kth royal institute

of technology

Handbook for
International Students
An Introduction to Sweden
and Studies at KTH
Welcome to KTH
As Sweden’s premier technical university and one of the leading
centres of research in Europe, kth is proud to welcome you to
Stockholm. Situated on a beautiful, historically protected campus
in the centre of the city, it is an ideal place to pursue your studies.
kth is Sweden's most prestigious technical university, it is also
the country's oldest and largest. With world-class facilities the
university offers a wide range of programmes and the most inter­
nationally diverse student body of any technical university in the
country. From classes with leading experts in their fields to the
vibrant atmosphere of Stockholm, kth has something to offer
students from around the world.

Taking the Next Step

As you prepare for your studies, the questions you face may
seem endless. Where do I go when I arrive? What do I need
to know about residence permits, health insurance or student
­services? And who should I contact for more information?
With this handbook as your guide, we aim to answer these and
other questions to help make your transition abroad as smooth
and informed as possible.
Also, we have included a checklist to help guide you through
the necessary steps you need to take before departure.
So take a moment to get acquainted with life at kth. We hope
that you are excited about joining us in Stockholm, and we look
forward to meeting you soon.
Content
Sweden 4

Living and Studying in Sweden 8

Arrival at KTH 11

Map of KTH Campuses 13

Studying at KTH 15

Student Services 17

Accommodation 19

Student Union and Student Life 20

Useful Information A–Z 22

Checklist – Before Arrival 25

Useful Links 27

Contacts for International Students 28

A Word From the President
Before you jump into the details of kth student life found in this
handbook, I want to welcome you to this exciting new chapter
in your life.
kth is dedicated to bringing the best intellects, facilities and
environment together to not only ensure an excellent education,
but to also contribute global innovations in every area of academia
and research we offer. You will be part of this exciting lineage and
your potential is limitless.
This may also be a new country or city for you, so we want you
to feel at home in Stockholm and at kth. Every year we work to
ensure that new students have the best support system possible,
helping them to acclimatise to their new environment. Inside this
handbook you will find answers to many of the practical questions
you may have, but if you still need support please don’t hesitate to
get in touch with us. We are here to help.
Enjoy this unique opportunity to pursue knowledge and expe-
rience in one of the best universities and cities in Europe. It is our
belief that together, the world’s challenges and adversities can be
overcome with new ideas and those willing to implement them.
Join us in shaping the future.

Welcome to kth!

Peter Gudmundson, President at kth

Sweden
Sweden is often described in terms years in upper secondary school.
of contrasts; innovative modernity Around one third of young people in
and historical tradition, high tech- Sweden go on to higher education at
nology and magnificent natural a university or college. Tuition is free
settings, rationality and beauty, of charge at all levels of the compul-
land and water. Sweden is also sory, upper secondary school and
known for its multinational brands, higher education system for Swedes
such as IKEA, Ericsson, Volvo and and citizens of EU/EEA countries and
H&M as well as cultural brands like Switzerland. Private schools and col-
ABBA, Stieg Larsson, Astrid Lindgren, leges are few in number and gener-
Ingmar Bergman and many more. ally receive government grants.
You can read more about life in From the 2011/2012 academic
­Sweden at: www.sweden.se year, students from countries out-
side the EU/EEA and Switzerland
Facts and Figures about Sweden must pay tuition and application
• 9.8 million inhabitants fees for higher education in Sweden.
• 500 000 square kilometres
• Member of the EU since 1995 Climate
• Currency: 1 krona (SEK) = 100 öre Influenced by the warm Gulf Stream,
• Constitution: Constitutional mon- the Swedish climate is milder than
archy, parliamentary democracy you might expect at this latitude.
• Parliament: The Riksdag, with In the summer it can be hot and
349 members in one chamber dry with temperatures reaching up
• Head of State: King Carl XVI Gustaf to 30° Celsius as well as down to
• Head of Government: Prime 15°C. The differences between the
Minister southern and northern regions are
considerable.
Education in Sweden Northern Sweden is covered by
Compulsory schooling in Sweden snow in wintertime, with tempera-
lasts for nine years, followed by three tures down to –30°C, while winter in

