PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT
BTH
DEAR STUDENT,
We are very pleased that you have chosen Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Sweden
for your studies abroad!

We hope that you will fnd your time here enjoyable and rewarding both for your studies and
for your personal well-being and growth!
In order to give you a brief presentation of Sweden and studies at BTH we have created this
practical guide for new arriving international students. This guide contains general and
specifc information that we hope will be useful to you both while preparing for your trip to
Sweden and during your stay at BTH.
We look forward to meeting you and wish you a pleasant stay in Sweden!
Welcome to BTH, one of Sweden's most interesting and beautiful places for higher education!

Best regards
Blekinge Institute of Technology
http://www.bth.se/eng

ABOUT BTH 4

BTH ON THE RANKING LISTS 5
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT 5
FACTS ABOUT SWEDEN 6
EDUCATION IN SWEDEN 7
GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT SWEDEN 8
NATIONAL FESTIVITIES 9

TRAVEL TO BTH 10
ARRIVAL INFORMATION 10
RIGHT OF RESIDENCE/RESIDENCE PERMIT 11

TUITION FEE PAYMENT INFORMATION 12

NATIONAL REGISTRATION 12

BANK ACCOUNT 12

WORK WHILE STUDYING 12

STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE 13

PROPERTY INSURANCE (HOME INSURANCE) 13

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE AT CAMPUS 13
ACADEMIC INFORMATION 14

REGULATIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS 15
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN BLEKINGE 16
CHECKLIST FOR YOU AS NEW STUDENT OF BTH 19
WHOM TO CONTACT? 20
THE STUDENTS POINT OF VIEW 22
GLOSSARY 24
CONTENTS


Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) is the most distinctly profled institute in Sweden, thanks to
its strong emphasis on applied information technology, IT and sustainable development in industry and
society. At BTH, the humanities, social sciences, management and health sciences are all integrated
into an applied IT profle that enables technology and the humanities to develop in exciting new
directions. The institute was established in 1989 and is located in the county of Blekinge in
south-east Sweden.

BTH is one of three independent institutes of technology in Sweden and in 1999 it was granted
university status in technology. Among a large number of programmes and courses taught in Swedish,
BTH offers two undergraduate programmes and about 18 Masters programmes in English.

BTH has extensive experience of international collaboration and has exchange agreements with more
than 100 centres of learning from all over the world.
In addition to the large number of nationalities represented at faculty level, foreign students from all
over the world give our institute a truly international environment.
BTH consists of fve different schools divided between two campuses: Karlskrona and Karlshamn.
School of Engineering
School of Computing
School of Health Science
School of Management
School of Planning and Media Design
All programmes offered in English are located at the campus in Karlskrona.
In accordance with our
emphasis on sustainability,
Blekinge Institute of
Technology became climate
neutral in September 2008.
This signifes not
contributing to the global
climate problem. BTH will
as quickly as possible
reduce climate impact by,
for example, using only
renewable, climate-neutral
energy for heating,
electricity or vehicles.
Our vision:
Blekinge Institute of Technology is a globally attractive knowledge community
within applied IT and innovation for sustainable growth.

4
ABOUT BTH

With top quality education and training in creative and modern
surroundings, together with an exceptionally attractive environment
strategically located by the Baltic Sea, BTH is the top institute among
all Swedish higher education institutions regarding the number of
applications received each year from international students. Among
the 7,500 registered students there are currently more than 1,200
international students. Most of these students apply to our Masters
Programmes offered in English. The students, together with the staff,
represent around 70 different countries.

BTH enjoys support from the surrounding community. Active
co-operation between the institute, business and commerce has helped
to create a unique environment which continues to stimulate the
development of new companies. In the past fve years alone 3,000 new
jobs within the IT and telecommunications sector were created in
Blekinge. The development of the institute has strongly contributed
to this expansion.

5
BTH is ranked as number fve in the world among the top institutions
in the feld of systems and software engineering of the Journal of
Systems and Software. BTH is also ranked as number two in Europe
and number one in Sweden. Based on his publication records for the
time period 1998-2007, one of our professors within systems and
software engineering was ranked among the 15 most published
researchers in the world in this feld.

