Everything About Moving to Lund, Sweden: A Guide for International Students

In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your move, including tips on finding accommodation, getting around the city, and making the most of your time in Lund.

Everything About Moving to Lund, Sweden: A Guide for International Students
Photo by Antony McAulay

So you've decided to take the leap and move to one of Scandinavia's most sought after cities: Lund, Sweden! Moving to a new city, especially one in a foreign country, can be a daunting experience. However, we are here to help you make a smooth transition to life in Lund. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan your move, including tips on finding accommodation, getting around the city, and making the most of your time in Lund.

Lund is a picturesque university town located in the southern part of Sweden, known for its charming old-world architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively student community. With a population of just over 90,000, Lund is a small city that offers an intimate and safe environment for international students to live, study and explore.

Lund University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Scandinavia, attracting students from all over the world. The university has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, and its international outlook and high-quality education make it an attractive destination for international students.

Whether you're coming to Lund to study for a semester or pursuing a full degree, we hope this guide will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city. By the end of this guide, you should know the answer to all the following questions:

What makes Lund a good place for international students?

Lund, Sweden, is an ideal location for students for several reasons, including:

  • Having a long history of academic excellence, with world-class universities that offer high-quality education and research opportunities
  • Scandinavian countries, and Sweden especially, offer a high quality of life
  • Lund is a vibrant, multicultural city that caters to students' needs with affordable accommodation, transportation, and plenty of leisure activities.
  • Its central location Scandinavia means it's easy to explore neighboring countries and experience different cultures.
  • The Swedish lifestyle promotes a healthy work-life balance, which can enhance students' well-being and academic performance.

How can I move to Lund, Sweden as a student?

Moving to Lund, Sweden as a student requires careful planning and preparation. This charming university town with a vibrant student community offers an exceptional academic experience. If you're considering studying here, there are several steps you need to take. Start with finding the program our courses thatn you want to study. Lund University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Sweden. Compare programs and consider admission requirements, tuition fees, and living costs.

Other factors you'll need to consider include your student visa, your residence permit, health insurance, and finding proper accommodation. You'll also want to plan your finances ahead of time, as Lund can be expensive to live in.

If you're looking for shared accommodation in Lund, fret not! Check out listings all over Sweden and get matched with compatible roommates through Hemavi.

What is the cost of living with roommates in Lund?

Sharing an apartment with roommates is an affordable way to live in Lund, as it reduces the cost of rent and utilities. The cost of living in Lund greatly varies depending on the apartment you're renting, how much you're spending on utilities and groceries, and other aspects such as your transportation. Here is a basic breakdown:

  • The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Lund can easily exceed 10,000 SEK per month. but sharing a larger apartment with roommates can cost 5,000 to 7,000 SEK per month for a single room in a shared apartment or house in Lund.
  • Utilities, including electricity, heating, water, and internet, typically cost 500 to 700 SEK per person per month.
  • On average, one person can spend 2,500 to 3,000 SEK per month on food and groceries, but cooking and sharing meals with roommates can save money.
  • In terms of transportation, biking is a popular choice among Lund residents. A basic city bike can be bought for around 1,000 SEK, but higher-end models cost much more than that. A monthly pass for public transportation in Lund costs around 1000 SEK, but with student discount's it can be brought down to around 750 SEK.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in with roommates in Lund?

Living with roommates is an enjoyable and affordable way to experience life in Lund, providing community, shared expenses, and the chance to explore the city. Some of the best neighborhoods for roommates in Lund include Klostergården, with its easy access to public transportation, Östra Torn, with its lively atmosphere and green spaces, Väster, with its peaceful residential feel and access to nature, and Norra Fäladen, with its affordability and proximity to amenities and nature reserves.

Despite being a relatively small city, Lund has something for everyone. To decide where you want to live, start with learning about the unique attributes 0f each neighborhood.

How do I find shared accommodation in Lund?

Lund is a very popular city among students, which is why sometimes finding suitable accommodation can be challenging, but there are effective ways to secure shared housing.

You can start with checking out Lund's student housing associations, including AF Bostäder, LU Accommodation, and BoPoolen, which offer affordable and convenient options exclusively for students, but it's wise to apply early and explore other options.

Online housing platforms and Facebook groups dedicated to housing may also have listings suitable for the needs of a student. Networking through social groups and events for international students can be useful as well. Remember to exercise caution and verify authenticity before sending any money or signing a rental agreement.

If you're looking for shared accommodation in Lund, we've got you! Check out listings all over Sweden and get matched with compatible roommates through Hemavi.

How can I find roommates in Lund?

Looking for the perfect roommate can be a daunting task, especially if you are a foreign student in a new city. Lund in particular may provide a little difficult in terms of finding housing, because it's a popular destination for international students.

However, beyond finding shared accommodation, you still have to consider the people you'll be living with. Your roommates are your closest relationship and the people you'll spend most of your time with, so it's important to know how to find and choose them correctly.

Here are some helpful tips and advice on how to find the ideal roommate:

  • Social media groups, university housing offices, and online platforms are great resources to start your search.
  • When posting or responding to ads, include basic information about yourself, your budget, and what you're looking for in a roommate.
  • Always practice caution when looking at rental ads and look out for signs of scams.
  • Take the time to get to know potential roommates before making any commitments.
Photo by LU Accommodation

What steps should I take to move into a student-friendly place in Lund?

