Master programs, housing tips & future dreams
When 29-year-old Barbra left her hometown of Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city, to start her dream program at the University of Gothenburg, she knew it would be a big change. Since August, she has been living with us at Ostkupan in Kallebäck, where she has quickly settled into her new home.
We recently had the opportunity to spend a lovely afternoon together talking about everything from salsa classes, national vaccine programs and the student housing market in Gothenburg.
Sorting out housing from across the globe
Barbra is one of only 24 students admitted to the brand new Master’s program in Applied Biostatistics, currently offered at the University of Gothenburg. With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Statistics from Maasai Mara University (2015-2019) and six years of experience as a data analyst and coordinator, the next step was obvious – to develop her skills on an international level.
But the road to secure housing in Gothenburg required planning ahead.
Already from Kenya, Barbra started looking for student accommodation via the SGS website and contacted with the kenyan student ambassador Wandera Kisimbiri in Gothenburg. He explained how the Swedish rental system works and gave useful tips on what to think about before moving. Thanks to this preparation, she was able to secure her accommodation at Ostkupan even before she landed in Sweden.
Today she lives in a furnished single room with a shared kitchen and bathroom – an accommodation she describes as affordable, comfortable and safe.
– It can be a challenge to share common areas in the beginning, but with dialog and respect it works very well now, she says.
Barbra has already started to create a social context in Gothenburg. She is involved in the Society of International Affairs in Gothenburg, where she is Co-head of Lecture, and in her spare time she enjoys reading, painting and plans to take up salsa dancing.
She describes Gothenburg as a friendly city with beautiful nature:
– I love the fall colors of the trees, the view from my room is amazing!
Future and Dreams
Her plans for the future are big. After her master’s degree, Barbra is considering a PhD, and her dream is to contribute to the development of Kenya’s healthcare system.
– My goal is to use my knowledge and make the health system better. I would love to be part of the department in Kenya that works on policy making for vaccines.
What does she miss most from home?
– My family – and a bigger bed, she says with a smile. Otherwise, I like it here very much!
For us as a landlord, it feels great to be able to contribute to a safe start for students like Barbra. We are proud to be able to offer a home where international students can thrive, grow and dream big – in the middle of Gothenburg.