Inside Sittnings, Sweden’s Most Traditional Student Parties

There’s one student tradition in Sweden that everyone talks about from day one—sittnings. From the very first day of intro week, I started hearing about these formal dinners with strange rules, old songs, and tickets that sell out within minutes. I had to see what the hype was about!

I’ve attended two sittnings in my first year of studying in Sweden, and I’m already looking forward to many more in the years to come. Sittnings, also known as sittningar, are some of the most traditional student parties in Sweden. What makes them even more interesting is that each university does them a little differently. There’s no single way to host a sittning, but no matter where you go, they’re closely tied to student traditions that go back decades—or even centuries.

There’s also a certain mystery surrounding them. Phones are usually not allowed during the event, which adds a layer of secrecy and makes the whole thing feel a bit like stepping into a private, time-honored ritual.

If you’re studying in Sweden, attending at least one sittning is a must. It’s such a fun way to experience student culture from the inside. In this post, I’ll open the curtain just a little and give you a glimpse of what it’s like—how they’re set up, some of the traditional (and sometimes hilarious) rituals, and a few personal highlights. But don’t worry, I won’t spoil too much. Some things you just have to experience for yourself.

There Are Different Types of Sittnings

I’ve had the chance to attend two very different sittnings during my first year in Sweden—an ugly sittning and a fancy sittning. While they were complete opposites in style, they both shared the same core elements of Swedish student traditions, making them equally memorable in their own ways.

Ugly Sittings

The ugly sittning is the more casual, laid-back version of these student dinners. Tickets are usually much cheaper, with prices around 100 kronor for an event that doesn’t come with the usual perks. For this type of sittning, the setting is often more relaxed. It might even be outdoors in a park, or inside with students sitting on the floor. The food tends to be much simpler, often just pizza or a light dinner, which keeps the cost low. You also have to bring your own drinks, adding to the informal vibe. The one I attended was a bargain, considering the experience, and it was a great way to dive into the tradition without breaking the bank.

Fancy Sittings

On the other hand, the fancy sittning is a whole different level. The dress code is strictly formal—think black tie, tuxedos, evening gowns. You’ll find no casual attire here! The tickets for these sittnings can set you back as much as 500 kronor, reflecting the higher expectations. In exchange, you get a full three-course dinner and several drink tickets included. The atmosphere is more polished, with proper seating arrangements and a pre-sittning space for mingling, taking photos, and getting in the celebratory mood. Fancy sittnings also come with much higher-quality specs (skits or performances) than the ugly sittning—but more on that later.

Despite these differences, both sittnings stay true to the traditions that make them uniquely Swedish, from the chanting and singing to the toastmasters leading the event with their own flair. Whether you’re attending a laid-back outdoor gathering or a formal indoor dinner, you’re guaranteed to experience the fun and mystery of these iconic student events.

What Actually Happens– A Chronological Look Inside Sittnings

Whether it’s an ugly sittning or a fancy one, the flow of the evening usually follows a certain traditional order—with just enough chaos mixed in to keep things exciting. Here’s what to expect (without giving everything away).

Arrival & Seating

At a fancy sittning, the evening often begins in a separate pre-mingling space before you enter the official dining room. This is your chance to take photos, chat with people, and admire how everyone looks in their formal wear.

Once you’re let into the dining hall, everyone finds their seats at long, banquet-style tables. Themed decorations might line the tables depending on the event, and you’ll probably be handed a little leaflet. This is your guide for the night—it usually includes the full list of songs, rules, maybe a bingo card, and sometimes even the dinner menu.

Ugly sittnings don’t usually have all the glitz. For mine, we sat on the floor and ate pizza. But even here, the basic setup still includes a songbook and a sense of structure—just with way more chaos

The Toastmasters Make Their Entrance

There are usually two toastmasters at every sittning, and they are the main hosts of the evening. Their job? To guide you through the night, control the tempo, keep the traditions alive, and bring the drama.

