Erasmus experience in Stockholm, Sweden by Layla

Why did you choose to go to Stockholm, Sweden?

Sweden is a very good city for your CV, there is a lot to learn there and I had never been to Sweden before.

How much is the scholarship? And how long does the scholarship last?

The amount that you get via your scholarship is the highest which you can get, since Sweden is very expensive. And even that is an understatement. You get 70% of your total amount in the first month. Around €1200 and the rest when you get back.

How is the studentlife in Stockholm?

The nightlife here is good, but expensive. If you like to drink wine when you go out then this will hurt your wallet. The price for a beer is okay. At Soft Kök and bars you will pay around €4 for a pint of beer.

I do not know anything about the life at the Uni, because I am doing my internship here. I do know that you can receive a lot of discounts with your student card.

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

Absolutely! I felt at home here, almost immediately, if I had not had to finish my studies I would have stayed here.

How about the food?

Stockholm has a lot of variety regarding their food. You can get a lot of sushi here (Mama y'es is my favourite), and a lot of fish. You can also get these great burgers (Barrels, Burgers and Beers is the best! ).

How long did it take you to find a room in Stockholm?

Not that long, I had contact with my internship and they had a contact person for me. But I need to admit that also via this site they offer a lot of rooms.

What about the living costs in Stockholm?

It costs a lot. Everything here is quite expensive, the nightlife and your groceries are expensive as well. But once you are settled you will find out which stores are the cheapest for your groceries.

How was the language? Did you study the language before you arrived? Are there any language courses available at school?

No, but I recommend everyone to do a language course. Swedish is not that difficult to read, but it is when it comes to speaking. By the way, it is also easier to study Swedish with an English mindset instead of the Dutch one. It is not a disaster when you do not do a language course, everyone here speaks English as well.

What was the cheapest way for you for travelling to Stockholm from your home?

The cheapest way would have been with the car. But I did not want to drive for such a long time. If you book an airplane ticket forehand, you could find a return ticket for €100.

Can you tell something about the nightlife? How were the clubs in Stockholm?

The nightlife in Stockholm is great. I spent a lot of time in WKND, Slakthuset, Coloseum. I have been in more clubs though, but these were the best. if you enter the club before 11PM, the entrance is free. After 11PM it can cost up to 200 Swedish Krona. Most of the clubs will close around 3AM.

Where can you enjoy a great dinner in Stockholm?

• Mama y'es (sushi)
• Barrels Burgers and Beers (Best burgers ever! )
• Gondolen, for typical Swedish dishes but fancy. The view here is amazing. You have a view here over whole Stockholm. You can eat delicious fish or meat dishes here. The cocktails are also very good!
• Gamla Amsterdam (if you want a typical Dutch bread with cheese)
• Texas Longhorn (burgers)

Are there also cultural aspects?

Plenty, there are a lot of museums. The Abba museum is a lot of fun, also good for some great dishes. And one of the most popular place of interest is Skansen, an outdoor museum with animals like bears, reindeer, otters, owls and horses.

Do you have any other advice for the future students who want to go to Stockholm?

The Archipelago is very beautiful to see.

If you're here during summer you should rent a boat with some friends.

Something really cool is the "Booze cruise". This boat costs around €30 and leaves on Friday to Helsinki or Tallinn, and comes back on Sunday. So you are in the city for one day. On the boat the beverages are tax free, this is why it is called booze cruise. And for the hardcore party animals, you can do a 23h trip. You will stay on the boat then and it costs around €7 per person.

Something which is not unimportant, you can only buy liquor in a liquor store, SystemBologet. Supermarkets are allowed to sell alcohol which goes until 3. 2%. And the wine sold at the supermarkets is non-alcoholic, so it is better to buy some lemonade.

At T-centralen (Central Station) there is an ice bar. The entrance is around €20 and you get a free cocktail of your choice. Inside it is -7 degrees and everything is made out of ice. Even the cocktail glasses.

One last tip, save enough money. You will need it.

I also added a few pictures of my experience down below.

Photo gallery