Student blogs

Hej hej everyone! When I first got accepted, I hadn’t thought about what was waiting for me with that happiness and excitement. When I first arrived in Stockholm and laid my head on my bed, I was both afraid and excited of what was waiting for me. But here I am, I survived my first month safe and sound. In this blog, I will give 4 tips that you can get through your first month too. If you are ready, let’s start.

1. Getting Personnummer

First things first, personnummer. I know you are saying what is a personnummer, it is a magical 10 digit number, it means personal identity number. If you are going to stay in Sweden longer than 12 month, you need to get it. In my first week I discovered that getting personnummer was really important, it is mostly used for everything here, such as opening a bank account, getting your packages from collection points, getting discount at shops. You need to apply through Skatteverket, that means Swedish Tax Agency. You can start your application and submit your documents that are needed before coming here, but when you arrive you need to book your appointment and hand them in person.

2. Becoming MF Member

MF, Medicinska Föreningen, is the student union. It is the oldest student association in Stockholm.I would definetely suggest everyone to become a member because it has so many benefits.

1. Getting special member prices for events
2. While applying for SSSB collect queue days
3. Join union associations
4. Find your section and become a representative

If you want to have a further look, you can look through their website.

3. Making Friends

As an introvert, this was the most challenging thing for me. My first tip about making friends would be joining introduction week events. On the first day of introduction week I couldn’t made any friends because I was so shy to talk them but on my second day I made the first step and talked to her. Don’t worry if you can’t make the first step because in these events they put you in groups for some games so eventually you met people. In my class, I made the first step to a group of girls by asking them for a coffee, and now I am glad that I did because they are great friends that someone can ever meet. Don’t be afraid talking people, making the first move. I learned that if you just stay in a corner and wait for them to come to you, they won’t.

4. Balance Academic and Social Life

The last and most important thing. I was fascinated by this beautiful city and was so relaxed that I was living on my own for the first time that I couldn’t manage my time for studying at first. Sometimes there can be essay assignments, exams that you have to catch up and the best thing you can do is work on time. If you postpone studying, you can’t catch up with assignments or exams. When we had our first assignment I was so into exploring the city that I did my assignment on the last day and it was so stressful. Then I promised myself that I won’t wait for last day ever in my life. Ofcourse don’t forget your social life while studying. Always spend time with your friends, have coffee breaks, see new places, have some Fika

5. Get to Know Public Transport

Stockholm has one of the greatest public transport. They have tunnelbana (metro), pendeltag (commuter rail), tram, ferry and bus. They are all runned by SL and when you arrive here make sure you download SL application to know how to go locations with public transport. You can either buy tickets online via the application or buy a card. Don’t forget to get your student discount while getting a ticket!

Overall, sometimes it is difficult to be in a new city, all alone but believe me everyone goes through the same process when they first arrive. The best thing is KI has a great environment where everyone is nice and really helpful. If you ever have any questions feel free to contact me at irem.zeynep.naz.koc@stud.ki.se