Kristianstad Named Student City of the Year 2024

"We are honored that Kristianstad has been awarded the title of Student City of the Year 2024," says Anneli Orrung Wallin, Vice-Chancellor of Kristianstad University. "It's a testament to the dedication of the university, the student union, the municipality, and the local business community in creating an environment where students can develop academically and personally. Now, our collective focus is on making Kristianstad an even better city for students to study, live, and enjoy themselves in."

The SFS's reasoning highlights excellent transportation, a welcoming housing situation, and a distinctive collaboration among the city's students, educational institutions, public actors, and businesses. It also emphasizes the significant influence students have in various aspects of the city's and the institution's development.

"We're extremely pleased and proud of this accolade," states Camilla Palm (M), Chair of the Kristianstad Municipal Council. "For years, we've been working closely with the university, student union, and business community to promote Kristianstad as a prime location for students. This award is a confirmation of our successful collaboration. A thriving university with students experiencing all Kristianstad offers is crucial for the development of the entire northeast Scania region."

The Student City of the Year is an annual award by SFS to a city excelling in creating an excellent study and living environment for students.

"Kristianstad has particularly distinguished itself as a city that welcomes its students. With the city's housing guarantee and other initiatives, all students have a secure start to their studies. Thanks to the collaboration with the rest of the city, students become an integrated part of its development, enticing many to stay post-graduation," says Jacob Färnert, Chair of the Swedish National Union of Students.

Hugo Olsson, Chair of the Kristianstad Student Union (KSK), views the award as recognition of local student engagement.

"As a student union, we are very grateful for this award. It's fantastic that our joint efforts to enhance students' roles in the community are visible. Now, it's about continuing this work and ensuring Kristianstad remains a welcoming city for students."

The jury's full motivation for the award:

"In northeast Scania lies a city long committed to becoming the Student City of the Year, with or without the title. The Swedish National Union of Students is thrilled to announce Kristianstad as the Student City of the Year 2024. This distinction underscores the city's ability to offer a conducive environment for students to grow, contribute, and prosper.

Kristianstad provides a welcoming housing situation alongside excellent transportation. The city has been marked 'green' in SFS's annual housing report for three consecutive years. Students are guaranteed housing at reasonable rents, with many student residences offering 10-month leases. A smart housing portal simplifies the process for students. The city's proximity to nature, including parks, forests, lakes, and the sea, is noteworthy. The jury particularly highlights the Bed and Study project, offering significantly discounted hotel stays and study spaces for short-term students, benefiting distance learners and commuters.

Also remarkable is the strong collaboration between the city's students, educational institutions, public actors, and businesses. Student influence manifests in various aspects of the city's and institution's development. Initiatives and ideas from students are nurtured by the city. Social activities like concerts and discounts are regularly implemented, welcomed by various city actors.

Several projects aim to ease students' transition from studies to work life in Kristianstad and the broader Scania and Øresund regions. The jury wishes to spotlight projects like Future Entrepreneurial Workforce, Future Fair, and Students in Leadership, all focusing on students and their futures. The student benefit permeates, showing students as a natural part of the city's progress."