Finding Your Melody: Navigating Student Housing at Stockholm University College of Music Education

Welcome to Stockholm, the vibrant capital of Sweden! If you're an international student with a passion for music, you're in the right place. University College of Music Education in Stockholm offers world-class music education and a thriving community for aspiring music professionals. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of finding student housing, ensuring that you have a comfortable and inspiring home during your time in Stockholm.

Your musical career awaits, start your housing hunt now with Hemavi!

University College of Music Education

Stockholm University College of Music Education is a renowned institution in Sweden for music education and training. Located in the heart of Stockholm, it boasts a rich history dating back to 1960 and is recognized for its commitment to excellence in music and the performing arts. This prestigious institution offers a wide range of programs in music performance, composition, music education, and conducting, attracting aspiring musicians, composers, and educators from around the world.

With world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, Stockholm University College of Music Education provides students with a vibrant and supportive environment to develop their musical talents and pursue successful careers in the global music industry. Its contributions to Sweden's cultural heritage and the international music scene make it a beacon of musical excellence and innovation.

As music aficionados ourselves, we understand the importance of finding a harmonious living situation that complements your studies. Let's now explore how to navigate the housing options in Stockholm and find the ideal place to call home during your time at University College of Music Education.

Housing Options for SMI (Stockholms Musikpedagogiska Institut) Students

SMI does not offer housing for its students but rest assured and read on! By the end of this article, you will have a clear road-map for securing decent and affordable housing in Stockholm.

Tips and Tricks for Finding Decent Student Housing

1. Start Early: Securing housing in Stockholm can be competitive, so initiate your search well in advance. Ideally, begin at least six months before your intended move-in date to increase your chances of finding suitable options.
2. Hemavi: Your Ideal Housing Solution: For a convenient housing experience, consider Hemavi, a specialized housing provider. Hemavi is designed to simplify your housing search and ensure a comfortable living environment. Hemavi users take on average only about 3.9 days to find a suitable room.
3. Explore Student Unions: One of the most important to look at is the Central Organization of Stockholm Student Unions. Student Unions can be particularly helpful in helping you not only find housing, but also navigate the different nuances of studying and living in Sweden.
4. Consider Co-living: Shared living arrangements have gained popularity among students and international newcomers relocating to Stockholm. These accommodations feature thoughtfully designed spaces, inclusive cleaning services as part of the rent, and the added benefit of instant connections with fellow newcomers to the city.
5. Check Local Newspapers: Have you heard of The Local Sweden? The Local is the largest English-language news network in Europe and they have a whole website dedicated to Sweden. On their website you will find plenty of helpful articles related to renting a home/room in Sweden, as well as a page for plenty of listings gathered from all over the internet. For a more detailed list of Stockholm newspapers, take a look here!
6. Use Social Media: You may have already thought of this one, but to help you out some more, we've done our research and found some promising Facebook groups that can help you on your quest;

• Stockholm Student Accommodation
• Looking for accommodation in Stockholm? Perfect for interns & students!
• Stockholm Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets
• Rooms and roommates in Stockholm
• Find Accomodation in Stockholm
• Accomodation in stockholm
• Stockholm Student Accommodation
• Roommates / apartments for rent in Stockholm

7. Explore All Options: As not particularly easy as it may be to find student housing in Stockholm, there are a lot of options and platforms to go through, and with some diligence, you will secure a great place! Visit Stockholm has a wonderful page full of great resources to explore as a start:

• Hemavi
• Studentbostadsföretagen: Sweden’s industry association for student housing companies.
• SSSB: Sweden’s largest provider of student housing, founded by students in 1958. All of SSSB’s 8,120 accommodations are close to public transport or campus areas.

We also recommend checking out Kista Studentbostäder which boasts 406 student residences adjacent to the shopping center Kista Galleria.

Hemavi's Two Cents on Finding Student Housing in Sweden

To help you out some more on your journey, we've taken a deep dive on the internet to find some solid advice from international students who have already moved to Sweden and found great homes. Below is the gist of it all!

1. Set Your Priorities Straight: What holds the greatest significance to you? Is it the cost, the closeness to your university, or perhaps the dimensions of the room or apartment you plan to lease? Alternatively, could it be your top priority to reside in a secure neighborhood? It's vital to have a clear understanding of your non-negotiables and areas where you might be open to compromise. Such awareness will unquestionably simplify your quest for a new residence in Sweden.
2. BEWARE OF SCAMMERS! We absolutely can't stress this enough.
3. Only Rely on Reputable Websites: Websites like Hemavi exclusively showcase accredited property owners, offer virtual room viewing, and ensure completely secure transactions by withholding any financial transfers to the landlord until you have physically occupied your accommodation.
4. Beware of Unrealistic Deals: Exercise vigilance when encountering offers that appear overly enticing. Scammers frequently entice individuals with unrealistically low rental rates or extravagant amenities.
5. Meet the Landlord in Person: Make an effort to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the landlord or property manager. Scammers typically evade in-person encounters and rely solely on email or messaging for communication.
6. Respond To Offers Quickly: While it may sound like common sense, it's certainly worth emphasizing. When responding, be sure to provide a comprehensive introduction that includes specific details such as the reasons for needing the room or apartment, your intended course of study, and any potential roommates you plan to move in with, among other pertinent information.

How NOT to Get Scammed When Finding Housing

At Hemavi, we have made it an absolute priority to make sure that we do everything to ensure that none of our visitors are ever scammed. We realize how big of a problem this can be, especially for someone moving to a whole-new country and who may not even speak the local language.

1. Verify Property Ownership: It's essential to consistently confirm the property's ownership and legitimacy. Request the landlord's contact details and, if feasible, cross-check them with official records. When utilizing Hemavi, you can rest assured that property ownership is consistently verified.
2. Beware of Unrealistic Deals: It's important to be vigilant when coming across deals that seem remarkably attractive. Scammers often tempt people with rents that appear unrealistically low or promise extravagant amenities.
3. Be Cautious with Advance Payments: In our opinion, it's advisable to avoid any upfront payments if possible! When using Hemavi, your initial payment is transferred to the landlord only once you've physically moved into your room, ensuring a secure transaction process. If you find yourself needing to make advance payments (outside of Hemavi), opt for a secure payment method and insist on receiving a receipt. Be cautious of landlords who request substantial upfront payments before your move-in date.
4. It's Always Best to View Online: It's certainly a top priority to inspect your prospective home before making the move, as written advertisements can sometimes be misleading. Hemavi ensures that you have the opportunity to view your entire room online from wherever you are, providing transparency and peace of mind during your housing search.
5. Visit the Property: Whenever possible, physically visit the property before making any payments or signing any contracts.
6. Research Rental Laws: Take the time to acquaint yourself with the rental laws and regulations in Sweden to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. As a startup based in Sweden, Hemavi possesses in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of these regulations and is dedicated to offering ongoing support and assistance throughout your tenancy.

You're All Set

Finding student housing in Stockholm can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially as an international student. By starting early, utilizing online platforms, and considering shared housing options, you can navigate the housing market with confidence and find a home that resonates with your musical journey at University College of Music Education.

Remember to embrace the vibrant artistic scene in Stockholm, explore local venues, and immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of this extraordinary city. Good luck on your housing search, and may your time in Stockholm be filled with beautiful melodies and unforgettable experiences!

Remember to check Hemavi for endless housing options in Stockholm!