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Heyy!
My name is Annamaria, you can call me Anna 😉 and I am one of the digital ambassadors for Study in Sweden. I am so excited to share with you what studying in Sweden is like, my tips and tricks on how to choose the best location and programme to study, how to manage your time as a student, or how to make the most out of your university experience.
I am currently a student at the University of Skövde pursuing a Bachelor&#8217;s in Biomedical Sciences. Don&#8217;t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about my university experience or where and why you should study in Sweden. Based on what Sweden has to offer, it is in my opinion, the best choice to start your university student&#8217;s life in. Hopefully, I will be able to share with you my experience of studying and living in Sweden through the blog, so you can decide whether it would be the right path for you as well.
Outside of university, I truly love to write, read, (watch Netflix) and hang out with friends.
And that&#8217;s all about me. Now let&#8217;s read some blogs and learn more about Sweden, shall we?

My name is Annamaria and I'm from Slovakia 🇸🇰. I'm a student at University of Skövde, where I study a Bachelor's in Biomedical sciences.

Annamaria

Hej there!!
My name is Chandara, I was born and raised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Currently, I am doing a master’s degree in International Human Rights Law at Lund University with the scholarship support from Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. 
I am an introvert; I enjoy reading, journaling, traveling, and taking pictures. Recently, I’ve just built another habit when I move to Sweden which is cooking  since it is quite expensive to eat out all the time ^^ 
So, why Sweden? Well, why not Sweden? 😀 It provides quality education, equality opportunity, and work-life balance, not to mention its beautifulness and sustainability. I have been here for around two months now, and Sweden is really living up to its name! There are lots of interesting things which come as a surprise and a shock to me at the same time. That’s why I am excited to share with you the glimpse of my experience of studying in Sweden from the perspective of an international student from Southeast Asia through Study in Sweden Instagram account. 
I hope you’ll find our content useful, and I’ll see you soon – on our Instagram account!

My name is Chandara and I'm from Cambodia 🇰🇭. I'm a student at Lund University, where I study a Master's in Human Rights Law.

Chandara

Hi everyone!
I’m Chris from Greece (try saying that three times quickly) and I’m doing my Bachelor’s in Marketing Management in beautiful Jönköping. Apart from my interest in marketing, I have a few too many hobbies: poetry, public speaking, fashion, volunteering, and of course content creation! So, if you’re wondering what I’ll be doing after graduating, I have no idea either… For now, though, I’m a digital ambassador for the Instagram team, which means you’ll be seeing my face and my life while studying in Sweden a lot.
I made the decision to study in Sweden because of the quality education and the prominence of equality. Being able to freely express myself without any fears feels very liberating and I’m grateful to have this opportunity! Even though I just came to Sweden this year, I’ve already learned so much about myself — I even learned how to cook 😆
I’m looking forward to seeing you in Sweden next year and I hope your experience is as thrilling as mine! ❤️

My name is Chris and I’m from Greece 🇬🇷. I’m a student at Jönköping University, where I study a Bachelor's in Marketing Management.

Chris

Hola (Hi)!
My name is Jazmin Alexandra, but feel free to call me Jazmin. I’m from Peru, a country in South America known for its delicious food and as the home of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Since moving to Sweden, some of my friends joke that Peru is on the other side of the world—and they’re not wrong! It took me nearly two days to get here.
I’m now living in Lund, and this city has really surprised me in so many ways. You might wonder why I traveled so far to study here. Well, studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and Sweden felt like the perfect fit—not just for its world-class education, but also for its welcoming and progressive society, as well as its natural beauty.
After being here for a month, I can honestly say it’s been worth it. I even got to witness the Northern Lights from the rooftop of my accommodation in just my second week! It was an unforgettable experience. Plus, I’m learning so much from being in such a diverse, international environment. 
I’m truly honored to serve as a Digital Ambassador for Study in Sweden. This role feels especially meaningful because, just like many of you, I relied heavily on the blog and Instagram videos when I was preparing for my move here—yes, anxiety was real! I know how overwhelming it can be to leave your home country for a new one, and I want to offer you some comfort and certainty by sharing what life in Sweden is really like.
Coming from Peru, I bring a Latin American perspective to this experience. My culture is very different from Swedish and European ways of life, and that’s why I’m excited to show you the full picture—the beautiful moments and the tough ones. I’m here to share the highs and lows, to let you know that no matter your nationality, age, or identity Sweden can be a place for you too.
I’m also passionate about talking openly about mental health and allyship, and I’ll be addressing these topics as well. My goal is to be real with you and share my journey, so you can feel more prepared for yours.
Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions about life in Sweden and studies! Let’s live this experience together!

