{"id":13768,"date":"2023-09-05T10:57:56","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T09:57:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hejsweden.com\/?p=13768"},"modified":"2024-02-27T16:09:17","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T15:09:17","slug":"study-in-sweden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hejsweden.com\/en\/study-in-sweden\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Life in Sweden – Quick Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Study<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Are you going to study in Sweden? Here are the most important things you should know about socialising and party life as an exchange student in Sweden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Guide from a Former Exchange Student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Things I wish I had known before I came to Sweden as an exchange student \u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few aspects of student life in Sweden that might be useful in order to avoid common pitfalls and make the best of your time as a student in Sweden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer: In the following text oversimplifications and exaggerations may occur.<\/p>

\"Book<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Now that you plan your semester abroad in Sweden, you probably not only want to make use of the excellent study conditions at your Swedish university of choice. Most likely you also want to connect with Swedes and maybe even make friends for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making friends with Swedes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you come to Sweden, you will notice that Swedes are over all nice and friendly. But does friendliness mean Swedes are also easy to make friends with?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to some polls, Sweden is the worst country to make new friends. And yes, Swedes can seem a little reserved or even cold. But once you understand their culture and social norms it becomes much easier to connect and make friends with Swedes. Let me share some tips with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware of cultural differences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Something that is considered normal in your home country can be perceived as rather weird in Sweden. Be aware that different cultural norms and unwritten rules exist, and that some can be difficult to detect. It takes time to observe and learn the social codes and norms that prevail in Sweden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More about how to make friends with Swedes, here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be open to adjust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Be aware you might have to adapt some cultural behaviours in order to be welcomed. For example, in my old country, Germany, it is very common that people bond by complaining passionately, discussing imperfections of diverse things. When talking to a new person in Sweden, the only thing that is acceptable to complain about is the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How I made friends with Swedes, personal story<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonding over a coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some Swedes might interpret the invitation to a fika<\/em> as a flirting attempt. If you invite a Swede for a fika<\/em>, alone, and you really just want to meet for fika, be sure to make clear that you just want to hang out and have absolutely no romantic or sensual intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Swedish fika<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonding over a drink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fastest way to get to know a Swede is to get to know them when they are a bit tipsy (or abroad \u2013 e.g. when they are in Magaluf or Thailand). If you meet a meet a Swede who is drunk and<\/em> abroad \u2013 their talkativeness may reach unexpected hights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alkohol works as a socialising lubricant for those \u201cholding-back\u201d Swedes, who can finally turn into very expressive and flamboyant communicators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand Swedish drinking culture, here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At many organisations\u2019 Christmas parties, when everyone tends to get at least a tiny little bit drunk, Swedes bond more with each other than during all rest of year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to avoid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Things you should avoid when you want to connect with a Swede:<\/p>\n\n\n\n