Written by Jazmin
29 Apr 2025
When I first arrived in Lund, I met Alvaro, my friend from Ecuador, who came around the same time as I did. It didn’t take long for him to earn a very special title among our friend group: the master of discounts. Whether it’s clothes, home essentials, or even groceries, if we want something, we go straight to Alvaro. He somehow always knows where to find it cheaper. So, for this blog post, I decided to interview him and share his wisdom with you. I hope some of his tips will come in handy when you arrive in Sweden and start navigating student life on a budget!
Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you became “the master of discounts” in Sweden?
Sure! I’m an anthropologist with a passion for fashion. I’ve taken classes in sociology, and I’ve worked as a fashion consultant and in communications. Over time, I developed an eye for shopping smart—not just for the best prices, but also with a sustainable mindset.
To me, avoiding full-price items or what a brand pushes as “must-haves” is part of resisting overconsumption. When you buy items on discount, you’re often buying pieces the brand wants to clear out, which helps keep fashion circulating rather than wasted.
As a student, I believe it’s important to still care about how you dress, even on a tight budget. Especially in Lund, where the weather changes with every season, you really do need a wardrobe that keeps you comfortable throughout the year. Shopping smart helps you build that wardrobe without breaking the bank.
What are your top 5 places to find student discounts in Sweden?
My main area of expertise is definitely fashion, so I’ll start with my top three places to find great deals on clothes—and then I’ll add two more for other essential categories!
Fashion:
H&M – If you download the app and become a member, you get 10% off your first purchase. Plus, they give you a 25% discount for your birthday!
Booztlet – This is the outlet version of Boozt, and it’s amazing. You just need to register, and you’ll find big-name brands with discounts of up to 80%. All sizes and lots of styles!
UNIQLO – When you sign up, you get a welcome discount that can save you up to 400 SEK across your first four purchases.
Other categories:
Apotek Hjärtat – Great for pharmacy and beauty products. If you’re a member of ICA and have a Swedish personal number (personnummer), you can access exclusive discounts through BankID.
Willys – One of the best places for affordable grocery shopping. If you become a member (which is free), you get access to special discounts and weekly offers. A great feature is that you can scan a code when you enter the store and use the self-checkout system, which not only saves time but sometimes gives you extra discounts. Just keep in mind that to become a member and use these benefits, you’ll need a Swedish personal number and BankID.
What’s the best deal you’ve ever scored?
Definitely from Booztlet. It’s my favorite because they offer high-quality brands at unbeatable prices. There’s a minimum purchase requirement, but the value you get makes it completely worth it. Just one tip—make sure you know your exact size. Sizing matters a lot, especially when shopping online.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a new student who wants to shop smart in Sweden?
One thing to keep in mind is that in this part of the world, you’ll find silhouettes and styles that you might not see anywhere else. If you’re an international student, be aware that sizing can be tricky—people here tend to be tall, and standard sizes might not fit everyone. If you’re on the shorter side, try looking in the women’s section or even the kids’ section for basics. Also, when shopping online, I always recommend visiting the physical store first to try things on. That way, you avoid returns and know exactly what to order later.
I hope you found Alvaro’s tips as helpful as I do! Shopping smart in Lund isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making sustainable choices and learning how to make the most of your student budget. Whether you’re just arriving in Sweden or you’ve been here for a while, remember that style, comfort, and affordability can absolutely go hand in hand. And if you ever feel lost, just do what we do—ask someone like Alvaro!
