Erasmus Experience in Stockholm, Sweden by Pierre

Why did you choose to go to Stockholm, Sweden?

I had always dreamed about having an experience in the mystic Scandinavia. I had to find an internship abroad for my Master thesis and eventually a subsequent PhD position, and my current group was quite visible on the net, in my field. It really fits with my interests and I am actually really happy to have taken this opportunity!

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

This exchange program takes six months (from January until the end of June). I received an Erasmus stipend about 360€ / month (I got 70% of the whole amount in March and will get the other 30% a few month after I come back to France). Additionally, my supervisor gave me about the same amount in order to be able to live here by myself.

What is the student lifestyle like in Stockholm?

The main campus, in Lappis, is full of nice exchange students and the atmosphere is relaxed and festive at the same time (swedish style). In the city center, you can find several places in which you can enjoy your time with your friends, as bars and night clubs (Södermalm is quite nice and warm for that, compared to other places in which there is a dress code and expensive prices). Sometimes, student associations as ESN reserve for bars and night clubs and provide parties with cheaper prices. Gamla Stan is also nice to visit. You can also find nice fika (coffee) places and beautiful sea-surrounded areas in the city center. Sauna and swimming in cold lakes, as in Hellasgården is also something to experience! Regarding food, it is too expensive to eat outside as a student so it is much more better to cook and bring your own food for lunch.

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

Absolutely, especially if you are curious about Scandinavia (but despite its amazing charm and style, Stockholm is probably less different than the rest of Europe when compared to other cities in Nordic countries).

What is the food like?

European and sometimes too sweet (I am particularly thinking about the herring). They have a lot of specialities that are based on potatoes and fish (to summarize it brefly). They also like meat with a lot of creamy sauces. They are able to eat sweet things or ice creams during the whole day, especially when having a fika (coffee break). Anyway they are quite sportive and healthy. You can find some relatively cheap supermarkets as Willys, in which you can find most of what you are searching for (at least as a european).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Stockholm?

Not really. I started to anticipate for finding something via both website suggestions from university pages and Facebook pages but soon realized that it is not really possible to find one in advance. Usually, interesting offer are either fake ads and they ask you to pay in advance, or it is rapidly reserved by someone else. I then decided to send e-mails massively four days before coming here and I got a few relevant answers. Then, I found mine on my first day here (but I booked for a youth hostel in case).

How much does it cost to live in Stockholm?

I would say that you can survive from about 700 € / months, depending on the price of your accommodation but usually you need around 900 € / month to live properly. People always say that it is really expensive but at least it is a bit cheaper than Paris...

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Most Swedes speak English very well so that is not a problem. Anyway, the language is quite easy to learn (has similarities with English) and you can take free courses at Stockholm University as an exchange student, for example.

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

I came here by plane, using several flight company comparators pus company websites themselves. SAS often has interesting prices. If you want to travel within Scandinavia, Norwegian is an interesting company. Viking Line and Tallink boats are something to consider in this case.

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Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Stockholm?

Gamla Stan and Södermalm are places to visit during the night.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Stockholm?

Hubertus is the only "proper" Swedish restaurant I tested and is quite nice for lunch. They have affordable menus. You should just avoid ordering supplements as wine if you want to save your money.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You can visit the Vasamuseet, that contains a huge viking boat that flowed in 1628 and was found in the 50's. With your transportation card, you can take a boat from Slussen to the island of Djurgården for free, and will be able to find the museum there. The city itself is surrounded by the sea and has interesting buildings and former royal places as Kungsträdgården....

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

Just take this opportunity and have fun !