Engineering Education for Sustainable Development Observatory
(EESD) ranked BTH as the best university in Sweden within
sustainable development and the 3rd best in Europe in 2008. Two of
our professors have been nominated for the Globe Sustainability
Research Award; their sustainability research was considered to be
among the top six in the world in 2011.
BTH ON THE RANKING LISTS
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Area: 450,000 km (174,000 sq. mi.), third largest country in Western Europe.
Longest North-South distance: 1,574 km (978 mi.)
Longest East-West distance: 499 km (310 mi.)
Population: 9,3 million inhabitants.
Capital: Stockholm, has approximately 2 million inhabitants.
Language: Swedish.
Form of government: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy.
Parliament: The Riksdag, with 349 members in one chamber.
Religion: 82% belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Sweden is a full member of the European Union since January 1995.
Most important export goods: Paper products, electrical and computer equipment, motor vehicles,
machinery, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, foodstuffs.
Most important imported goods: Petroleum products, motor vehicles and accessories, machinery,
electrical and computer equipment, foodstuffs, textile products, footwear.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
JANUARY JULY
Malm -0.2C (+31.6F) +16.8C (62.2F)
Stockholm -2.8C (+27.0F) +17.2C (63.0F)
Kiruna -16.0C (+3.2F) +12.8C (55.0F)
Daylight JANUARY 1 JULY 1
Malm 7 hours 17 hours
Stockholm 6 hours 18 hours
Kiruna 0 hours 24 hours
.
S
w
e
d
e
n
BTH

WEATHER CONDITIONS IN BLEKINGE
Spring usually comes in April with temperatures rising to around 10-15
degrees Celsius. Summer brings much warmer weather with 20-25 degrees
during daytime. Autumn is quite similar to the spring, but with clearer more
crisp air and sometimes quite a bit of rain. In winter the average
temperature stays around +5 to -10 degrees. However, Karlskrona is very
windy and therefore the winter may seem very cold. Wind- and waterproof
clothes are recommended.
6
Sweden, offcially the Kingdom of Sweden,
is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula
in Northern Europe. Sweden has land borders with
Norway to the West and Finland to the Northeast
and it is connected to Denmark by the resund
Bridge in the South.
More facts about Sweden can be found on
www.visitsweden.com/sweden/
FACTS ABOUT SWEDEN
EDUCATION IN SWEDEN
In Sweden the state is responsible for the provision of higher education. The Swedish parliament and
the Government decide on regulations and the allocation of national resources.
The Higher Education Act in Sweden stipulates that higher education must have an academic or
artistic basis and must be founded on tried and tested experience. All higher education must be of a
high quality. Universities are responsible for continually developing the quality of their programmes
and for providing quality assurance. Standards are maintained via regular evaluations by the National
Agency for Higher Education.
In Sweden, the Government stipulates which qualifcations may be awarded by whom as well as the
specifc requirements for those qualifcations.

7
STUDYING IN SWEDEN
In Sweden we are proud of our long tradition
of innovations and cutting-edge research. To
continue this tradition, the Swedish education
system encourages students to think
independently.
Students learn how to turn theory into practice
and how to be team players - skills that are
sought after by modern businesses. Therefore,
discussions, case studies and group work are
important in the Swedish education, and these
activities complement the traditional seminars
and lectures.
When studying at a Swedish university, you may
be surprised by the informal and open climate.
You are expected to take an active role in the
discussions and present your thoughts and ideas,
both when working in groups and in connection
with seminars. Most people in Sweden speak
English fuently, which makes your stay and
your studies here easier.
While attendance at seminars and lectures are
required, the group work and your own
studying are your responsibility.
The informal climate at a Swedish university should not be confused with a lack of seriousness: Swedish
universities are very serious about their education, and the students are expected to act accordingly.
Sweden has a system of credits (hgskolepong); a normal 40-week academic year corresponds to 60
credits. The system is compatible with ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System). The academic
year is divided into two terms - autumn term (late August to mid-January) and spring term (mid-January
to early June).

TIME AND DATES
Sweden is on Central European Time (CET), i.e. one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Dates are
usually written year/month/day, i.e. 120815 (August 15, 2012).
SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed in public places such as restaurants, bank offces, shops or any other public
buildings.
OPENING HOURS
Most of the shops and authorities are open weekdays 10 - 18, Saturdays 10 - 14 and
usually closed on Sundays. The large department stores are usually open 9 - 20 all days.

CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Sweden at banks,
hotels, stores, restaurants, taxis, car rental companies, and for air, ship
and rail tickets. Most shops and restaurants require identity card when
paying with a credit card.

You may get cash with your Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus card
at any ATM (Bankomat).
LIQUOR STORES
Systembolaget is the only shop that offers liquor and wine for purchase. Systembolaget is the government
owned store that has liquor monopoly. The age limit for buying wine and liquor from Systembolaget is 20,
and to buy from bars and restaurants age limit is 18.

MONEY EXCHANGE
Cash can be exchanged into other currencies at all banks and Forex offces. Do note that opening hours of
these are usually weekdays 10 - 14. Exchange money offces can be found at Stockholm Airport,
Copenhagen Airport, as well as at Malm and Stockholm train stations.

8
ELECTRICITY
Main electricity in Sweden is 220 volts and 50 cycles (Hz).
BANK HOLIDAYS
The majority of establishments in Sweden are closed on Midsummers Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas
Day and New Years Day. This applies to shops, banks, museums and restaurants.

For the rest of the year, Sunday hours apply to public holidays. A few restaurants are closed on Sundays
and public holidays. Museums have their busiest days on public holidays with the above exceptions.
GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT SWEDEN

In Sweden, many customs and festivities are closely associated with the changing seasons.
The following occasions are the most celebrated holidays in Sweden:

Lucia (December 13), the holiday when parades of children dressed in
white, holding lit candles in their hand, glide through the winter night.
Lucia is an ancient mythical fgure with a remaining role as a bearer of
light in the dark Swedish winter.
Christmas (December 24-26), which commemorates
the birth of Christ, has long been the most important
festivity of the year. Celebration includes spending
time with the family and the closest friends and
enjoying the traditional dishes such as Christmas ham,
pickled herring, pork sausage and a special fsh dish,
lutfsk.

Easter is the frst extended weekend of the spring and
is primarily the family holiday when children dress up
as Easter witches; wearing discarded clothes, colored
headscarves and red-painted cheeks. They go from
house to house in the neighbourhood and present the
occupants with paintings and drawings in the hope of
getting sweets in return.
Walpurgis Night (April 30), the event when bonfres
are lit all over the country to symbolize driving out
winter and making way for summer.
Midsummer Eve, the occasion late in June, when Swedes celebrate the
lightest night of the year. People pick fowers and make wreath to place on
the maypole, which is the key component in the celebration. The maypole
is raised on an open feld and people dance around it.

The crayfsh party (middle of August) is a typically Swedish festivity
marking the end of the summer. People gather to eat and drink with bright
lamps and songs under a deep golden moon in the black August evening.

9
NATIONAL FESTIVITIES
TRAVEL TO BTH
BY TRAIN
BTH can easily be reached by train from Copenhagen
(capital of Denmark) or Stockholm (capital of Sweden). A
one way trip from Copenhagen Airport to Karlskrona train
station usually takes four hours and is a direct connection
without any train changes. A one way trip from Stockholm
central train station to Karlskrona usually takes fve hours
and includes two train changes.Information about how
to make a reservation can be found on the National train
companys website www.sj.se.
BY AIRPLANE
If you wish to fy to Blekinge, make your reservation to Ronneby/Kallinge Airport (30 km from
Karlskrona), on: www.sas.se or www.blekingefyg.se. There are airport buses (fygbussar) that will take
you from the airport to Karlskrona (40 min). These buses correspond to
each incoming fight from Stockholm.
HOW TO GET TO CAMPUS?
If you reach Karlskrona by train or airport bus, ask for directions to
Kungsplan (bus terminal). It is situated across the road from the train
station. Take bus number 1 or 7 and get off at the bus stop called Hgskolan Grsvik. An electronic
sign inside the bus shows the name of the next stop. The institute is just across the street from the bus
stop.
ARRIVAL INFORMATION
All admitted students are expected to visit the Student Centre as soon as they arrive, for registration and
general and practical information concerning studies at BTH. In the Student Centre you will get your
computer login, BTH card, general practical information about BTH etc. Please note that you have to be
at BTH before the last arrival day, otherwise you may lose you study place.

