Veronika tomeckova magazine by Örebro universitet HumUS/MKV

URBAN

TMOSPHERE

November 2015

Special issue focused on student city life prague: The

city of

Thousand Spires

TOP Cities in the World

magazine aboutLife travelling cities around the world in the cities and around the world.

URBAN

TMOSPHERE

CONTENT 5

TOP Best Cities for Runners

Introduction: City of Örebro

Örebro University Campus

Moving Away?

Prague - The City of Thousand Spires

Best Cities in the World

Enjoy our November Issue!

Solo Editorial Team Editor in Chief: Veronika Tomeckova Text: Unknown Photo: Veronika Tomeckova & Internet Layout & Graphic: Veronika Tomeckova

All content was made for noncomercial use only and serves for study purposes of Ă&#x2013;rebro university

Disclaimer

Contact: 484sx Orebro, Sweden veronika.tomeckova@ aiesec.z

s r e n n u run r

top best cities for s r e n For traveling fitness enthusiasts, sneaking in a jog while sightseeing is a treat of sorts. Transform your runner’s high into an unfworgettable experience with a trip to one of the following destinations.

Sydney

Your choices in Sydney are limited only by your imagination. A waterfront route from Bondi to Coogee passes by some of Sydney’s most iconic beaches and is popular with runners. The Royal Botanic Gardens’ pathways overlooking the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge represent another not-to-be-missed route. Then there is the Bay Run—a trail in Sydney’s western suburbs that loops around Iron Cove.

Hong Kong

A haven for outdoor types, Hong Kong is home to a plethora of options for runners: both urban and off-the-beaten-path trails offer scenic views with a memorable juxtaposition of the urban and the wild. The only trouble is choosing between Ma On Shan’s beautiful waterfront promenade, Clear Water Bay’s stunning vistas, or Discovery Bay’s mix of trails and pathways.

Vancouver

Vancouver routinely ranks among the most livable cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Its pristine setting along the Pacific, with forested trails, waterfront routes, and mountains, is a top draw for health and fitness enthusiasts. Few places in the world are better for running

than the Stanley Park seawall (5.5 miles), whose stunning concrete path takes you around the Stanley Park point, along Burrard Inlet, under the Lions Gate Bridge down to False Creek.

Rio de Janeiro

Home of the “Girl from Ipanema,” the stretch of Leblon-Ipanema-Arpoador is an alluring strip of sand and sun. Cruising along one of the world’s most spectacular urban beaches, with the Atlantic as a backdrop and beautiful, friendly locals all around, is a treat for any runner. This five-mile loop features splendid sunsets to boot.

New York City

New York’s iconic Central Park needs little introduction. Home to the finish line of perhaps the world’s most famous marathon, the park is also a huge draw for its scenic six-mile loop. Looking for a change of scenery? Run along the West Side Highway or the East River for breathtaking views.

Portland

Portland rightly ranks among America’s best cities for runners—and not just because Nike and Adidas have headquarters here. If the path by the Willamette River doesn’t impress you, head for the seemingly infinite forest trails right outside the city center—scores of miles of greenery and fresh air await. Options abound for trail running as well, including the Wildwood Trail in Washington Park. 5

Welcome to

ÖREBRO

he city originally sprang up as a product of the textile industry, but it’s now decidedly a university town – students on bicycles fill the streets, and other relaxed folk gather on restaurant patios and in parks. It’s an ideal spot to indulge in standard holiday activities, like nursing a beer in a terrace cafe or shopping unhurriedly along a cobbled street.

Getting to Örebro Long-distance buses leave from opposite the train station and run almost everywhere in southern Sweden. Swebus Express has connections to Norrköping, Karlstad and Oslo (Norway); Mariestad and Göteborg; Västerås and Uppsala; and Eskilstuna and Stockholm. Train connections are also good. Direct SJ trains run to/from Stockholm (Skr 219, two hours) every hour with some via Västerås (Skr 128, one hour); and frequently to and from Göteborg (Skr 410, three hours). Other trains run to Gävle (Skr 240 to Skr 430, three to four hours, five daily) and Borlänge (Skr296, 2¼ hours, twice daily), where you can change for Falun and Mora.

