"Commuting is the biggest challenge"
This fall, some teachers from KTH Södertälje has relocated with students to teach at KTH’s Valhallavägen campus. We asked two teachers about the experience of adapting to a “new” workplace and commuting to Stockholm.
Johan Kristoffersson
What’s working well with the new arrangement?
"At the moment I’m only teaching in Stockholm, though I remain head of unit for employees in Södertälje. For the students, I think this move is positive—at least those I meet are enthusiastic about studying in Stockholm. For me, working at two locations presents few advantages. In an ideal world, we would have moved everything at once, but due to various factors, that wasn’t possible. Now, I’m looking forward to when both staff and students are finally in one place (although some staff and students will move to Flemingsberg)."
What are the challenges?
"Commuting to Stockholm instead of Södertälje is probably the biggest challenge. Another major issue has been covering for colleagues who decided to leave KTH due to the campus relocation. There’s also the challenge of ensuring I have everything I need in the right place, whether it's course materials, attendance lists, or textbooks. Classroom bookings are trickier too, as rescheduling sessions in Stockholm is difficult. In Södertälje, we had more classroom space which is costly, but flexible. Being a present manager in Södertälje is also challenging, as spontaneous problem-solving often happened in the corridors, and these encounters are now less frequent."
How did you feel about moving from Södertälje?
"Honestly, it felt sad. I’ve worked at KTH Södertälje since 2018, and many good things have happened there. In the long run, I think the move to Stockholm will be positive, but the transition period is exhausting. There is more work, but it is also mentally stressful with uncertainty about what the future will be as there are many things that change at the same time, like new campus, new colleagues, new education programs, new courses and more students."
How has the transition been overall?
"It’s been manageable. Right now, I teach the same courses, just on a new campus. The technology in the classrooms are a bit different, but you adapt quickly. And with both the campus map and Google Maps, I find my way around. Sometimes, students even help me find the right room when I get a bit lost."
Has anything specific been required when planning your schedule?
"I’ve reserved Mondays for Södertälje to attend APT, unit meetings, department meetings, and other events, (although it doesn’t always work out). This means I can’t teach in Stockholm on Mondays. Overall, it works well."
Joel Norman
What’s working well with the new setup?
"It's still KTH, so a lot is familiar, like classroom technology and scheduling. IT support is also nearby and quick to help."
What are the challenges?
"It’s definitely the commute. I face at least 80 minutes of public transport one way. It’s also a larger, more decentralized campus, which was initially hard to navigate, with long walking distances. Unlike Södertälje, I have no office space here, making it difficult to find a room to correct exams. The technology differs between classrooms, and there are a lot of chalkboards!"
How did you feel about moving from Södertälje?
"My first thought was, 'It’ll be fun to work on a new campus, but the commute isn’t ideal.' So, a mix of both pros and cons."
How has the transition been overall?
"I’d call it ‘manageable,’ though it’s been demanding during busy periods."