Student blogs

As a master’s student, I spend a large chunk of my time studying. And while I have a desk in my room, I prefer studying outside of home whenever I can. Over the last six months of my time in Stockholm, I’ve been discovering, testing out and accumulating study spots. So here is a list of my four favourite study spots in Stockholm (not just in KI). In each I’ll be covering the study spot essentials: coffee and snack options, noise level, chargers and laptops and their opening hours. 

1) The Biomedicum

As a Translational Physiology and Pharmacology student, a lot of our classes are in the Biomedicum. So after class it’s quite convenient to hang around in this building and do some work. 

Coffee and snack options

The Biomedicum has a really nice cafe that is open every weekday until 16:00, has discounted prices and really good coffee! You can even get a bryggkaffe for 10 kr! 

Noise level

The noise level really depends on what time of day it is. During lunch, 12:00-13:00, it is quite loud as there are loads of students and researchers eating lunch on the ground floor. However, in the mornings and after lunch hours it is a bit quieter, although there is still some chatter, which makes for a cafe-like working environment. 

Chargers and laptops

There are quite a lot of chargers around but it definitely depends on your seating, and of course laptops are allowed. 

Opening hours

The ground floor of the Biomedicum is accessible for everyone during weekdays from 9:00-17:00. However, this means it’s not a study spot for late evening study sessions or weekend ones. 

2) Waynes Coffee

When I’m feeling fancy and have a more relaxed study session awaiting, I usually head to Waynes Coffee, a chain with various locations in the city. I love the Sodermalm location, as after my study session I can walk around this charming part of Stockholm and romanticize my day. 

Coffee and snack options

As it is a cafe, the coffee and snack options are endless, but of course the costs add up. Luckily, Wayne’s coffee has a student discount which I love to take advantage of (at least the times I can remember to show them my Mecenat card before paying). 

Noise level

The noise level at this cafe depends on the day and the time. There are usually a lot of people reading or working on their laptops, however, there is still a lot of chatter, so it is definitely on the louder side. 

Chargers and laptops

In my experience, Wayne’s has a laid-back laptop policy. Even during weekends, I see people using their laptops, and it is not unusual to see people order one coffee and then stay for 2-3 hours in the cafe. As for chargers, there are some corners with chargers, however, I usually go with a fully charged laptop just in case I don’t sit by one. 

Opening hours

Waynes Coffee in Sodermalm has rather long opening hours (at least compared to other cafes in Stockholm). During the weekdays, it’s open from 7:30-20:00, and on the weekends it’s open from 10:00-18:00 (even on Sundays!).

3) KTH Library

When I really need to focus, I go to the KTH library. It’s quite big and has a lot of study spots, however, it does get busy quickly, so I usually get there earlier in the day to make sure I get a seat. In my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest libraries in Stockholm, which helps me romanticize my studying and motivates me. 

Coffee and snack options

By the entrance of the library there is a cafe which is open during the weekdays, but not on weekends. However, not far from the library there is a 7 Eleven in which you can buy coffee and snacks for a rather affordable price!  

Noise levels

The main library study area is rather loud. However, there are big rooms in the back of the library which are dedicated to self-study, and are therefore a bit quieter. There is also a quiet room (where not even typing on your laptop is allowed). So if you need absolute silence, this is the place to be. 

Chargers and laptops

There are chargers at basically every seat, so that won’t be an issue here! And of course using laptops is allowed, except for in the quiet room! 

Opening hours

The library is open to everyone from 9:00-21:00 on weekdays, 10:00-16:00 on Saturdays and it is closed on Sundays! 

4) KI Solna Library

Finally, last but not least, we have the KI library (including the wooden huts right outside).  I usually sit in the library huts because there’s lots of light and a more relaxed environment. But when I’m studying something difficult that requires my full attention, I head into the main library area.

Coffee and snack options

There are a few vending machines around the building, and a small cafe that is open until 15:00 on weekdays (and is closed on weekends). However, the snack and coffee options here are rather limited. 

Noise levels

The KI library huts are in an open area where there is more chatter, however, the library itself is on the quieter side. Every so often, there will be some people chatting, but for the most part people are working individually with headphones in. 

Chargers and laptops

As with the KTH library, there are chargers at every seat! 

Opening hours

One of the best things about the KI library (which applies to both Solna and Flemingsberg campuses) is that with your KI card you can access it from 7:00-22:00, including on weekends! So if you have a lot to study, the KI library is your best friend.