Please visit the programmes website for detailed information regarding the last arrival day of your
programme! If you are not able to arrive at BTH within the deadline for arrival for your programme you
must contact your department in order to keep your seat. Department contact information is stated on the
website as Late arrival information.

10
RIGHT OF RESIDENCE/RESIDENCE PERMIT
NON EU/EEA CITIZENS

Students that are citizens in countries outside of the EU/EEA and plan to study in Sweden for longer than
three months must apply for residence permits at the Swedish embassies or consulates in their home
country. The permit must be entered in the students passport before his/her arrival in Sweden. The
Notifcation of Selection Results received on Studera.nu is a valid letter of acceptance and can be
submitted with the residence permit application.

NOTE! You have to pay the entire frst fee in advance in order to a obtain residence permit. BTH is
required to notify the Swedish Migration Board when the payment has arrived in order for them to be able
to grant students their residence permits.
Make sure that you apply for a residence permit immediately after receiving the Notifcation of Selection
Results. The application form is available on www.migrationsverket.se. If you have any questions
regarding your residence permit application, these can only be answered by the Migration Board or the
Embassy where you submitted your application. In case this application process is delayed and you do not
manage to arrive at BTH within the deadline for arrival, you have to contact your department in order to
keep your seat. Some programmes have different deadlines, make sure you fnd out which it is for your
programme. If you arrive too late you may be denied to start your studies. You will fnd contact
information for different programmes on our website under Late arrival information.
STUDENTS BUDGET
In order to obtain a residence permit in Sweden, the Swedish Migration Board demands that all students,
beside the tuition fee (if required), have enough money to cover living expenses.

NOTE! Students required to pay tuition fees, have to pay the entire frst fee in advance in order to obtain a
residence permit. BTH is required to notify the Swedish Migration Board when the payment has arrived in
order for them to be able to grant students their residence permits.

Every student has to show that he/she has 7.300 Swedish Crowns (SEK) per month for 10 months of the
year. Here is an estimated budget for what this money should cover:
Rent: 3, 000
Food: 1, 500
Course literature: 800
Hygiene: 400
Leisure: 500
Clothes: 700
Phone: 400

Total: 7,300
(Swedish Crowns)

11
EXCHANGE STUDENTS
All exchange students receive a Letter of Admission from Blekinge Institute of Technology.
This document is a valid letter of acceptance and can be submitted with the residence permit application.
EU/EEA CITIZENS
EU/EEA citizens are exempted application and tuition fees
and have the right of residence in Sweden, which includes
that they may study without a residence permit.
However, these students must register with the Migration
Board no later than three months after
entering the country.
Information and guidance on how to
register will be provided at the Student
Centre. Do not forget to bring the
European Health Insurance Card!
TUITION FEE PAYMENT INFORMATION

Students with citizenship in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and
Switzerland are exempted from paying the application and tuition fees while applying for education in
Sweden.
Students with citizenship in a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland will be required to pay
application and tuition fees. An application fee is 900 SEK (Swedish kronor). Tuition fee for the academic
year 2012/2013 is 100,000 SEK (Swedish kronor) for an academic year including 60 credits or 50,000 SEK
per term including 30 credits.
More details about tuition fees can be found on www.bth.se/tuitionfees.

IF you are required to pay the tuition fee, the frst payments should be made in advance. The deadline for
the autumn of 2012 payment is stated on your requisition from BTH. If you have been granted a
scholarship, the amount awarded will be reduced from your requisition accordingly, e.g. if you have been
awarded a 50% scholarship, your invoice will only include half of the tuition fee due for that term. Once
the tuition fee for the frst term is paid, you can apply for your residence permit through the Swedish
Migration Board on www.migrationsverket.se.

Students staying in Sweden 12 months or longer are
entitled to National Registration. This registration is
done at the local Tax Offce in Karlskrona. Note that
you should register at the Tax Offce as soon as possible
after the starting date of your residence permit. You must
bring your passport, letter of admission and you must
have an address in Sweden before you apply.
The National Registration gives you access to health care
in Sweden at the same cost as Swedish citizens. More
information will be provided upon arrival to Sweden or
you can read more at www.skatteverket.se.

