Student blogs

It can feel overwhelming not knowing what to pack for your big move to Stockholm! Here are my top suggestions:

PLANE

• Carry-on bag & backpack
• Passport (Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after you plan to return to your home country, you will not be allowed to travel too close to the expiry date)
• Face Mask 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Wipes
• Comfortable outfit
• Sweater
• Headphones 
• Book
• Wallet 
• Neck pillow
• Ear plugs
• Phone, laptop, etc.
• Gum 
• Snacks
• Glasses

CLOTHING

This might be the hardest part since Stockholm experiences all the weather of all four seasons and it can vary quite quick! Tip: only bring the clothes you typically wear back home everyday. 

• Everyday – layers are key! 
  • Pajamas 
  • T-shirts 
  • Long sleeve shirt 
  • Various pants 
  • Sweaters 
  • Rain jacket 
  • Socks 
  • Underwear 
  • Belt 
  • Business casual outfit 
  • Going out outfit 
  • Comfortable footwear 
• Winter
  • Winter coat 
  • Mittens & winter hat 
  • Scarf 
  • Water resistant shoes 
  • Thermal pants
• Summer 
  • Bathing Suit 
  • Shorts 
  • Sandals
  • Flip Flops
  • Cap
• Other 
  • Gym shoes 
  • Exercise clothes 
  • Hiking shoes 

TOILETRIES 

• Get any prescriptions filled prior to leaving to give yourself time to sort out health care in Sweden
• Non-prescription medication/creams (Sweden does not have certain things accessible over the counter, such as Cold & Flu Medication and Epsom Salts) 

THINGS FOR YOUR ROOM

• If you have space you can bring items such as sheets, blankets, towels. However, these can be very heavy and you can find these things in Stockholm easily and affordably (IKEA!)
• Your favorite items (E.g. pictures)

IMPORTANT PRACTICAL ITEMS

• Swedish Krona (their currency) 
• Passport; other identification cards
• Driver’s license
• Bank cards (Contact your bank and make sure that you have access to your account while in Sweden or that you will be able to transfer it to a Swedish bank account)
• Paper work 
  • Insurance Documents E.g. European Health Insurance Card 
  • Visa Information 
  • Notification of Acceptance 
  • Final transcript (for those in the final year of their bachelor) 
  • Documents you need to apply for the personnummer 

SCHOOL ITEMS 

• Computer 
• Calculator 
• Agenda 
• USB drive 

TECHNOLOGY

• Laptop and charger 
• Phone charger 
• Outlet adaptors and/or power converter (Sweden uses the Europlug (Type C & F and outputs 230 Watts)
• Headphones 
• Camera 
• Phone that is unlocked and able to change sim cards
• Bluetooth speaker
• Electric razor
• External hard drive
• HDMI
• Power strip

OTHER

• Umbrella 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Sunglasses 
• Sports gear (cleats, goggles, bike gear, skis etc.) 
• Sunscreen 

Packing to move to a new country can be difficult and your first attempt will probably result in an overweight suitcase. Don’t get discouraged! Before you start, you should first identify the airline’s baggage policies and fees through their website. Then, what I have found helpful, is to first write down a packing list and lay out all your items to see everything before packing your suitcase, carry-on & personal bag. I hope this list helps make your packing a little easier and remember you will always be able to get many items once you are in Stockholm (i.e. in the “Others” section). 

Good luck and contact me if you have any questions lauren.elizabeth.wiebe@stud.ki.se

Lauren