Moving to a new city as a student can be both exciting and scary. Lund, Sweden, is a popular destination for international students, but finding suitable accommodation can be a challenge. To help, we provide seven steps to find a student-friendly place in Lund:

  • Start your search early. Don't wait until you've arrived in Lund; the sooner you start looking for a place to live, the better.
  • Determine your budget. Financing is an important element in your decision-making process when it comes to choosing a place to live.
  • Consider your preferences. Are you looking for a private place to live or are you more interested in shared accommodation? If it's latter, what kind of roommate would you be compatible with?
  • Look for accommodation options, including student housing, private rentals, and shared apartments.
  • Do your due diligence on any place you like, including researching the landlord or housing provider.
  • Visit the accommodation before signing a lease or rental agreement. Make sure it matches its photos and that it's actually what you're looking for.
  • Sign the agreement. If you're looking for a good template for a rental agreement, you can also Hemavi to draft, edit, and sign a digital lease agreement in under three minutes.

What do I do if I can't find suitable accommodation in Lund?

Finding suitable accommodation can be challenging for students in Lund, Sweden, especially during peak season. Despite the housing shortage, there are various alternatives that can provide students with comfortable and affordable accommodation in Lund, such as:

  • Hostels, hotels, and Airbnb rentals can be convenient for short-term stays
  • House-sharing, subletting, and co-living are viable alternatives for longer periods.
  • Some organizations offer student housing services
  • Universities have housing guarantee programs for international students.
  • Living in nearby cities and commuting to Lund is also an option, thanks to Sweden's efficient public transportation system.

What are the best ways to get around Lund?

Getting around Lund is easy with various modes of transportation available, including walking, cycling, public transportation, taxis, and car rentals.

Lund is a pedestrian-friendly city, and walking is a great way to explore the city center where most tourist attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars are located. Cycling is another popular option, with an extensive network of bike lanes and a city bike rental scheme available. Public transportation includes buses and trains, with frequent and reliable services. Taxis and car rentals are also available but can be more expensive.

Photo by Visit Skane

What are some popular attractions and things to do with your roommates in Lund?

Lund, Sweden offers a range of exciting activities and attractions for roommates to enjoy, including:

  • Lund Cathedral showcases impressive Romanesque architecture and features an astronomical clock from 1380.
  • Lund Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful escape to admire the collection of over 7,000 plant species.
  • Kulturen is an open-air museum that showcases life on the Lund Peninsula in the past and has approximately 30 exhibition rooms displaying two million artifacts.
  • Stadsparken provides a relaxing atmosphere with various amenities, including an outdoor gym and a 10-kilometer hiking trail.
  • The Museum of Cultural History offers a glimpse into the town's past, including its Viking heritage.
  • Lund's food scene offers many options to satisfy various cravings, and its nightlife scene is diverse and lively.

What are some cultural differences I should be aware of when living in Lund?

Discovering the local culture is an essential part of every international students' life when moving somewhere new. As a student, you should be aware of the country's culture, traditions, and social norms.

Adjusting to the cultural differences requires embracing the Swedish lifestyle, and engaging with the locals. Keep in mind that being punctual, respectful, and having a work-life balance is highly valued in Swedish society. You can also explore the country's nature, cuisine, and learn basic Swedish phrases to fully immerse yourself in the Swedish culture. Make sure you respect everyone's personal space, and partake in "fika", a Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break to chat with everyone.

What type of housing options are available in Lund?

Lund, a lively city in southern Sweden, is home to excellent universities, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes. International students should consider shared accommodation as a housing option in Lund, where they can live with roommates in a single housing unit, like an apartment or house.

Shared accommodation offers many benefits, including affordability, socialization, and cultural exchange. Students can split the rent, utilities, and other expenses among roommates, which is cost-effective, and they can make new friends, form meaningful friendships and create lasting memories. Shared accommodation can also expose students to new perspectives, traditions, and languages.

Lund offers various types of shared accommodation, including shared apartments, and shared houses. Students should consider factors like location, price, amenities, and compatibility with roommates when selecting the right type of accommodation.

How can I find information about student life in Lund?

If you're an international student studying in Lund, navigating student life in a new country can be challenging. It's important to understand the Swedish education system, find suitable housing, manage your finances, and get involved in campus life to make the most out of your experience.

Lund offers a range of activities and events that cater to students' interests, and exploring the city and its surroundings is highly recommended. Here are some resources you can use to find out about local student happenings:

  • University websites
  • Orientation programs
  • Student unions
  • Student ambassadors
  • City websites
  • Social media platforms

Building connections with local and international students can also help you feel more at home. By being proactive, open-minded, and seeking support when needed, you can have a fulfilling and memorable time as a student in Lund.

What are the most important do’s and don’ts of moving to Lund as a student?

Moving to Lund, Sweden as an international student can be overwhelming, but with its vibrant student community, rich cultural heritage, and plenty of opportunities, it can also be an exciting adventure.

To make your transition smoother, here are some do's:

  • Research accommodation options
  • Learn basic Swedish
  • Embrace Swedish culture by attending cultural events and festivals.
  • Join clubs and societies, attend social events, and participate in group activities to meet new people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Take advantage of student discounts

As for the don'ts:

  • Don't forget to be mindful of cultural differences
  • Don't skip classes
  • Don't forget to pack appropriately. Invest in warm clothing to stay comfortable during the cold winter months.

We hope our comprehensive guide about moving to Lund, Sweden has given you all the information you need to take the leap and move to this beautiful Scandinavian city. By now, you should have an understanding of why Lund is the perfect place for a student to live, the steps you need to take to move there, the general cost of living and the process of finding a roommate.

One of the biggest obstacles students face when deciding to move to Lund is financing, as Lund is relatively expensive when compared to the rest of Europe. Our number one advice to tackle this? Get a roommate! Living with roommates is an excellent way to reduce costs and make friends as soon as you move.

If you're moving to Lund and still looking for a place, or if you've found a place but need a roommate you'll get along with, learn more about the services we offer at Hemavi.