode, we sit down with Aditya Upadhyay, a first-year Aeronautical Engineering student from India, to talk about his experience of moving to Sweden and the challenges of finding student accommodation. Aditya shares how his own housing struggles inspired him to create a Python-based tool that monitors and alerts students about available accommodation options in Linköping. We dive into how the tool works, how it’s already helping others, and his vision for expanding it further. Along the way, Aditya reflects on Swedish culture, settling into a new environment, and — of course — shares his favorite fika. Whether you're a newly admitted student or just curious about how tech can solve real-life problems, this episode shows how a bit of code can go a long way. Links from the episode: * Accommodation Direct Monitor tool on GitHub [https://github.com/Prophet-Barnes/Accommodation-Direct-Monitor] * Read more about Direct Monitor tool on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/-aditya-upadhyay-_results-scenario-market-activity-7226574349854511105-p0Qh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAClOv_wB5FxtDSBdbd5k9C8bp-5XwJ38c2U] Participants: Aditya Upadhyay and Bartosz Likoński.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s part of daily life in Sweden. But how do students at Linköping University experience sustainability? What challenges do they face, and how does LiU support them in making greener choices? In this episode, we sit down with Jai Krishnan Murali, a Master’s student in Sustainability Engineering and Management, to explore how sustainability is embedded in student life. From biogas-powered buses and district heating to second-hand culture and industry collaborations, we discuss how Linköping makes sustainable living both accessible and practical. Jai also shares his personal journey from India to Sweden, his thoughts on the biggest sustainability challenges for international students, and how small changes—like learning Sweden’s waste sorting system or choosing second-hand furniture—can make a big impact. We also highlight some exciting trends in Sweden’s sustainability landscape, including AI-powered waste sorting and hydrogen-fueled public transport. Whether you're a student looking to get involved in sustainability or just curious about how Sweden is leading the way, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. Links from the episode: * Check out LiU’s Student Second-Hand Shop [https://www.instagram.com/liustudentsecondhand] on Instagram Participants: Jai Krishnan Murali and Bartosz Likoński.