Some cultural peculiarities

Every country has its own distinctive characteristics. What you find most peculiar about Sweden will obviously depend on your own cultural background. Sweden has long been an open and accepting society and international influences have shaped and enriched Swedish culture.

As in all cultures, however, many old customs and usages remain; foreigners may at times find these unusual, puzzling or even amusing.

Swedes are generally held to be punctual, law abiding and respectful of rules and regulations. Smoking, for instance, is not permitted in public places such as restaurants, banks, post offices or in shops. These restrictions are respected. When Swedes wait for something they form queues.

Queuing systems have been installed in many larger shops and most banks and post offices. Customers take numbered tickets from a dispensing machine and wait until their number comes up on a display. Bank clerks will simply ignore you if you don't have a queue ticket. If you're in a large store and there is no queue, look for tickets and a number display. This may seem strange at first but it usually ensures quicker service.

The habit of forming queues may in part stem from the importance attached to egalitarianism in Swedish political thought and practice which, in turn, has permeated most aspects of Swedish society. This is reflected in the large number of women represented in parliament and government but is also apparent in everyday occupations.

For example, people are normally expected to pay for their share when eating out with colleagues or friends, and tend to calculate the exact amount they owe. As a foreign woman you may be surprised to find that your Swedish date does not offer to pay for you. By the same token, Swedish women may insist on paying for themselves. However, many Swedish women still respond positively to a bit of old-fashioned courtship. On the other hand, it is not unusual for men and women to form friendships without being romantically involved.

At first, you may find Swedes a bit difficult to get to know. They may seem distant and reserved. But they can also make loyal friends once you get to know them. As a student living in a student dormitory with access to various student activities, you will have ample opportunity to make friends.

Swedes generally like hobbies and activities and pursuing them together with others is probably the easiest way to meet and get to know new people. If invited to someone's home it is customary to take off your shoes, especially in winter. This custom is upheld more strictly in smaller towns and rural areas. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, it may be a good idea to ask. It is also customary to be on time when invited to a dinner party. Eight o’clock means eight o’clock.

Most people moving to a new country usually find many things confusing or strange at first. This will probably be true of your first time in Sweden. Remember, however, that if there is anything you are unsure of the best thing to do is to ask someone. Swedes are informal and willing to help. This is especially true of young people and students, many of whom have traveled widely themselves.

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Practical details

Moving to a new country can be a confusing, even trying, experience. The impressions of a new culture, new friends and new ways of life will fill your first few weeks.

These weeks will also affect the way you feel about the rest of your stay. Because individuals react differently it is difficult to provide a general guide on how to make this part of your stay as easy and comfortable as possible.

But you can prepare yourself. Before you leave it may be a good idea to study some guidebooks and read up on the country. You may also get ideas and tips from the international desk at your university. Set out below are a few practical points you may find worth considering prior to your departure. The more prepared you are the better your stay will be. What follows are a few practical tips.

Banks and post offices
Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday, between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Many branches have extended opening hours at least once a week (until 6.00 p.m. in larger cities.). Banks are closed at weekends. You will normally need a national registration number, “personnummer” (See Civil Registration below), to open a bank account.
It’s a good idea to check whether your bank at home has a Swedish banking partner. Some banks may be willing to let you open an account even if you don’t have a Swedish identity card (see below). You will need to show a valid passport, a receipt for your Student Union membership fee and a letter stating that you are a visiting student.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sweden. Commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard and American Express. Traveler's checks can also be used.

The Swedish Post Office has recently been restructured. Mail and packets can now be picked up at a number of places, including gas stations, supermarkets and kiosks. Look for the blue and yellow sign above or by the entrance of outlets providing this service. You can also buy stamps and conduct most other errands at these outlets, many of which stay open late in the evening and on weekends.

There are also traditional post offices offering the full range of services. They are usually open between 9.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. and may have extended opening hours once or twice a week. Yellow post boxes are for national and international letters and blue for regional letters.

