Exploring Student Housing Options at KTH Royal Institute of Technology: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the complexities of student housing at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, particularly for international students, can be a daunting experience. This article aims to offer comprehensive insights into the available housing options, with a focus on the needs and experiences of international students at KTH, Stockholm.

KTH Accommodation Services

KTH Accommodation is a dedicated service for international students, assisting them in finding housing in Stockholm. Its primary role is to ease the often challenging process of finding suitable housing in the city. This service is especially beneficial given Stockholm's competitive housing market. This service is non-profit, leasing apartments from housing and building companies and subleasing these to students​​.

KTH Accommodation's services are tailored to different student groups. Notably, some student groups are guaranteed housing, while others must find housing independently​​.

Accommodation for Different Student Groups

• Fee-Paying Students: Guaranteed accommodation for up to 11 months​​.
• Non-Fee-Paying Students: Not guaranteed accommodation; advised to look for housing independently​​.
• Exchange Students: Assistance is provided, but due to the difficult housing situation in Stockholm, not all students can be helped​​.

Housing Options at KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology offers accommodation at four locations, both on and off-campus, all accessible by bike or public transport. The options include one-room apartments, shared apartments, and corridor rooms​​. Specific locations include:

1. Malvinas väg: Three apartment buildings located on KTH Royal Institute of Technology Campus.
2. Teknikringen: Five apartment buildings on campus.
3. Lappkärrsberget: A 10-minute bike ride or one metro stop away.
4. Täby: A 12-minute tram ride from the campus​​.

Accommodation Types and Amenities

The accommodations provided come in various forms:

• Single one-room with kitchenette and bathroom.
• Shared one-room with kitchenette and bathroom.
• Shared (two or more rooms) with kitchen and bathroom.
• Corridor room with private bathroom and shared kitchen​​.

All accommodations are furnished with a basic set of furniture, including a single bed, mattress, desk or table, and chair. They also feature laundry rooms, kitchenettes with electric stovetops, ovens, sinks, fridges, and small freezer compartments. However, duvets, pillows, bed sheets, kitchen, and bath towels, pots, pans, and other utensils are not included​​.

Eligibility and Application

The eligibility for accommodation through KTH Royal Institute of Technology varies based on student categories:

• Tuition Fee-Paying Students: Guaranteed accommodation for up to 12 months, including scholarship holders​​.
• Joint Master's Students: Students in specific joint master's programs are guaranteed accommodation for their first year​​.
• Exchange Students: Although not guaranteed accommodation, exchange students can apply and may be offered housing if available​​.
• Non Tuition Fee-Paying EU/EEA Students: These students cannot apply for accommodation via KTH due to changes in Swedish law​​.

Application Process for Tuition Fee-Paying and Joint Master's Students

• Application Period: For students commencing their studies in August, the application window opens in May of the same year. This is a critical period for students to submit their housing applications.
• Tuition Fee Payment: A fundamental requirement for tuition fee-paying students is to pay the first installment of their tuition fees before applying. This payment is a prerequisite for the approval of the housing application.
• Late Applications: If a student is admitted after 31 May, or if they are awaiting confirmation of their tuition fee transfer, they need to contact KTH Royal Institute of Technology via email for late application instructions.
• Admission Confirmation: Students must have received a formal Letter of Admission from KTH Royal Institute of Technology before they can apply for accommodation​​.

Application Process for Exchange Students

• Initial Application: When applying for exchange studies at KTH, students must indicate their need for accommodation assistance. If this step is missed, they should contact their exchange coordinator promptly.
• Follow-Up Process: Incoming exchange students who have indicated their accommodation needs will be contacted via email, typically in mid-November. They must then complete and submit a detailed accommodation application as instructed.
• Application Results: The results of the housing application are usually communicated by mid-December.

Conditions for KTH Accommodation

There are several key conditions associated with KTH Royal Institute of Technology accommodation:

• Choice of Accommodation: Fee-paying and joint masters students can request their accommodation preferences, but due to limited availability, specific requests cannot be guaranteed​​.
• Contract Duration: Accommodation is offered for the first year of studies or up to 24 months, depending on the student group. It's advised to join the Stockholm Student Housing Foundation (SSSB) queue for longer stays​​.
• Rent: Rent must be paid monthly in advance​​.
• Subletting: Strictly prohibited and can lead to contract termination​​.

Special Considerations

Family Accommodation

Limited availability for family accommodation; students should state this requirement in their application​​.

Medical Conditions

Students with pre-existing medical conditions affecting housing needs should mention this in their application​​.

Alternative Housing Solutions

For those who are not guaranteed housing or seek different accommodation options, Hemavi offers diverse housing options in Stockholm, catering to the varied needs of students, including international students at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Our match-making algorithm will put you in contact with roommates whose needs and lifestyle are compatible with yours.

Conclusion

Navigating the student housing landscape at KTH Royal Institute of Technology can be challenging, especially for international students unfamiliar with Stockholm's housing market. KTH Accommodation services provide invaluable assistance, offering various housing options and tailored support based on student categories. By understanding the nuances of eligibility, application processes, and accommodation conditions, students can make informed decisions to enhance their study experience at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

If you're enrolling in KTH Royal Institute of Technology and looking for accommodation options, check out our listings on Hemavi.