Student blogs

I still remember the exact moment I received the email from Karolinska Institutet, letting me know I had been accepted. I was completely overwhelmed, unsure of who to call first, everyone in my life had been waiting for that one email, and there I was, just staring at the screen in disbelief. After the excitement wore off, I quickly shifted my focus to the next step: finding out what I needed to do next. I decided to look out for accommodation but I didn’t know what to look out for and it made me feel stressful. After a search, I found out that Karolinska Institutet had their own housing. I felt a sense of relief when I saw that for the first year, housing was was guaranteed in KI Housing to fee-paying students. That alone made everything feel a bit more secure.

The next big decision was choosing where I would live. The options were between Flemingsberg and Solna, and each had its pros and cons. Choosing Flemingsberg meant being closer to the university, just a two-minute walk from campus! 😄 This was particularly important because, on those cold winter mornings with early exams and lectures, I could get a bit more sleep, and as someone who values their sleep dearly, that made a big difference. On the other hand, choosing Solna would mean I would be slightly further from campus but closer to the city center, so it seemed like a great option for those who prefer to be near the city’s nightlife and activities. But ultimately, my love for sleep won out, and I chose Flemingsberg. After all, the extra rest on chilly mornings was far more appealing to me than a slightly longer commute to the city center. This experience really taught me the importance of considering your lifestyle and personal preferences when choosing accommodation.

At first, I found Flemingsberg to be a bit too quiet, and I worried I might feel isolated. But everything changed when I met one of my closest friends, who turned out to live in the building next door! Suddenly, everything felt perfect. We started having coffee dates at each other’s houses, and whenever I felt stressed or needed a break, she was there. I’d also bring her soup when she was sick, and she’d do the same for me. Having her so close made all the difference, it truly eased the moments when I felt lonely here. Knowing I had someone nearby, especially in the early days, really helped me settle in and feel at home.

That being said, housing is not always guaranteed, and if you don’t get an option that works for you, there are many other alternatives. For example, SSSB (Stockholm Student Housing) offers a variety of accommodations. If you’re looking for more details about housing options, feel free to check out the live session we saved on Instagram, where we discussed everything you need to know about student accommodation.

In conclusion, when choosing your accommodation, be sure to weigh all your options carefully. What works for one person might not work for another, so think about things like proximity to campus, your daily routine, and your preferences for social life or quiet time. Your living situation can really impact your overall experience, so make an informed choice and find the place that feels right for you!