4  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  5
southern Sweden does not always Stockholm’s city centre is made up
mean snow nor temperatures of 14 islands connected by bridges.
below zero. In summer time the The city’s unique location means
north of Sweden enjoys the mid- that water is always close by. This
night sun – a phenomenon which offers spectacular views and out-
means that the sun never sets in standing activities, such as fishing,
June/July, with constant daylight swimming, sailing or ice-skating in
as a consequence. the heart of the city or the sur-
rounding archipelago. The exten-
Average Midday Temperatures sive archipelago is often described
in Stockholm: as a unique natural experience as
Winter: Dec–Mar, –5 to 2° Celsius it has more than 24.000 islands
Spring: Apr–May, 8 to 14° Celsius of which only 150 are inhabited
Summer: June–Aug, 18 to 24° Celsius throughout the year.
Autumn: Sept–Nov, 5 to 15° Celsius
Traditions and Holidays
Stockholm Holidays in Sweden are both reli-
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden gious and secular. Many of them
with over two million inhabitants date back to the time when Sweden
in the greater Stockholm area. It is was primarily an agricultural society.
located between Lake Mälaren and Below are some examples of major
the Baltic Sea and is characterised holidays celebrated in Sweden.
by an innovative atmosphere and
a bust­ling city life. Easter
The capital contains the heart of Easter is primarily a family holiday.
Swedish commercial and business Children dress up as “Easter
life. Financial services, IT, biomedi- witches” and pay visits to their
cine, environmental technology and neighbours asking for sweets. Good
the rapidly increasing “experience Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter
industry” (media, design, music, Monday are national holidays.
etc.) are among Stockholm’s most
prominent industries today. Walpurgis Eve
The city also provides a full range On the evening of April 30, Swedes
of events within culture and sports. welcome spring by lighting bonfires

6  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

and listening to choirs singing tradi- the KTH Main Library, the Student
tional songs. Speeches are delivered Union or elsewhere on campus.
to greet the arrival of spring.
Christmas
Midsummer Even before Christianity was intro-
Late in June when days are at their duced in Sweden, there was a
longest, Midsummer is celebrated. winter solstice cele­bration. Today
This is one of the biggest, and cer- Christmas is an important holiday.
tainly most popular, Swedish holi- Most people are off work or school
days. In the afternoon the maypole for at least one or two weeks. The
is raised and people dance around peak of the celebration is 24 Decem­
it. The menu offers pickled herring, ber when families eat traditional
new potatoes and strawberries. food, gather around the Christmas
According to tradition, unmarried tree and children wait for Santa
girls pick seven different kinds of Claus to bring Christmas presents.
flowers, put them under their pillows
and dream of their husband-to-be. New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve, 31 December, is
Crayfish Season celebrated either at home or with
The first Wednesday in August friends.
traditionally marks the beginning
of the crayfishing season. This is Daylight Saving
celebrated with outdoor parties Like most countries in Europe,
illuminated by colourful lanterns Sweden temporarily adjusts time to
where silly hats are worn. enjoy longer daylight hours during
the summer period.
Lucia Winter time: the clock is adjusted
St Lucia was an Italian saint whose backward one hour on the last
memorial day is celebrated in Sunday in October. Summer time:
Sweden on 13 December. Lucia is the clock is adjusted forward one
supposed to bring light in the dark- hour on the last Sunday in March.
est period of the year. If you happen
to be up early, there is a good
chance of seeing a Lucia parade at

