Luleå University Of Technology Sweden
About School
Academics
My Campus
Student Life
Surrounding Environment
Accessibility
About School

Lulea University of Technology (LTU)

Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is the the fifth biggest and northernmost university in Sweden. It has four campuses: Luleå (the main campus), Kiruna (space science), Skellefteå (wood technology and computer game engineering) and Piteå (Department of music and media). It is well-recognized as a modern university with high-quality study and degree programs in areas including engineering, business, music, media, drama, and teaching.

Besides undergraduate programs, LTU also offers 17 Master programs that include programs in Civil Engineering, Climate Sensitive Urban Planning and Building, Wood Technology, Spacecraft Design along with other programs.

School's main website | International / Exchange student website

Academics

GPA requirement:

3.5 / 5

Language of instruction:

English

Courses:

In total, there are about 250 courses in English that are offered to both exchange students and Swedish students. Students who have sufficient knowledge of Swedish are also welcome to take any available courses offered in Swedish by LTU. The courses available for exchange students can be found here!

Swedish language courses
For exchange students interested in learning more about Swedish, LTU offers a free of charge Swedish intensive course for beginners during its Orientation program.

Course registration process:

If you are a prospective exchange student, you need to notify LTU of the courses that you would like to enroll in by mid-April (for autumn term) and mid-October (for spring term). You will then be further briefed by the exchange student coordinator on the course registration when you are there.

Attendance policy:

You will have to check the requirements with your professor as this varies from course to course.

Flying Chalks' tip: It is recommended that you pay attention during lectures because there are only few tutorials provided. However, you can always ask the teaching staff for help. They are usually very willing to teach and answer questions at any time, both via email and in person.

My Campus

Campus map:

Selected facilities:

Student Sports in Lulea (STIL)
STIL is Lulea’s biggest gym which is located at the Lulea Campus (main campus). It is available for use from early morning to late evening and all students have access for the facilities. Students can enjoy various sports activities there such as weight training, outdoor activities, and aerobics, and many more.
On top of that, students can choose between group workouts, individual workouts in the gym, or book a hall for squash, ice hockey, or any other ball sport. Full list of activities can be found here!
 
Studio Acusticum
Located at the Pitea Campus (Department of music and media), this LTU’s auditorium is one of Northern Europe’s most modern concert halls. As a student at the school of Music at Lulea University, you will spend most of your time here!
 
Library
The Lulea Campus (main campus) features a brand new library which consists of 400 reading places and 9 group study rooms.
 
Food on campus:
 
Restaurant Aurorum
The restaurant offers delicacies that cater to both Swedish and foreigners’ taste buds. They also serve fresh-baked bread and a big salad-buffet, coffee, and cake.
 
Centre Restaurant
Centre Restaurant opens every Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2.30 pm. They offer different menus every day and the lunch price includes seasonal salad, homemade bread, and Fairtrade coffee.
 
STUK
This restaurant has a standard rate of 54kr for any amount of food you take. One unique thing about this restaurant is that it is converted to a club at night. However, as with all nightclubs, you must have a valid identification or student ID.
 
Other cafes around school:
  • Café Aurora is located in D-building opposite the Aula Aurora. The nearest entrance is D2.
  • Library Café is located in B-building downstairs from the library's entrance. The nearest entrance is B2.
  • Café Nyfiket is located in the middle of E-building, near Bo Helin art gallery.
  • Da Zhong is located in D-building, next to the entrance D6 at Regnbågsallén
Flying Chalks’ tip: It is highly recommended that you cook your own meals as the food on campus and in town is generally expensive. Most students cook their lunch beforehand and heat it up in the microwave available in almost every block in the school. Location of the microwave area can be found here!
 
Campus transportation:
 
No transportation is needed as you can easily get around the school campus on foot.       
Student Life
Orientation program:
 
The orientation program that LTU holds for exchange students lasts about one week. For the Spring semester, orientation activities are held in the afternoons and evenings of the first week of the semester where for the Autumn semester, they take place one week before the start of the semester.
 
Buddy program:
 
To help exchange students better integrate into life at LTU, the Lulea University Reception Committee (LURC) holds a buddy program that pairs you up with one of their full-time students who has volunteered their time for the program. As you can expect to receive an email from your buddy one month before arrival, you will be able to ask your buddy any questions that you may have prior to the start of the semester. Those who want to be part of the program will have to request for a buddy here!
 
Student clubs:
 
LURC is a student organization that takes care of the needs of all exchange students coming to LTU. They help students with their accommodation, provide them with useful information as well as organize social activities and trips throughout the year, amongst many others. These volunteer students will also receive you at the airport, train station or bus station when you first arrive in the country. (http://lurc.forumotion.com/t13-travel-and-arrival-information) All you need to is to provide them with your arrival details by filling up the arrival form on the LURC homepage. You can check out their Facebook page here!
 
Philm is a student association that organizes Movie day on almost every Sunday, 6.30pm (except for exam weeks). They screen a wide range of movies, from that of recent popular releases to that of those lesser-known. To stay updated on its movie schedule, you will have to check the schedule posted weekly on their webpage. You can contact them at info@philmltu.se if you would like to know more about this student club.
 
