Your Guide to Housing at Stockholm's University of the Arts

Sweden's University College of Opera, formerly known as Operahögskolan in Swedish, is a prestigious institution that has earned international recognition for its excellence in opera and vocal arts education. Located in Stockholm, this institution has a history dating back to the 1700s to days of 18th-century king Gustav III, making it one of the oldest and most esteemed opera schools in the world.

The University College of Opera was until 2014 a Swedish institution in Stockholm offering higher education in the field of opera music and related arts. Since 1 January 2014, it has been fully integrated as part of the Stockholm University of the Arts, and the previous name is no longer in use.

The Stockholm University of the Arts offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to nurture and develop the talents of aspiring opera singers, directors, conductors, and other professionals in the field. With a strong emphasis on practical training and real-world experience, students at this institution have the unique opportunity to perform on stage, collaborate with renowned artists, and refine their craft under the guidance of experienced faculty.

The University is not only a hub for artistic creativity but also a vital contributor to Sweden's vibrant cultural landscape, producing world-class performers who go on to make significant contributions to the international opera scene.

Ready to kick-start your opera career? Try Hemavi and discover endless housing and accommodation options at affordable prices.

Exceptional Education at a Renowned Institution

The Opera program at Stockholm's University of the Arts distinguishes itself as a remarkable academic and educational department through its unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. It offers an immersive and comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous training in vocal performance, stagecraft, and artistic interpretation.

What truly sets this program apart is its faculty, composed of accomplished professionals and renowned opera practitioners who provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to students. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and frequent collaboration with leading cultural institutions, students have the opportunity to develop their skills and perform in world-class productions.

The Opera program at Stockholm's University of the Arts not only contributes significantly to the cultural vibrancy of Sweden but also prepares aspiring artists to make their mark on the international stage, making it a beacon of operatic education and artistic achievement.

Housing Options for Students at Stockholm's University of the Arts

Unfortunately, the university does not offer housing for its students, as mentioned on their website:

"If you are looking for accommodation in Stockholm, there are several ways to look for accommodation. SKH does not have its own student housing for rent."

Nevertheless, the university has a whole page dedicated to helping students find housing, here is some of the resources they mention:

Tips and Tricks for Finding Decent Student Housing

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.
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.
Consider Co-living: Co-living has become increasingly favored among students and international arrivals making their way to Stockholm. These housing options boast well-designed living spaces, bundled cleaning services covered by the rent, and the added advantage of immediate social connections with fellow newcomers in the city.
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.
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!
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;

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.

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!

Clarify Your Key Priorities: What holds the highest significance for you? Is it the rental cost, proximity to your university, or perhaps the size of the room or apartment you intend to lease? Alternatively, is residing in a secure neighborhood your foremost concern? It's crucial to have a clear understanding of your non-negotiables and areas where you might be open to making concessions. This level of awareness will unquestionably simplify your search for a new residence in Sweden.
BEWARE OF SCAMMERS! We absolutely can't stress this enough.
Depend Solely on Trustworthy Online Platforms: Place your trust exclusively in reputable websites like Hemavi. These platforms exclusively showcase accredited landlords, provide the opportunity to view the accommodation online, and prioritize secure payments by withholding any financial transfers to the landlord until you have physically occupied your space.
Beware of Unrealistic Deals: Take care when encountering offers that appear excessively enticing. Scammers frequently tempt individuals with rents that seem unrealistically low or promises of lavish amenities.
Meet the Landlord in Person: Take the initiative to schedule an in-person meeting with the landlord or property manager. Scammers commonly steer clear of face-to-face interactions and prefer communication solely through email or messaging.
Respond To Offers Quickly: While this might appear to be basic advice, it's certainly worth underscoring its importance. When responding to housing listings, take the time to craft a comprehensive self-introduction. Include specific details such as the reasons for requiring the room or apartment, your intended area of study, and any potential roommates you intend to share the accommodation with, among other relevant 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.

Verify Property Ownership: It's essential to consistently confirm the ownership and legitimacy of the property. Request the landlord's contact details and, if feasible, cross-check them with official records. When utilizing Hemavi, you can have complete confidence that property ownership is rigorously verified at all times.
Be Cautious with Advance Payments: In our view, it's preferable to avoid upfront payments whenever possible! With Hemavi, your initial payment is transferred to the landlord only after you have 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. Exercise caution when landlords request significant upfront payments prior to move-in.
It's Always Best to View Online: Certainly, having the opportunity to inspect your prospective residence before relocating is of paramount importance; written advertisements can occasionally be misleading. With Hemavi, you can rest assured that you'll have a complete online view of your entire room from any location, ensuring transparency and peace of mind during your housing search.
Visit the Property: Whenever possible, physically visit the property before making any payments or signing any contracts.
Conduct Research on Rental Legislation: Take the time to acquaint yourself with Swedish rental laws and regulations to understand your rights and duties as a tenant. As a startup headquartered in Sweden, Hemavi possesses comprehensive knowledge of the nuances in these laws and is consistently available to provide you with assistance and guidance.

Where in Stockholm Should I Stay?

Numerous neighborhoods present attractive and vibrant living experiences. Södermalm, with its diverse ambiance, stands out, boasting an array of cafes, bars, and artistic venues. Vasastan, conveniently located near the university, combines urban living with green spaces, making it particularly appealing for students.

While Östermalm leans toward the pricier side, it offers a luxurious and upscale living environment complete with excellent amenities. For a more budget-friendly alternative, Kungsholmen provides a tranquil atmosphere while maintaining strong connections to the city center.

Additionally, Norrmalm's central positioning facilitates easy access to various parts of the city, rendering it another practical choice. Each of these neighborhoods possesses its own unique charm and advantages, catering to the diverse preferences and budgets of Stockholm University of the Arts students.

Moving to Stockholm

Moving to a new country can be an exciting but also overwhelming experience. Here are some essential tips to make your relocation smoother:

Visa and residence permit: Make sure you have obtained the necessary visa and residence permit if required. Contact the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country for information on the application process.

Health insurance: It's crucial to have comprehensive health insurance coverage during your stay in Stockholm. Check if your home country's health insurance policy provides coverage abroad or consider purchasing an international student health insurance plan. For more information on health insurance options check International Student Insurance.

Currency and banking: Familiarize yourself with the local currency, Swedish Krona (SEK), and set up a bank account upon arrival. Most places in Stockholm accept card payments, but having cash on hand is still useful in some situations. One of Sweden's prominent banks that offers accounts for international students is Nordea, check it out!

Transportation: Stockholm has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, metros, and ferries. Consider obtaining an SL Access card, which allows for convenient travel across different modes of public transport.

Explore Swedish culture: Immerse yourself in Swedish culture by trying traditional Swedish cuisine, visiting museums, and attending music festivals and concerts. Stockholm is known for its vibrant arts scene, and there is always something exciting happening. Visit Stockholm is a great resource to know everything that's going on.

Remember, finding the right housing is an essential step in creating a comfortable and inspiring environment that will support your artistic journey in this beautiful city, and Hemavi might just have what you're looking for!