Getting around Örebro Town buses leave from Järntorget; tickets cost Skr26/13 per adult/child and are good for three hours. Cykeluthyrning, at the Hamnplan boat terminal, rents bikes from May to September from Skr 90 per day.

Slotet The magnificent Slottet is now the county governor’s headquarters. It was originally built in the late 13th century, but most of what you see today is from 300 years later. The outside is far more dramatic than the interior. To explore you’ll need to take a tour; those in English start at noon, 2pm and 4pm daily in summer, and at 1pm weekends otherwise. Book through the tourist office (on the lower level). The northwestern tower holds an exhibition. 6

A substantial, culturally rich city, Örebro buzzes around its central feature: the huge and romantic castle surrounded by a moat filled with water lilies. Stadsparken

Stadsparken is an idyllic and kid-friendly park once voted Sweden’s most beautiful. It stretches alongside Svartån (the Black River) and merges into the Wadköping museum village . The village, named after what author Hjalmar Bergman called his hometown in his novels, is a cobblestone maze of workshops, cafes, a bakery and period buildings – including Kungsstugan (the King’s Lodgings; a medieval house with 16th-century ceiling paintings) and Cajsa Warg’s house (home of an 18th-century celebrity chef).

Wadköping You can wander the village at any time; there are guided tours (Skr20) at 1pm and 3pm June to August. Most information is posted in Swedish, but there’s a small tourist office with brochures in English. Ask about summer performances at the children’s theater (tickets Skr 50). The Wadköping Museum Village contains craft workshops, a bakery and period buildings including Kungsstugan (the King’s Lodgings, a medieval house with 16th-century ceiling paintings) and Cajsa Warg’s house (home of an 18th-century celebrity chef). You can wander round the village at any time, but the shops, café, exhibitions and museums are closed out of hours.

Svampen The first of Sweden’s modern ‘mushroom’ water towers, Svampen was built in 1958 and now functions as a lookout tower. There are good views of lake Hjälmaren at the top, as well as a cafe (daily specials Skr100).

St Nikolai Kyrka The 13th-century St Nikolai Kyrka has some historical interest: it’s where Jean Baptiste Bernadotte (Napoleon’s marshal) was chosen to take the Swedish throne. Just opposite, on Drottninggatan, is the Rådhus (town hall); if you’re around at the right time, stop to hear the chimes (12.05pm and 6.05pm year-round, plus 9pm June to September), when sculptures representing the city’s past, present and future come wheeling out of a high arched window.

Länsmuseum The Länsmuseum has strong and topical temporary exhibits – for example, a collection of protest posters from the ‘60s, or a consideration of the era’s clothing and home furnishings as cultural indicators. It’s also home to a permanent collection of artwork grouped by theme, and historical displays about the region (mostly in Swedish). The grounds are often dotted with sculptures or outdoor art installations.

Biologiska Museet Many Swedish schools once had private natural-history collections, but most were binned in the 1960s. Örebro’s Biologiska Museet, in Karolinska Skolan, is a survivor; it’s well worth a glance for its tier upon tier of stuffed birds. Outside peak summer hours, check with the tourist office for opening times.

M/S Gustaf Lagerbjelke Hop a boat here for a three-hour lunch cruise to Hjälmaren, including an on-board shrimp supper. Boats leave daily at noon in summer. There’s also the special four-hour ‘shrimp boat’ (a reference to the menu, not the vessel), leaving at

7pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to Saturday (Skr 280/140 per adult/child). Order tickets by phone or online.

Antique Railway From the train station down by the tourist office, a vintage train takes you 10km southeast to Järle (three times daily) or 2.5km southwest to the excellent old mining village at Pershyttan on an old steam train (once daily). The return trip is by bus (included in ticket price). Get tickets at the tourist office.

