Changing Direction and Finding the Right Path

Name: Runa
From: Germany
Programme: Master by Research in Media and Communication
Campus: Sundsvall
Favourite Swedish word: Mysigt (Cosy). It's dark and cold during the winter, but mysigt is the definition that swedes still manage to make it comfortable whether being outside or at the office.  

Why did you choose Mid Sweden University and this programme? 

“The Master by Research programme at Mid Sweden University was the only programme I found in Sweden that allowed me to go into Media and Communication without having a bachelor’s degree in the subject,” she says. 

What finally convinced her about the programme was its interdisciplinary approach and the diversity of academic backgrounds among the students. 

“People came into to the programme from different backgrounds and perspectives, and then we developed or work and ideas together from there. That was one of the biggest advantages for me.”

She also appreciated the open structure of the programme, where students gradually explore and develop their own research interests through their studies. 

What have you enjoyed the most about your programme?

For Runa, one of the most rewarding parts of the programme has been the opportunity to explore topics in depth while discussing ideas with both classmates and teachers. 

“I really enjoyed being able to have deeper discussions about our different research areas, both with the other students and with supervisors and teachers.”

Although the students focused on different subjects – ranging from political communication and social media, to AI in news media, and sustainability communication – she says the small study environment created a strong opportunity for discussion and collaboration. 

“Even though we all focused on different topics, we were still able to discuss and engage with each other’s work on a deeper level.” 

She also describes the academic environment as welcoming and inclusive. Throughout the programme, students were invited to participate in higher academic seminars together with professors, researchers, doctoral students, and staff members at DMICOM. 

“At first, it felt a bit intimidating, but after a while it became natural to ask questions and take part in the discussions. Everyone was very open and approachable.”

Rather than feeling separated from faculty members, she says the seminars helped created an atmosphere where everyone felt encourages to contribute. 

“It never felt like someone thought they knew more just because they were a professor or a PhD student. Everyone was encourages to participate and ask questions.”

 How did you find it meeting other students and becoming part of student life her?

When Runa first arrived in Sundsvall, adapting to a new environment took some time. Since many students in Sundsvall are local and already have established social circles, she says it could sometimes feel difficult in the beginning. 

“At first, it felt like many students already had their group of friends, and that made it hard at first.”

At the same time, she believes the active student union and the many social activities organised on campus played an important role helping students connect. 

“That’s why I think it is so important that we have such an engaged student union and support from the municipality, and events like the introduction period. Those kinds of activities make it much easier to meet people.”

She also highlights the smaller international community at Mid Sweden University as something positive. 

“Since the campus is smaller and there are fewer international students, it becomes easier to get to know each other. Everyone fits into the same group chat and communities, which creates a very welcoming feeling.”

Compared to her previous experience studying in larger cities, she says student life in Sundsvall felt different – but also more personal over time. 

How did you become involved in the student union and student life outside your studies? 

Runa first became involved through the International Section of the student union. Early on, she realised that many international students only stayed for one semester (exchange students), while she herself would remain for a longer period of time. 

“It became important for me to take the responsibility and help continue the work and experience we had built during the first semester.”

Her engagement gradually grew as she became more aware of some of the challenges international students faced during their studies. 

“I realised that it is not enough to only complain about things. If you want to change something, you also have to get involved.”

Through the student union, she worked with issues related to funded study support for international students and also represented student perspectives in national student union contexts. 

She believes one of the advantages of studying at a smaller university is that students have a real opportunity to make an impact. 

“The paths between students, the student union and the university are quite short here, which makes it easier to get involved and actually influence things.”

Her commitment eventually led to opportunities beyond the student union. As a student ambassador, she took part in welcoming new students, meeting prospective students and representing Mid Sweden University in different contexts. 

“It was rewarding to be able to contribute to the university and gain a better understanding of how different parts of the organisation work.:”

The ambassador role also gave here insights into areas she would not normally encounter as a student, including student recruitment and university communication. 

“Through the student ambassador role, I gained a better understanding of how a university actually works behind the scenes. It was especially interesting to learn more about the marketing an recruitment side of things.”

Looking back, she feels that her engagement has helped raise awareness of international students’ experiences and challenges within the student community. 

“It feels like more people are aware of these issues now, and that understanding has grown within the student union.”

Thinking back on it, how would you describe the study social environment at Mid Sweden University?

Without hesitation Runa answers ‘Cosy’,

“You keep running into the same people wherever you go.”
Whether it is at a student union event, social activities, or around campus, she says the close-knit community makes it easy to recognise familiar faces and build connections over time. 

“Many of the same people are involved in different activities, which makes it easier to get to know others and find your community.”

For Runa, one of the strengths of studying at a smaller university is the sense of familiarity that develops naturally through student life. 

“It becomes much easier to recognise people, connect with them, and feel like you belong.”

What has been your best memory from your time at Mid Sweden University?

One of Runa’s favourite memories from her time at Mid Sweden University comes from her very first year in Sundsvall. 

“I went winter swimming with a group of international students at Sidsjön. It was freezing cold, and we were all suffering, but it was also a lot of fun! Sharing that experience together made it special.”

Looking back, she says the experience became memorable, not because of the cold water itself, but because it was something everyone experienced together. 

She also highlights the opportunities she has had through the student union, ChallengeEU, and other networks such as Great Minds, where she met students, and professionals from different backgrounds. 

“Some of my best memories comes from meeting people who are passionate about the same issues and being able to share experiences and ideas together.”

For her, many of the most memorable moments happened outside the classroom, through the communities and opportunities she found during her studies. 

What are your plans after graduation?

"I will be starting a PhD position in Brussels in Media and Communication Studies. It i part of a Marie Sklodowska-Curie doctoral network, with doctoral position distributed across Europe and opportunities for collaboration between different universities. So I will get to keep the international aspects of my studies."