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Hi there!
My name is Brooke and I am honored to be one of the digital ambassadors for Study in Sweden getting to show you what it is like to live and study in Sweden. While I was applying to university in Sweden, I myself used the Study in Sweden blog and Instgram as a resource to get to know more about Sweden, how to write my application, apply for a residence permit and more! I hope that you will find my content helpful and engaging whether you are thinking about coming to Sweden or already live here.
I am very lucky and thankful to be here in Sweden as I have dreamt of living here for some time. Everyday feels like a &#8220;pinch me&#8221; moment whether I am doing simple tasks such as laundry, grocery shopping or simply walking down the street. I am currently living in Norrköping where I am studying Ethnic and Migration studies at Linköping University.
When I am not studying in the library or producing content for Study in Sweden, I like to drink coffee, second hand shop, go running, and watch documentaries. I am passionate about talking about mental health and allyship and you can look forward to seeing this kind of content from me.
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me via email if you have any questions about life and studying in Sweden! We are in this together!

My name is Brooke and I'm from the United States 🇺🇸. I'm a student at Linköping University, where I study a Master's in Ethnic and Migration Studies.

Brooke

Hey, Hola, Hi !
My name is Camilo but I like people to call me Milo. I am studying a 2 years Master programme in Global Studies in one of the best universities for recycling and sustainability in the World – University of Gothenburg. I am a Swedish Institute Scholarship Holder. I love my programme because the students came from all around the globe and we all have different backgrounds. Together we share knowledge, problematics and experiences about the entire world.
I come from La Paz &#8211; Bolivia, the heart of South America. I like reading, cooking, and of course writing. I&#8217;ll be sharing all about my student life in Sweden on blogposts. I hope to help everyone with my experiences.
Don&#8217;t hesitate in ask me everything about my life in Sweden. Let&#8217;s start this journey together.

My name is Camilo and I'm from Bolivia 🇧🇴. I'm a student at the University of Gothenburg, where I'm studying a Master's in Global Studies.

Camilo

Hej there! My name is Lara. I am a Lebanese architect, currently studying a MSc in sustainable urban planning and design at KTH (The Royal Institute of Technology) in Stockholm.
I’m very passionate about buildings and Stockholm is my perfect playground! I also can’t stop having fika (coffee and cinnamon rolls), and I’m always on the search for the best coffee in town.
I am extremely happy to be in Sweden and look forward to sharing with you my new lifestyle.
Don’t hesitate to write to me!

My name is Lara and I'm from Lebanon 🇱🇧. I'm a student at the KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, where I study a Master's in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design.

Lara

Hello! Hej! Sawubona!
I am very excited to be in Sweden and to be part of the Study in Sweden team! It&#8217;s been a couple of years since I started telling my friends at home in South Africa about my crazy idea to study in this beautiful country so it&#8217;s honestly a dream come true to be here!
I am passionate about many forms of creative expression, including drawing, dancing and singing but to summarize &#8211; fashion is my discipline, music is my love, and cooking is my therapy. I&#8217;m very eclectic and love contrasting flavours, styles, sights and sounds so I&#8217;m always open to new experiences, and they&#8217;re even better when I get to share them with my friends and of course, with YOU! All of these elements and the breathtaking nature, quality of education and opportunity to engage with sustainability and innovative solutions is what attracted me to Sweden. I&#8217;m eternally grateful to the Swedish Institute &#8211; they awarded me the scholarship that helped to make this once in a lifetime adventure come to life! I&#8217;m currently studying a masters in Fashion Marketing and Management at The University of Borås, with an emphasis on sustainability &#8211; so my fashion tips will come with a much needed twist with what is better for the planet, the people who make it and of course YOU!
It&#8217;s my first time travelling outside of Africa so I&#8217;ll be learning a lot and I&#8217;m happy to answer any questions through the blog or our instagram page to the best of my knowledge. Stay tuned and let&#8217;s learn together!

My name is Lusanda and I'm from South Africa 🇿🇦. I'm a student at the University of Borås, where I'm studying a Master's in Fashion Marketing and Management.

Lusanda

Hej Hej/ Hi/ Xin chào!
My name is Nguyen. I come from Da Nang &#8211; a lovely and sunny coastal city in the centre of Vietnam.
I&#8217;m currently doing master&#8217;s International Development and Management (LUMID) in Lund University. I&#8217;m a sustainable development enthusiast. That&#8217;s why I have come all the way, crossed the continent to be in Sweden &#8211; one of the most sustainable countries in the world. And that&#8217;s one of the best decisions in my life. At LUMID, I have met different people from all around the world (20 nationalities to be exact). We share food, fika, trips, and of course knowledge and work together.
I love traveling, singing and photography. I am also a foodie and I have a sweet tooth. I cannot resist kanelbulla whenever I see one! When I have free time, I would like to cook while listening to music and singing along. I also love to immerse in nature, so I usually bike around Lund when I have time. If you spot a classic blue bike with white saddle and tyres at a random natural place in Lund, that is probably my bike &#8211; Hav.
I&#8217;m also a Swedish Institute Scholarship holder. Thus during my time as part of Study in Sweden team, I am excited to share with you all my application tips and of course my student life in a Swedish university town through blog posts and Instagram Study in Sweden. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line.
Let&#8217;s start this journey together in the Swedish way! Nu går vi!

