Nearly one in five inhabitants of Skövde is a student, so it is easy to understand that the school atmosphere permeates the city. Skövde is everything you would want in a bigger city and all that you wish for in a smaller one... Even if you are here to study and focused on getting a fun and interesting job - who has said that the way there has to be boring?
You are never far from fun things to do, whether you're looking for nightlife, nature experiences or culture. In Skövde you will find a wide selection of shops, restaurants and entertainment - all within easy walking or cycling distance to the University and your student dorm. How about a visit to the theater or an art gallery? Perhaps a movie night or a visit to one of the many pubs, taverns, nightclubs and cafes?
Working out
If you want to move your body and be active alongside with your studies, there are plenty of possibilities. Skövde has an abundance of football fields, gyms and sports halls or why not try floorball, martial arts, gymnastics, hockey, slalom, table tennis, tennis, swimming, handball, badminton, frisbee, or any of the other sports available? If you can not find exactly the right activity for you, contact the student body and maybe we can help you start something with like-minded people.
Mountain, lakes and Boulogner
Skövde is situated at the base of Mount Billingen, so just lace on your walking boots and discover all the hiking trails. You can also go jogging, cross-country skiing or fishing in one of several fishing lakes - all this, paired with a fantastic view. By bike or car you can go into the countryside and see for example "Silverfallen" - a waterfall which is spectacular in the spring, "Ryd's meadows" or "Linnaeus' beech trees".
In the summertime you can take a swim in Lake Simsjön, the closest lake with a beach. If you want to stay in town, but still want to feel the grass between your toes, there´s Boulognerskogen - a park close to both the University and the city center. In the park there are birdlakes, rolling green lawns and also student housing.
Experiences
Film, music, theater, art, musical theater, dance - to experience or be a part of? Skövde is a well-known theater and film city. The Gothenburg Opera has a local permanent stage here and there is also local theater company.
The Culture Center in Skövde is Sweden's first and here you will find an art museum, art gallery, educational workshops and libraries. There is also the Odéon theater, which is the focal point of the annual film festival. The Culture Center is located next door to "Rosa Huset" which houses Skaraborgs graphic arts workshop, public workshops for copper graphics and lithography, the media workshop, a gallery and cultural center and Skövde art school.
In Skövde there are several museums and galleries and also numerous courses / clubs for those who want to work with photography, painting, graphics, theater, dance, juggling etc...
Getting to Skövde
Train, bus or car? By train it takes one hour to Gothenburg, and two to Stockholm. The Travel Center is located across the road from the School, with many daily departures by train and over 200 regional buses . If travelling by car the E20 and road 49 passes Skövde and gives you easy access to most Swedish cities.
Studying with children
Of course it is possible to combine university studies with rearing children and we have many students who do. Skövde municipality has about 35 pre-schools, one of which is open around the clock. You can choose childcare for your children directly at Skövde Municipality's Web site, www.skovde.se
. Childcare fees in Skövde Municipality is based on the parents' total income. If you are you a student with children and living on student aid, this is what constitutes as income.
If you want to get in touch with other students who have children, you can contact the Union's parent network barn@studenkaren.se Do you know that if you study and have children under 18 years, you can get so-called "additional aid" from CSN? Read more at www.csn.se
Quick facts
Population: approximately 50 000
Services: approximately 200 regional buses and trains pass through Skövde every day
Restaurants / cafes: 50
Mountains: 1
Gym: 6
Downhill slopes: 1
Golf Courses: 3
Svimming: 1 Auqaland, 1 lake
Jogging tracks: 12
Movie Theaters: 6
Skating rink: 1 indoor, 1 outdoor
Theaters: 2
Angling Lakes: 4