Only students studying in Sweden for more than six months are entitled to open Swedish bank account
Students staying at BTH less than six months will not have the possibility to open Swedish bank account.
These students have to have a VISA /Master card /Travel Card from their home countries and/or have
the possibility to use the Internet transaction services through their home bank accounts in order to pay
the bills in Sweden. Note, if you do not use the Internet transaction services while paying your bills in
Sweden, you will be charged an administrative fee every time you pay a bill directly at the bank offces
helpdesk.
There is also a possibility to send or receive a money order through the Western Union Bank offces.

Do note that Swedish bank offces do NOT accept any Travelers Cheques!
BANK ACCOUNT
WORK WHILE STUDYING
A student with a student visa is allowed to work while studying. It is however hard to fnd a job that does
not demand that you are fuent in Swedish. You should spend 40 hours/week studying including classes,
laborations and self-study time. This leaves little time left for work as well. You should not plan on fnding
a job to support yourself fnancially during your stay in Sweden. You must have suffcient funding before
applying for a residence permit and arriving to BTH.
12
NATIONAL REGISTRATION


All BTH students are covered by student health insurance. Depending on a students residence permit,
admission or citizenship, there are different categories of student health insurance at our institute.
The following is a description of which students belong to which category:
Exchange students (students accepted to an exchange programme at BTH) are covered by a collective
health insurance fnanced by the institute. The terms for the insurance are available at
www.kammarkollegiet.se.
EU/EEA citizens are entitled to access public medical services if they are registered at the social
insurance offce in their home countries. All persons registered at the social insurance offce will be
issued a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In order to receive medical attention in Sweden
EU/EEA citizens need to have this card with them.
Students staying at BTH more than one year, and having a valid residence permit to prove this are
entitled to the National registration at the Swedish Tax Offce. This registration signifes that all new
students have to visit the Swedish Tax Offce (Skatteverket) as soon as they arrive to Sweden, in order to
receive a Swedish civic registration number. With National registration international students have access
to health care in Sweden at the same cost as Swedish citizens.
Students accepted to programmes less than one year will be covered by a collective health insurance
fnanced by the institute. The terms for the insurance are available at www.kammarkollegiet.se.
PROPERTY INSURANCE (HOME INSURANCE)
BTH recommends all students to individually purchase property insurance (hemfrskring) from a
Swedish or international insurance company. Personal property refers to your personal things that are not
covered by any insurance at BTH, e.g. clothing, jewellery, bicycles, computers, cameras etc.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE AT CAMPUS
All students at BTH have access to the student health professionals at BTH (nurse, counsellor, etc.). If
you have any issues or problems in connection to your studies or to your health, you are welcome to
contact the Student Health Service. The staff at the Student Health Service is all governed by professional
secrecy. You can always see one of our nurses for consultation and they can advise you if you should see
a doctor and how to make an appointment.

13
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The academic year consists of two terms and each term is divided into two study periods: the
Autumn term (study period 1 and 2) and the Spring term (study period 3 and 4).

AUTUM TERM 2012

3rd September until 20th January (Week 36-03)
Study period 1 3rd September - 4th November
Study period 2 5th November - 20th January
SPRING TERM 2013

21st January until 9th June (Week 04-23)
Study period 3 21st January - 31st March
Study period 2 1st April - 9th June
Note that there is no offcial Christmas break in Swedish universities. The Autumn term runs from
August to January. There will be no classes during the Christmas week, but you may be expected to
work, for example with written assignments.
TEACHING METHODS AND EXAMINATIONS
Teaching is performed in various forms such as lectures, seminars, feld work, group work and
independent study. Attendance at lectures and seminars is often compulsory and always
recommended. The Swedish educational system is based on open, informal relations between
students and teachers, where personal initiative and critical thoughts are encouraged. Students in
Sweden are expected to ask questions during the lectures and participate in discussions during
seminars. In addition they are expected to put in a great deal of individual work in their studies.
Courses at BTH can be examined in various ways. A written or oral examination in addition to
the presentation of a paper is a very common kind of examination. Traditionally, three marks are
awarded at BTH: pass with distinction (VG), pass (G) and fail (U). Students who fail the
examination are entitled to re-sit the exam at the occasion of scheduled examinations.

