The tradition of nations at Lund university is practically as old as the university itself. While trying to get yourself oriented in a new environment may be disorienting, with our guide you’ll be able to get started in no time.
What are nations? Nations are essentially sex-desegregated sororities and fraternities, providing social activities like parties, bars, lunches, dinners, sports, and other Lund-specific traditions like sittnings. Each Nation has their own unique ”flavor”, but they all provide fun extracurricular activities to keep you busy. The nations (with Smålands being the exception) are part of the Academic Society (or AF, as we call it). They are the heart of Lund’s student life and the best way to meet new people.
Why should i volunteer at a nation? Volunteering at a nation could mean many things: You could help out with social media, or spex (a special kind of comedic musical), or organizing events. But most likely you’ll be watching other students party, working kitchen duties and cleaning toilets. So why should you volunteer at a nation? The stereotypes of Sweden is that people are shy and reserved. That is true, but not entirely. In Sweden, people socialize by doing activities together. That’s why if someone invites you to help out at a nation’s kitchen, you don’t hesitate and take the invitation.
1. Helsingkrona nation
Year founded: 1890.
Housing: 250 housing units for corridors and apartments.
Members: 3500 members.
Types of events: Sports and clubbing.
Preferred outfit: Homey.
Trivia: In 1995 Louis Armstrong became a member of Helsingkrona because of a concert in the AF-building.
2. Sydskånska Nationen
Year founded: 1890.
Housing: 48 housing units with corridors and studios.
Members: 1482.
Types of events: Music events and live bands.
Preferred outfit: Ripped jeans and a battle jacket.
Trivia: Sydskånska arrange a yearly Gåsamiddag (Goose dinner).
3. Kristianstads Nation
Year founded: 1890.
Housing: 45 corridor rooms and 5 apartments.
Members: 800.
Types of events: Outdoor bars.
Preferred outfit: Yayoi Kusama.
Trivia: Kristianstad’s signature polka dot balconies have 730 white dots.
4. Västgöta Nation
Year founded: 1669.
Housing: 73 rooms in dormitory and 13 apartments.
Members: 3007 members.
Types of events: Cheap bars and clubbing.
Preferred outfit: Zara all the way.
Trivia: Västgöta will celebrate its 350 years founding anniversary this autumn.
5. Hallands Nation
Year founded: 1928.
Housing: 98 units with corridors and apartments.
Members: 1230 members.
Types of events: Pubs and brunch.
Preferred outfit: Business casual.
Trivia: Hallands is the youngest nation of all nations. When it was founded in 1928,
the university decided that it no longer could be possible to create new nations in Lund, so Hallands will always be the youngest nation.
6. Kalmar Nation
Year founded: 1696.
Housing: 74 housing units with corridors and apartments.
Members: 853 members.
Types of events: Lunches and hosts Lund’s only English Spex.
Preferred outfit: Hoodies and comfortable pants.
Trivia: Kalmar has won the annual tug-of-war competition between the nations
for the past two years in a row.
7. Östgöta Nation
Year founded: 1668.
Housing: 33 apartments.
Members: 1250 members.
Types of events: Lots of cooking and baking events.
Preferred outfit: Aprons and oven mitts.
Trivia: Östgöta Nation is the first nation in Lund and it is 351 years old this year.
8. Malmö Nation
Year founded: 1890.
Housing: 300 housing units.
Members: 3200 members.
Types of events: Clubs and brunches.
Preferred outfit: As posh as possible.
Trivia: It is rumored that they have a hunting club.
9. Lunds Nation
Year founded: 1890.
Housing: 273 corridor rooms and apartments.
Members: 3004 members.
Types of events: Cheap bars and clubbing.
Preferred outfit: Basic, everyday wear.
Trivia: Every year Lunds Nation hosts a ball called “Finnfesten”, in which the purpose is to tear down the Domkyrkan to set free the giant Finn, who is trapped inside the church.
10. Göteborgs Nation
Year founded: 1682.
Housing: 90 housing units.
Members: 2000 members.
Types of events: Clubs and brunches.
Preferred outfit: Posh, but underneath the facade are broken seams.
Trivia: Each year they organize the GA-bal,
which is ”Northern Europe’s largest student ball and Sweden’s
second largest coat sitting after the Nobel dinner.”
11. Wermlands Nation
Year founded: 1682.
Housing: 22 corridor rooms and 15 apartments.
Members: 800 members.
Types of events: Vegan cuisine and live jazz bars.
Preferred outfit: Hiking boots
Trivia: The record for longest tagliatelle made in Wermland’s kitchen is 2.45 meters, uncooked.
12. Smålands Nation
Year founded: 1668.
Housing: 242 housing units.Members: 220 members.
Types of events: LGBTQ friendly and feminist events.
Preferred outfit: Anarchist.
Trivia: Smålands Nation is not part of Academic Society; therefore, anyone can participate in their events.
13. Blekingska Nationen
Year founded: 1697.
Housing: 89 housing units.
Members: 614 members.
Types of events: Live music.
Preferred outfit: Indie concert garb.
Trivia: Instead of playing ”Stad i ljus” as the standard final song at any Swedish parties, Blekingska plays ”Shoreline”, which is a staple within Swedish indie music tradition.
