Planning your stay

As a fee-paying student, you must pay tuition fee before you start your studies at the University of Gothenburg. Tuition fees

Depending on how long you're staying in Sweden and what you plan to do here, the rules for residence permits, work permits, and visa are different. Learn more about this on Residence permits

It is very important that you start preparing for your application as soon as you receive notification of your stay. Sometimes it can take several month to receive permits.

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city and many people are moving to study and work in Gothenburg, causing a housing shortage. For this reason, we encourage you to begin looking for accommodation as soon as possible.

To maximise your chances of finding accommodation quickly, we recommend that you not limit your search to the city centre where the competition is the stiffest. Widen your search to include areas outside of the city centre as well. Public transportation in the city is effective and offers wide coverage, so staying outside the city centre is not a problem.

We have gathered our tips and recommendations on our housing webpages:

Student housing

Housing for researchers

It is important to be look into your insurances before travelling to Sweden. Depending on the length of your stay, and what you plan to do in Sweden, you could also be insured by the University. earn more about this on Insurances.

If you are coming to Gothenburg to study or work and want to calculate your approximate monthly living expenses, here are some guides to help you. One thing to be aware of is that in Sweden 'card is king'. Do not bring large amounts of cash as it can be difficult to pay with. The most common and accepted debit & credit card in Sweden is Visa or Mastercard. Please note that some restrictions may apply to American Express and Maestro cards. 

Living costs in Gothenburg

Currency, cards and cash on Visit Sweden's webpage

If you are going to stay in Sweden for a year or more; visit the Swedish Tax Agency’s online service “Moving to Sweden” to register yourself as a resident. You will complete the registration when you have arrived in Sweden and visit a State Service Centre. 

Read more on our checklist 'When you are here*

Gothenburg lies on the west coast of Sweden and has great connections to the rest of Europe. You can easily travel here by train, bus, ferry, or airplane.

Please travel sustainably! If you stay on the ground as much as possible, you not only help the environment, you also see much more of the country on your journey here. For example, you can nowadays travel by train from many European cities to Gothenburg. Or if you need to fly here, you can shorten the trip by flying to Copenhagen and then take a direct train trip from the airport to Gothenburg central. 

The closest airport to Gothenburg is Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT). You can travel to and from the airport with the shuttle bus company Flygbussarna. They have different stops in the city, but the main one is the Nils Ericsson Terminal, which is Gothenburg’s largest bus terminal. Conveniently, the terminal is linked to the Gothenburg Central Station.

Gothenburg Tourist Information has alot more information about Getting to Gothenburg.

Need some inspiration on travel sustainable? Our previous master student Luc biked to Sweden and you can read all about it here Luc's cycling journey to Sweden
If you choose to travel to sustainably to Sweden we would love to hear about it, post it here and hopefully inspire more people to do so. Contact us at welcomeservices@gu.se to have your story shared. 

Tip: Travel & Climate is a Swedish platform that makes it easier for consumers to choose low-carbon by calculating trip footprints. It was initiated by a network affiliated with the Centre for Tourism at the University of Gothenburg.

Travelling with medicin

When traveling to Sweden, you're allowed to bring your own medications if they're for personal use and are medically necessary. However, there are regulations regarding the quantity of medication you can bring, especially for those containing narcotic or doping substances. Medications such as certain sleeping pills, painkillers, and ADHD medications fall under stricter rules. These regulations vary depending on where you are travelling from as well.

Swedish Medical Products Agency's Guidelines for travelling to Sweden with medicines

We encourage all of our international students and staff to learn a bit about Sweden and Gothenburg before arrival. It is always good to know what to expect, since moving to another country could mean a bit of a 'culture chock'. Here are some of our best tips to learn about Sweden, Gothenburg and the Swedes:

Gothenburg

• Move to Gothenburg and International House Gothenburg

Move to Gothenburg and International House Gothenburg is collaborative partners of the University. On their website's you will find a lot of practical advice on the actual move here. They also offer a host of tools, events and services to help you along the way, such as online talent advisory services if you have any questions before you arrive. 

Move to Gothenburg

International House Gothenburg

• Goteborg.com

Goteborg.com is Gothenburg’s official visitor guide. Get to know the city and what not to miss while living here, they have a variety of guides on their website such as "Spring in Gothenburg", "Hiking in Gothenburg". You can also chat with them online if you are looking for something in particular to do. 

Goteborg.com

Sweden

• Live and learn the Swedish way.

Freedom, equality & sustainability. The Swedish Way is about creating a radically better world, and doing it together. Even if we stand 3 metres apart at the bus stop.
The Swedish way on Study in Sweden

• Sweden – a destination of a different nature

Discover a country where nature is always present. In our cities, in our innovations and in our minds. Our nature has affected what we eat, where we live and how we live. Welcome to a destination of a different nature.
Welcome to Sweden on Visit Sweden's website

• Sweden.se

On this website you can read in depth about the Swedish society. How does the healthcare system work, what about work-life balance? And what is this fascination about moose? 
Hej! Welcome to Sweden on Sweden.se

• Facts about Sweden

If you are into statistics and want to know how Sweden is goverened Norden.org has short and concrete facts about Sweden to look into.
Facts about Sweden on Norden.org 

Learning some Swedish before moving to Sweden can be helpful for daily interactions and immersion in the local culture, even though English is widely spoken.