14
A traditional written examination usually lasts between three and fve
hours and takes place on a weekday morning or afternoon.
Occasionally, there are examinations on Saturdays. Students who fail
the examination are entitled to re-sit the exam at the next occasion of
scheduled examinations. You will have the opportunity to re-sit one
exam no more than fve times. Note, there is no possibility to re-sit
your exam if you are not satisfed with your result, since this
opportunity is only offered to students who failed examination.
It is compulsory to sign up in advance for a scheduled written
examination. You can sign up online within a period of 28 days
before the examination. The deadline for signing up is 14 days before
the examination day. You sign up via the Students Portal.
REGULATIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS

15
For written examinations, you must bring your BTH card with you. Students who cant provide any
accepted form of identifcation may not undergo examination. All detailed information concerning the
examination occasions will be published in the Students Portal, a personalized web service for students

It is important that each examination taken by you contains your own arguments and formulations.
When you use other texts or ideas from literature/internet you have to state source in a correct manner.
This also applies to your own texts that you have produced earlier. To guarantee that all information
that you present is actually your own, BTH uses a web-based tool to control the presence of plagiarism
in texts. Plagiarism includes for example copying text from the internet, books, journals or other
sources without stating the source, or presenting an idea/work as your own, even if it is taken directly
from another source.
If the student is suspected of cheating, this will be reported to the Vice-Chancellor and the case will
be issued in the Disciplinary Committee. Possible disciplinary measures imposed as a consequence of
attempt to cheat are: formal warning and suspension from participation in class and examination during
a period of six months. All kinds of cheating during laboratory work, written exercises, essays and oral
examinations, are considered equally serious at Blekinge Institute of Technology, BTH.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN BLEKINGE
As soon as you have obtained your residence permit for studies in Sweden you can apply for your
accommodation. In order to be offered an accommodation from a housing company, you have to make an
online application or send an email to the housing company. Usually you have to pay a deposit to the
housing company, which is reimbursed when you move out from this apartment.

The following is a short description of some of the housing areas in Blekinge and students
accommodation possibilities offered by different housing companies.
BREDGATAN

Apartments at Bredgatan are located in the centre of
Karlskrona. Bredgatan has the traditional student
dorm - living where around 30 students live in rooms off
a corridor. Each room has its own shower, toilet, and mini
kitchen. The rent includes furniture, broadband, electricity
and cable TV. Distance to BTH, approximately 3 000 m.
GRSVIK

Student apartments at Campus Grsvik are located directly
off the university area. In this area there are a total of 120
furnished student fats of 22 m each with their own
bathroom, washing machine, mini kitchen, fridge freezer
and microwave oven. Cable TV and Internet access are
included in the rent.
KUNGSMARKEN

Kungsmarken is Karlskronas largest housing area and the
distance to BTH is approx. 3000m. Here you can choose
everything from one-room fats to fve-room fats; some of
them are furnished and some are unfurnished student
apartments. All fats have Internet access and the rent
includes electricity and heating. To fnd exactly what is
included in each room, please visit Karlskronahems
websitewww.karlskronahem.se ; select Our living and
after that Student apartments.

16
KARLSKRONAHEM AB

Karlskronahem AB is a housing company offering student accommodation in Karlskrona. Instructions on
how to apply for accommodation at Karlskronahem can be found at www.karlskronahem.se.
The following is a short description of different housing areas of Karlskronahem.
If you have not applied for housing before your arrival, you may have to stay a considerable
time in a hostel before you can get a student room. For hotel facilities in Karlskrona please visit
www.karlskrona.se.
Do note it is your own responsibility to make arrangements for your housing and we strongly
recommend you to organize your accommodation before your arrival to BTH!

