Week 2 - Somewhere Between Coffee and Excel Sheets

After the whirlwind of coffee-fueled chaos, new faces, and tech hiccups in Week 1, things finally slowed down a little. This week felt more like the calm montage part of a movie — the one where you’ve stopped running in circles, started finding your rhythm, and maybe even mastered not getting lost (well… most of the time). Swedish efficiency, as it turns out, applies to everything — even inboxes.

My work-space

Monday started off with a long to-do list and a cup of very necessary coffee. I spent a lot of time double-checking data sheets, comparing student lists, and trying to make sense of the mysterious ways Excel and Word can turn one innocent formula or table into chaos. But hey — at least now I finally know where every single button is (even the ones I shouldn’t touch).

The following days blended together in that slow, productive rhythm that I secretly enjoy: small updates here, a few cross-checks there, and lots of catching up on previous files. I was mostly responsible for nominating students to universities all over Europe, stay on top of my e-mail inbox and keeping track of applications in my Excel table. I also got a better grasp on the student mobility process — there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing how all those names and numbers actually shape the real exchange experience.

The weather forecast...

Midweek brought colder weather (again) and that perfect "Stay-In-And-Get-Work-Done" kind of mood.

In between tasks - and weekly team-meetings - I joined a few quick chats with colleagues, got some insider tips on Swedish coffee breaks and second hand shops, and learned about upcoming events that sound genuinely exciting — thinking Lunch Concerts, but with even more energy.

My office area / hallway to the offices - on the 5th floor

By Friday, I felt like I’d finally found my rhythm. Fewer surprises, more focus, and that quiet satisfaction of ticking things off your list. And I have finally gained access to the International Office e-Mail!

Not every week has to be filled with chaos and adventures — sometimes it’s nice to just keep calm and spreadsheet on.

Here’s to mastering the art of balance: progress, patience, and a bit of fika-fueled motivation. 🍰✨