Civil registration
If you intend to stay for longer than a year in Sweden, you can register with the civil registration authorities at your local tax office, lokala skattemyndigheten. You will then be given a ten-digit national registration number, or personal number (personnummer), based on your date of birth plus four extra digits. For example, if you were born on May 25, 1982, it might look like this: 820525-1045.
To apply, take along your passport, a letter of acceptance from your educational institution, documents from the Swedish immigration authorities and, if you are married, your marriage certificate. On registration, you will be entitled to medical benefits through the Swedish National Health Insurance System. When seeing a doctor, for instance, you will be asked for your personal number (see Medical insurance and medical treatment below).

Currency
The Swedish krona (plural kronor), is denoted by the international currency symbol SEK. One krona contains 100 öre. Bank notes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 kronor, coins in 50 öre, 1, 5 and 10 kronor. All major bank and credit cards are widely accepted throughout Sweden. (1 Euro = approx. SEK 9).

Drugs and medications
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine are only available at local state-run pharmacies called "Apotek" in Swedish. These are open during normal shopping hours. A 24-hour service is available in the major cities. If you take medication, it is a good idea to make sure that you have an adequate supply before leaving for Sweden.

Emergencies and SOS calls
In case of emergency, dial 112 to contact the police, fire brigade or medical services. Emergency calls made from payphones are free of charge.

ID cards
An identity card, or an ID card (legitimation), is a card on which the bearer's photo and personal number are registered. Having an ID card will help in any contact you may have with Swedish authorities. It will also make it easier for you to open a bank account. To obtain a Swedish ID card you must be registered as a resident (see civil registration, above). Identity cards are at the moment only issued by Swedish banks (list at Wikipedia).

The requirements may vary, but in most cases to apply for an ID card, you need to bring the civil registration certificate with your personal number and a passport size, black and white or color photograph. Starting June 1, 2009, ID cards will be issued by the Swedish Tax Authority (Skatteverket).

There are also national student cards which give discounts on domestic travel by air, train and bus. More detailed information on discount offers will be sent along with these cards, which you will receive about one month after you join a student union.

Local transportation
Public transport – buses, commuter trains, trams and (in Stockholm) the underground – is available almost everywhere in Sweden and provides a convenient, fast way to get around. Passes are usually valid for unlimited travel on the local network such as the underground (T-bana), local buses and commuter trains. A monthly pass for public transport costs SEK 690 in Stockholm and often less in smaller cities.

Miscellaneous – a few practical things to keep in mind
Alcohol, Systembolaget is the government-owned wine and liqueur store. It is generally open Monday through Friday between 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m and on Saturdays between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm. Some stores stay open longer.

The age limit for buying wine and spirits in Systembolaget is 20. If you are under 25, you will probably have to present some proof of your age when buying. In bars and restaurants the legal drinking age is 18.

Allemansrätten, or the right of common access, gives everybody the right to use private as well as public land and waterways for certain activities such as hiking, jogging or boating provided that no damage is caused to the land. You must also show consideration to other people and animals and respect the wishes of private landowners.

This means that you cannot walk or sail too close to houses and private gardens. It is also a good idea to ask the landowner if you plan on pitching a tent for more than a short period of time.

Dates are often written in the following order, year, month, day e.g. October 12, 2003 is written 2003-10-12 (or just 031012).

Driving. Sweden, like most European countries, has right-hand traffic. The legal driving age is 18 and you are expected to have your driver's license with you when driving. A foreign driver’s license is valid for a maximum of one year. The laws on drinking and driving are very strict and such behavior is generally not socially accepted.

Drug laws are very strict in Sweden. Foreign citizens in possession of any type of illegal drug may be arrested and expelled from the country. What are sometimes referred to as soft drugs, for example marijuana and hashish, are illegal in Sweden.

Electricity is standard European 220 volts and 50 cycles (Hz).

Time zone. Sweden has Central European Time (CET), GMT +1. Daylight saving time (GMT +2) applies from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. Clock time is written according to the European system, e.g. 1 p.m. is written 13.00.

Tipping (in restaurants and taxis) - Service charge is included in the price. But it is normal practice to leave a small tip if you feel you have been treated well.

Opening hours
Shopping hours are generally between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Shops close between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays. In larger towns, department stores remain open until 8-10 p.m. and some are also open on Sundays between 12 noon and 4 p.m. Shops generally close early on the day before a public holiday.

Telecommunications
Collect calls can be made from most telephones and telephone booths. Telephone directories contain useful information on such things as area codes in Sweden, how to call long distance and charges for various services (including telegram and fax services).

