For Irma Bergquist, the forest has never been far away. Growing up in Härnösand, the forest was part of everyday life, through her family’s forestry and her own love of the outdoors. Now she is starting the Forest Science programme, with her sights set on a future forester’s degree. Family links to SLU also helped shape her view of the university, but it was military service that finally made the Forest Science programme stand out. “Military service was a decisive reason for me to choose the Forest Science programme, because we spent so much time outdoors.”
Irma Bergquist, Linnea Sandström at the Bachelor programme in Forest Science. Sara Johansson at the Green Foundation Year. Photographer: Anna Englund
At 37, John Nyzell is preparing to start the Veterinary Medicine programme at Ultuna after a varied career that has included running his own business and working in the timber industry. For him, the move marks a deliberate break with the past. “I’m something of a demographic outsider. But I decided that, for the rest of my life, I want to do something enjoyable and do some good!”
John Nyzell in Ultuna. Photographer: Johan von Feilitzen
For Lovisa Boman, the Landscape Engineering programme at Alnarp offers a practical route towards the kind of work she hopes to do in the future, in a setting that has already caught her attention. “During my time here at SLU, I’m looking forward to building the strongest possible foundation for the work I want to do in the future. And the study environment here at Campus Alnarp is so beautiful.”
Lovisa Boman in Alnarp. Photographer: Malin Lundström
Three new students - three different paths to SLU
One arrives with a lifelong connection to the forest. One is changing career after several years at work. One is beginning her studies on a campus that has already made its mark. Their routes to SLU may differ, but for all three, the autumn semester marks the start of something new – studies, encounters and experiences still to come.
New programmes at SLU
This year also saw the launch of the Green Foundation Year in Umeå and the Master of Science in Engineering – Bioresource Systems programme at Ultuna.
Students from the Master of Science in Engineering – Bioresource Systems programme. Photographer: David Ljungberg
"After years of preparation and planning, it's finally happening: the first term is underway and the students have arrived. It's truly exciting, but also a great responsibility to ensure our students receive a high-quality education," says Programme Director of Studies David Ljungberg, who shares the role with Eva Lindberg. "It feels immensely exciting to see all these expectant faces. It's real now," adds Eva.