March 17, 2024
What (not) to bring to Sweden!
Hej everyone!
As the anticipation of your journey to Sweden builds, you might find yourself wondering, “What do I need to bring?”. It’s a common question, especially when relocating to a country with a climate and lifestyle different from your own. Well, fret not! I’m here to guide you through the essentials to pack as you prepare for your new adventure.
- Clothes
Let’s start with the obvious – Sweden’s winters can be quite different from what you’re used to. It’s essential to pack your best winter gear, including a sturdy jacket, waterproof shoes, thermals, gloves, and a beanie. However, if you find your winter wardrobe lacking, don’t stress. You can always purchase what you need upon arrival. Pro tip: While it’s tempting to pack your warmest pajamas, remember that indoor spaces in Sweden are typically well-heated, so lighter sleepwear might be sufficient.
On the flip side, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and some spring/summer clothes. Saunas are a common and enjoyable part of Swedish culture, especially after a chilly day outdoors. Plus, you’ll want to be prepared for those sunny days by the lakes with friends!
- Stationery
Consider your study habits and whether you’ll actually need physical notebooks or if digital note-taking suits you better. Packing unnecessary stationery items only adds weight to your luggage, so be selective. For example, I barely use any books/notebooks. I only use my PC to take notes during classes and use paper for any field trip that I might have. So, I wouldn’t bother bringing a lot of stationary unless you know for sure you’ll be using it.
- Medication
If you require specific medications, it’s advisable to bring a supply with you. While common vitamins are readily available in Sweden, speciality medications might not be as easily found.
- Debit card
Navigating the financial aspect of living abroad can be tricky. Research whether your current bank imposes fees for international transactions. Setting up a Swedish bank account is an option, although it may take some time. Alternatively, services like Revolut offer convenient solutions for managing expenses abroad. From my experience, this is an excellent way to pay my expenses every month and really easy to use. So, I would advise you to get informed with your bank if you need to pay extra taxes for using your card here and think about some options if you do.
- Room decorations/kitchen essentials
Creating a cosy living space is important for settling into your new surroundings. Consider bringing along a few sentimental items to personalize your room, but don’t worry about bringing everything! There are a lot of good options here, and it is really good for you to compose it little by little, and maybe with the help of some of your new friends!
About kitchen items, don’t feel pressured to stock your entire kitchen from home. Many accommodations, especially in student housing, provide communal kitchen supplies. Also, IKEA and second-hand shops are excellent resources for affordable home essentials.
Remember, if something doesn’t fit in your suitcase or slips your mind, there are solutions. You can have items shipped from home or purchase them locally. Second-hand shops offer a plethora of options, and student discounts can make shopping even more budget-friendly.
If you still have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Thanks for reading, see you soon! / Leonor
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