In order to set up a telephone subscription, foreign students must pay a SEK 3,000 deposit, unless they have a national registration number (see Civil Registration above). The sum is refunded on departure from Sweden. To connect to a landline you pay a connection fee of SEK 250 if you are under 26 years of age; otherwise the fee is 975 SEK. The average student is likely to spend at around SEK 200 a month on telephone bills. Remember that it will be more expensive if you use your phone for international calls.

You will need a Swedish ID card to arrange a mobile telephone subscription. The other option is to buy a new or used mobile phone and use a cash card, which you can then refill.

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A note on equality

The considerable degree of independence enjoyed by Swedish women may come as a surprise to students from countries where conditions in this respect may be very different.

Swedish law strictly forbids conduct deemed offensive to women on sexual or other grounds. Equal rights for women are well protected, both by law and in practice, and their violation will not be accepted.

Sweden is also a diverse society with a history of international solidarity. A generous refugee policy has turned Sweden into a medley of different cultures, a process that has enriched its own culture along the way. All world religions are represented in Sweden; in most cities you can buy food from virtually anywhere in the world. Newspapers and other media from many different countries are also widely available.

Moreover, as Swedish society has grown more diverse and tolerant over the years, other minority groups have become more assertive. Homosexuals live openly and self-avowed gay people occupy responsible positions in public life. While pockets of ignorance and discrimination may remain, they are few and far between. Sweden is a tolerant, modern society that for many years has made it a key priority to secure minority rights through legislation and in practice. Gay students are highly unlikely to encounter offensive behavior or other problems during their stay.

Successive governments have worked hard to cement tolerance as a key value in Swedish society. The government has created the Office of the Ombudsman against Ethnic Discrimination (DO), whose task it is to actively oppose unfair or offensive treatment on the grounds of race, skin color, national or ethnic origin or religious faith. There is also the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman (JämO), focusing on gender discrimination, and an Ombudsman against Discrimination on grounds of Sexual Orientation (HomO).

All universities and university colleges are able to provide some form of assistance to students with disabilities. Many of them have also drawn up special programs aimed at helping disabled students pursue their studies, regardless of their handicap.

There is a person responsible for matters relating to functional disabilities on the staff of every university and university college. It may be a good idea to contact this person before leaving for Sweden. You will find a list with contact details here. For more general information please see the National Agency for Special Educational Support. For European exchange students, additional information can be found here.

On March 1, 2002, the Swedish parliament passed a law aimed at combating discrimination in institutions of higher education. The law affords protection to all of the above groups. If you have reason to believe that you have been unfairly treated, you should contact your local student union, which will advise you on how to proceed.

Read more about equality among men and women in Sweden at www.sweden.se/equality.

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Students Union

Student unions, formed to represent the social and academic interests of their members, may be found at every university and university college in Sweden. Membership is compulsory; students pay a small fee (SEK 150-400 depending on where they're studying) at the start of each term.

Swedish student unions have traditionally played an important role in university life. Compulsory membership fees have enabled them to improve conditions for students.

Student unions are there to make every student’s stay as pleasant as possible: they provide accommodation, operate restaurants, cafes and bars, arrange parties with live bands, run sports programs and organize orchestras and student theatricals. The union is the organization you will be most in contact with when arranging accommodation.

Students at older Swedish universities are organized into nationer. These “nations”, of which there are many, represent the different regions of Sweden. Many have traditions dating back several centuries. Every student studying at a university of this kind must belong to a nation and pay a small membership fee. Together, these organizations form the student union at that university. Foreign students may join whichever nation they prefer.

Student unions have long been the natural meeting point for new students and many offer services of different kinds to foreign students. Some have so-called host or mentor programs in which students already enrolled at university meet visiting students on arrival and introduce them to the city and fellow students. You can get in touch with your union through your university or university college and ask about the services they provide to foreign students.

When you join a union you will receive a student card that entitles you to benefits and discounts on domestic travel. Many shops also offer student discounts. Other services include updated information on activities on and off campus and help in most matters relating to your stay in Sweden. Best of all, perhaps, is the chance to take part in interesting social activities and meet new people.

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Social life

Your options for leisure activities will depend on where you choose to study. Bigger cities and towns will inevitably have more to offer than smaller ones. On the other hand, the latter may have resources not available to bigger cities, including opportunities for outdoor activities.