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  7

Living and Studying
in Sweden
Residence Permit EU/EEA/Nordic/Swiss citizens
Non EU/EEA citizens Students from EU/EEA or Nordic
Students from outside the EU/EEA countries may study in Sweden
require a residence permit to study without a residence permit. Swiss
in Sweden. The authority respon­ students must apply for a residence
sible for issuing residence permits permit upon arrival to Sweden.
is the Swedish Migration Agency,
Migrations­verket. Apply for a resi- Work in Sweden
dence permit for studies online at: International students are allowed
www.migrationsverket.se to work in Sweden during their
If you are required to pay tuition period of study. No additional work
fees you should pay the invoice permit is needed. However, please
before applying for a residence be aware that it is difficult to find
permit as your application will not a part-time job in Stockholm, espe-
be processed until your payment cially if you do not speak Swedish.
is cleared.
Personal Identity Number
Extension of Permit International students who will stay
A residence permit for studies is in Sweden for more than 12 months
granted for maximum 13 months at a can be registered in the Swedish
time. If you will be staying in Sweden population register and obtain a
for more than 12 months you need to personal identity number. You must
apply for an extension before your be enrolled at a Swedish university
permit expires. You cannot obtain to apply. The issuing agency is the
a permit for longer than your pass- Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket.
port's period of validity so make sure The personal identity number is
to extend your passport if necessary. widely used for everyday purposes

8  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

and obtaining this will facilitate about insurance coverage at:
contact with companies, organisa- www.kth.se/newatkth
tions and authorities in Sweden.
EU citizens should try to obtain the Health Care
EU health insurance card from their The Swedish health care system is
social insurance office as this is a financed by a social insurance that
requirement to register in Sweden. provides all citizens with subsidised
health care through the govern-
Recommended Insurance ment. There are both public and
It is very important that all interna- private providers of health care.
tional students have comprehen- Depending on the length of your
sive insurance coverage for their studies and citizenship different
entire stay in Sweden. regulations apply to public health
care in Sweden. Dental care is not
A comprehensive insurance fully subsidised and is therefore
should include: ­relatively expensive in Sweden. As
• Medical care such, it's a good idea to have a full
• Dental care dental check-up before you leave
• Personal injury (accidents) your home country. You can read
• Personal possessions (luggage, etc.) more about health care in Sweden
• Liability cover (in the event that at: www.kth.se/newatkth
you are subject to a damage claim,
e.g. cause of fire in apartment) European Health Insurance Card
• Legal expenses cover (if you need EU/EEA citizens should bring the
to make a damage claim) European Health Insurance Card
• Home transportation (in case (EHIC) which is issued by the social
of serious injury) insurance office in their home
country. The card entitles students
Please take time to find out how you to health care in Sweden at the
are insured and if you have additional standard patient fee. Bring the
coverage through KTH. All above card every time you need to seek
mentioned components should medical care.
be covered. You can read more

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  9

Public Transportation Mobile Phone Services
Public transportation is easy to use There are several companies on the
in Stockholm, and in Sweden in gen- market that provide mobile phone
eral. Stockholm Public Transport, SL, services such as prepaid refill cards
provides travel by commuter train, or mobile phone plans. It is well
metro, bus, tram and boat, through- worth comparing their offers to
out the greater Stockholm area. To find one that best suits your needs.
use public transportation you need Please note that not all mobile
an electronic travel card charged phones are compatible with the
with 30 or 90 days. This will provide European mobile phone network.
you with unlimited travel within the
greater Stockholm area and this is Cost of Living
by far the easiest and cheapest way Depending on costs for housing,
to get around. Find more informa- food and leisure a typical minimum
tion about routes, tickets and prices student budget for one month in
at: www.sl.se/en Stockholm could be (all costs in SEK):
• Food: 2.000
Bank and Cash • Accommodation: 2.500–6.200
The Swedish currency is the krona • Local travel: 560
(SEK). Sweden does not use the Euro • Telephone/internet: 300
currency. You should not carry large • Insurance/medical care: 300
amounts of cash or personal • Hobby/leisure: 1.100
cheques from abroad into Sweden. Total: SEK 6.760–10.460
We strongly recommend that you
bring a VISA/Mastercard to ensure Meals at a self-service restaurant
access to existing bank accounts. cost approximately SEK 65–100. The
Having access to a Swedish bank student restaurants at KTH offer
account during your stay in Sweden meals at reasonable prices. Many
can be convenient for paying bills students bring their own food that
and receiving incomes, etc. However, can be heated in microwave ovens
requirements may vary at different provided on campus premises. More
banks. All banks charge a fee for information on the cost of living:
their services and without a www.studyinsweden.se/life-in-sweden
Swedish personal identity number
the offered services are limited.

