Erasmus experience in Stockholm, Sweden by Belén

Why did you chose Stockholm, Sweden?

I wanted to go as far as I could from Spain and I had always wanted to visit the Nordic countries, so it was the perfect destination for me!

How long did the scholarship last and how much money did you receive?

I study at University of Sevilla in Spain and my scholarship was 10 months. In regards to money, I only got 500€ halfway through December so it's best to have some savings if you want to survive the previous months.

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Tell us about the student vibe in Stockholm, Sweden

It is very very good. You have a lot of places where you can study and the Swedish students are very helpful with exchange students.

Do you recommend the city and the university to future students?

For sure! The university was incredible, not only because it was incredibly beautiful but because of its educational system.

What about Swedish cuisine?

It's expensive. Actually because of the currency change, everything is much more expensive in Stockholm. Fruit and vegetables are of great quality and you can find similar things to what you would find in Spain if you go to Lidl. Another very good supermarket in terms of quality-price is Coop.

Was it difficult finding accommodation in Stockholm, Sweden?

Yes, actually. It was very difficult since my Swedish university couldn't offer me a reserved accommodation and searching on your own is quite risky, but luckily I was able to find a place to stay.

How much does daily life cost in Stockholm?

It all depends. Renting a flat is between 3. 000kr and 4. 000kr per month (between 340€ and 450€), spending 40€ on food every 2 weeks should get you enough food. If you don't know how to cook or you are not aware of the quality-price rating, you will probably spend more money on food. The Public transport card for a student costs 60€ per month or 150€ for 3 months, it will add up to around 600-700€ by the end of your Erasmus. Then, if you want to go out you have to bear in mind that alcohol is very expensive and that you have to pay in order to get in most of the clubs.

What about the language? Did you go to any course?

I couldn't go to the course that my university offered to all the international students but I will go next semester. In general, Swedish is a very complicated language, especially in regards to pronunciation because they do not have official norms to follow. Moreover, it's a Germanic language and has nothing in common with the Romance languages so it's even more complicated for Spanish students.

Tell us the cheapest way of getting to Stockholm, Sweden, from your home-town

By plane.

Which places do you recommend for a night out in Stockholm, Sweden?

It depends on your taste. If you prefer a classy night, the Östermalm area is the one which has the most exclusive and hipster clubs in town. It's also the most expensive area.

I prefer a rock vibe, so I recommend the Anchor Pub, you have to pay 60kr to get in but it's completely worth it. Furthermore, they do live concerts. At Gamla stan there's a bar called Sjätte Tunnan where they serve mead (an alcohol made from fermented honey), it also has a medieval tavern kind of vibe.

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Can you tell us your favourite restaurants at Stockholm, Sweden?

I only really visited a vegan buffet and it wasn't that good. The rest of the time I went to eat with my friends in their flat.

And what about cultural trips?

There are 85 museums in Stockholm, half of them are in very pretty buildings that you can admire from the outside and you can also go to see the nature in the outskirts.

Any tip for future Erasmus students at Stockholm, Sweden?

Be open-minded and forget prejudices. Swedish people are very nice but very independent so they barely get involved in other people's lives if they don't know each other.