Student blogs

Hej, and congrats to all newly admitted students! March 27 is here, the day you’ve been waiting for, and maybe it still hasn’t sunk in yet: you’re moving to Sweden or almost there. In this blog, I share a few things I really wish someone had told me before I packed my bags and moved to Sweden.

I still remember this day like it was yesterday, refreshing the UniversityAdmissions page, texting my friends, thinking, “What now?” And now, two years later, I’ve learned a lot through trial and error and some funny culture shocks. So, if you’re wondering what to expect and how to prepare, this is for you.

Start your visa/residence permit early

Now that you’re conditionally admitted, it’s time to secure your spot. If you’re a fee-paying student, you’ll need to pay the tuition fee before applying for a residence permit. If you’re still waiting for scholarship results, hang tight, but start gathering your documents in the meantime.

One thing I’ve learned here is that things move slowly in Sweden. Bureaucracy isn’t rushed. So, the earlier you apply for your residence permit, the less stress you’ll have later. You don’t want to be chasing your permit or waiting for your card when it’s time to book flights or attend the intro week!

Check the detailed blog I wrote with all the steps for your residence permit application.

Once that’s sorted, your journey to Sweden officially begins.

The digital world

Welcome to Sweden, a place where cash is (almost) extinct. Seriously, Sweden is one of the most digital countries in the world. You won’t need much paper money here (maybe just a little for travel), but beyond that, it’s all tap and go.

Whether it’s your phone, watch, or card, make sure your bank can support contactless payments and international usage. But it’s not just about money — almost everything here is done online:
Booking doctor’s appointments
Applying for jobs
Managing insurance or housing
Getting your prescriptions….you name it.

So my tip? Get digitally ready early. Start by organising your apps, getting familiar with Swedish websites and portals, and making sure your devices are set up. It’ll save you a lot of stress later.

Is life expensive? Umm… yes

Let me be honest, Sweden isn’t cheap, especially not in Stockholm. And I’m not the only one saying this. Students from literally all over the world seem to nod in agreement when we talk about prices here.

From groceries and public transport to housing and even the “little joys” like coffee or pizza, the costs add up. If you’re a fee-paying student, I highly recommend doing a rough budget breakdown before you arrive. And read Irem’s blog on how to live on a student budget.

Officially, monthly expenses for an adult range around 10,000–15,000 SEK. (Personally, I’d say that’s the minimum.)
If you’re bringing your family or kids, the numbers go even higher.

So yeah… keep an eye on your pocket, not for pickpockets, but for Sweden’s quiet way of draining your budget.

Part-time jobs & the reality check

Now, here’s the part that makes the cost of living sting a little more, getting a part-time job can be tough.

Why? Language.
A lot of jobs here require Swedish, even if everyone speaks English. It’s a strange reality — you’ll order coffee in English, chat with classmates in English… but many jobs still ask for at least basic Swedish.

Sure, there are English-speaking student jobs out there. But they can be hard to land, the pay isn’t always great, and balancing work with your studies can get tricky.

So if you’re the type who says “We don’t back down, we fight”, then pause reading, open Duolingo, and start learning Swedish.
Yes, I mean it.
Language is your golden ticket not just to a job but also to understand the culture and live life more smoothly.

Still, don’t panic, many students manage just fine without working or speaking swedish. Just know the reality upfront and plan accordingly.

Let us talk about the weather

Ah yes… the elephant in the room. If you’ve heard anything about Sweden, it probably includes “it’s cold and dark” somewhere in the sentence. And well it’s not wrong.

Let’s start with the good news:
You’ll experience all four seasons, and that in itself is a beautiful thing! Spring blooms, bright, long summer days, golden autumn leaves, and snow-covered winters, it’s poetic if you think about it (…for the first few weeks at least haha).

Now the bad news:
Winters are long, dark, and cold, especially from November to February. The sun sets early, it gets a bit lonely if you’re not mentally prepared, and let’s just say… your vitamin D levels might need a backup plan.

Swedes have a saying: “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.”
Translation: layer up and invest in a good winter jacket, thermal base layers, waterproof shoes, and a beanie that covers your soul.

Pro tip:
Get cosy. Light candles, play music, join fika breaks, and create your own warmth. Swedes call it “mysig”. That cosy vibe that gets you through the gloom.

So no, the weather isn’t perfect, but neither is life. You’ll adjust, just like we all did.

Don’t overpack — seriously

I know the feeling, you want to take everything with you so nothing feels unfamiliar or “too far from home.” But trust me, once you land in Sweden, you’ll realise you don’t need as much as you think.

Sweden is home to IKEA, second-hand stores, and some of the most active Facebook Marketplace and student WhatsApp groups you’ll ever see. Whether it’s a mattress, a desk lamp, or kitchen essentials — someone’s always selling theirs at a student-friendly price (especially around move-in and graduation time).

But yes, do bring the essentials like a phone charger, power bank, weather-appropriate clothing, and enough clothes to get you through the first few weeks.

You can always set up your new home here slowly, without paying for overweight luggage at the airport.

Final thoughts: Congratulations on making it this far, getting admitted is a huge achievement, and your hard work has truly paid off. While there are still a few things left to sort out, it always helps to know what’s ahead and adjust early. I hope this blog gave you a glimpse of what life in Sweden might look like — the fun, the facts, and the (slightly chilly) reality.

Got questions or topics you want me to cover in the next blog? Just drop me a message. Until then, stay safe, stay excited.