Where you choose to study will obviously depend on you personal preference. However Swedes tend to be active and sporting activities are popular among students. Sporting clubs and societies organize a wide range of activities on campus at most universities and university colleges. Taking part in these activities is probably the best way to meet new people and take a break from studying.

Other natural meeting points are clubs and pubs on and around campus. Many of these serve drinks and food at affordable prices. The legal age for drinking in Sweden is 18. Some establishments – mainly in the bigger cities – may only admit people over 20 or 23.

A lot of people go out for a drink at the weekend, and there can be long queues from early on outside the more popular places. Some nightclubs charge an entrance fee, usually ranging from SEK 50 to 150.

To find out where to go just ask a fellow Swedish student or pick up a copy of your local newspaper. As a student, however, you have an invaluable social resource in your local student union.

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Who can work

If you are enrolled at a Swedish university or university college you can work in Sweden without a work permit. You do, however, need a residence permit if you stay for longer than three months. Nordic, EU and EEA students don't need a residence permit, but need to register at the Swedish Migration Board.

For information on obtaining a residence permit, contact your nearest embassy or consulate or the Swedish Migration Board directly.

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cost of living

Though most students live on a tight budget, there are ways of making your money go further. You can use your student card for discounts and on-campus restaurants are good value. You can also cook your own food; most student accommodations have some form of kitchen facility open to residents.

In most restaurants and bars, a beer will cost you SEK 40-50 (EUR 4-5 ), a glass of wine perhaps a little more. Dinner starts at around SEK 100-150 (EUR 10-15) drinks not included. Eating out at lunchtime is cheaper; expect to pay somewhere around SEK 55-85 for a meal including a soft drink, salad and tea/coffee. An average monthly budget is set out below to give you some idea of the cost of living in Sweden.

Food: SEK 2,000. Accommodation: SEK 3,200. Local travel: SEK 500. Telephone/internet: SEK 300. Insurance, medical care and hygiene: SEK 250. Student union fee: SEK 60-70. Clothing, hobby/leisure, other: SEK 750.
Total: SEK 7,070, or about EUR 750.

Remember however, that prices can vary considerably depending on where you live. Stockholm, for example, is more expensive than smaller towns.

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Accommodation

For many people, studying abroad will be their first experience of living away from home for a longer period. This can be a daunting prospect for anyone, especially in view of the demands associated with being a full-time student while trying to gain a foothold in a new culture.


It is therefore important that your living environment is comfortable and affordable; you should give yourself plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements before leaving for Sweden.

Exchange students
If you are an exchange student in the Socrates/Erasmus programs you will receive assistance with accommodation arrangements from the host academic institution. Be sure to confirm this with your contact person before you leave for Sweden.

Free movers
If you are a free mover, i.e. a person applying on an individual basis, or if you need to arrange your own accommodation for any other reason, you should keep a few things in mind:

There is no national system which handles requests for student accommodation. The local student union at your university fulfills this function, though it is not required to guarantee you accommodation, and may not in fact be able to help you.

The availability of accommodation varies considerably from place to place. Usually, there is plenty of accommodation available at schools located in smaller and middle-sized cities or towns. Unfortunately, the situation is more difficult in the larger cities, especially in Stockholm and Göteborg, and in the traditional student cities of Lund and Uppsala. Often, the number of students exceeds the number of rooms that universities and university colleges have on offer and waiting times are long. However, there are alternatives.

In addition to contacting your student union, you can also try contacting student housing providers directly. Associations and companies that provide student housing have set up a website for locating local housing providers.

If you are a student or guest researcher at Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, KTH (the Royal Institute of Technology) or Stockholm School of Economics, The University Accommodation Center offers furnished apartments and rooms.

To sign a lease for student accommodation, you must be able to prove that you are already studying or that you have been admitted to an academic institution. When you want to move out you must give at least one month's written notice. Other rules may also apply.

You can rent a flat in the private market. Though usually more expensive, it is a viable option for some students. It is not uncommon for students to share a bigger flat with several rooms. You may also be able to rent a single room privately. Other sources of information are local newspapers and message boards at your university.