Alntorps Island Though it’s technically a youngsters’ activity, you don’t need to be a child to appreciate the entertaining boat trips to Alntorps island. Boats depart roughly every half-hour from the jetty near the STF hostel. A walk around the island takes about an hour, and there are swimming spots, minigolf and a cafe. Get tickets at the tourist office. The St Nikolai Kyr-

Örebro University Campus

he university provides education and research in humanities, law, social science, science, technology, health care, medicine, education, music and sport science. The university offers approximately 700 courses, 60 undergraduate programmes and 20 postgraduate programmes. For international students Örebro University offers a number of Master programmes that are taught in English. If your university has an exchange agreement with Örebro University, you can spend a semester or a full year with us. Örebro University is one of the fastest growing universities in Sweden. 8

We have 17,000 students and 1,200 staff.

The university provides education and research in humanities, law, social science, science, technology, health care, medicine, education, music and sport science. The university offers 700 courses, 60 undergraduate programmes and 20 postgraduate programmes.

Örebro University cooperates with trade and industry, county councils, municipalities and organisations in the region as well as nationally and internationally. Quality work at Örebro University aims at systematical improvement so that internal and external quality demands are met, and the goals formulated in the university’s vision and strategy documents are reached. The quality work shall also lead to a quality culture, where quality awareness is an integral part of the activites and quality work is considered a joint concern for the university’s staff and students. A quality plan has been prepared to clarify the bases, goals, organisation and responsibilities, as well as strategies for support,

implementation and follow-up of the quality work.

universities. It is the first time the university is on this ranking list.

History

This contributes to making both Örebro University and the city of Örebro more well known on the

Örebro University has its roots in the higher education which was established in Örebro during the 1960s. In 1977, Örebro University College was established through a merger of the Preschool Teaching Seminary, the College of Physical Education and Sport Science, and the College of Social Sciences. Örebro University was founded in 1999.

Örebro University Recognised in World Ranking Örebro University has received a place on the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the world’s top

international stage, says Örebro University Vice-Chancellor Jens Schollin. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is one of the world’s most valued university rankings. Universities are evaluated according to several criteria: teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income. The primary reason for Örebro University’s fine performance is that its research articles are increasingly cited by other researchers, thus contributing to notable international recognition. Örebro University now ranks among the top 301-350 universities in the world. 9

life

oming to college is a big step. It’s one of life’s major transition points because, for many, it is the first time we’ve been so fully responsible for our own daily activities. Nobody is here to look over our shoulders to see if we’re doing what they think we ought to be doing. In some ways, that may feel like a relief; in other ways we may suddenly feel like we’ve been set adrift on an uncharted ocean. There’s a lot be learned over the next few years. Much of that we’ll learn in a classroom. We’ll also learn many things about successful living in all the things we do that take place outside the classroom and in areas that we may not feel are connected to academics at all. Things like learning to live with roommates, dealing with finances, taking care of household chores, trying out romantic partnerships, dealing with people from other cultures and other beliefs, navigating the sometimes formidable bureaucracy of the University are just a few of the non-academic areas that will demand some of our attention. That will happen at the same time we are coping with academic demands like learning how to study effectively and get work done on time, finding out how to use the libraries, learning how to utilize the services of course instructors and teaching assistants, finding the various help and tutoring services on campus and learning how to study and work with other students.

all have some fun as we embark on this adventure. Tips to Making Things Run Smoother: Make every effort to go to your classes and be prepared by doing the course assignments. The first sign that you are probably in trouble academically is that you have been missing classes. If you don’t understand something or find yourself confused, ask questions. Use the course instructors and teaching assistants as your resources for helping you learn. Being aware of what you don’t know is at the heart of learning and can lead you to search for new knowledge and solutions. Academic departments often keep lists of tutors if you need them. There are other resources on campus that can help you with academic problems e.g., the Teaching Center . Visit the University’s home page to find additional services.