10  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Arrival at KTH
The main campus at KTH is called adjust to life in Stockholm, prepare
KTH Campus and this is where them for their studies at KTH and
central student services are located. provide them with essential infor-
Most new students will need to mation about Sweden. For more
go to KTH Campus either to pick up details about the introduction pro-
their key for accommodation or to gramme see www.kth.se/newatkth
get other essential information.
Go to www.kth.se/newatkth to Programme/School Activities
find directions under Maps and Introduction activities may also
addresses. be arranged by your KTH school
or programme at the beginning
Arrival Services of the semester. The international/
Arrival services are provided programme coordinator will be
to ­facilitate a smooth arrival your key academic contact during
for international students. Free your studies and will be able to
shuttle buses are offered to Stock­ help you with any academic con-
holm's international students on cerns you might have. You will
certain days at the beginning of receive information about the
the semester. Before planning school or programme activities
your arrival be sure to check the from your coordinator before the
up­dated information on the start of your studies.
Arrival and Introduction pages
at www.kth.se/newatkth How to Get to KTH
KTH is spread out over four cam-
Introduction Programme puses in the Stockholm region.
All new international students at From the Central Station in
KTH are encouraged to participate Stockholm and the adjacent metro
in the introduction programme hub, T-Centralen, you have easy
at the beginning of the semester. access to all KTH Campuses.
The introduction programme is T-Centralen is the heart of the
intended to help new students Stockholm transport network

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  11

and connects long-distance and KTH Campus
commuter trains, metro, buses KTH Campus, the main campus
and taxis. at KTH, is just 5 minutes away by
metro from T-Centralen and the
From the Airports Central Station.
There are many ways to travel Take the red line towards
from Stockholm International Mörby Centrum and get off at the
Airport, Arlanda, to the city of station Tekniska Högskolan. Follow
Stockholm. Read about the free the signs towards Tekniska Hög­
shuttle bus (Arrival Services) above. skolan and KTH.
The airport transfer buses depart
every 10–15 minutes outside the KTH Kista
arrival hall at Arlanda to City­ Metro: Take the blue line from
terminalen, adjacent to the T-Centralen towards Akalla and get
Stockholm Central Station. The off at the station Kista. The trip
high speed train, Arlanda Express, takes about 20 minutes.
departs every 15 minutes to
Stockholm Central Station and KTH Flemingsberg
takes about 20 minutes. Commuter train: From T-Centralen
Certain airlines arrive at Skavsta towards Södertälje. Get off at the
Airport. The airport transfer bus station Flemingsberg. The trip takes
takes about 80 minutes to about 20 minutes.
Stockholm Central Station.
KTH Södertälje
Commuter train: From T-Centralen
towards Södertälje. Get off at the
station Södertälje Centrum. The trip
takes about 45 minutes.

12  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

 Map of KTH Campuses
Commuter Train Metro
Station Station • KTH Campuses

• KTH Kista

T-Centralen •
• KTH Campus

CITY OF STOCKHOLM

• KTH Flemingsberg

• KTH Södertälje

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  13

14  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Studying at KTH
The academic year consists of 40 to the workload of one full-time
weeks divided into two semesters, academic year, normally 1500–1800
each consisting of two study peri- hours.
ods. Each study period comprises
of circa seven weeks of scheduled The grading scale ranges from A
­tuition, such as lectures or labora- (excellent) to F/FX (fail).
tory work, ­followed by about one A = excellent
week of examinations. For architec- B = very good
ture students the semesters are not C = good
divided into study or examination D = satisfactory
periods. Be aware that the course E = sufficient
dates may vary and that compulsory
attendance is decided by the profes- A distinction is made between the
sor. Please take this into account grades FX and F that are used for
when planning potential travels. unsuccessful examinations. FX
means: “fail – some more work
Academic Calendar required to pass” and F means:
See www.kth.se/en/student, section “fail – considerable further work
Timetables for specific information required”. No overall grade is given
about the academic calendar. for a degree and students are not
ranked.
Credits and Grades
KTH uses a system of credits Examinations
where one week of full time study Examinations are normally taken
(40 hours including lectures, indi- at the end of each study period.
vidual studies, etc.) is equivalent to Cour­ses may include written and/or
1,5 credit. One academic year equals oral examinations. Exercises and
60 credits. Swedish credits may be laboratory work may also form part
compared to European ECTS credits, of examinations. If you fail your first
in which 60 ECTS credits correspond exam there are re-examination