Whether provided by student unions or by third parties, accommodation catering expressly for students is often the preferred option, however. Student flats or rooms tend to be less expensive than private alternatives; they give you a chance to meet fellow students and participate in social activities, and they are often close to lecture halls, libraries and other facilities.

Depending on availability, you can choose to live by yourself or in a shared student flat where you will have your own room but share a bathroom/toilet. Flats can be furnished or unfurnished.

Student dormitories
Many students prefer to live in a student dormitory. This can be an enjoyable experience as it gives students from around the world an opportunity to get to know each other and make friends.

But it can also be demanding. Students living in the same corridor may have very different cultural backgrounds, different habits and ideas about how to do things. Most dormitories have 10-15 single rooms in each corridor. A kitchen is shared by 4-15 students. Female and male students live in the same corridor. Often there is also a communal television room.

A single room must not be occupied by more than one person – a rule which is strictly enforced. Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and the communal kitchen. Although rooms are let with basic furniture, there are no blankets, pillows, sheets, towels or light bulbs.

Some utensils may be available in the communal kitchen but you will usually have to bring your own plates, cutlery, pots and pans, etc. Some student unions rent these. Most student housing areas have launderettes. There is a booking list and a small fee is payable for the use of a washing machine. Rent for accommodation must be paid in advance.

How much do I have to pay?
Below are some examples of the average monthly rate for student accommodation (Prices in SEK at 2007 levels. 1 Euro = approx. SEK 10). Please note: due to the shortage of student housing in the older university towns/cities (Uppsala, Lund, Stockholm and Göteborg) prices in the private market are likely to be higher there.

For universities located in smaller towns, accommodation prices range from SEK 2,000 to SEK 3,500 for a room.

For universities located in medium-sized towns, accommodation prices range from SEK 2,300 to SEK 4,300 for a room.

For universities located in cities, accommodation prices range from SEK 2,500 to SEK 4,500 for a room.

To find out the precise availability and prices for student accommodation, contact the student union at your university or university college.

A few tips regarding accommodation
The situation with regard to accommodation for students is problematic in many parts of the country, sometimes very much so. There are simply not enough rooms and flats to go round. Fortunately, there are still towns and cities where conditions are better and where all or most students do get accommodation in time.

If you are not guaranteed accommodation as part of your exchange program or through some other agreement, it is vital that you approach your local student union as soon as possible. Remember that the situation will vary according to where you choose to study. Some universities or university colleges have more rooms than others.

At some schools, the student union will guarantee you accommodation if you apply in time; others have special queues for newly arrived students. A good tip is to check for special offers for foreign students with the international desk at your educational institute.

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Do i need the visa

If you are intending to stay in Sweden for less than three months, then you will need a visa if the country that issues your passport is on this list [PDF file]. If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you need to acquire a residence permit before you arrive in Sweden. Permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Board. The Swedish Migration Board has collected what you need to know in this pdf about Residence permits for students.

You can apply for visas and permits at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.

Please remember that you cannot apply for a residence permit unless you have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden. The application fee, which is not refundable, is SEK 1,000.

When applying for a residence permit, you must prove to the Swedish Migration Board that you will have a guaranteed sum of money at your disposal throughout the entire period of your studies. The amount, SEK 7,300 per month for ten months of the year, is set by the Migration Board. If you wish to bring your family you must show that you have at your disposal an additional SEK 3,000 per month for your spouse and SEK 1,800 per month per child.

If you can prove to the board’s satisfaction that that you will receive free lodging during the whole or part of your study period this sum will be correspondingly reduced. Students who have been awarded a scholarship through the Swedish Institute or another program should supply proof of this. You will also need to show a valid passport and a letter of admission from the institution at which you will be studying. To be sure of obtaining your permit in time you should submit your application 6-8 weeks prior to your departure for Sweden.

Please note that residence permits are limited to the duration of the study period, or to one year, whichever is the shorter. Your permit will be renewed annually provided you receive the number of credit points required and can produce evidence of continued financial support. Renewal requests are processed by your local Swedish Migration Board office. If you have any questions please contact the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country or country where you currently live. You can also contact the Swedish Migration Board. Also make sure you have adequate medical insurance.

