Are International Students Truly Happy in Sweden?

As someone who has just wrapped up a full academic year in Sweden, I’ve been in a deeply reflective mood lately. Maybe it’s the warm summer breeze that finally decided to show up, or maybe it’s the feeling of closing a chapter that once felt so intimidating to even begin. Sweden has been many things to many people — a dream, a challenge, a stepping stone, a home. But with the current global climate, economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and general life messiness, I started wondering: Are international students in Sweden actually happy?

I didn’t want to just write about my own experience, so I reached out to four of my friends studying in Skövde. Each of them is from a different part of the world, studying different programs, and going through completely different phases of life. Here’s what they said.

Álvaro Luque

Álvaro is an exchange student from Spain and he studied Software engineering at the University of Skövde for one year.

“I arrived here last summer. Coming from the south of Spain, Sweden in general was a bit cold for me, but Skövde was beautiful during the long summer days. The city was really welcoming to international students and since most Swedes speak English really well, the university organizes a lot of activities and the days were long, meeting people was not a problem. However, the winter months are a challenge. Few light hours and really cold temperatures, combined with the more introverted personalities of the Swedes can be a challenge for a lot of people. So I would recommend making friends during the warmer months so you don’t get isolated in winter. I would highly recommend Sweden as a study destination. P.S. Make sure to get an Ovve!!!”

First of all, the Ovve advice is top-tier. Álvaro is not wrong; if you ever wanted to feel like part of a weird, colorful, slightly chaotic family, the Ovve (student overall) is your ticket in. Read my blog post on everything you need to know about it over here!

And I wholeheartedly agree about the Swedish summer! Those endless sunlit evenings, when you can walk for hours without realizing it’s almost 10 PM- chef’s kiss. But yes, winter is real. Not just the temperature, but the whole mood. I also noticed how social life shifts indoors and gets a little quieter. Álvaro’s strategy of making friends during summer is very good and important.

Udani Kodhithuwakku

Udani is a full-time student in Cybersecurity and Network Administration here in Skövde. One of the main reasons I reached out to her for this blog is because she moved to Sweden with her husband and two-year-old son. I believe her perspective is especially valuable for prospective students who are considering making a similar move with their families.

“Life as a student mom in Skövde is a journey filled with both challenges and quiet joys. Balancing lectures and bedtime stories isn’t always easy, but with my 2-year-old son thriving in a warm and flexible daycare, I get the time I need to focus on my studies. The teachers truly understand the reality of student families, always supportive, always kind, making it possible to grow in both my roles as a mother and a student.”

I have so much admiration for Udani. She’s not just getting a degree; she’s raising a tiny human while doing it. And doing both with so much grace! Her story reminds me that happiness here doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s making friends at the student pub. For others, it’s walking your toddler to daycare, then heading to your 8 AM lecture.

What really stuck with me was how she described the teachers. I’ve also noticed this!. They get that we’re juggling more than just grades. I know personally that they are very helpful when it comes to settling down in Sweden.For example, a friend of mine once had a dental emergency, and she told me the teachers were very helpful. They guided her through the insurance process and helped her get the money back for the treatment costs. Sweden has a way of making you feel like you’re allowed to be a human being first and a student second.

Vennela

“Moving abroad is a big step for anyone, and moving to Sweden in my 20s was no exception. Just a year ago, I was unfamiliar with everything and everyone. But today, if someone asked me where home is, I’d say it’s here in Sweden, where I’ve built a life and found friends who feel like family.”

Vennela is a biomedicine student at the University of Skövde, and what she shared really stayed with me. There is something meaningful about the idea of choosing a new place to live, and then slowly turning it into home, one day at a time. For me, home is not just where my address is. It is where I feel understood and accepted. It is where I can walk into the university library and see familiar faces, even if we are all silently struggling through the same assignments. That quiet shift from feeling like an outsider to feeling like you belong is one of the best parts of being a student here.

And I have to say, Vennela is honestly one of the friendliest people I have met. Everyone around her feels that warmth, and it is clear that people genuinely adore her. One thing I have personally learned from her is the power of a smile and the positive energy that comes from being open. She is always willing to put herself out there, and that is something that really shapes your experience when moving to a new place. Even small efforts to connect can make everything feel a little brighter.

Maria

“I believe that international students in Sweden are genuinely happy due to the support provided by universities and local communities. They offer various advantages and amenities that enhance daily life. Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain valuable experiences outside of their studies, such as traveling and participating in exchanges with other countries.”

Everything Maria said, I completely agree with. The support system for international students in Sweden is honestly impressive. From your very first introduction day to the final weeks of the term, the university is there for you. Whether it is academic questions, health issues, or general life advice, someone is always ready to help. But what really surprised me is how involved the local government and external organizations are in making student life better. One example that still amazes me is the free Swedish language classes offered by the local municipality. That kind of resource makes such a difference when you are trying to settle in and feel more connected. If you are curious about how those classes work, especially the SFI program, you can check out the blog post I wrote about it here!

Another thing that makes Sweden special is that by living here, you are also part of the European Union. That opens up a world of travel opportunities. Want to attend a concert by your favorite artist? There is a good chance they will perform in a nearby country. Coming from regions like Asia, Africa, or South America, that kind of access is a huge privilege, and it really adds to the overall student experience. On top of that, there are so many exchange opportunities. At my university, the support system for finding and applying for exchanges is one of the best I have seen. They truly encourage you to explore, learn, and grow beyond the classroom.

In Conclusion…

Sweden may not be perfect, but for many international students, it offers the space to grow, the support to thrive, and the freedom to dream a little bigger. If you’re wondering whether students here are actually happy… I’d say, more often than not, we really are!