Make the most out of it!

While all of this is going on, we’ll learn how we respond to stress and how to look for the social and emotional support we need from our friends, family and various campus oorganizations.

Make out a study schedule, but make it realistic and include time to eat, sleep, and enjoy some leisure activities. Make short-term goals for yourself-something you want to accomplish today or over the next few days-that contribute to your longer-term goals so that you don’t have to do everything at the last minute. Also, accomplishing something, even a small thing, each day helps you feel like you’re making progress. Try to be open to new ideas and new experiences. We tend to look at new things in the same way we looked at things in the past. The more we do that, the fewer new things we learn. Try to suspend judgment for at least a little while when faced with something-or someone-that challenges what you have believed in the past.

This seems like a lot to be dealing with and it is. Fortunately, we don’t have to learn it all at once and we don’t have to learn it entirely without help. We also don’t have to be perfect at it either. This is a time to learn all of these things, so if you don’t already know how to cope with all of these things yet, join the club! Hopefully we can

Get involved-with academics, social activities, friends, and with yourself. The more you are involved in your life, the more you will benefit from it. Of course you should also remember that nobody can do everything all the time and that you have limits. Learn how to say “no” to others when you need to take care of yourself. 11

As incoming college freshmen, we have a lot to be excited for; our dorms, new friends, classes we’re actually interested in, new environments to socialize and grow in, etc., etc.. However, what I’ve noticed is that none of us seem Do your best to add your own to want to admit that secretly, there are a lot of touches of home to your dorm, and things we’re scared or worried about during seriously, don’t be afraid to call your mom, this huge transition into adulthood. So like, a lot. Nobody’s judging here. here’s a list of stuff that I, as an incoming college freshmen, made of stuff that freshmen are 2. Friendships and relationships growing apart. afraid to admit they’re Distance can scare away people who are intimidated terrified of:

1. Homesickness. Whether you’re going across country or just an hour away from home, you’re going to miss home. You’re going to miss your family, friends, pets, and the everyday routine you got used to during high school. You’re going to wake up in a strange place, eat in a strange place, and attempt to learn in a strange place. It’s going to be overwhelming. There are going to be moments when you breakdown and call you parents; that’s okay. Just remember that the rest of us are going to have our moments too. 12

by the effort it takes to maintain a healthy relationship. Not only that, but there’s the prospect of meeting new people and getting involved in new and different things. Remember that it’s okay to make new connections and grow, and that the people who are going to stick around might be making their own connections and self-growth, but they’re still going to be taking the time to include you in their life. Distance doesn’t have to be a negative in a relationship.

It gives each person the freedom to live as they choose, and it will mean a hell of a lot more if they still choose you, and you them. There will still be people who grow in a completely different direction than you, and they won’t bother to stay in touch. That can be hard, but maybe it just means they’ve served their purpose in your life, at least for the time being. Never hold yourself back trying to hold onto people you don’t need anymore; the important ones will keep up.

5 Things College Freshmen Are Truly Secretly Terrified Of 3. Getting lost. If you’re like me, you’re moving into an area that is the total opposite of the one you grew up in. I’m going from a rural high school to a city college. And even for people who are used to whatever environment they’re going to (rural or city etc.) you’re still going to have to adjust to your new home. There could be different methods of transportation, buildings you’ve only visited or seen a couple times, heck, maybe even a different language. For a while, we’re all going to feel alien in these new places, but like anything else in life, we will adjust over time. I think we’re going to be surprised at how short that time will be.

4. Making new friends. Sure, all of our colleges have all these ice-breaking events planned, but really, how are we supposed to make the kind of friends we had in high school overnight? The truth is we won’t. In a lot of cases we’ll make better friends, but it will take time. We’re all going to have to step out of our comfort zones and reach out to our new peers. The cool thing is, we get a blank slate to start on; we can be whoever we want to be, and find people who accept us for it. That’s why our friendships made in college will probably be better than those we had in high school; they won’t be based on the fact that we see each other five days a week. Hang in there, throw out a couple of smiles or hellos, and eventually you’ll get to know some cool people. (I’m working on it too.)