My name is Jazmin and I’m from Peru 🇵🇪. I'm a student at Lund University, where I study a Master's in Media and Communication Studies.

Jazmin

Wah gwan is a standard greeting in Jamaica. It means what’s going on or what’s up? Statements like this are commonplace in Jamaica and are part of a language called patois (pronounced pat-wah). Our language is only one of the intriguing characteristics of Jamaicans that have put us on the map. Our vibrant culture and colorful personalities make us some of the most unique people in this world and draw people from near and far to our little island. So, it begs the question, what the heck is a Caribbean boy like me doing turning his entire life upside down to study in Sweden? More importantly, how the heck will he survive? Well, this blog invites you to follow me on this journey of discovery, giving you an eye into the life of a super minority about to take Sweden by storm.
First thing&#8217;s first though. Let me introduce myself. Funny enough, being Jamaican isn&#8217;t all there is to me (contrary to popular belief). My name is Joshua Anderson. I was born and raised in Kingston, you know the country, and I am commencing my master’s degree studies in sustainable energy at KTH this fall. I studied at a regional University known as the University of the West Indies, at the largest campus in Mona. I graduated with a degree in Electrical Power Engineering and I’m eager to learn more about the concept of sustainable energy, particularly about the potential of waste to energy in micro economies like that of Jamaica. Long story short, I’m passionate about garbage and I want to learn more about turning waste into a resource, not a liability. That&#8217;s enough about my background though.
Where will this blog take you? I want to talk about a number of things, like what it’s like preparing to move to Sweden. As much as we’ve heard about that a thousand times, it’s different for everyone, especially for people from unique backgrounds. I’ll also talk about arrival and my reception in Sweden. Further down, I’ll discuss what it’s like settling in as a Caribbean Swede and how I moved from just existing and being settled in Sweden to adding new and exciting experiences to my normal life. There will also be practical posts about doing things like opening a bank account, registering for my personummer, applying for part time jobs, looking for internships and so much more!

My name is Joshua and I'm from Jamaica 🇯🇲. I'm a student at KTH Royal Institute of Technology where I study a master's in Environomical Pathways for Sustainable Energy Systems

Joshua

Hejsan ! I’m Manu, from Brazil 🙂 I’m a second-year bachelor’s student in Biomedicine at University of Skövde, a town just by the countryside in between Gothenburg and Stockholm!
Studying abroad was always a goal of mine, and I am very grateful for choosing Sweden to be the place I would live my dream. A lot attracted me to move half a world away, like career opportunities, the education system, gender equality and the overall calmness that the country and the culture have to offer.
I am very into being active, in many different ways! I love working out, running and being out in nature. I also really enjoy learning new languages or new things, as well as traveling, hanging out with friends and watching series.
Some curious facts about me are that I learned Swedish by myself before moving to Sweden, and that I had never seen snow in real life until coming here and experiencing -16°C !
Instagram is the channel I’ll be creating content for and I am so excited to try something completely different from my studies, and most importantly to share with you all about my student life in Sweden.
Can’t wait for our year ahead together!
Manu

My name is Manu and I'm from Brazil 🇧🇷. I'm a student at University of Skövde, where I study a Bachelor's in Biomedicine.

Manu

Hey! I’m Ravindu—you can call me Ravi for short—and I’m part of the Blog team here in the Study in Sweden Digital Ambassador Program. I’m from Sri Lanka, a tropical island quite different from Sweden, but I now live in Skövde, a small, charming Swedish city that’s become a hub of innovation over the last several decades. 

