Erasmus Experience in Stockholm, Sweden by Bartosz

Why did you choose to go to Stockholm, Sweden?

Well, this time Stockholm chosen me, I was called to come and take part in the opera production in the University of Arts in Stockholm.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

In my case the Erasmus traineeship took 2, 5 months. The Erasmus scholarship in my case (I'm from Poland) was 600 euros for month and that's enough to cover the costs of renting the apartment.

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

I would definitely recommend Stockholm for all the students!

What is the food like?

It's always possible to buy good quality food in the shops, there are plenty of restaurants as well, but they are rather expensive.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Stockholm?

I don't really understand the question - looking for accommodation is mostly free of charge (there are some special websites, where you can register and pay some fee), but I found my accommodation via Facebook groups, like: Accommodation in Stockholm and Lappis (Stora Lappkärrsberget, shortly called Lappis - it is the Campus placed next to the Stockholm University and one T-Bana Metro.

How much does it cost to live in Stockholm?

Cost of accommodation and food, as well as public transport is quite high. Room in the corridor costs ~4000-5000SEK per month, SL card valid for every mean of transport with student discount for 3 months is 1600SEK. If something about food, 1kg of meet costs 200-250SEK, dinner in the restaurant 60-100SEK (in the Turkish or Japanese restaurant), cost of burger in the restaurant ~100-130SEK. One beer in the bar ~40SEK. I hear that clothes are rather cheap, but I don't have any experiences with that; -)

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Stockholm from your city?

From my city (Wrocław) I traveled with the plane to the Skavsta airport. You have to remember, though, that the cost of a plane ticket is not the only one because from each airport (Broma, Arlanda, Skavsta) there's a need to go to the city. I recommend Flygbussarna (the airport buses) - when you buy the ticket on-line, it's cheaper.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

So far I have visited the philharmonic orchestra, I'm also going to visit the Royal Opera House, I think that both are worth recommendation. Also I think that it's good to visit Gamla stan (the Old Town).

Filharmonia

Source

Opera Królewska

Source

Gamla stan

Source

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Stockholm in the future?

The most important - don't be scared by prices. They are rather high, but there's a need to remember, that the salaries here are ~30-40 000 SEK, so that's why prices looks so horrible. My another advice - cook for yourselves, eating in the restaurants may ruin your budgets ;)