Umeå University

Described as the capital of northern Sweden, Umeå (home to the Umeå University) is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. At the end of 2005 Umeå had a population of 110 000 inhabitants, with, thanks to the university, a very high proportion of young people. The city, founded in 1622 by King Gustav II Adolf, was largely destroyed by fire in 1888. During rebuilding thousands of birch trees were planted to prevent future fires from spreading. The birch population has been maintained ever since, earning Umeå the nickname Town of Silver Birches, in Swedish "Björkarnas stad". Umeå is a center for leisure and pleasure, with a wide and varied range of cultural and sporting activities on offer. The Norrland Opera is known nationwide for its unusual and unconventional performances of classical and modern opera. The town has a very lively jazz and pop music scene, and boasts the world renowned Umeå Jazz Festival and Chamber Music Festival. There are also festivals of Folk Music, Film, Pop music, and a Ballad festival. Several permanent theaters, concerts, cinemas, pubs, and nightclubs, add to the choice of entertainment all the year round.

In the Swedish system it is each student's personal responsibility to find accommodation in the area during his or her studies at the university. Accommodation is not something that is provided, administered or arranged by the University. For advice on how to find accomodation in Umeå, see the accomodation section on the Umeå University website.