But, you also have more freedoms. That being said, you are now in a place where you set your own rules and live the way that you want to. Your dorm may be the smallest, dingiest square cement room around, but it’s where you’re going to start the next chapter of your life. So make it your own, try to feel comfortable not only in that small room, but on your college campus in general, and someday soon, maybe the word home will feel like the natural thing to call it. (Again, I’m working on it too.) And you are changed because of your move. You are mentally and emotionally stronger, as you learn to adapt and thrive in a brand new environment. You are more in-touch with yourself, because you quickly found out what was holding you back before versus what passions are pushing you forward now. You have become the most genuine and authentic version of yourself, because there are no other influences on your decisions besides those of your own accord. ust give yourself time. Give yourself patience, lee-way and room for mistakes. Give yourself grace, understanding and humility. Give yourself a kick in the ass when you need it, but also give yourself a relaxing day off when deserved. But most importantly, give yourself the biggest congratulations, because you made it. You did it. You followed through with the life you wanted and took the steps to get there. You conquered something that most people will never get to, and you continue to conquer it every day that you are living. The truth about moving somewhere new by yourself is that this “new life” will soon become “your life”, your now and your home. Just know that you’re not the only one terrified. But doing things even though you’re terrified, that’s what being brave is. Hang in there.

5. Calling it home. Home is where your mom, dad, brother, sister, cat, dog, or pet fish is, right? It’s the house you took your first steps in, the one with the stairs you race down every Christmas morning to get to the tree, the one you and your little brother broke a few glass dishes in, right? Right. Because all of that’s still true. But now you’ve reached this age where you have to do this thing called being an adult. And in a lot of ways, it sucks. You have a lot more responsibilities. 13

Prague

The city of thousand spires..

he bohemian allure and fairytale features of Prague make it a perfect destination for beach-weary vacationers who want to immerse themselves in culture. You could devote an entire day to exploring Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle), then refueling over a hearty dinner at a classic Czech tavern. Spend some time wandering the Old Town Square before heading over to gape at The Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock. Prague’s best bars are found in cellars, where historic pubs set the scene for a night of traditional tippling.

Prague, City of a Hundred Spires, a UNESCO monument and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Get to know it in person! The Old Town Hall with the famous Prague Astronomical Clock. The winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, which you know from the novels of Franz Kafka, steeped in the legend of the Golem. Cafes enticing you to come and have a seat, boutiques and sight-seeing cruises on the Vltava. The Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town, the most beautiful Baroque church in Prague. The Palace Gardens set away from the bustle of the city, Petřín with a lookout tower reminiscent of a small Eiffel Tower and Prague Castle … Each of Prague’s districts has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm. Prague presents itself to you as a changeable city, which likes to alternate styles: it is romantic and successful, ancient and modern, but above all it is a city that is cosmopolitan through and through, and is used to welcoming foreigners. It is time to get acquainted. More than a thousand years of building has left architectural gems in Prague which millions of visitors come to admire every year. Uncover the mystery of the Gothic monasteries, enjoy classical music concerts in one of the Baroque cathedrals or relax in the beautiful Renaissance gardens. Prague will soon convince you why people have been saying that it is one of the most beautiful historical cities in the world since as far back as the Middle Ages. Where does the true heart of Prague beat? On the Old Town Square of course! It is precisely here that winding lanes of the Old Town run, in order to spill out onto the

