Experience in Västerås, Sweden by Jonathan

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

Västerås is a beautiful city located 50 minutes by train from Stockholm, making it easy to experience Swedens capital. The city itself is located close to the lake Mälaren. The city is a mix of new modern buildings as well as older buildings, surrounding the stream called svartån.

No matter where you live in Västerås there is always a bus stop close to you. The busses can transport you wherever you want to go, whenever you want to.

What is the student lifestyle like in Västerås?

The student lifestyle in Västerås is good. There is a lot of student discounts on everything from bank accounts to food and sports activities.

How much does it cost to live in Västerås?

The rent is between 3400-4400 SEK (€325-€421) for student accommodation. A fast-food lunch at Mcdonalds is around 80 SEK(€7.6). Gym membership for students cost 199 SEK/month (€19/month).

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

If you study at Mälardalens University (the only university in Västerås) you have guaranteed accommodation through the school. Otherwise, it could be hard to find a rental apartment for a short period, that is close to the school. The accommodation provided by the school is really good. Close to the school and cheap rent.

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

There is a lot of fast-food in Västerås, such as pizza, kebab, Mcdonalds and so on. I find it hard to find a good pasta here.

What places would you recommend visiting in Västerås?

I would recommend going to Löga beach, Kokpunkten (action bathhouse), Bellevue (Sportscenter), Walking around the city center, Erikslund shopping mall.

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

Kajen, a good salad by the docks. Gränden, in the city center. Spicy hot is a must if you like Thai food, and also Bra Hak is a must if you love hamburgers!

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

There is not a lot of nightclubs in Västerås, although there are Royale and Publik which are the two bigger ones. If you are older there are a few more places, but the age restriction there is around 25 years old. Although there are not too many places the ones that exist is quite good. Also, there is a lot of pubs and smaller places to go to. Remember that going out in Swedens can be quite expensive, especially as a student. So make sure to have a good preparty. Or as we call it in Sweden, "förkrök"!

What advice would you give future students heading to Västerås?

Make sure to get accommodation through the school, it brings you closer to the rest of the students that do not origin from Västerås. And the most important of them all, join a student organization! The student organizations at MDH are throwing parties and events every month and is the best way to experience student life in Västerås. I can especially recommend the organization IMF-föreningen (imf-foreningen.se) for all of you that are studying economics or marketing.