My name is Nguyen and I'm from Vietnam 🇻🇳. I'm studying a Master's in International Development and Management at Lund University.

Nguyen

Hallå! Kamusta!
Reuben here! Born and raised in Baguio- the summer capital city of the Philippines. Now, I am doing my Master&#8217;s in Biomedical Surface Science in the vibrant and young city of Malmö.
So far living the best time of my life in this beautiful country. 
I love everything creative, making badass content and learning new stuff along the way!
Can&#8217;t wait to share my journey with you guys! 
Catch me on our Youtube channel!

My name is Reuben and I'm from the Philippines 🇵🇭. I'm a student at Malmö University, where I'm studying a Master's in Biomedical Surface Science.

Reuben

Hej Hej Hej,
My name is Sara Roza, and I am from Hungary. I am a cheerful MA student, at the University of Gothenburg, where I study Global Studies.
I like to hike, read thrillers, and I love to sing.
I am also left-handed, a passionate and true dog lover, a plant-based eater, and a huge mango fan.
And of course! I can not wait to share my journey as a DA with you. Get ready for adventures and feel free to ask, if you have any questions 🙂

My name is Sara and I'm from Hungary 🇭🇺. I am doing my M.Sc at the University of Gothenburg, and I study Global Studies.

Sara Roza

Hej!
I’m Tina, 21 years old and from Germany.
Having moved around the world quite a bit during my childhood, it was just the next logical step to also spend my time at university in a new country.
I moved to Sweden due to my fascination with the “Scandinavian way of life”, the beautiful landscape, the great education at university and the diverse and vibrant community in my city. 
I love to read, listen to all sorts of music, hang out with friends and I enjoy makeup/fashion and art in general. 
Other interests I spend my time on include astronomy, marine biology, interior design, and psychology, as well as being a Netflix and YouTube addict.
My talents include making a delicious Pad Thai, talking in extensive lengths about the importance of knowing your Patronus, missing the bus (they are REALLY on time in Sweden) and getting angry stares in the library because I&#8217;m watching Brooklyn99 instead of studying.
It is my pleasure to share my adventures in Sverige with you, create content for StudyInSweden and give you an insight into what life is like in one of the happiest countries in the world.
Please feel welcome to mail me, or leave me a comment if you have any questions regarding life as a bachelor student in Sweden, I can’t wait to get in touch with you! And remember to check out our YouTube. We do cool stuff on there too. 
&nbsp;

My name is Tina and I'm from Germany 🇩🇪. I'm a student at Malmö University, where I'm studying a Bachelor's in European Studies.

Tina

Hej!
My name is Xinyi. I&#8217;m from China and currently doing MSc Interactive Media Technology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
Studying in Sweden is like a dream come true. I love every second of time here in Sweden because I get to experience new things.
I am a software developer, music lover, and fika addict. I&#8217;m also a former college basketball player. Wanna play a match?
It&#8217;s my pleasure to share my adventure with you! Feel free to ask and follow us on our Weibo and WeChat 留学瑞典.

My name is Xinyi and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where I'm studying a Master's in Interactive Media Technology.

Xinyi

Hej!
My name is Yu and I&#8217;m from China. I&#8217;m studying a Master&#8217;s in Child Culture Design at the University of Gothenburg.
I love that Sweden takes children&#8217;s rights seriously, where I learned and observed a lot while staying here.
Winter is long here but that&#8217;s what makes Sweden beautiful in its own way!
I write blog and share my journey mostly for Chinese speaking audience, please find me on our Weibo and WeChat account 留学瑞典!

My name is Yu and I'm from China 🇨🇳. I'm a student at the University of Gothenburg, where I'm studying a Master's in Child Culture Design.

Swedish personal identity number: easy as pie

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Swedish Street Art: No Limit &#038; Artscape Festival Borås

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Second-hand student savings part 2: Borås shopping tour

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Hi! 👋 In this blog you can read about our experiences as international students in Sweden! - Study in Sweden

Before moving here the biggest question I had in my mind was " how Swedes really are"? But really honestly can someone please tell me?&nbsp;And all I got as an answer was pure stereotypes and misconceptions....



Well, here I am. Telling you, what I (and this is important to highlight) think about Swedish people, and how they're like.&nbsp; Plus,&nbsp; I am going to give you some tips on how to become one (in case you're wondering about the procedure). Trust me there's no surgical change, there's no secret ingredient to Swedes... Maybe a little bit of a different approach to a world and different traditions. But isn't it just like with any other culture which differs from yours? How is so so special about Swedes that attracts you?



If you want to read a very interesting article about 11 weird things Swedes do: <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2017/01/23/11-things-swedes-do/">check this out!</a>



<h2>1. Being humble</h2>



One of the first things I have realized that Swedish people are very humble. They don't brag, they don't necessarily like to accept your compliments, whether it's simply just an "oh I like your shirt" or, more of an "academic compliment" like "I really liked your paper about the mating habits of white sharks".&nbsp; It's not about being unaware of your qualities. It is very simply about the idea that "no human is different from the other" and we're all equal.