There are many well known resources that you could use such as Duolingo, Memrise, Youtube and Babbel. On Study in Sweden you can find a comprehensive list of links to online rescources

Other tools include:

• Sveriges Radio: Sveriges Radio offers a free online course called "Svenska för alla" (Swedish for everyone). It's designed for beginners and covers essential vocabulary and phrases.
• Folkuniversitetet: Folkuniversitetet, a Swedish adult education organization, offers free Swedish courses online through their website. These courses cover various proficiency levels.

By utilizing these resources, you can start learning Swedish at your own pace and build a foundation before arriving in Sweden. This will not only enhance your experience in the country but also demonstrate your interest in the local culture and language.

Student buddies are students who work on a voluntary basis to welcome international students to the university. They organize many social activities especially at the start of the semester, but also throughout the year. 

Student Buddies on the Student Portal

Whether your family travels here with you or joins later, it is best to apply for a residence permit together to ensure that the processing time is as short as possible. Learn more about this on Residence permits.

There are two things we recommend: 

• Start looking for housing as soon as you have been admitted. 
• Consider to travel alone to Gothenburg at first. It is easier to find single room housing and once you are here you can look for accommodation that suits families. 

Gothenburg region and West Sweden offers many different school options. On Move to Gothenburg's website you can learn about the Swedish school system, application process and different schools in the Gothenburg

Preschools and schools. 

If you are a parent, or about to be a parent, and you a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) you should register with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). If you do so you are generally entitled to parental benefits such as care of children (vab in Swedish).

The Swedish Social Insurance Agency information for parents

The University also pays parental benefit supplement in conjunction with parental leave.

Parenthood on Staff portal

Moving to a new country as an accompanying spouse can be challenging. If you are looking to find work or simply to find ways to fill your spare time, you will find some helpful information here. If you have further questions, feel free to contact Welcome Services. If the accompanying partner is also a researcher, they can find available research positions and information about research careers in Sweden at the EURAXESS website

Useful links

• Socializing and networking on Move to Gothenburg's website
• Find a job on Move to Gothenburg's website
• Information on research careers on EURAXESS website

Here are some informative articles that will give you a good idea about what it is like being a parent in Sweden and also some rights and laws in place to protect children's rights. 

• Information on parenting and on where you can turn in various situations 
  Being a parent
• Strong rights and school for all
  10 aspects of children's lives in Sweden
• Work-life balance 
  Here's how to combine career with family life
• Gender equality
  Equal family policy – childcare and parental leave

• The National Agency for Special Needs Education and Schools, SPSM
  Special needs support

The academic year is divided into two semesters: autumn semester and spring semester.

• Autumn semester: starts at the end of August/beginning of September and ends I January.
• Spring semester: Starts in January and ends in the beginning of June.The exact dates.

Academic calendar on gu.se

Gothenburg is a city characterized by its maritime climate, so preparing for varying weather conditions is essential. Here's a brief guide on what newcomers should consider when packing for Gothenburg's climate:

Layering is Key
The weather in Gothenburg can be unpredictable, with rapid changes throughout the day. Packing clothes that can be layered allows for easy adjustment.

Waterproof Outerwear
Gothenburg is notorious for its frequent rainfall throughout the year. Investing in a good quality waterproof jacket with a hood is a must. Additionally, waterproof footwear, such as sturdy boots or shoes, will keep your feet dry and comfortable while exploring the city.

Warm Accessories
Don't forget to pack accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats, particularly if you're moving during the colder months. These items will provide extra warmth and protection against chilly winds, ensuring you stay cozy during your time outdoors.

Adapt to Seasonal Changes
Be prepared for both mild summers and cold winters in Gothenburg. Summers are relatively cool, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), while winters can be chilly, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and with occasional snowfall. Packing a mix of lightweight and heavier clothing ensures you're ready for whatever the weather may bring.

Stay Sustainable
Consider packing sustainable clothing options, such as eco-friendly fabrics and materials, to align with Sweden's strong environmental values. Additionally, thrift shopping or purchasing second-hand clothing is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while finding unique pieces to add to your wardrobe.

By packing a versatile selection of clothing suitable for Gothenburg's climate and embracing the city's penchant for sustainability, newcomers can ensure they're well-prepared to enjoy all that this vibrant Swedish city has to offer, regardless of the weather.

After embarking on a lengthy journey to Sweden, you might find yourself thirsty, and what if you arrive late at night when all shops are closed? But fear not - Sweden boasts safe (and tasty) tap water, eliminating the need to purchase bottled water.

As an international student you are allowed to work in Sweden without any a work permit. But, please notice that full time studies can be hard to combine with work, and finding a part time job in Gothenburg without speaking Swedish can be difficult.

In Sweden we use the socket called F, but type C and E plugs can also be used since they are compatible with F.  The voltage in Sweden is 230 V (50 Hz). 
Bring a converter/ adapter just to be safe.