Life and Living in Sweden

Sweden is one of the most sought-after student destinations in the world due to the Nordic education system which places independent and group study above lectures. Students who enroll in campuses here will be able to focus on improving themselves in their chosen field of study by relying on themselves and the help they receive from their departments for the same. Living in this city will teach one about the required work-life balance that one requires to excel in both education and career. The country is a multicultural hub that reflects international influences in the fields of fashion, music, cuisine, and architecture making it an ideal home for international students.

While living in Sweden will allow students to understand a minimalistic way of enjoying the comfort, they will find it difficult to get accommodations of any kind owing to the scarcity of housing especially in prominent cities like Lund and Stockholm. Students will also find that the cost of living in this country is higher than most places but at the same time, the quality of education and comfortability of living will be higher than in other places. Students will also have innumerable entertainment options to explore while living in the country.

Languages in Sweden

The language that is most commonly used in the country is Swedish with over 96.7% of people speaking it. Along with Swedish, the local people will also have an understanding of English and German depending on where the student plans to stay. English is commonly spoken by people owing to the importance of the subject in the school education system in the country. Students who wish to study in Sweden will have to enquire about the language in which their chosen program will be taught.

Most international programs that are offered in the country will be taught in English and students will have to produce proof of English proficiency to enroll in such programs. If the programs are taught in a blend of Swedish and English, students will have to provide proof of proficiency in both these languages in order to get admission to the program. While understanding English is enough to survive in the country as an international student, it will be easier and more convenient for students to have a basic understanding of Swedish if they wish to lead a comfortable life in the country and commute freely.

Cost of Things in Sweden

Sweden is considered to be an expensive country to live in especially if one is to consider accommodation expenses and other utility expenses students will incur while staying in the country. Everyday expenses that students have are also subject to vary according to the location in which the student is staying. Living in cities like Stockholm and Lund can be comparatively more expensive than living in other not-so-popular cities in the country. The average cost of living in Sweden is estimated to be around 8,400kr per month if one is to not calculate the rent.

Accommodation and Utility Expenses

Accommodation expenses in the country are the highest due to the scarcity of housing options. Students will be able to get 1-bedroom apartments within a range of 6,000kr to 12,000kr depending on how close they are to the city center. But students who opt for shared apartments and studio apartments will be able to find cheaper options.

The living expense that students will have in Sweden is dependent entirely on the kind of lifestyle they choose to lead and the location in which they choose to stay. If they choose to stay in cities like Stockholm, they will have to spend considerably higher than other locations. Students will find that finding affordable accommodation will be one of the hardest hurdles they face considering the scarcity of accommodations available. But students will always be able to find the cheaper options for everything they need if they stay on the lookout.

Grocery Expenses

The basic expenses for grocery items are as follows-

Milk- 11.35 kr per liter
Cheese- 85 kr per kg
Apples- 27 kr per kg
Potatoes- 12 kr per kg
Onions- 12 kr per kg
Wine- 90 kr per bottle
Bananas- 22 kr per kg

Transportation Expenses

The most convenient and cheap option for traveling in the country is to use the train or local bus which has plenty of stops throughout the country. Students will be able to easily use these modes of transport with the price of a one-way ticket being around 33kr. Students will also be able to get a monthly pass for 800kr. While cars are also commonly in use in Sweden, this is the more expensive option since gas prices are extremely high in the country.

Currency Conversion

The currency that is used in Sweden is called krona or kronor and is denoted as kr or SEK. 1 krona is the equivalent of 100 ore. The available banknotes are in the values of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000kr. 1 Swedish krona is equivalent to $ 0.11. The country is known to be one of the best cashless places around the world and hence students will be able to get around better by using credit cards and mobile payments.

Things to Do in Sweden

Students in Sweden will find that they can explore the culture and history of the country by visiting the urban cities and the acres of forests and lakes according to their interests. The country is home to palaces, towns that date back to the 13th century, arctic landscapes, and even northern lights which are all popular tourist attractions. There are also plenty of galleries, museums, parks, and even an Ice hotel that the students will be able to visit if they are in the country.

The cuisine that is available in the country is completely distinct with all the international influences it has imbibed over the centuries. Students will also be able to go wild swimming and learn about the caf� culture that the country has where people often hang out for Fika. Though one can do almost anything in the country, it will be ideal if they do not attempt spontaneously dancing in the country since it is illegal to dance without a dance permit in the country. This is not applicable for tourists but it would be best for students to follow suit to avoid the hassle it creates.