Tip: Be proud of who you are and where you came from, but don't brag about your wealth, or externalities. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29121"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_5527-768x1024.jpg" alt="A group of Study in Sweden digital ambassadors." class="wp-image-29121"/><figcaption>This is (some) of Us, Digital Ambassadors, with our extremely humble laugh, almost giggles Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



<h2>2.&nbsp; Finding the humor</h2>



Where I come from (Central Europe, Hungary) people are very VERY very pessimistic. We don't believe that life can be good, we tend to complain, and complain, and complain. Sometimes I feel like that is what holds us together.



Swedes, on the other hand, are exactly the opposite.&nbsp;Yes it's dark, yes it rains, yes it's cold. BUT WHO CARES? Life goes on, and NO ONE, not even the sun itself can stop you from having fun. Do you remember the Sun from the Teletubbies?&nbsp; I feel like in Sweden it's the clouds that set the exact same vibe on your day. It does nothing else but giggles, and nothing matters.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29122"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7740-768x1024.jpg" alt="A person standing beside a blue tram." class="wp-image-29122"/><figcaption>When I posted this picture on Instagram, someone commented: "You put house doors on trams"? Well, if you look closely..... / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



Tip: Be positive, and take life easy. Very cliche 'advice', but try to see the glass full. (This is DEFINITELY something I am trying to follow every day)



<h2>3. Appreciating 'the little things'</h2>



Okay, nature is not something that can be labeled as a 'little thing' but we all forget to care about it sometimes. We just simply forget our surroundings. Swedish people are taking walks, they jog, they genuinely enjoy to be outside.



Hiking, swimming, wandering around, while touching, listening, and starring at the same time. I love how they just appreciate the clear air, the fresh and delicious water, and spend every time possible outside.



It makes me laugh every time how Swedes are smiling when a little sunbeam just catches their face. They just freeze and stay there breathing in its every molecule. Even in the city center. No matter how cold is it, if the sun is out, winter coats are hanged on their shoulder, and they just turning towards the sun like some kind of dazed sunflowers.



Tip: As soon as the sun is out, run outside and enjoy it! Our sweet Nguyen wrote an amazing and very decorative blog post about her latest adventure. <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2020/02/02/sun-sea-sand-and-friends-a-perfect-day-out-to-maklappen/">Give it a look</a>, and prepare to be amazed. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29126"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7896-768x1024.jpg" alt="Tropical plants inside a large greenhouse." class="wp-image-29126"/><figcaption>Nature in a glass box. But still. Walking around in the Palm House feels liberating. / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



<h2>&nbsp;4. Fika culture</h2>



Northern and Western people are often labeled as workaholics and robots. Hmm.... every time when someone mentions this with a mocking tone, I tend to get very annoyed. Swedes do work, they work hard, but they know EXACTLY where and when to stop. If you're working hours are over, during weekend, and holidays, you won't be seeing a policeman in his uniform, nor your administrator answering your thousandth email. (Except some of our teachers... they even answer you at 4 am in the morning. But I am sure they are made of kryptonite or something.)



Nothing else proves this than the amazing, the one and only FIKA.&nbsp; At any time of the day, you have ti remind yourself to stop, have a good conversation with someone or with yourself (yep!) and just enjoy the delicious bryggkaffe and something sweet to eat.



Tip: I will not even try to further explain, check <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/07/19/50-shades-of-fika/">this blog post about fika culture out</a> and you will get the general image. 



<h2>5. Wearing 'whatever'</h2>



What Swedes wear? Yet again, there's no golden rule, but in general, Swedes are very fashionable. And the most fashionable thing about them is that they do not care about fashion (seemingly). Their way is gender-neutral, retro, <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/11/19/dare-to-care-sustainability-for-dummies/">SUSTAINABLE</a>, recycled, clean, minimalistic, <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/02/03/sustainability-challenge-second-hand-shopping/">THRIFTED</a>, free, extravagant. There's no such thing that you can't wear here. This is something I absolutely love and admire.&nbsp; You can wear whatever, with whatever, wherever. Isn't it great?



TIP: Thrifting and recycling is not  something that only Swedes can do 😉



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-29124"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/02/2F1F2B66-556C-46B1-B97D-68B110F0F8A7-616x1024.jpg" alt="A child standing at a bus stop." class="wp-image-29124"/><figcaption>A very fashionable tiny human / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



<h2>6. Hating hierarchy</h2>



Everyone always calls everyone on first name bases. There's no Mr., Miss, or Mrs., at the university there's no Professor XY. But it can also a bit confusing when you don't know who is the professor in the classroom!



Tip: When you introduce yourself in Sweden, the 'who are you' often means 'what are you' as well. Mentioning your profession, and interest can come handy later on :)



<h2>7. They're just being Swedes</h2>



They say 'Oj!' all the time. It means 'wow', 'really', it means 'excuse me', it can mean a lot of things.



