Lund vs. Göteborg -- Finance

Hi there--

I have been accepted to the afore mentioned Master's Programs in Finance. As I don't know anybody in these programs, it would be nice to hear about your firsthand experiences in either of those programs. I am specifically interested in:

- Are there any differences in emphases of studies? For example, is either one of the programs more quantitative/practically or economics/applied finance oriented?

- How's the social vibe / mood in the departments and how are the attitudes of the professors? Is either one of those places more bureaucratic or inflexible in terms of students' needs?

- Does either one of these give better connections to the business world after graduation?

- For those over 30... Do you feel that student life in Lund leans too much towards younger students?

- Both places seem to difficult for find housing. Which one is likely to be easier?

- How about average costs of living?

- Which one you would recommend and why? Any other suggestions...

Thanks for your help already!

J

I'm just a student (business) at undergraduate level in Lund, but I'm originally from Gothenburg so I might be able to give you some answers.

Lund is a great place for undergraduate students, as you mentioned, but what most people don't realise is that Lund is very close to both Malmö and Copenhagen. Many graduate students live and spend most of there time in these cities but take advantage of the quality of education that Lunds University offers. When it comes to connections to the business world Lund is doing a great work, what might be different in Lund, compared to other swedish universitys is that more european companies in general and danish in particular recruit from the university.

Gothenburg University is spread all over Gothenburg so you don't get the same "university feeling" there, but that might not be what you are looking for as a graduate student. Further on Gothenburg is a larger city and therfore offers more services, better connections, more opportunities and so on. Unfortunatly that comes with more expensive living costs and makes it harder to find good housing if you're not willing to live in the outskirts of the city. When it comes to business connectiones I think you have at least as good possibilities in Gothenburg as you have in Lund, Gothenburg though might be more strongly connected to some industrial companies like Volvo and SKF.

Someone else has to tell you about the quality of the programs but I think you will have a great time wherever you end up.

Good luck!

Thanks for your hints, insights are always helpful