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  15

periods throughout the academic SWELL Open is an online Swedish
year. Bring your KTH student identi­ elementary distance course which
fication card and your passport or is open to all international students
other valid photo ID to the exam. at KTH. The course has no limited
Cheating on exams is strictly participation or application dead-
forbidden at Swedish universities. line and does not generate any
Any student who is caught cheating academic credits.
or disrupting academic activities
may be suspended from ­lectures Pre-sessional Course in English
and exams. This course prepares students for
their studies at KTH with lessons
Additional Courses and seminars in effective study skills
Students that are liable to pay a and English for academic purposes.
tuition fee will have to pay addi- For further details, please visit:
tional fees for courses that are not www.kth.se/presessionalenglish
included in their degree, language
courses included. Visit our web Additional Language Support
to read FAQ about tuition fees: On the KTH Language and
www.kth.se/en/student/studentliv Communication website you
will find more information about
Language Courses language courses, language cafés
Courses in Swedish and other activities connected
An introductory course in Swedish with learning a language:
language and culture will be offered www.kth.se/en/language
to all inter­national Master’s stu-
dents who are starting their studies
at KTH in the autumn semester.

16  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Student Services
KTH provides a full range of support study counsellor, who works on a
and service for our students. Below more general basis, or through the
is a summary of what we can offer study counsellor connected to each
during your studies at KTH. specific programme. All contacts
with study counsellors or pro-
KTH Entré gramme coordinators are confiden-
KTH Entré is the central meeting tial. For more information regarding
point and service desk on campus. student counselling at KTH see:
Here you will get help finding your www.kth.se/en/student
way around KTH, help acquiring
­official transcripts and support with KTH Accommodation
IT-related issues. Visit KTH Entré if KTH Accommodation offers accom-
you do not know where to turn or modation to tuition-paying and
who to contact at KTH, or simply scholarship holding degree stu-
want a place to meet friends over a dents and exchange students when
coffee or study project. possible. Read more on page 19.

Support for International Students KTH Libraries

KTH provides a number of services There are several libraries on the
to help facilitate your transition various campuses of KTH. The library
when moving to Sweden. If you at KTH Campus is called KTHB Main
have questions about residence per- Library. In addition to a large selec-
mit, banking options, insurance, the tion of books, scientific journals and
Swedish health care system or any databases, the KTHB Main Library
other concern related to settling in also offers services such as study
Swedish society contact Informa­ spaces, computers, group study
tion & Service at: [email protected] rooms and a café, which has made it
a popular meeting spot for students.
Study Counselling at KTH KTH Kista and KTH Södertälje have
KTH provides qualified study coun- local libraries.
selling either through a central

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  17

IT-Services books. For more information, con-
Wi-Fi networks, Eduroam and KTH tact the coordinator for students
Open, are available in most places with disabilities: [email protected]
at KTH’s campuses for anyone with
a valid KTH account. KTH Campus Student Health Service
offers a network in public areas; lec- The student health service at
ture rooms, student areas etc. There Avonova provides counselling and
are both wired (outlets) and wireless help for physical, psychological or
connections available. The network social problems related to your
is also implemented in KTH Kista studies. The staff is bound by pro-
and KTH Söder­tälje. KTH IT-Support fessional confidentiality and their
can help with technical support and services are free of charge to all
troubleshooting. KTH students.