Swedish people also like to repeat words in a very cute way. Hej, hej! Tack, tack! Puss puss! Mors, Mors!, etc. It is adorable, and at least you can easily learn them :)



Tip: You don't have to be Swede. Absolutely not. These are just small things that I personally noticed, but everything that is written above can be something absolutely opposite of what YOU have seen. 



Generalizing, and creating stereotypes is unfortunately in our nature. But don't let anyone (including me ) else influence your impressions. And don't let your first impressions (especially quickly made ones) fool you. Just like everyone else in the world Swedes are unique, colorful, and beautiful. How do you see Swedes?

'How to become Swedish?'

So, after all of your hard work, you have been admitted to your dream programme and preparing to study in Sweden. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! You made it!



Now, it's time to plan! You started searching for a place. Well, you are on the right path, my friend. Searching for accommodation as early as possible is the best thing you can do.



A lot of things might be uncertain right now due to COVID-19. And it's challenging. I absolutely understand. Always check the university web-page and the <a href="https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official information about the current situation in Sweden</a>. ↗️



In this post, I will tell you how to find a student place step by step -based on the information on how to find it during more normal times-.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-29751 size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/05/photo-1024x683.jpg" alt="A grey sofa and plants beside a window." class="wp-image-29751"/><figcaption>Photo: Leon Seibert / Unsplash</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How to find the right place?</h2>



If you are a fee-paying student, you'll probably be offered student housing from your university. However, your options can vary depending on your budget, preferences, city, and location. In some cases, non-fee paying students also have a chance to get student accommodation. Therefore, as a first step, you need to contact your university to find out what options you have.



For example, after the admission results, I received an e-mail from the housing agency for international students in Norrköping. If I am interested in their offer, I have been asked to;



<ol><li>Pay the tuition fee (as a Swedish Institute scholarship holder you don't need to pay tuition fee, you might just need to inform the housing agency)</li><li>Pay the deposit</li><li>Send the bank receipt by e-mail</li><li>Apply for accommodation by registering the online system</li></ol>



After I completed these steps, I received an e-mail from the housing agency about my options for student accommodation. Here is the e-mail;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/05/WhatsApp-Image-2020-05-21-at-16.45.25-300x298.jpeg" alt="Email detailing accommodation options." class="wp-image-29767"/></figure>



I chose a corridor room with shared bathroom and shared kitchen, furnished, and it was super close to the campus, shops, and city center. The only thing that could have been better was having a shared space to socialize. But I am still quite happy with my room!



Another case is that you need to arrange your accommodation because of various reasons. So, let's see what you can do.



<h3>1. Join the housing queue</h3>



In Sweden, finding housing might be difficult. But there is a system to make it easier. So what exactly does it mean to join the housing queue? Basically, you are on the list and you start collecting points. The logic of this system is the longer you wait, the more points you collect. Google your city name and housing queue to find out how to join!



For instance, it may be harder to find a place to live in Stockholm as it is the most populous city in Sweden.  To see an example, read here how the <a href="https://bostad.stockholm.se/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">housing system in Stockholm</a> ↗️ works. Protip: Also, check out the housing queues with the municipality. Most of the municipalities are involved in the housing queue process.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-29782 size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/05/per-loov-Bs4BebcmLec-unsplash-1024x805.jpg" alt="A dog standing on a grey sofa by the window." class="wp-image-29782"/><figcaption>Photo: Unsplash/Per Lööv</figcaption></figure>



<h3>2. Find relevant Facebook groups</h3>



A lot of people are searching for a place through Facebook groups. So you can see lots of offers there for both short and long-term accommodation. You can also share a post to let people know what kind of place you are looking for. But be aware of the frauds and people who want to trick you!



Search 'city name' and 'accommodation' in English on Facebook. Also, you can find groups through the city name and Swedish words like 'bostad or lägenheter i (name of the city)'.



Here is an example for Facebook groups: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/jobbochbostadimalmo/" target="_blank">Jobb och bostad i Malmö - Jobs and Accommodation in Malmo</a> ↗️ is both searching for accommodation and jobs! You can search for similar keywords and your city.



<h3>3. Spread the word</h3>



Ask your friends, family, and classmates if they have any advice to find a place. They might know someone who rents a room. Reach out to your network and tell them you are actively searching for accommodation. It is quite common almost in all Swedish cities that landlords renting a room in their big houses to newcomers. For instance, my fellow digital ambassador<a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/author/camilo/" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Camilo </a>always says how happy he is to get a chance to live with a Swedish landlord in Gothenburg. Have you read <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2020/02/23/student-life-in-sweden-my-first-semester-in-gothenburg-in-8-words/?student_author=58" rel="noopener noreferrer">his experiences</a> yet?



<h3>4. Check out the student unions</h3>



Some of the student unions help new coming students find a place to stay. Contact your student organization if they have any offer or advice. Get in line! Lund University's student unions have a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bopoolen.nu/en/?languageaction=en" target="_blank">webpage</a> ↗️ to match landlords and students. The website also has advertisements in Helsingborg and Malmö.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-29777 size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/05/marten-bjork-rH8O0FHFpfw-unsplash-1024x683.jpg" alt="A woman writes on a pink sticky note." class="wp-image-29777"/><figcaption>Photo: Unsplash/Martin Bjork</figcaption></figure>



<h3>5. Search on the websites</h3>



There various kinds of websites that you can search for accommodation. Make a detailed research. Write down your options and compare them. Contact landlords. Some of the landlords might want to do an online meeting to get to know you! Protip: Be friendly, give the right information, join to interview on time, and show them you are a reliable tenant!



