Student blogs

We are currently right in the middle of summer but soon August will roll around and it is packing season! Whether you are a seasoned international student or a first time mover, this blog will provide some advice for packing tips for this new journey. I won’t be touching on all the extreme necessities like your documents and laptop. Instead, I will mention some items that can be missed or bought here but help got me through the first week or even the year.

Emergency first day pack

When I was packing one year ago, I unexpectedly found another blog that mentioned something I had never thought about: toilet paper. Why would I bring something I would have to buy there anyways? Surely there is toilet paper in Stockholm (there is). However, the logic made sense. In the event that I am too tired upon arrival, I can still comfortably stay at my new place with some bare necessities. Here is a list of items that can help with your first few days:

• Toilet paper
• Travel size toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)
• A thin or small towel
• A thin bed sheet
• Travel cup or bottle
• Swedish plug adapter
• Umbrella
• Roaming plan

These items were a life saver for my first day. Although I arrived at my new place at noon, I was too exhausted after my long flights. Therefore, I could not buy all my basic necessities from day 1. I can’t seem to find that blog that inspired me again so if anyone knows which site it was, do let me know!

A taste of home

A common piece of advice is to bring items from home that help to make your stay more comfortable. Do a quick little search on what is not available in Stockholm but important to you and consider making those a priority. I realized that common Asian seasonings can be found here quite easily (although at a higher price point than typical Swedish seasonings) and therefore decided to bring Jamaican ingredients only. Making cultural foods is also a great way to socialize with new friends and classmates. Other than food, think about items that remind you of home, your family and your friends.

• Seasoning from home
• Snacks, coffees, teas
• Learnt recipes
• Pictures of family and friends
• A flag (for that cultural pride)
• Letters, postcards, journal entries

Will they have it in Stockholm and do I need them?

There are some items that may be from a regional or local brand that would be difficult to source here in Stockholm. You can always make a switch but perhaps there are some things you should prepare to last you during the first few months.

• Skincare products
• Haircare products
• Bodycare products
• First aid products (Bandaids, Over the counter medicine, thermometer)
• Stationery (pens, pencils, notebooks)

Bonus #1: Advice for summer people like myself

One big question is: What do I need for winter? There are many layering and jacket guides on the internet but my one simple advice is: buy thermal leggings and shirts! My pants collection consists of jeans and other flowy summer pants but thermal leggings allow me to wear them throughout the year. I also recommend buying winter accessories here in Stockholm. I found some great scarves and beanies in the second hand stores!

Bonus #2: Get a haircut, go to the dentist, etc

There are barbers, hairstylists and dentists in Stockholm of course. However, you will most likely need to find a suitable one for you. That takes time and effort for proper research. Therefore, to give yourself more time before these need to be done, it would be best to get them done once before you leave.

All in all, these are just some of the non-essential useful items for moving to Stockholm. I would recommend that you prioritize what are important to you and remember that none of the items have to be brought in your suitcase. Carry what you can and don’t stress too much!

You can find a compiled version of the list below with some blank spaces for you to add items of your own.