Erasmus Experience in Stockholm, Sweden, by Amaya

What is the student atmosphere like in Stockholm?

If you live in a studiecentrum, there's more contact, but if you live in a flat, the contact is minimal. There is no social life in Stockholm. In cities such as Uppsala o Lund then yes, there is more.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Stockholm to other students?

Yes, but they have to come prepared: a very high level of English and also a high income level so you don't struggle. In terms of culture and techinical training, the level is high.

How good is the food in Sweden?

It's quite bad compared to the Mediterranean diet. The fixed menus are about 10 euros. Alcohol is prohibited during meals. Dinners vary in cost around the 40 euro mark. There is no traditional food which a student's budget can affair, the best thing to do is get invited to a friend's house and try the food there. The food is international and the sushi is one the best made in Europe, made by Japonese people and affordable for students.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Stockholm?

It was very difficult, it's almost impossible for a foreign student to live in the centre. In the suburbs you can find places, or rooms you can share with other people. The accommodation situation in Stockholm causes problems even for the Swedish people. Students struggle a lot. However, there are flats in the centre which you can rent for a few months and cost from about 1200 euros per month. There is a Studentroom network for students, but they are taken up by the Swedish people since they have priority in the waiting lists.

How much does it cost to live in Stockholm?

It is very expensive and matches the purchasing power. A student will spend about 900 euros a month.

How did you find the language? Did you attend a University course?

Swedish is an easy language but it takes about three years to start speaking it properly. Students in the University speak English and the level is very high. There are free courses in the University for Erasmus students which last two weeks, the rest of the Swedish courses you need to pay for. Or if you study in the SFI, which is for students, it is free, however European Erasmus students need a "personnenumber" to access to these courses, meaning that you need an employment contract or a residence permit valid in the country, which you can only get if you are married to a Swedish or if you are a political or war refugee. For European students, this option is not valid. Folkuniversitet or ABF, or other academies offer Swedish language courses, that cost from 170€ per month to 500€ for intensive courses.

What is the most economical way to get to Stockholm from your city?

Low-cost flight from Madrid or Barcelona.

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What places would you recommend for going out?

There are a lot of places, it depends on your preferences. They are very expensive, you have to pay the entrance in every pub. Alcohol is forbidden to people under the age of 24 and tobacco to under 18.

And for eating out? Can you tell your favourite dishes?

There are a lot of places. International food, like Indian for example, is quite affordable.

What about the cultural places to visit?

Stockholm counts with more than 80 museums. It's one of the most beautiful cities in the north of Europe. Historiska museet, Vasamuseet, Nordiskamuseet, Skansen, etc. The architecture of the city is amazing, besides its forests and landscapes. I'd recommend you to get a bicycle if you live far from the city centre, because there are cycle lanes. However, the best way to move around is by metro. For a cultural visit the city centre is the best option, although it can be difficult to live in there if you don't speak the language.

Any advice for future students going to Stockholm?

It's difficult getting on if you don't have a high level of English. There are not a lot of options to socialise and neither of getting a job for Europeans (not even for young Swedish people). I mean, if you don't have money or your parents can support you with at least 900€ per month, you can't live here in good conditions.