Visa and residence permits for citizens from non-Nordic EU/EEA countries
If you are a citizen of a non-Nordic EU/EEA country (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom) you have the right to reside in Sweden. The term “right to reside” means that an EU/EEA citizen is permitted to stay in Sweden for more than three months without a residence permit. However, you must register with the Migration Board no later than three months after entering the country.

To register you must enclose documents of proof of enrolment on a course or program which is at least at high school level, assurance that you have sufficient funds for your keep and proof that you have comprehensive medical insurance that is valid in Sweden. You can read more about the requirements for registration at the Swedish Migration Board’s website. They have also collected what you need to know in a pdf about Registration for EU/EEA citizens.

Please note that if you are a citizen of Switzerland you must apply for a residence permit (see above).

Visa and residence permits for citizens of Nordic countries
Citizens from Nordic countries do not need a visa or residence permit to study in Sweden.

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Medical insurance

Before arriving in Sweden, you need to ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage.

Medical insurance for Nordic and EU/EEA citizens
If you are a citizen of any of the Nordic or EU/EEA countries, then you have access to public medical services if you register beforehand at a social insurance office in your home country and obtain a European health Insurance card. If European health insurance cards are not yet issued in your country, ask for a form E128, or a form E111 If you plan to stay for less than three months. You need to bring the card or a form with you when seeking medical attention in Sweden.

Students that do not register with their social insurance office in their home country need to arrange their own insurance coverage. This is also best done in your home country. Medical treatment is expensive without any form of health insurance.

Medical insurance for non-EU/EEA citizens: stays of one year or more
As a visiting student, if you stay for one year or longer – i.e. if you have a residence permit valid for one year or more – you are entitled to the same health benefits as Swedes. However, you must first apply for civil registration at your local tax office as soon as you arrive.

The application procedure can take some time, but you will be fully covered if you need medical help and you can show that you have already applied for civil registration. Medical insurance does not cover your journey to Sweden or the time you spend in the country prior to applying for civil registration. Thus, to be fully covered, you will need some form of travel insurance.

Non-EU/EEA citizens: stays of less than one year
If you have a residence permit valid for a period of less than a year, then you are not able to register at the local tax office, and you do not have automatic access to health care. Sweden has reciprocal agreements for public medical benefits with some countries, however; to find out whether your country has such an agreement, you should contact your local social insurance office.

Students from countries with this type of agreement need only present their passport and a certificate from the social insurance office in their home country when seeking medical help. For the reciprocal agreement to apply, the need for medical care must arise during (not prior to) your stay in Sweden.

Students who are not covered by any of these agreements must arrange their own insurance coverage. In Sweden, medical treatment is very expensive without any form of insurance. Either purchase it in your home country, or else check with your student union. It may have a special agreement with an insurance company.

Medical treatment in Sweden
If you need to consult a doctor (and you are covered – see above) you can either make an appointment with the doctor at the student union health centre at your university, or go to the local primary health clinic, Vårdcentralen. They are listed in the blue pages of the telephone directory. Vårdcentralen will charge you about SEK 150 for a consultation.

It might be a good idea to have a thorough check-up at your dentist before leaving for Sweden. Should you still need to consult a dentist here, go to your nearest public dental clinic, Folktandvården. For urgent dental treatment, see the emergency dental clinic, jourhavande tandläkare. Doctors speak good English. Your student union may be able to assist you if you would like to consult a doctor that speaks another foreign language.

Vaccinations
There are no vaccination requirements for any international traveler entering Sweden. However, Some universities may require a medical certificate as part of their application for admission to their programs

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Living in Sweden

Sweden is an open, multicultural society with a long tradition of welcoming students from abroad.

Currently, some 28,000 foreign students are studying in Sweden, making for a vibrant, international study environment. Swedes have some peculiar cultural traits, but they are deeply proud of having built a society that promotes equality between the sexes, tolerance and inclusiveness.

As a student in Sweden, you will have ample opportunity to make new friends. A good part of your social life will revolve around your student union. The union can often help you with finding accommodation and other practical matters. Do make sure you are covered by adequate health insurance while in Sweden.

You will probably need to get a residence permit or visa, maybe even before you arrive in Sweden. To get a residence permit, you need to show you have sufficient funds to pay for living expenses in Sweden. But there are ways in which you can mitigate the financial strain: Sweden allows students to work for the duration of their studies.

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