Here are some websites that can help you during your journey to search for a place.



<ul><li><a href="https://www.blocket.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blocket.se</a> ↗️</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://qasa.se/" target="_blank">Qasa.se</a> ↗️</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.livetogrow.se/" target="_blank">Livetogrow.se</a> ↗️ (Stockholm and Linköping)</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bostaddirekt.com/" target="_blank">Bostad Direkt</a> ↗️ (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö)</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hyrabostad.se/" target="_blank">Hyra Bostad</a> ↗️</li><li><a href="https://nya.boplats.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boplast</a> ↗️ (Gothenburg)</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.samtrygg.se/RentalObject/NewSearch" target="_blank">Samtrygg</a> ↗️</li><li><a href="https://bostadslistan.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bostadslistan</a> ↗️</li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://bostadshub.se/?locale=en" target="_blank">Bostadhub</a> ↗️</li></ul>



<h2>How is living in corridor rooms in student housing like?</h2>



You can totally expect that you need to do your laundry, clean your room, and keep the shared spaces tidy and clean! Other than that, every student housing might have different sources or rules. Always check it with the housing agency. Here, I will tell you about my experiences!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-29760 size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/05/magnus_liam_karlsson-laundry-4241-1024x683.jpg" alt="A student filling a large washing machine with dirty clothes in a laundry room." class="wp-image-29760"/><figcaption>Photo: Magnus Liam Karlsson/imagebank.sweden.se</figcaption></figure>



<ul><li>Generally, furnished corridor rooms in student housing consist of a single bed, a desk with a chair, a wardrobe, and a drawer. Protip: Bring your own flip-flops, a small towel, and maybe even bad sheets for the first day because you will not get one until you go shopping!</li><li>The corridor room in a student dorm most likely means you have your own room. It's not too big but it's quite okay for a single person. &nbsp;Usually, you share the floor with 5 to 10 people.</li><li>It is common to have your bathroom in your room. In some cases, you might need to share the bathroom as well. If you can't stand the idea of waiting for half an hour to get a shower, share your preferences with the housing agency.</li><li>It is highly possible to have a shared kitchen. That means you'll be with many international students. Consider this as an opportunity to make new friends! :) (When things get better and social distancing end).</li><li>Usually, it is okay to have guests for staying over&nbsp;but this might be depending on the type of accommodation. Check it with your landlord.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-29775 size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/05/shubhesh-aggarwal-0_ANUVluyss-unsplash-1024x681.jpg" alt="People toasting each other and clinking plastic cups together." class="wp-image-29775"/><figcaption>Photo: Unsplash/Shubhesh Aggarwal</figcaption></figure>



<ul><li>In the kitchens, there are basic types of equipment such as oven, microwaves, and dinner table. In my case, I share the bathroom but I have my own refrigerator in my room, which is super cool! But in most cases, residents share the fridge.</li><li>You probably need to buy your own pan, pot, utensils, and cutlery.</li></ul>



Protip: Check what the pieces of equipment your landlord provides. Don't buy them in advance!



<ul><li>Bills are usually included in your monthly rent but you need to pay a small amount of money for laundry.</li><li>Internet is, of course, available but not a Wi-Fi. Many students use either a cable or router to have access to the internet.</li></ul>



<h2>How much does it cost?</h2>



The rent varies depending on the type of accommodation, city, and location of the accommodation in the city. So, student housing usually offers the most student-budget friendly rents. Generally speaking, the cost of living in a corridor room in a student house is usually between SEK 2900 - SEK 6000. However, private accommodations could be a little bit more expensive. Protip: If you did not offer a place in student housing, don't worry! Consider renting a room -often rooftop rooms of big houses are for rent-!



<h2>If you like this post, check out some more of the blog posts from Study in Sweden team:</h2>



<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/01/14/is-it-lonely-staying-accommodation-in-sweden/" target="_blank">Is it lonely staying in a Studio apartment by yourself and other frequently asked questions about Accommodation in Sweden</a> - Concillier



<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2018/11/14/the-perks-of-sharing-a-flat-with-other-students/?student_author=49" target="_blank">The perks of sharing a flat with other students</a> - Yen



So, that's it! Now, you know where to look, what to expect, and all the insider tips for student accommodation. I hope it helps! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions.



Best,



Hazal

Complete Guide to Student Accommodation - How to find one?

<h2>Do any of these panicked thoughts sound familiar?</h2>



"Have I missed anything?"



"Do I have enough time to do all of this??



"Wait, do I need a colour or black and white scan of my passport? Colour right? right??" 



"When is that application fee due??"  



"Arrrrgh I'm so stressed, I don't want to mess this up!"



