One of the many reasons why I applied to study at Karolinska Institutet was because of the option to go on an exchange as part of your studies. I believe this is such an amazing chance to live and work/study in a country that not every university offers. We are so lucky that Karolinska have so many connections to international institutions; we are spoiled for choice when considering our options. I chose Scotland and Edinburgh university because of the reputation of the university, so I could continue to receive excellent education whilst away from KI, and also because Scotland seemed like an accessible country to me with few cultural and language barriers to overcome.
The application and information process was lengthy but not complicated. There was a lot of administration to figure out and since no one form KI had been to Edinburgh for some time, the exchange process was new to all parties involved but everyone was very helpful and everything sorted itself out in the end.

As part of the Biomedicine masters semester 3 program we were required to complete a 10.5 week laboratory project. For this reason I arrived in the city about a week before the university term had begun and started on my lab project staright away. I was based in a new facility about an hours from the main university campus and next to the biggest hospital in Edinburgh. I loved working in the new facility, called the Queen's medical research centre, and the commute every morning (2 buses, 40 minutes each way) was tolerable and smooth. I really came to appreciate the free wifi available on Edinburgh public transport!
Once term started I would divide my time to being in the lab and going to lectures. Fortunately most of my lectures were on the same campus as my lab; sometimes  would have to travel to a different campus but this didnt interfere too much with my lab work. I would advise that anyone considering exchange bears this in mind!

I didnt find myself paying any administrative fees to the university. Traveling to Scotland does not require a visa (yet! Damn Brexit) nor any vaccinations, so money is saved on that front. My main expense was rent. Living in Edinburgh is VERY expensive!! Since you do not qualify for student accommodation provided by the university because you are arriving from Europe, you will have to arrange for private accommodation which can get very expense. I paid about 550 GBP per month for a single room but it is possible to find something less than that. I used this site to find a room but Air BnB is also an option. 

I rented privately and got a room in a house for about 550 GBP a month. The neighborhood was very calm and safe and the house was close to Holyrood Park where the infamous Arthur's Seat is located. I really enjoyed my neighborhood. I was walking distance to shops but I had to take a bus into the city center, about 15 minutes and another bus from the city centre for the lab, but I didn't mind this. The good thing about Edinburgh is that the entire city is connected by a good transport network and as a student you can buy reduced travel tickets. There is also the possibility of walking, if you're not located too far away and the views around the city are amazing.

The studies at the University of Edinburgh were a mix of lectures and smaller seminars for when we had group projects to complete. Overall the experience was similar to KI in that discussion was always encouraged by the teachers and the classes were often interactive. The teachers were also very helpful and accessible between the lectures and there was a lot of support if the work was difficult.
One of the things I appreciated the most about the education system in Edinburgh, that you don't really have the exact equivalent for in KI, is the academic mentor who you meet with one-on-one at the start of the term and at the end. When you meet you can discuss anything confidentially and I was very grateful for this. I appreciated the support from the mentor throughout my stay in Edinburgh.

I have spent the last 10 years of my life living in the UK and consider English a native language to me so Sweden was more of a culture shock than Scotland! Though I belive Scottish people are the friendliest of the people in the UK so it was very nice to live in a country with such warm and friendly people. 

At the start of the semester we had the opportunity to attend 'Fresher's fair' which is a chance to explore and join different clubs/'societies' in Edinburgh university. I joined the Edinburgh university Science Magazine and got to write a short research summary for them for one issue. I also joined the Swahili society which met up once and week to teach us the Swahili language. I made some great friends through this as well. Edinburgh university offer their students a ton of opportunities to socialise and pick up hobbies besides just studying. For just the social aspect, I really recommend Edinburgh university.
The city is also so wonderful to explore. Some of my favorite things are open green spaces for walking and second hand shops and Edinburgh is filled with both of these things!
(there are also several beautiful beaches and more restaurants than you could ask for!)

Exchanges are great simply for the reason that they present the perfect opportunity for personal growth. Travel and interacting with different people enables personal development which will make you a better and more interesting person.
I personally learned so much during my stay in Edinburgh. I felt like an adult, truly living by myself in a city where initially I didn't not really know anyone. The best way to make the most of an exchange is to be brave and do as much as you can whilst there. It will be worth all the stress in the end because you are only away for a short time.
I am very grateful for this opportunity and I cannot recommend it more.