Stockholm, surrounded by water and located on fourteen islands offers both city life and a closeness to nature with open green areas for recreation.

Student union

In Sweden, student unions have traditionally played an important role in university life, and are often very influential forces at the universities

• Swedish National Union of Student's website

Students at the Swedish Red Cross University tend to be actively engaged in academic issues, student welfare and in social activities and entertainment. We strongly recommend that you take part in this part of student life for a richer experience, as student unions frequently arrange social activities such as parties and other leisure activities.

Student discounts

It is not uncommon that you can obtain student discounts at several places and services around the city. These includes musuems and coffee shops, etc. Certain companies require a Swedish Mecenat student ID. Once you have obtained your temporary personal number (please consult the international office for it), you may apply for a student ID, however, some students have experienced difficulties in obtaining it and the Swedish Red Cross University cannot guarantee that you will get one. 

Student guide:

For more information about what it is like to study in Sweden, and for information about living in Sweden as a student, please visit:

• Study in Sweden

More information about student life in Stockholm:

• Study in Stockholm

Public transportation

Stockholm has an extended public transport system and you can find more information about it on the SL web page.

In order to use the public transport system in Stockholm you need an Access card (Sw. ‘SL-kort’) which can be bought at any Pressbyrån or 7Eleven, located by the subway stations. We recommend that you pay for the unlimited travels option, since it is the most economic option if you are planning on using public transportation on a regular basis. Student discounts are not available for incoming students since you need a Swedish student ID with the SL logo on it. If you are under 20 years old at the time for your studies here, you get a discount (remember to always bring identification document when travelling). If you buy a single ticket, make sure that you bring it with you during the whole trip, since there might be controls in the exits.

Exchange students from Tanzania and Japan will be provided with an SL Access card upon arrival.

Other options of public transport in Stockholm include commuter trains (Sw. ‘pendeltåg’), local trains (for example ‘Tvärbanan’, ‘Roslagsbanan’, ‘Nockebybanan’), a tram (from Sergels Torg/T-Centralen to Djurgården, via Kungsträdgården, the National Museum, the Vasa Museum and Skansen), and ferries (Slussen to Skeppsholmen and Djurgården).

Money

The currency used in Sweden is Swedish krona. However, it is much more common to use cards than cash, and recently many stores and shops have decided to be 'cash free', only accepting cards. All services, such as taxis, can also be paid with card. 

Cell phone and Internet access

You might like to get a pre-paid SIM-card to get unlimited calls and internet access. 

In order to access the Internet via the university college's network, you need a username and password, which you will receive on your first day.

Language

The official language in Sweden is Swedish and this is also the language within higher education. However, an increasing number of programs and courses at universities and university colleges are held in English, The Swedish Red Cross University, being no exception. Currently we only accept international students through exchange programs such as Erasmus+ or other bilateral agreements.

The general knowledge of English in Sweden is good, and you should not face too many language problems when you conduct your clinical education in Stockholm. However, you will meet people who do not speak or understand English.

If you would like to study some Swedish before your arrival or during your stay, here is more information:

• Learn Swedish links at the Swedish Institute website

A few useful words and phrases in Swedish

Useful Websites

Visitors guide

The official guide to Stockholm - Visit Stockholm

Phone directory

• www.hitta.se
• www.eniro.se

Weather

• www.smhi.se

Tickets for events

• www.ticnet.se
• www.ticketmaster.se

LGBTQ

• Stockholm LGBT
• RFSL (The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights)

Religion in Sweden

• Religion in Sweden

If you are looking for particular information which does not appear here, please let us know.