17
BLEKINGEBOSTDER AB
Blekingebostder AB is a housing company that offers student accommodation in Ronneby, a town 30 km
from Karlskrona. Instructions on how to apply for accommodation at Blekingebostder AB can be found
at www.studentbostadshus.se/en
All student apartments offered by the Blekingebostder AB have one bedroom, a kitchenette, toilet and
shower. Free cable-TV and free Internet access via fber, washing machines and tumble dryers are
included in the rent. For an additional fee a limited number of apartments can be rented furnished. This
housing area is located close to one of Swedens nicest cityparks, Ronneby Brunnspark. As BTH student
you travel for free by bus or train between Karlskrona and Ronneby.
PBA

PBA is a housing company offering student
accommodation in Karlskrona. Detailed housing
information is available on www.pba.se. In order
to apply for accommodation at PBA, you have to
send an email request to [email protected].
The Blekinge Student Union can also assist you in searching for accommodation in Karlskrona and
Ronneby. For more details please visit the union website: www.bthstudent.se

18
CHECKLIST FOR YOU AS NEW
STUDENT OF BTH
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL
Pay the frst instalment of your tuition fee (if required) after receiving the
Notifcation of Selection Results and Welcome letter from BTH!
Apply for the residence permit (if required) as soon as you have received the
Notifcation of Selection Results!
Apply for the accommodation as soon as you have received the Notifcation of
Selection Results!
Remember to bring your European insurance card! (for European students)
If you are admitted to a one year programme make sure that you have a valid
health insurance during your stay at BTH (if you are admitted to a two year
programme you are covered by a collective health insurance paid by BTH).
Bring your VISA/Master card or Travel card from your country!
Bring your original documents! (diploma and transcripts) NOTE! All students
need to show their original documents when applying for BTH degree certifcate.
Check arrival and enrolment dates for your programme! (NOTE! Each
programme is different, so please carefully follow the instructions for your
programme given in the Welcome letter from BTH or on the programmes website)
If you are not able to arrive at BTH within the deadline for arrival for your
programme you must contact your department in order to keep your seat.
Department contact information is stated on the website as Late arrival
information.
UPON YOUR ARRIVAL AT BTH
Register at the Student Centre as a new student of BTH!
Show your original documents at the Student Centre! (if required)
Sign the accommodation contract and pick up your key!
Apply for a Swedish Civic registration number at the Tax Offce in order to get
National registration!(only for students who have a residence permit for more
than one year)
Register and activate your programme and courses in BTHs web services:
the Students portal and Its learning!
Attend available orientation or welcome meetings!
Get your BTH card!
BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE
Terminate your accommodation/Internet lease!
Pay all open bills! (telephone, electricity, etc)
Close your bank account! (if any)
Return all library books you have borrowed!
Apply for Degree Certifcate!
Register for emigration at the Tax Offce!
Join BTH Alumni network!

19
Questions regarding applications, arrival and admission should be addressed to:
www.bth.se/utb/supportutben
If you have questions regarding your courses, schedules etc please contact your department.
All addresses are available at: www.bth.se/eng

20
WHOM TO CONTACT

21
For questions regarding your residence permit, please contact the Migration Board at:
www.migrationsverket.se/
Questions regarding housing should be addressed to the housing companies:
www.karlskronahem.se
www.pba.se
www.studentbostadshus.se/en
Anatolijs Tarasovs is from Latvia and graduated from the
Master of Science programme in Sofware Engineering at BTH in 2010.
Farshad Shafeian comes from Iran.
He is studying a Masters programme in Mechanical engineering with
emphasis on structural mechanics.
THE STUDENTS POINT
OF VIEW
Te international community along with a vast number of students from a variety of countries really spikes
up the atmosphere into a friendly multi-cultural environment. Almost all projects and schoolwork is done in
groups and students from diferent nationalities, from partner and sister program and exchange students all
participate to communicate ideas. Te dialog can be frustrating at times yet the learning curve and experiences
are both most useful and blissful."
Education at BTH is industry oriented and very much applied, rather
than theoretical, which, in fact, is very good you get to work with the real
companies. Apart from the profle you study, you get to improve your
language and communication skills in all kinds of environment and with
all kinds of people, what, no doubt, is very important nowadays.

BTH is like a rising star with its own unique and skilful education.
I spent all four seasons of the year in Karlskrona and all of them have been
beautiful and welcoming. To be precise, 250 days of the year 2009 I spent
in Karlskrona and Ronneby and I will always remember these days with a
smile on my face. It was a wonderful experience in all aspects of my life.