After scouring the globe for the perfect program in Bioinformatics, I decided to go with Sweden, not just for its world-class education, but also because of its inclusive, progressive society—where you can express yourself freely, without judgment. That’s a big reason I knew this was the right place for me, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice! In just my first month, I came face-to-face with a wild moose (yes, that actually happened), and saw the Northern Lights on a random Thursday night—how cool is that?! 

As someone who loves hiking, whether with friends or solo, there’s nothing better than lying down in the Swedish wilderness, letting the sounds of nature surround you. When I’m not out exploring, I love meeting new people and having long, deep conversations. It’s amazing how different our lives can be, yet how similar we are at the core. I’m also a huge fan of thick books (the kind that make my wrists hurt) and writing poetry that makes even me ask, “What did I mean by that?” Another thing that I love, but deeply miss, is playing music on my piano—couldn’t fit that in a suitcase! 

I know just how helpful the Study in Sweden platform was for me when I was deciding to come here, and I’m so grateful for the blogs that guided me along the way. That’s exactly what I’m here to do: pay it forward (double it and give it to the next person! 😉). I want to help you understand what studying in Sweden is really like, how to embrace everything this amazing country has to offer (the Swedish way, of course!), and why, if you’re on the fence about applying, you should definitely take that leap.
Feel free to reach out anytime, whether you have questions about studying or just want to chat about life in Sweden—I’m here to help. Let’s make the most of this experience together!

My name is Ravi and I’m from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰. I’m a bachelor’s student 
at the University of Skövde, where I study Molecular Bioinformatics.

Ravi

A day by the way, Way Out West

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Visiting a doctor in Sweden

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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?'

If you are reading this and have been admitted to study in Sweden, congratulations!! In this blog, I will be explaining how to apply for a student residence permit to study in Sweden as a non-EU citizen. As a Lebanese citizen, any visa application can be a nightmare. You have to collect thousands of documents, wait endless hours and it can be a really stressful process. However, my student residence application for Sweden was really smooth! Here is everything you need to know to have a smooth experience as well.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/y59x6OJm2TU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">How to apply for a Swedish residence permit for studies - updated 2023</figcaption></figure>



In order to get your student residence permit, you will need to check that your documents are in order and then apply for the residence permit online. Once a decision has been made, you will book an appointment at the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sweden where your passport will be reviewed and you will get your fingerprints and picture taken. Once your residence card is ready, you will be informed and you can go to pick it up and actually even choose to <a href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-and-researching-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-card.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">let it be sent to your home</a>↗️! Easy, no?



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/graphics-01-1024x410.png" alt="Illustration explaining the 4 steps for applying for a residence permit which are: Prepare the documents, apply online, visit your embassy, then collect your card." class="wp-image-34788"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The steps to get a residence permit. Photo: Lara</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Required documents for your residence permit application</h2>