At both sittnings I attended, the toastmasters made a very grand entrance—always in matching outfits that match the night’s dress code, always to some kind of dramatic music. At the fancy sittning, they came down a spiral staircase under a spotlight as the entire room watched. They took their seats at a central table that gave them a commanding view of the entire hall—because, yes, they’re in charge.

Once they’re in place, the Swedish national anthem is played. This moment really sets the tone: it’s a surprising, formal beginning that reminds you this is more than just a party—it’s a tradition. Afterward, the toastmasters welcome everyone, lay down the rules, and make it very clear: break them, and you might face a “punishment”… or even get kicked out if it’s serious.

The Singing – A Big Deal

Once dinner starts, so does the real heart of a sittning—the singing. A lot of it. You’ll find a booklet at your seat full of Swedish drinking songs, many of which are deeply tied to student history. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Swedish. Most of us didn’t. Singing from a paper while kind of tipsy and laughing with your friends ends up being ridiculously fun, even if you mispronounce every other word.

Now here’s where it gets really interesting: tempo. If people think things are dragging, they can request to speed things up. In the fancy sittning I attended, people politely snapped their fingers to get the toastmasters’ attention. In the ugly one? We banged on the floor and yelled a deep, slow-building “ooohhhhhhhhhh…” until the entire room erupted with “TEMPO!” The toastmasters would respond with their signature line: “Tempo you have asked for, tempo you shall receive.” And then we’d launch into the next song with full energy.

Specs & Performances

Throughout the night, you’ll also get to see specs—short performances or skits prepared for entertainment. These vary depending on the sitting. At fancy sittnings, the specs are usually high quality, with bands, singers, or well-rehearsed plays and dance routines. Ugly sittnings keep things more DIY and wild, but just as fun.

Sometimes these specs are completely random: singing, acting, acrobatics, comedy—whatever adds flavor to the night. They break up the meal, keep the energy up, and sometimes even get interactive.

Punishments (Yes, Really)

At some point in the evening, the toastmasters will announce who’s broken the rules. And yes, there are punishments. They vary depending on the setting.

At my ugly sittning, I found myself on the punishment list for taking a forbidden photo of a banana taped to a wall (yes, really). My sentence? I had to chug the entire drink I had in hand. To the last drop.

It’s all in good fun, but the rules are actually taken seriously—especially the no-phone policy. That secrecy adds to the mystique of the whole thing, and it’s part of what makes the experience feel so special and tucked away from the rest of the world. But while things can get a little wild, it’s also important to be responsible—drink responsibly, pace yourself, and always make sure the people around you are comfortable. The best sittnings are the ones where everyone feels safe, included, and free to enjoy the chaos together.

When to Attend a Sittning – Pick Your Season!

One of the fun things about sittnings is that they happen throughout the year, and they’re often themed to match the season or a specific holiday. That means you can actually choose when and how you want to experience your first (or next!) sittning based on what vibes you’re into.

Intro Sittnings

There’s almost always an intro sittning at the start of the semester—organized either by a nation (if your university has them) or the student union. These are perfect for new students, especially if you’re an international student just learning about Swedish student life.

In Skövde, for example, we have multiple “How-To Sittnings” during the first few weeks. These sittnings are meant to walk new students through all the strange customs and rules in a fun and relaxed way—so now that you know these kinds of parties even exist, maybe make it a priority to attend one during intro week itself.

Seasonal & Holiday Sittnings

Besides that, there are sittnings tied to pretty much every major event or season. Think Halloween sittnings with spooky costumes, St. Patrick’s Day sittnings with lots of green, or even spring sittnings to welcome the sunshine.

If there’s a particular holiday or time of year you love, there’s a good chance there’s a sittning that matches that mood. So keep an eye out, and maybe aim for a sittning that fits your favorite season. And remember: no matter the theme or time of year, the traditions, fun, and chaos stay the same—just in a slightly different costume.

Why Sittnings Matter

Sittnings might seem like just wild student parties at first glance, but they’re also about community, tradition, and creating memories with people you might not otherwise meet. They give international students like me a chance to take part in a culture that values fun, inclusion, and shared rituals. And honestly? They’ve become some of my most unforgettable nights in Sweden.