If you're having sweaty palms and sleepless nights worrying about the application process, you're not alone! Exactly a year ago I was also stressed about applications! So now I want to help you with some advice on how to stay calm and enjoy the ride!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium_large wp-image-29020"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/01/ulf_lundin-reading-6661-768x513.jpg" alt="A girl reading a book by the lake." class="wp-image-29020"/><figcaption>Keep calm and read a book by the lake / Photo: Ulf Lundin/imagebank.sweden.se</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Important Dates for Autumn 2020 semester</h2>



First off (if you haven't already) save these <a href="https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/key-dates-and-deadlines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">key dates</a> ↗️ on your phone calendar, your diary, your fridge or anywhere that works for you:



<ul><li>15 January: Admission application deadline at midnight CET on <a href="https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Admissions website</a> ↗️</li><li>3 February: Deadline for receipt of application fee/document to prove you’re not required to pay the fee</li><li>3 February: Deadline for receipt of supporting documentation</li><li>10-20 February: Applications for SI scholarships (Check the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/" target="_blank">Swedish Institute website</a> ↗️)</li><li>3 April: Notification of Selection Results</li><li>Last day to reply to your offer: Your university will contact you if you must reply</li></ul>



<h2>Start Early</h2>



Hi, I'm Lusanda and I'm a serial procrastinator. THIS IS MY SECRET SHAME. When I applied last year I was stressing at the last minute (because i applied at the last minute, after I almost gave up) and this could have been avoided if I applied early! Previous winners of the <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/02/11/advice-for-scholarships/">Swedish Institute Scholarships have given this advice, along with their nerves and mistakes</a>. Thankfully I started my research a few months early, so I already knew exactly what I needed to do, BUT you can avoid heartache by starting sooner rather than later.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/01/Come-here-GIF-By-Bounce.gif" alt="A woman tapping her watch." class="wp-image-33697"/><figcaption>Photo: Giphy</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Stay Organized</h2>



I know, I know - we say this often on our other blog posts like <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/11/11/how-to-have-the-best-application-to-study-in-sweden/">Best Application Tips</a> by Hazal but trust me, it's important! If you know exactly what you need to submit, in the right format and to the right website, it saves you a looot of stress.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium_large wp-image-29019"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/01/simon_paulin-office_work-4819-768x512.jpg" alt="Person working at a desk." class="wp-image-29019"/><figcaption>Organized workspace / Photo: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se</figcaption></figure>



So keeping a to do list might not sound exciting BUT it will feel very satisfying when you scratch off things that you've completed!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium_large wp-image-29017"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/01/IMG_20191218_205136-768x576.jpg" alt="Journal with highlighted important dates." class="wp-image-29017"/><figcaption>My journal with important dates / Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Brainstorm</h2>



Maybe your mind is buzzing with millions of ideas that you can't keep track of or maybe you feel stuck and uninspired. Brainstorming will help with both of these. It's up to you how you want to do it - maybe you need a colorful scramble of words on a paper or maybe you need a neat journal where you put your ideas in a table - either way, find a method to get your ideas out of your head and onto a page.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium_large wp-image-28703"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2019/11/aline_lessner-higher_education-5773-768x513.jpg" alt="A person writing ideas on a large chalk wall." class="wp-image-28703"/><figcaption>Higher Education / Photo: Aline Lessner/imagebank.sweden.se</figcaption></figure>



It helps you make sense of your ideas and you can come back to it if you get stuck later on. I used this process to figure out which courses I wanted apply for, what to write in my CV, my university motivation letters and my <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/02/07/7-scholarship-motivation-letter-tips/">scholarship motivation letters</a>. You can even make one for why you want to study in Sweden! Nguyen has a great blog on the process of keeping a <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/12/16/my-diary-of-writing-a-personal-statement-to-study-in-sweden/">diary of writing a personal statement to Study in Sweden</a> which is fantastic way to keep track of your thoughts!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium wp-image-29016"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/01/IMG_20191218_205125-225x300.jpg" alt="Brainstorming ideas for motivational letter in a journal." class="wp-image-29016"/><figcaption>A Brainstorm for a motivation letter to study in Sweden / Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Follow Study in Sweden</h2>



Yes, this is a shameless plug BUT I swear I wouldn't have felt as confident or prepared to apply if it wasn't for the countless blog articles, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflojTNXBBIK6t4ChPStXrQ/featured" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Youtube videos</a> ↗️ and instagram stories that gave me advice. Our team is students who had to go through the stress of applying just like you! We're here to help from our experiences - like Camilo's <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/12/25/applying-to-universities-in-sweden/#comments">guide to apply on University Admissions</a> or Emma's <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/09/28/what-to-expect-student-stockholm/?student_author=44">guide on what to expect as a student in Stockholm</a> - it's very reassuring to know you're not alone!