But let’s first start with the required documents to prepare before applying online: - A valid passport: You can only get a permit for the duration of your passport validity! So the first thing you need to do is to check that your passport is valid for the duration of your studies. If not, start by renewing it as soon as possible! (Please note, you will need to visit the closest Embassy or Consulate of Sweden to have your passport reviewed) - Full times studies: In order to receive a permit, you have to be admitted for a programme that requires full times studies! - Support yourself: You will need to show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your study period. The living expenses requirement amount may be reduced in some situations and can vary from year to year, so read more info on <a href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-and-researching-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-for-higher-education.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Migrationsverket.se</a> - the Swedish Migration Agency’s website ↗️). If you are awarded an SI scholarship, you only need to submit your scholarship decision letter as proof. Super important note: if you are submitting your own bank assets, you must submit your application no earlier than three months before the date from which you apply for a residence permit (This does not apply if you will receive continuous income, such as a stipend or scholarship). Also, if you are showing your own bank assets, the bank account should be in YOUR NAME only, not your parents or siblings, so make sure you have your own bank account. - Have comprehensive health insurance if you are enrolled in a one-year programme. Many universities offer insurance called <a href="https://www.kammarkollegiet.se/engelska/start/all-services/insurance-for-foreign-visitors/student-insurance/students-who-pay-tuition-fees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“FAS+”</a> ↗️ to their fee-paying students. SI scholarships also offer insurance to its scholarship holders. In other cases, you need to arrange your own insurance. If you’re coming for two or three years, you don't need to submit insurance proof, because you can apply for a Swedish personal identity number when you arrive and you will be covered by the <a href="https://sweden.se/society/health-care-in-sweden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Healthcare system</a> ↗️, so the costs won’t be so high. And also, make sure you check the terms and conditions of the insurance you will get from your university or scholarship, and purchase extra healthcare or property insurance if you need it. <a href="https://cms.studyinsweden.se/moving-to-sweden/health-insurance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about health insurance in Sweden on our website</a>. - Pay your tuition fee or have a scholarship covering at least the first installment. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/graphics-02-1024x410.png" alt="Illustration showing what's needed to apply for a residence permit: a valid passport, acceptance for full time studies, proof that you have sufficient funds, health insurance, and proof that you've paid your tuition fee." class="wp-image-34800"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Documents to prepare for your residence permit application. Photo: Lara</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Next steps</h2>



The permit is given for the study period plus 2 weeks before and after in normal times. The permit is usually valid for 13 months at a time for students enrolled in a two- or three-year programme. And you can renew it every year. There is currently a pilot project with these institutions: Jönköping University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Linnaeus University, Lund University, and Umeå University. If you are accepted in these universities you may apply for a two years residence permit. In that case, you have to show proof that you can support yourself for both years. Now that you have prepared the documents mentioned above, you are ready to start your application online! You will enter to <a href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-and-researching-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-for-higher-education.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migrationsverket </a>↗️ and press on “E-service for students in higher education” where you can create an account and start filling up your application! You will need: - A clear copy of your passport that shows personal data, signature, period of validity, etc… - For the admission decision from universityadmissions.se, you can get the printable pdf of the decision. The PDF file is called “Notification of Selection Results” and it should be downloaded from your page on <a href="http://universityadmission.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universityadmissions.se</a> ↗️ - Insurance documents if you will be staying for a year or less. - An account statement that verifies that you have sufficient funds for your living expenses OR documents issued in your name that show that you have been granted a stipend or the like with information on the monthly amount and the period during which you will receive the money. - Finally, pay the application fee (for adults SEK 1500) – if you are an SI scholarship holder, you don’t need to pay this fee.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/graphics-03-1024x410.png" alt="Illustration showing the steps of applying for your residence permit online: go to the Swedish Migration Agency's website, create an account, then complete your application and wait for the decision." class="wp-image-34808"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Applying online. Photo: Lara</figcaption></figure>



And just like that by filling all the information asked in the application, you would have finished the process! You will hear back from migrationverket in case they need any additional information. When a decision is made, you will receive an email. You will then take an appointment at the embassy in your region for collection of your picture and fingerprints. When your card is ready, they will reach out to you! In order to make the process as smooth as possible, make sure you prepare all the documents mentioned before and fill the entire application. If you are a citizen of a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Sweden, you only need to visit the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sweden to have your passport reviewed as you can aquire your residence permit card in Sweden. This means you can enter Sweden once you got a positive decision on your residence permit application and you will visit a Swedish Migration Agency's office in Sweden after you've arrived to leave your photo and fingerprint. Can’t wait to see you in Sweden! Best of luck!!



<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2021/04/aeronautics-research.jpg" alt="A small passenger airplane taking off from a runway in the north of Sweden." class="wp-image-34812"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se</figcaption></figure>

I never really thought about how I would get in touch with a doctor in Sweden until about two weeks ago. That's when I got super sick. My symptoms started with a little cold and turned into an annoying cough, fever, and shortness of breath that lasted more than a week. I knew that it was time to visit a doctor. But how do you actually reach a doctor in Sweden?



