Week 16 - Entry Exams, Dalahästar & a Very Social Weekend

Week 16 was one of those weeks where the days just kept piling up without really giving me time to breathe. The main theme was the music teacher entry exams at KMH, which basically meant I was glued to the info desk from Monday to Thursday, welcoming and directing students while also trying to remember which hallway was which. But honestly? Between all the chaos, there were some really beautiful moments that made the week feel super special.

Wake-Up-Drink and morning Fika

On Monday, May 18th, I was on duty from 8 to 16 at the info desk, welcoming and directing students for the music teacher entry exams. In between all the “where do I go?” and “which room is this?”, I got to watch a project presentation by CopeCo students and connect with the coordinators from Lyon and Hamburg, which was such a nice bonus.

Later, I presented the intro-week film and talked about how filming went with the Communication Department. After work, I went “home” to Karolina to pack up my last things, since I officially moved in with my boyfriend and his cat.

So basically: info desk, presentations, film talk, and a tiny life change. A Not-So-Classic Monday.

Tuesday was another 8 to 16 info-desk saga, once again helping students through the entry exams. We also welcomed students from LA who are studying Music Business at our new partner university, which was exciting.

Later, I met with Shadi to check the progress on the intro-week film edit, talk about what should be added or removed, and discuss music options. I also emailed students to ask if they could send in possible background music, which somehow turned into a very music-filled workday. At this point, my brain was basically: exams, emails, edit notes, and running after music forever.

Wednesday was the same rhythm all over again: full day at the info desk helping students find their way through the entry exams. At lunch, I got to meet up with our former Erasmus/International group, which was such a nice break in the middle of a busy week. Like a warm hug in the middle of a very full day.

Thursday was more of the same at the info desk, but I also kept an eye on the international emails and continued messaging students about background music for the film we made.

After work, I had a date with Sebbe in Gamla Stan where we painted a Dalahäst with the help of an instructor. It was the perfect mix of creative, cozy, and just a little bit Swedish in the best possible way.

Gamla Stan + painting a traditional horse + Max Burgers for dinner = 100% Scandinavian date goals - for me anyways.

Friday was a much calmer day at work since the entry exams were over. The main task was trying to get in contact with music production students and asking applicants whether they wanted to accept their place at KMH for the upcoming term. It felt a little quieter, but in a good way — one of those days where you slowly start catching up on everything again. And finally have time to breathe.

Our little cat-corner at Java Whiskers

The weekend started with a surprise date, I planned, on Saturday, and it was such a good one.

We went to the cat café Java Whiskers at Odenplan, Stockholm, where we had brunch and got a whole lot of cat snuggles. It was nearly impossible to leave without a cat, but we somehow managed. 10/10 would recommend going there!

Back at home, we cuddled with our fur-baby and fully leaned into the cozy weekend mood.

My colleague and I at his party!

In the evening, I went to my colleague’s place — who also happens to be our neighbor down the street — for his 10-year-in-Stockholm bingo party. There were drinks, lots of people, and a surprising amount of excitement for bingo. I even managed to get second place, which felt like a very respectable achievement.

On Sunday, we had a board game afternoon with Sebbe’s friends, where we played Pokémon Monopoly, Ticket to Ride, and a trivia game, all while eating lots of snacks and laughing a lot. A very good way to end the week; basically a perfect checklist of fun.