most beautiful square in Prague. The elegant tower of the Town Hall with the world famous astronomical clock, the proud silhouette of the fairytale Týn Cathedral, the monumental Church of St. Nicholas and countless multicoloured houses of many styles lend this place a unique atmosphere, which will captivate all those who decide to take a look at its charm. Every hour, hundreds of tourists from all over the world with cameras at the ready gather in front of the Old Town Hall to enjoy a fascinating mechanical performance which in the Middle Ages was considered one of the wonders of the world. The Prague Astronomical Clock, which for 600 years has been one of the greatest treasures of the city, still amazes people with its procession of Apostles, moving statues and visualization of time like no other instrument in the world. Streets paved with cobblestones, long shadows stretching from glowing lanterns, the wind playing with the coloured leaves and the dark outlines of the Gothic cathedrals. This is magical Prague, a city shrouded in countless myths and legends from its thousand years of history. Set out on the trail of its mythical inhabitants and creatures to unusual places which go to make up the unique character of this city on the banks of the Vltava. Every city has two faces. Prague is no exception. The first face it shows you is as a perfect example of a wonderful historical city that is proud of its past. The second is modern and resembles the real life of the city. So put away that starchy guidebook and enjoy couple of days in the heart of the magical metropolis. Prague, city of a hundred spires, is simply a paradise on earth for the romantic spirit in each and every one of the seasons. So come and experience some unforgettable moments in one of the most beautiful cities in the world too. 15

The Best Cities To Live in the World

IU/Mercer reveals the list of the top 50 places in the world to live in 2015, with Melbourne ranking the most liveable city on Earth. Index factors include liveability, cost of living and safety. The “best cities to live” are those that offer the best quality of life. Defining the term “quality of life” is not an easy task. In fact, what constitutes a good quality of life has occupied philosophers since Plato and Aristotle, and countless definitions have been proposed. Nevertheless, it seems possible to find some elements on which most scholars agree. First of all, as “quality of life” is used to evaluate the overall well being of individuals and societies, it should not be with The Happiest Countries In The World. Although most studies on the quality of life indeed do take into account indicators of economic success such as income per capita, wealth and employment, they also go beyond those measures to include the environment, physical and mental health, education, leisure time, infrastructure and safety. Also often included are concepts such as freedom, human rights, human flourishing, social belonging and happiness. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Ranking and Report, August 2014 is a data

driven ranking based on 30 qualitative and quantitative factors spread across five areas: stability, infrastructure, education, healthcare and environment. The ranking, which provides scores for lifestyle challenges in 140 cities worldwide shows that liveability across the world has fallen by 0.7%, led by a 1.3% fall in the score for stability and safety following a decade of destabilising events. This year’s list puts eight of the 10 most comfortable places to live in Australia, Canada and New Zealand, with Melbourne topping the list for the fourth year in a row. The highest ranked cities tend to be mid-sized cities in wealthier countries with a relatively low population density, which boast increased recreational activities, but without high crime levels and overburdened infrastructure. London has slid down the ranking in recent years owing to increasing social unrest and poor transport infrastructure and is now ranked the third worst European city to live in.That said, the EIU stresses that every one of the top 64 cities scores high enough for a place in the top tier of liveability, and “should be considered broadly comparable.”

TOP 10 BEST CITIES TO LIVE IN 2015 TOP 50 BEST CITIES TO LIVE IN 2015

ranked was ne ur bo Mel le city the most liveab on Earth Unsurprisingly cities with major conflicts are ranked lowest, including Damascus (140) Lagos (137) and Karachi (136). Although the EIU excludes hotspots, such as Kabul and Baghdad, because the rankings are “designed to address a range of cities or business centers that people might want to live in or visit.” Cities experiencing the biggest decline in standards of living over the past five years (serious problems with unemployment, violence, civil unrest, and instability) are: St Petersburg (70), Moscow (73), Sofia (87), Athens (69), Tunis (103), Muscat (88), Cairo (120), Caracas (126), Kiev (124), Tripoli (132) and Damascus (140).

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

City Melbourne Vienna Vancouver Toronto Adelaide Calgary Sydney Helsinki Perth Auckland

Country Australia Austria Canada Canada Australia Canada Australia Finland Australia New Zealand

Skylines of some of the best cities in the world - can you guess which one is which?

Urban Attraction

Urban Attraction Urban Attraction

Urban Attraction