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Call 1177</h2>



So, I found myself calling 1177. This is a unique healthcare hotline that serves as a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike. You wait a bit in a queue and then you reach a nurse, who can give you medical advice and assistance 24/7. With my condition worsening, I dialed 1177 and after about 20 minutes of waiting, I talked with a nice nurse, who could also speak English (it wasn't easy for her though). She advised me on what medicine I should buy and told me that since it was Friday and I wouldn't be able to get an appointment with my healthcare centre, I should pay a visit to the urgent care centre. 



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Healthcare Centre vs. Urgent Care Centre</h2>



That's how I learned the difference between a healthcare centre and an urgent care centre. A healthcare centre or 'vårdcentralen' typically handles non-emergency medical issues such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, and minor ailments. You are automatically assigned to a healthcare centre if you have a personal identity number. They should be able to help you with this type of sickness too but since many people are trying to reach them, you might not get an appointment when you need it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-style-default"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2024/02/Doctor-1024x732.png" alt="The image is divided into two scenes: on the left, the reception area for an urgent care centre in Sweden; on the right, a medical examination room with an adjustable bed, a diagnostic light, and wall-mounted medical instruments." class="wp-image-42436"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Urgent care centre. Photo: Annamaria</figcaption></figure>



An urgent care centre, commonly referred to as "Alléjouren" is for more pressing medical concerns that require immediate attention but are not medical emergencies. Don't confuse it with an emergency room, which is in the hospital, an urgent care centre is just another form of a clinic, but it's open from 17:00 during the weekdays and almost the whole day during the weekends. This means that you can reach a doctor even if you didn't manage to get an appointment with your healthcare centre or if you need medical attention during the weekend. 



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Visiting the 'evening doctors' - urgent care centre</h2>



Because my symptoms were so severe that I couldn't sleep at night, the nurse I spoke to recommended that I visit an urgent care centre in the evening. I booked an appointment on their <a href="https://capio.se/praktisk-information/listamig/">website</a>. They announce the time slots available at 12:00. You can also book an appointment once you get there but I wanted to be sure I get in so I booked it online. My appointment was at 19:00 but I went there a bit sooner and checked in with a QR code. I had to wait for about an hour for the doctor to come. I think they are really busy there so some waiting was expected. The doctor who came in spoke fluent English. He was very nice and after a quick diagnosis that confirmed pneumonia, he prescribed antibiotics and a stronger cough medicine. I really felt like I was in capable hands. Later, I received an invoice to pay 100 SEK for the visit. Much less than I expected. I think you might have to pay a bit more when you don't have a personal number.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-default"><img src="https://cms.studyinsweden.se//app/uploads/2024/02/research.jpg" alt="A close-up photo capturing a laboratory setting, where a person's hands, clad in bright green latex gloves, can be seen handling various laboratory items." class="wp-image-42435"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Melker Dahlstrand/imagebank.sweden.se</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">Picking up the medicine</h2>



To pick up the antibiotics, I had to go to a pharmacy or an 'Apotek'. Luckily, there is usually some that is open in the late evening. I showed them my Swedish ID card and paid about 120 SEK for the antibiotics. The cough medicine was for about 250 SEK. I was happy to pay for it because it finally helped me to sleep better. 



<h2 class="wp-block-si-study-tsw-tsw-heading">A personal identity number - the dilemma</h2>



One of the important aspects of accessing healthcare in Sweden is the reliance on a <a href="https://studyinsweden.se/blogs/2021/06/17/swedish-personal-identity-number-easy-as-pie/">personal identity number</a>, known as "Personnummer." This unique number is essential for accessing healthcare services, allowing doctors to see your past medical records (from Sweden) and to ensure continuity of care. While having a personal identity number might speed up the process of getting medical attention, it's important to know that visitors or temporary residents can still receive treatment in Sweden. Learn more about <a href="https://studyinsweden.se/blogs/2016/11/07/doctor-without-personal-number/">visiting a doctor without a personal identity number</a>.

In this blog you can read about our experiences as international students studying in Sweden.

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