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/afDTWBUMFOA
</div></figure>



<h2>Take a break</h2>



Step back every once in a while to refresh. Working obsessively on your application may feel like a guarantee for success but that can tire you out. If you see you've lost track of time and you've been writing for 3 hours, stand up and take a quick 15 minutes to make some tea, stretch your legs, get some fresh air. When you come back you'll be fresh and able to spot any spelling mistakes! The same rule applies if you've spent every day for 2 weeks working on your application - one day to take your mind off can give you a different perspective.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/01/Break-Time-Comedy-GIF-by-Kims-Convenience.gif" alt="Man stands up from a chair, the caption reads 'Break time'." class="wp-image-33701"/><figcaption>Photo: Giphy</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Calm the mind</h2>



In your break time, try meditation. Just 15 minutes of deep breathing can improve your health and make you feel balanced. Maybe you like to read? Read something for fun, like your favourite Sci-Fi novel that transports you to far-away worlds. Or maybe some funny Youtube videos or an engaging Netflix documentary (just don't binge!). Find healthy ways to distract the mind and you may find inspiration when you least expect it.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium wp-image-29022"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/01/IMG_20200108_195710-225x300.jpg" alt="Lusanda reading the book, 'The upside of stress'." class="wp-image-29022"/><figcaption>The Upside of Stress is a great book to change your mindset towards stress / Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



I've been reading a fascinating book by Kelly McGonigal called The Upside of Stress - Why Stress is Good for You, (and How to Get Good at It)&nbsp;and it talks about embracing stress to provide focus and energy and improve learning and performance. So changing your mindset towards stress can also help to keep you focused!



<h2>Get Creative</h2>



Speaking of inspiration, if you're creatively inclined - use your favourite hobbies to stay calm! During your break, doodle, draw, paint, sing a song, edit a video - anything that gets your mind excited can stimulate inspiration and a boost of energy to keep going. Even better, use the motivation letter as an opportunity to write creatively - this will help you enjoy the process and write a more authentic letter.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium wp-image-29012"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/01/IMG_20180317_173932-225x300.jpg" alt="Colouring books and coloured pencils." class="wp-image-29012"/><figcaption>Arts and crafts is a creative way to relax during a break / Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Move your body</h2>



We know exercise releases endorphins - getting moving will get your heart pumping for the right reasons and will help you shake the stress out of your body. A quick gym session, a 20 minute jog or dancing to your favorite music can get your blood pumping.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/01/Colin-Hanks-Running-GIF-by-CBS.gif" alt="Colin Hanks running inside." class="wp-image-33703"/><figcaption>Photo: Giphy</figcaption></figure>



I'm a fan of yoga, since it releases the tension in your muscles (another side effect of stress) but don't worry, you don't need to pull your legs behind your head upside-down in a handstand to get the most out of it - A 5 minute shoulder and neck stretch at your desk will also help!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/01/Warm-up-yawn-GIF-by-Originals.gif" alt="Person wearing neckbrace yawning and stretching." class="wp-image-33704"/><figcaption>Photo: Giphy</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Reach out to your loved ones</h2>



Your closest friends and family can be the best support system - I've spoken about this on my blog <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2019/11/23/how-sweden-chose-me-with-a-facebook-ad/">The Facebook ad that WASN'T a Scam - how Sweden chose me.</a> They love you and want the best for you so talk to them! Share your ideas, ask them to read your drafts, text them memes and have a laugh! Having their support will keep you calm and help you enjoy the ride because this should be a fun and exciting process!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-medium_large wp-image-29013"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/01/IMG_20191117_004103-ANIMATION-768x575.gif" alt="Lusanda and friends." class="wp-image-29013"/><figcaption>Getting silly with close friends is a good way to get loose / Photo: Lusanda</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Be kind to yourself</h2>



Applying for university is a big decision - it's normal to feel nervous, insecure or unsure about what you choose! I 100% felt that way too. Be honest about your doubts and weaknesses but try not to focus on them for too long - try to focus on your strengths and channel positive energy. Remember what makes you awesome and unique. Remember the application isn't the end of the world. If you need more time to apply, you can always wait until the next semester!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/01/Composure-GIF-by-Eviewhy.gif" alt="Person breathing deeply." class="wp-image-33706"/><figcaption>Photo: Giphy</figcaption></figure>



Please leave comments and questions below! :)



Take a deeeep breath in. Take a deeep breath out.



You can do this.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/01/Happy-Do-It-GIF.gif" alt="Person pointing their fingers in the air, the caption reads 'You got this'." class="wp-image-33708"/><figcaption>Photo: Giphy</figcaption></figure>

Dear future or current uni student,



We all know the feeling of starting a new essay or thesis…. aka the ultimate PROCRASTINATING. “Yeah, the dog ate my textbook, my cat wants to take a bath, a fly flew to my eyeball and I can’t see….etc”.



But before you jump into desperately looking for the late submission date and read the makeup assignments, let me just give you some academic tips. Tips I was told about or learned on my own skin.



Sincerely, an equally desperate uni student.



<h2>The secret life of academics </h2>



Lecturers, teachers, researchers are quite scary, sometimes intimidating! Because they are smart, and they seem to have it all together. BUT! Let me tell you a secret. They have all been there, and they know what we stress about, and sometimes they like to show a bit of solidarity behind their podium.



