Student blogs

From someone balancing office hours and summer fika cravings…

Hello everyone. This blog hits a little differently because it’s my last one as a Digital Ambassador. I’m now writing this after office hours, sitting with a cup of coffee, still adjusting to my new routine working in health economics here in Stockholm. But as I see the sun sticking around until 10 PM and new students slowly arriving in the city, I thought: What would I want to know if I had just landed here a month before classes began?

So if you’re new to Stockholm or on your way soon, congrats again! You’ve made it through applications, visa stress, and tuition payments (if applicable). Now, before lectures, group work, and thesis talks take over, this is your golden time. And trust me, it’ll fly.

Here are a few things I recommend doing before student life officially begins.

Get outside (seriously)

Sweden in August is stunning, and the weather is your best friend; it was very warm in July, but now it is the best. You won’t be saying that in December, so take advantage of it now. I loved just walking around anywhere, sitting by the water, or visiting Hagaparken, not far from KI. You can swim in lakes like Brunnsviken, go biking around Södermalm, or take a short hike in Hellasgården. No entry fees, no reservations. Just fresh air and views.

Go café, hopping while it’s still warm

Fika is not just coffee and a bun; it’s a vibe. In August, outdoor seating is everywhere. Try Vete-Katten if you want a classic fika spot, or head to Gamla Stan for a more Swedish feel. Pro tip: Sit outside, even if it’s chilly. Everyone else is doing it, and you’ll slowly get used to it. Still, cafés are cosy in the winter too, but take the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy now.

Play tourist (you are allowed)

Before you become a regular on the SL train/bus route between home and campus, take time to explore the places you won’t have time for once class starts. Gamla Stan is obvious but still worth it. The Vasa Museum and Skansen are popular, go once and you’re good. Museums like Moderna Museet may have free entry and are great on rainy days (yes, there will be some). I remember that most of my “tourist” moments were right before the start of class, after which time flew by without noticing.

Take care of practical stuff early

Use this time to get a few things out of the way.

• Get done with administrative stuff like registration and everything
• Set up your SL card (public transport) – I recommend extended time since you’ll be using it for quite a while.
• Go around and see second-hand places early or shops until you get your vibe checked.
• Check the FB marketplace or student WhatsApp groups. There is always someone selling a lamp, a desk or even a bike.

Meet people, even before orientation

Don’t wait until the program starts to meet friends. I met some of my closest people at random welcome events or even on our class group chat. Join Meetup groups, say hi at KI’s early events, or hang around the campus library. It’s not weird, everyone’s new and kind of awkward too.

Bonus tip: Do nothing

Yep. Sleep in. Watch Netflix without guilt. Go for a long walk with no plan. Take this weird little window of time between stress and stress and just… be. I kind of regret not slowing down before school started. So if you’re reading this with your mind still in “task mode,” give yourself permission to chill. Seriously. And by the way, Sweden is the right place to just go out and relax in nature, or check downtown places, stay out until whenever, and it is still safe to do that.

That’s it from me. I’m now into full-time life, but this blog has been one of my favourite parts of being a student at KI. I hope this last post helps you feel a little more ready, or at least a little more seen.

Welcome to Stockholm, and lycka till with everything ahead!

– Yohannes 👋