Places to Visit in Sweden

Sweden is one of the places that offers infinite options for exploring nature including their beaches, northern lights, mountains, lakes, and forests that spread across acres. Students who are in love with nature will be able to explore these places to their heart's content. The country also offers students the opportunity of learning more about their culture and traditions through the museums, galleries, cafes, and restaurants that offer authentic Swedish cuisine. The places that one ought to visit include

Stockholm- This capital city has enough museums, restaurants, galleries, and other destinations that students will be able to explore. The architecture of the most popular tourist destinations is one of the things that ought not to be missed during one’s visit to Sweden.
Marstrand- This is a city in Sweden which has been in place in 1200. The place is known for the sailing competition held every year and also for the 17th century Carlsten Fortress that is known to guard the city. Students who visit this city will be able to see the Strandverket Art Museum, Pater Noster Lighthouse, and also go hiking on the different trials that the city has.
Gothenburg- This city was founded in 1621 and is known as a fishing hub. The place is also known for the pastries that the cafes serve as part of Fika which is the Swedish custom of having coffee with friends. They will also be able to visit the Slottsskogen, Liseberg, and Art Museum.
Visby- Visby is otherwise known as the city of roses and ruins. It is located on Gotland which is the largest island in Sweden. Students will be able to see the Town Wall, Gotland Museum, Botanical Garden, etc. if they visit this place.
Swedish Lapland- Swedish Lapland is one of the places in the country which is known for the hills and rivers along with the scenic woodlands. Students will be able to snorkel in the mountain river and also experience the midnight sun if one is to visit in the summer since this is located in the arctic circle.

Cuisines to Relish While in Sweden

Students who live in Sweden often take this opportunity to understand and explore the varied Scandinavian delicacies that are available in the country. From meatballs to crispbread and the Lingonberries jam, Sweden offers students with food that is rich in both tradition and culture. At the same time, students will be able to find eateries for popular foods around the world in the country. A few of the dishes one must try while in Sweden are-

Kottbullar- This dish is roughly a traditional meatball that is made with beef and breadcrumbs. It is served with gravy that contains broth, onions, and cream along with boiled potatoes. Lingonberry jam is a side dip served along with this dish.
Raggmunk- This is a potato pancake that is often served along with butter and fried bacon. Instead of Lingonberry jam, the berries are served along with this dish. The dish is made with
Dammsugare- This is a traditional pastry made from crushed biscuits, cocoa, and butter which is then soaked in punch liqueur. This dessert is in the shape of a cylinder and is covered in marzipan.

Festivals to Attend While in Sweden

Sweden has over 715 festivals that are celebrated over the year along with different traditions that Swedish people have kept alive over the centuries. The traditions that are followed include crayfish parties that are held in August, midsummer, and easter. A few of the festivals that students must attend while in the country are-

Peace and Love Festival- This is an annual festival in Sweden with centers around music. The festival is celebrated to showcase the peace and love between the different communities in Sweden and attracts people from around the world.
Gothenburg Culture Festival- This festival is held in August and is one that focuses on art and music. It resembles a street party with theater, ballet, jazz music, etc. along with art exhibitions.
Stockholm Early Music Festival- This festival is held in June and is a music festival that celebrates medieval, baroque, and renaissance music. Most of the artists that are chosen will be new talents in the field. The festival will also include plenty of eateries that provide traditional Swedish cuisine.

Commuting to Places in Sweden

Students who live in Sweden will find that the public transport system in the country is well-connected and includes underground rails, buses, metro, and trams. While most people prefer to use their own vehicles in the country, this is one of the most expensive options due to the high fuel prices. And though buses might seem to take more time, students will be able to reach the remotest of places by using the local buses whose ticket price starts at 33kr.

They will also be able to use the underground rails which are affordable and connect different parts of the country. The speed of the trains depends on the distance and number of stops the train has. The country is also bike-friendly with students who live close to campuses relying on the bike lanes that are laid out well in the country.

Entertainment Options for Students in Sweden

Students living in Sweden will be able to explore the country and play different sports during their stay. The sports that are commonly opted for include ice hockey, handball, tennis, and soccer most of which will be accessible for students through clubs and other organizations in their institution. Students will also be able to go to the different museums, galleries, parks, and gardens in their free time if they wish to spend time alone. They will also be able to visit the public libraries or roam around in their locality to their heart’s content.

Safety Concerns for International Students in Sweden

Sweden is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world for international students to be in. The country has a low crime rate and is also known to have the lowest traffic deaths making it have one of the safest traffics in Europe. The only caution that students will have to pay attention to will be the weather which remains extremely low throughout the year. Students will have to calculate the number of layers they have to wear every day in order to not fall sick.