Academic Resource Center Faith and Contemplation

KTH’s Academic Resource Centre The student chaplain is available
(ARC) supports students seeking to for people of all faiths, if you want
develop their skills in academic writ- someone to talk to or if you have
ing and information retrieval, as queries regarding religious matters.
well as providing career coaching, There are spiritual rooms avail-
mentor programmes and advice on able for prayer and meditation on
improving your study skills. ARC also KTH Campus and KTH Kista. You can
regularly arranges lunch seminars find more information about reli-
and workshops on related topics. gious meeting places in Stockholm
at: www.kth.se/en/student, under
Studying with a Disability Student support and student life.
KTH works actively to make studies
available for students with disabili- KTH Emergency Number
ties and to ensure that these stu- If there is a security issue at KTH
dents are provided with the support call the KTH emergency number
they are entitled to. Examples of 08-790 77 00. The emergency
such support include extended time number is staffed 24 hours a day.
for written exams and availability
of help to take notes and audio

18  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Service for Tuition-paying scholarship, Erasmus Mundus and
Students and Scholarship Holders EIT students and Study Abroad (SAP)
Additional service is offered to students enrolled in studies of at
tuition-paying students, including least 30 credits. Read more at:
non-EU/EEA degree-seeking stu- www.kth.se/en/studies/master/kth/
dents, students holding a KTH or SI fees-funding

Accommodation
The shortage of student accommo- KTH Accommodation
dation in Stockholm is a prominent Tuition-paying Students and
problem and the wait is generally Scholarship Holders
long. Subletting a flat or room is a KTH Accommodation guarantees
common way for students to accommodation for students on
arrange housing on a short-term joint Master's programmes and
basis. There are a number of web- degree-seeking students who pay
sites available where private sublets tuition fees or students holding a
are announced (see www.kth.se/ tuition fee waiver or scholarship.
accommodation for current list). Updated information about the
However, the demand for student application for KTH Accommodation
housing is high especially in the can be found at: www.kth.se/
beginning of the semester so start accommodation
your search early.
Some groups of students are Exchange Students
guaranteed accommodation KTH Accommodation cannot guar-
through KTH Accommo­dation, antee exchange students housing
please read more below. but provides them with housing to
the extent possible. Updated infor-
mation about the application for
KTH Accommo­dation can be found
at: www.kth.se/accommodation

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  19

Students from EU/EEA to KTH. Please see www.kth.se/
KTH Accommodation cannot pro- accommodation for information on
vide accommodation for degree- alternative ways to find housing in
seeking students from the EU/EEA. Stockholm and how to join the
Students are advised to look for Stockholm Foundation for Student
housing on their own before arrival Housing (SSSB) queue.

Student Union
and Student Life
Most universities and colleges in THS is one of Sweden’s oldest stu-
Sweden have very strong and active dent unions and has 112 years of
student unions. The student union experience in working for students’
at KTH is called THS, Tekniska Hög­ rights and high quality education
skolans Studentkår, and it has three at KTH. THS business and industry
main objectives: activi­­ties offer skill development
•T  o ensure that everyday life as a and networking, and boast one of
KTH student is trouble-free and the biggest business and industry
rewarding fairs in the student world – THS
• To monitor and improve the Armada. THS is based in its main
quality of education at KTH building Nymble, and with the
•T  o serve as a platform to con- big city across the street THS is a
nect students with business hub for student life in Stockholm.
and industry, while offering skill Visit www.ths.kth.se and follow
development and professional facebook.com/ths.kth for all things
networking student life!