22
When I came to Sweden to study at BTH this dream became reality. I
could even see the sea during my lectures in Multisalen, a big lecture
hall in the new J-building of Karlskrona campus.
Also, I like the library at BTH. Although it is quite unusual for me as at
some parts it does not look very offcial like any library in Russia, but it
is a nice place to discuss a team project with classmates or just read a
computer science related book.
Ksenia Sigakova, originally from Russia, is studying her second year at the Masters program in
Computer Science.
The thing that I like most about BTH is its location near the Baltic Sea. I really like sea, probably be-
cause there is no sea near Siberia where I was born or Urals where I lived last 12 years, so, for me
it was something like a dream from childhood to live near a sea.

23
Studying at BTH in an International environment was a great experience.
I had a good experience both on and of the Institute. Teacher - student
interaction was very active in the classes I followed and the staf at BTH is
very helpful and friendly, which provides a good atmosphere to study. Te
quality of education was of good standards. I enjoyed all my courses from
signal processing to telecommunications.

I had the opportunity to do my thesis work at a company in the telecom
city called WIP, where we developed a Mobile travel guide for
2008 China Olympics."
Zornitsa Vakareeva, originally from Bulgaria, graduated from the Bachelor programme Literature,
Culture and Digital Media at BTH in 2010.
Te three years at BTH were such a great and valuable experience for me! BTH ofers high
quality education which gives you theoretical and practical knowledge for your future career
development. Moreover, the international environment makes your stay in Sweden absolutely unforgettable!
Muhammad Saad Bin Azhar, originally from Pakistan,
graduated from MSc Computer Science at BTH in 2010.
Presently he works at ABB AB, Corporate Research in
Vsters, Sweden.
My education from BTH gave me the necessary foundation in order for
me to start building and developing further my academic and professional
interests. I would advise the future students to get the most out of their stay
at BTH because studying there can be a very valuable
experience both in the context of education and life as a whole.
Studies at BTH have been a very exciting and refreshing experience. It was very good
for me to come back to school for a masters degree afer a few years of professional
work. Te faculty and staf at BTH were really cooperative and had a learner centered
approach which I enjoyed the most during my studies. Te education system in general
was very encouraging and supportive.
Lakmal Silva, originially from Sri Lanka, graduated from MSc in Electrical Engineering with emphasis on
Telecommunications / Signal Processing at BTH in 2008. Currently he works for Ericsson AB in
Karlskrona.
GLOSSARY
Below you can fnd some useful phrases and words in Swedish:
GREETINGS AND COURTESIES
Hej Hello
Hur mr du? How are you? (neutral)
Hur str det till? How are you? (formal)
Hur r lget? Whats up? (informal)
Bara bra,tack! Och du? Im fne, thanks! And you?
Trevligt att trffas Pleased to meet you
Hej d Good bye
Tack Thank you/Please (depending on the context)
Tack s mycket Thank you very much
Varsgod! Here you go/Please/You are welcome
God morgon! Good morning
God kvll! Good evening
God natt! Good night
Ja Yes
Nej No
Mitt namn r My name is

Urskta mig Excuse me
Talar du engelska? Do you speak English?
Jag frstr inte! I dont understand!
Jag skulle vilja I would like
Kan du vara snll och tala lite lngsammare? Could you speak slower, please?

24
FOOD AND DRINKS
Smr Butter
Ost Cheese
Brd Bread
Knckebrd Crispbread
Ktt Meat
Fisk Fish

Lttl Low alcohol beer (a maximum of 2,0-2,5% alcohol by volume)
En stor stark A beer, larger (literally: a big strong)
Ett glas rtt/vitt A glass of red/white wine
Kaffe p maten Coffee after dinner

Skaldjur Shellfsh
Kyckling Chicken
Vegetarisk Vegetarian
Mjlk Milk
Vatten Water
Kttbullar Meatballs
FEELINGS
Jag gillar dig I like you

Jag lskar dig I love you
Jag hatar dig I hate you
Jag r ledsen Im sorry/Im sad
Frlt Im sorry/Forgive me
TYPICALLY SWEDISH
Fika Coffee break (including the socializing that goes with it)
Glgg The Swedish version of mulled wine
Lagom Just right! Not too little, not too much

Nja (nej+ja) No and yes
Ptr A refll of coffee (often included)
Smrgsbord Smorgasbord
lg Moose/elk

25
www.bth.se/eng
BTH-Blekinge Institute of Technology, Address: 371 79 Karlskrona, Phone: +46 455 38 50 00