I also got some good news. In Sweden, most teachers are preferred to be called on their first names, and they refuse to be formal with you. The mutual respect between teacher and student doesn’t come from the inconvenience and authority but from the passion between common interest and (sometimes even mutual) knowledge transfer. A good debate, a deep discussion is always something that Swedish universities support.



And if you don’t understand something? Simply Ask. Teachers are always willing to help you. They are teachers, right? :) My experience is also something very similar. No matter what kind of problem I had, all of my teachers replied to my email with nothing but kindness, understanding, and of course helpfulness.



<h3 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Let me tell you a little personal story</h3>



Once I really needed an article, and it was kind of expensive, but oh well I thought it’s worth a try. I found the email address of the author, and I told her, that I am a uni student, and for a course paper I’d like to read her article because the Abstract describes exactly what I am looking for. I never thought I’ll get an answer, but half an hour later, this awesome professor sent me her article, and she even sent me some other possible references! Sometimes it really does worth trying!



<h2>The pursuit of  (the) academia </h2>



The whole language of the universities and academia (and higher education in general) is really confusing and hard to get used to. Credits, modules, researches, questionnaires, terms, semesters, etc. (the list is really endless here)…



You might be thinking “it’s silly, why is she telling all this to Us, it’s so obvious, or should be obvious". But trust me perhaps your country has a completely different educational system, or certain things are called in a very different way. &nbsp;Or perhaps you are going to be a bachelor student, and you have never met these definitions and words.



I have only one and a very obvious answer: ASK! ASK!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-30455"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/09/5CC0AD63-4D58-4E43-865B-9D6149936808_Original-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Sara sitting on the steps of an art museum." class="wp-image-30455"/><figcaption>Me, chasing Academic happiness / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



As a quick lesson, here are the most important and - most obvious - terms We use at my university (University of Gothenburg):



<ul><li>Credits: credits are basically recognition points for the amount of time you have completed. For example, usually, an MA program is 120 credits (30 credits per semester), a completed BA program  consists of 180 credits.</li><li>Modules: a module usually refers to a self-contained course, that usually lasts for several months. (In my program is approx.  2 months usually).  It covers just one subject and is assessed independently of other modules. In each semester We have two modules :)</li></ul>



<div class="mceTemp"></div>



<h2>Sources of choices</h2>



No matter what field are you’ll probably have to hand in some essays, papers, reports, or any other kind of written document.



One thing that every single academic written (and spoken) discussion will contain are the sources, aka something that has been previously written or said by someone who is smart :D, and you can quote from.



But where can I find relevant sources?



<h3>The fantastic academic library! </h3>



Every university (sometimes even each faculty) has its own library! If you are a student at the University in Sweden YOU ARE a member of the university library (yes, you already BELONG somewhere isn’t nice)?



In a typical university library, you can not only borrow books, but you can also study, print/copy/scan, ask the advice of the librarian (yes I annoy their guts out sometimes :D), or just simply mingle (not too loud of course) with your peers!



Course books, journals, textbooks, academic journals, scholars' thesis’s, essays, articles, etc. are all to be found in school libraries, and they are easy to access.



Pay close attention to the opening hours of different libraries! City libraries might have a completely different schedule than university libraries. Especially due to COVID restrictions. Before you thoughtfully pack your study stuff and leave, check out the opening hours on the internet!



You can also book study rooms, and computers if you need to!



Our wonderful Emma has written a great article about <a href="https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/2020/02/04/university-libraries/">the university libraries in Sweden!</a> Definitely worth to check :)



Tip: every academic paper has its own reference list! Always take a look at their bibliographies and reference list, you might find something there as well. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-large wp-image-30456"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/app/uploads/2020/09/357B842C-852B-4F1A-BEE9-9D298651D73E_Original-1024x812.jpg" alt="Sara's boots surrounded by fallen leaves on a path." class="wp-image-30456"/><figcaption>Autumn equals school season for me / Photo: Sara Heindl</figcaption></figure>



<h3>Libary online? What?! That's the 21st century for you, baby!</h3>



Libraries have online databases but what is more impressive: they “assure you” free access to many academic articles which would normally cost you a fortune. You can sometimes only borrow them for a few days, or simply download the PFD version or an online look at the online version. In any case, it is extremely useful and of course convenient!



When you are a student at a Swedish university, you are entitled (and encouraged) to use the library!



There are many other databases online some of them require a yearly or monthly payment, some of them require payment after each article.



<h3 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Other useful programs and website to help your academic career:</h3>



<ul><li><a href="https://scholar.google.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Scholar</a>: ↗️ it gather everything virtually. If you're looking for books, articles, dissertations, student thesis, working papers, </li><li><a href="https://www.zotero.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zotero</a>: ↗️ this is a free and easy-to-use reference manager where you can collect, organize, share, and cite research.</li><li><a href="https://www.mybib.com/#/projects/4OWGp3/citations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mybib</a>: ↗️ if you’re not sure how to cite a certain article, you can use Mybib. It’s free and you can customize it to the style (of referencing) of your choice.</li></ul>



And now it’s your time to shine! Leave your tips and tricks in the comment section, so we can all share our academic wisdom!!!

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Hi! 👋 In this blog you can read about our experiences as international students in Sweden!

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