20  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

THS International as well as career services are
THS International is a part of THS organised by BEST every year.
aimed to make it easier for interna- Visit BEST’s website to see their
tional students to meet other stu- upcoming events and how to join:
dents and get acquainted with THS, www.beststockholm.se
KTH and Stockholm. During the
introduction week, social and Outdoor Life
­cultural activities, such as campus Although KTH Campus is located in
tours, town visits, movie nights, central Stockholm, it is next to the
dinners, parties and trips will be National City Park – a large green
organized. Read more at: area with substantial natural and
www.kth.se/introprogramme cultural resources. The Swedish Law
of Public Access to nature gives the
Student Clubs and Associations right to roam in the Swedish coun-
There are a large number of student tryside as long as respect is shown
clubs and associations at KTH and for crops and wildlife. You are enti-
THS. Some examples are the KTH tled to walk, jog, ski, picnic or cycle
Football Club, Platoon DJ’s and in any of Sweden and Stockholm’s
Gaytek. many parks and forests. Stockholm
offers many places where you can
BEST Stockholm go swimming in Lake Mälaren or the
BEST (Board of European Students of Baltic Sea, near the city centre or the
Technology) Stockholm is a student- surrounding archipelago.
driven, non-profit organisation If you like to spend time outdoors
based at KTH. The aim of BEST is to we encourage you to explore the
develop an international mind-set excellent opportunities for recrea-
among KTH students, by reaching a tional activities in and around the
better understanding of European capital city. For more tips about what
cultures, and to develop capacities to do outdoors, in Stockholm or else-
to work in an international environ- where in Sweden, visit the web of
ment with the final purpose of the Swedish Tourist Association:
finding the best job opportunities. www.swedishtouristassociation.com
Various courses, educational
events, training days, competitions

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  21

Sports, Gym and Fitness badminton, tennis, weight training,
At KTH Campus you will find a group fitness and more on Stock­
sports facility, KTH-Hallen, which holm Univer­sity's campus. Various
offers a fully equipped gym, fitness types of memberships and student
classes, cycling and sports such as discounts are available.
basketball, floorball, badminton, SSIF is a sports association for
etc. Students may buy membership students in Stockholm. They offer
at a reduced price. More informa- a wide variety of activities at rea-
tion: www.kth-hallen.se/en sonable prices at various locations
Near the main campus there is around the city. For example;
an indoor swimming pool called martial arts, racket sports, dance
GIH-badet. classes, kayaking, fencing and acro-
Frescatihallen is a gym and sports batics. Read more and sign up:
hall that offers halls for ball games, www.stockholmsstudentersif.se

Useful Information A–Z

Culture Centre Dates
The Culture Centre, Kulturhuset, The most common way of writing
continuosly offers a variety of activ- dates in Sweden is year, month, day
ities such as theatre performances, i.e. 2016-05-14 or simply 160514,
exhibitions, films, lectures, etc. meaning 14 May 2016. It is also
Many of the services are free of possible to write 14/5 2016.
charge. There is also a library with a
variety of books, magazines, movies Driving
and music. More information: Sweden, like most European
www.kulturhusetstadsteatern.se countries, has right-hand traffic.
International students with a

22  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

foreign driver’s license may use it something on the metro, commuter
in Sweden for up to one year. train or bus, contact SL, Lost property.
If you loose valueables, contact
Electricity the City Police Station to report the
The main electricity type in Sweden item(s).
is 230 volts and 50 cycles (Hz). As
many international sockets differ Narcotics
from the continental European, an All types of illegal drugs are strictly
adapter may be needed for electri- forbidden in Sweden. There are
cal appliances. severe penalties against using or
selling illegal substances. Driving
Emergency under the influence of narcotics or
For emergency assistance from alcohol is prohibited by law.
police, ambulance or fire depart-
ment, dial 112 (free of charge). Police
In case of emergency, dial 112.
Household Items The national number to the police
Bed linen, kitchen ware, etc. can is 114 14. This number applies to all
be bought at reasonable prices at non-urgent cases.
IKEA, or at one of the many second-
hand stores in Stockholm such as Post
Myrorna or Stadsmissionen. On There are no conventional post
weekdays buses depart from offices in Sweden. Instead you can
Stockholm Central Station bound drop your stamped envelopes in the
for IKEA. The IKEA bus is free of blue or yellow post boxes found
charge. Light bulbs and other small around the city. The blue box is for
items can be bought reasonably local mail and the yellow box for
priced at stores such as Clas Ohlson domestic/international mail. Parcel
and ÖoB. and postage service is available in
convenience stores and supermar-
Lost and Found kets that carry the Swedish postal
KTH Campus’ lost and found is situ- service sign. If you have received a
ated at KTH Entré. If you have left parcel, a dispatch note is sent to you