Snaps Akademin (Snaps Academy) is a traditional male choir that seeks to preserve their tradition by singing polyphonic pieces. They can be easily found performing at dinners and other festive occasions, both within and outside the university environment. All students are welcome to have a try on their rehearsals that normally take place in the first few weeks of the semester.
 
Studentkoren Aurora is a student choir at LTU that has a fairly wide repertoire with elements from several genres. The choir is not only open to students, but for everyone who is passionate in singing.
 
LTU’s Kristna Studentforening (LUKAS) is an association for all Christian students at LTU. It holds regular weekly meetings on Thursday evenings and also occasionally organizes events to spread the gospel.
 
University events:
 
1. Biweekly Ice Hockey Training
The LURC holds a bi-weekly ice hockey training session for all foreign students where even students with no experience in the sport can come and learn. Students will be split up into groups based on their skill level and be taught by seniors proficient in the sport. Equipment can be bought at a cheap price from second hand shops. More information about LURC’s events can be found here!
 
2. Cross-Cultural Events
LTU sometimes organizes cross-cultural events in the school where there will be booths set up for it. International students will cook food from their home country and all students can get to try the food from all around the world.
Surrounding Environment
LTU has its campus surrounded with nature with lots of trees and a gorgeous lake that you can skate on in winter. Lulea itself is the capital city of the Norrbotten County with a population of about 75,000. The city has developed into a technological center in Northern Sweden to which LTU has played a vital role in its development.
 
For food:
 
There are many amazing food places in town near the campus, ranging from Swedish and Asian food to that of American:
  1. Restaurant CG (3.9 km from LTU)
  2. Hemmagastronomi (3.7 km from LTU)
  3. Kitchen & Table Lulea (3.7 km from LTU)
  4. Bistro Norrland (3.7 km from LTU)
  5. Tapas de Papa (4.0 km from LTU)
  6. Restaurant Chowekeeng (4.0 km from LTU)
  7. Cook’s Krog (3.8 km from LTU)
  8. Arctic Thai & Grill (2.3 km from LTU)
  9. Goodwill Restaurang (3.8 km from LTU)
  10. Uni:K Café och Bar (0.3 km from LTU)
For nightlife and entertainment:
 
STUK is the campus’ in-house night club which operates as a cafeteria from morning till evening. It is the cheapest in Lulea and boasts a young crowd as only students are allowed. The age limit is 18 as per Swedish law and you can enter the club as long as you have your ID and student card with you.
There are other pubs and clubs in the city as well, but are generally more expensive and most of them mandate a higher age limit.
 
For daily necessities and groceries:
 
In Luela, there are 3 main supermarkets: Coop, ICA, and Willy’s.
 
1.     ICA
 
 
ICA is the most popular supermarket and it can be found almost anywhere around the town. The price is relatively higher than the rest but it is usually the most accessible.
 
2. Willys
Willys is a supermarket for the price conscious as it is relatively cheaper and yet offers a wide range of groceries, particularly in fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables.
 
3. Coop
 
 
Coop differentiates itself from the abovementioned supermarkets by boasting the most extensive range of organic options.
 
For shopping:
 
In Lulea city centre, there are many small, independent shops and boutiques in addition to the shopping centers. There are also numerous second hand shops that are suitable for those of you who like retro and vintage. Retail centre “Storheden” is a large shopping area just a stone’s throw away from downtown Lulea. It offers relatively cheaper things, ranging from pillows and bedsheets, to coats and boots. The 3 supermarkets (ICA, Willys, and Coop) can be found there as well.
 
For leisure:
 
1. Arctic Circle
 
 
Arctic Circle is few miles away from Lulea and has become one of the most popular destinations for exchange students who want to travel during their break week.
 
2. Jokkmokk
 


In Jokkmokk, you can enjoy all the handiwork of the Lapps during their traditional fair which is in either August or February. Take a walk up to the nearby mountain Storknabben to enjoy the spectacular view and the sun that never drops below the horizon.
 
3. Kiruna
 
 
Kiruna, near Jokkmokk, is a small town situated on Lake Luosajava near the world’s largest underground mine. Kiruna is an amazing place for skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling etc.​
 
4. Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights)
 
 
The Northern Lights can often be seen clearly in Luela! Winter will be the best season to view the lights.​
 
5. Muddus National Park
 
 
Muddus National Park is famous for its bird sanctuaries and zoo of northern animals. It has marked hiking trails and an observation tower at the lake.
Accessibility

A bus service will be provided for trip between central Lulea and the university campus every morning and afternoon. Other than that, bus no. 4 from central Lulea will also take you directly to the university. You can get the tickets for single local bus journeys at the ticket office in centre of Luleå at Smedjegatan 13H (Mon–Fri from 10am–5pm). It will cost you 25 SEK for it.

Getting from Lulea airport to Lulea University of Technology:

1. Taxi

From Lulea Airport, you can take a taxi to LTU by booking beforehand or calling a taxi company at 0920-10 000 (Lulea taxi), +46 (0)8 120 920 00 (Flygtaxi), 0920-666 66 (Sexans Taxi). There are also taxis that you can find waiting outside the airport.

2. Bus

Taking the bus from Lulea Airport to the city centre takes around 20 minutes. You can take bus no. 230 and get off at “Smedjegatan” stop. To get to LTU directly, take bus no. 4 instead.