Living costs

When planning your budget, it is important to remember that some costs occur only once when you first arrive in Sweden. While these expenses vary from student to student, they can have a significant impact on your finances during the first weeks of your stay.

Many students need to purchase essential items for their accommodation, such as bedding, kitchen utensils, cookware, cleaning supplies and other household items. Depending on the type of accommodation, some furniture and equipment may already be provided, while other items need to be purchased separately.

Students arriving from warmer climates may also need to budget for seasonal clothing. Swedish winters can be cold and investing in a warm winter jacket, waterproof shoes and other winter essentials may be necessary.

Some students also choose to buy a second-hand bicycle shortly after arriving, as cycling is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get around in both Linköping and Norrköping. In addition, there may be costs related to course materials, travel within Sweden and participation in social activities during the first weeks of the semester.

Planning for these one-time expenses and setting aside a financial buffer before travelling can help make your transition to student life in Sweden smoother and less stressful.

Working while studying is possible in Sweden, but students should be prepared for the fact that full-time studies require a significant time commitment. At Linköping University, full-time studies are equivalent to approximately 40 hours per week, including lectures, seminars, group work and independent study.

Many international students choose to focus on their studies during their first semester before looking for part-time work. This gives them time to settle into student life, adapt to a new academic environment and build a social network.

While there are part-time jobs available in Sweden, competition can be high and many employers prefer applicants who speak Swedish. For this reason, students should not rely on finding employment to cover their living expenses during their studies.

Students who are interested in gaining professional experience during their studies can also explore opportunities such as internships, summer jobs, student projects and networking events.

In addition, many students gain valuable experience through student organisations, associations and volunteer activities. These experiences can help build skills, expand professional networks and strengthen future career opportunities.

We recommend bringing a payment card that works internationally, as Sweden is largely a cash-free society and most payments are made by card or mobile services. Many places are going cash-free and will not accept cash. Please note that payment apps and mobile services from your home country will not work in Sweden. 

Swedish kronor (SEK) is the local currency and US dollars or Euro are not accepted in Sweden. If possible, do not bring too much cash with you due to the risk of theft during travel.

Students should also ensure that they can access their funds from Sweden, either through international banking services or other secure payment solutions.

Whether you live in a corridor room or apartment, rent in Sweden is usually paid once a month, in advance for the month to come. If you pay your invoices by an international transaction, make sure to add about a week for the payment to come through. It is important to pay your rent on time to fulfil your part of the contract.

If you want to pay bills from Sweden but have no bank account here, you can take your bills and passport/ID with you and pay at a bank that handles cash, which most banks do not do. You can pay bills and transfer money at Change Group, located in Norrköping city center. If you have a Swedish bank account, you can pay your bills via internet banking or mobile apps. If you do not have a Swedish personal identification number, so called neobanks, without physical offices, may also an option to look into. Just make sure you are able to pay bills through your account. Read more here (Swedish)

Moving to a new country often comes with costs beyond your regular monthly budget. Before arriving in Sweden, it is a good idea to make sure you have access to enough funds to cover your first few weeks, as some expenses may need to be paid before you have settled in.

We recommend bringing enough funds to cover your first month, including:

• Rent deposit
• First month's rent
• Food and groceries
• Local transportation
• Basic household items

Depending on your accommodation provider, you may need to pay rent before arrival or shortly after moving in. In addition to accommodation costs, many students spend money on household essentials such as bedding, kitchen equipment, cleaning supplies and other items needed for daily life.

It can also take some time before you are familiar with local shops, transport systems and student discounts. Having a financial buffer will help make your arrival less stressful and give you time to settle into your new environment.

As every student's situation is different, the amount needed will vary. However, planning ahead and setting aside extra funds for your first month in Sweden can help make the transition smoother and more comfortable.

In Sweden, many people use Swish, a mobile payment app that allows you to transfer money instantly using a phone number. Swish is commonly used for everything from splitting restaurant bills with friends to paying at student events, second-hand markets and student organisations.

International students should be aware that obtaining access to Swish usually requires a Swedish bank account and a Swedish personal identity number or coordination number, depending on the bank. As a result, many newly arrived students may not be able to use Swish immediately.

Until you have access to Swedish banking services, it is important to have an international debit or credit card that works in Sweden. Once you have opened a Swedish bank account, your bank will be able to advise you on whether you are eligible to use Swish and how to activate the service.