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  23

from the store where you can Tap Water
pick up your parcel. Stamps can be Tap water in Sweden is of good
purchased in most supermarkets quality and safe to drink. It is often
and convenience stores. available free of charge at cafés and
restaurants.
Public Libraries
The Stockholm Main Public Library, Tourist Information
Stadsbiblio­teket, is located close The Stockholm Tourist Center is
to KTH Campus. There are many located opposite the Central Station.
local public libraries through­- Brochures, guidebooks, souvenirs
out the city so there might be and maps of popular attractions and
a library just around the ­corner sightseeing spots such as Skansen,
from where you live. Check here: Vasamuseet, Gröna Lund, Kultur­
www.biblioteket.stockholm.se/en huset, etc. can all be found here.
The International Library is part Youth hostels can be booked at
of the Stockholm Public Library and the Stockholm Tourist Center or via
is situated near the Main Public their web. If you need a youth hostel
Library. The International Library has before coming to Stockholm, please
200 000 books in more than 100 book a room as soon as possible
languages and is a multi-cultural before arrival. More information:
meeting place for everyone inter- www.visitstockholm.com/en
ested in language and literature:
www.interbib.se/en Å, Ä, Ö
The Royal Library is the national No, these are not printing errors.
library and is situated in the park They are simply the three last
Humlegården. One copy of every ­letters in the Swedish alphabet
book and magazine ever published and three of the nine vowels in
in Sweden is kept here for reference the Swedish language.
purposes: www.kb.se/english

24  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Checklist – Before Arrival
Make sure that these practical mat- What to Bring
ters have been properly arranged • Your passport
before leaving for Sweden: • Your proof of residence permit
• National passport or ID-card valid • A VISA/Mastercard to access your
for the duration of your stay national bank account
• Apply for residence permit if you • The welcome letter from your
are not from the EU/EEA KTH coordinator
• If applicable, pay your first install- • Address and directions to KTH
ment of the tuition fee. Please see and/or your accommodation in
the tuition fee invoice to find the Stockholm
deadline for payment. The invoice • Your mobile phone, if compatible
will be sent to you by e-mail with the European network
• Make sure you have comprehen-
sive insurance coverage

Accommodation
• Start your search for housing
in Stockholm
• If applicable, apply for housing
through KTH Accommodation
• Register in the SSSB student
housing queue

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  25

26  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Useful Links
www.kth.se/newatkth www.sweden.se
KTH webpages for new interna- General information on Sweden.
tional students.
www.visitstockholm.com
www.kth.se/en/student Official website of the Stockholm
KTH student web. Visitor’s Board.

www.kth.se/entre www.sl.se/en
Central meeting point and Stockholm Public Transport SL.
service desk on campus.
translate.google.com
www.ths.kth.se/international Free translation service by Google.
Student Union at KTH.
www.blogs.sweden.se/students
www.kth.se/studentblogs Blogs for personal insights and
International students share their perspectives on life and studies
­experiences from KTH. in Sweden.

www.facebook.com/ www.sssb.se/en
KTHinternational Register on the waiting list of SSSB,
Facebook page that provides the Stockholm student housing
insights to studies and student life association.
at KTH and in Stockholm, Sweden.
embassy.goabroad.com
www.twitter.com/KTHuniversity For a list of foreign embassies and
Twitter page that provides insight ­consulates in Stockholm.
to studies and student life at KTH.

www.studyinsweden.se
The Swedish Institute’s information
bank on studies in Sweden.

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS  •  27

Contacts for
International Students
Programme Coordinators KTH Accommodation
Each programme at KTH has a des- [email protected]
ignated coordinator who is the pri-
mary contact person for students Student Service and Support
regarding any academic or study- [email protected]
related matters. Contact details for
each Degree programme can be KTH International Study Advisor
found at: www.kth.se/en/studies [email protected]

Exchange Students
Each KTH School has an Inter­
national Coordinator for their
exchange students. They are the
primary contact persons for any
academic or study-related matters
you might have. Contact details can
be found at: www.kth.se/newatkth

28  •  HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Production: University Administration, KTH and Klirr Stockholm. Print: Elanders, January 2016.
Photo: Emilia Bergmark Jiménez, Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se, Jann Lipka.
www.kth.se/en