Stockholm advices from one who lived here forever

What is it like to live in Stockholm? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The environment is great, it is the capital so there is not much missing. There are plenty of things to see and the city is beautiful since it is surronded by water. Also, buildings vary between old and new making it's a very nice city. Going out in Stockholm is usually only wednesday, friday and saturday, other days happen occasionally, but you will notice the city is dead after 10 pm the rest of the days. It is an expensive city, where everything is much more expensive than other european cities. Still, you can easily manage to live here as a student but it is important to know where to go and where to shop. I love my city and I think it is a great place to live!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Stockholm?

It depends a lot from school to school. I study at Stockholm University, and while some institutions have a great student lifestyle, some are only there for school and classes. Still, if one wants, there are plenty of organizations and groups to get involved in. This is just depending on what kind of person one is. There are student parties and activities every week, but as a local, I mostly stay with my friends from outside of school, or the ones I met at school but at none student activities.

How much does it cost to live in Stockholm?

It is, as said in a previous question, expensive. Eating and drinking out can make you poor in one night. Although, grocery shopping is not that bad, but one should be careful about where to buy groceries, Willys and Lidl, and larger ICA's are much cheaper than small corner grocery shops. Housing is also expensive, although, if sharing with someone, it does not get that bad.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Stockholm? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes, I think it is extremely hard. Usually one has to be in Stockholm to find something. My best advice is to try to join Facebook groups and put an ad on blocket.se. If one knows someone in Stockholm, let them know you are looking for housing, usually a friend of a friend knows someone with a room or an apartment for rent. It is not impossible, but it is hard for sure.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very international. We have the swedish meatballs and other swedish dishes, but I think all my friends would agree that tacos, hamburgers and sushi are the most common dishes. I usually eat sushi or what my family cooks, but if there is something swedish I would recommend, then that would be pancakes on Thursdays. Also, salmon is very good in Sweden and can usually be found fairly cheap in the frozen section of the grocery store.

What places would you recommend visiting in Stockholm?

Hard question, there are some tourist places one must visit: Gamla stan which is the old town, Hötorget, Drottninggatan, Gallerian and NK for shopping. But also Fjällgatan in south part of Stockholm, with its amazing view. I would also recommend eating out at Nytorget or Vasastan. During summertime, Hornsbergs strand is a nice place to have a barbeque and chill, it is also possible to swim there.

Is it good to eat out in Stockholm? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, there is a bit of everything. I love Hawaii Poké which they have in like 5 spots. Also at Kungstensgatan 12 for lunch, cheap and some really good food! For pizza there is Giro at Sveavägen or 450 gradi in Lidingö, an island outside Stockholm.

Is the nightlife good in Stockholm? Where is good to go?

It is alright, although, it is very expensive to get in without a list, and the list usually closes at midnight. I think around Stureplan or at Söder the best places are to be found. I usually go to bars, Nosh & Chow, East, or some more causal bars. For clubbing I would recommend Spy Bar, Sturecompagniet, or Trädgården. I know Solidaritet has a lot of student parties, but depending on what night it is it can be both good and bad. A popular bar is TAK, with its amazing view, but also Slakthusterassen, which has some great theme nights!

What advice would you give future students heading to Stockholm?

Probably to go out party and have fun. Get involved in student activities, because with swedish culture it might be hard sometimes to get to know new people. Walk around town or take the public transportation, it will take you anywhere! Also, try to go outside of town, to some of the islands by boat, or to the big mall in Solna, Mall of Scandinavia.