Moving to Lund as an International Student: The Most Important Do's and Don'ts

Moving to Lund, Sweden as an international student can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging at times. As a beautiful and historic city in the south of Sweden, Lund boasts a vibrant student community, rich cultural heritage, and plenty of opportunities to learn, grow, and make new friends. However, navigating a new country, culture, and educational system can be daunting.

In this blog, we will discuss the most important do's and don'ts of moving to Lund as an international student to help make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. From finding affordable accommodation to embracing the Swedish culture, we will provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you make the most of your time in Lund.

Do's of Moving to Lund, Sweden

Research your accommodation options before you arrive

Lund is a popular student city, and finding affordable accommodation can be challenging, especially if you are arriving during peak seasons. Research your accommodation options, including shared accommodation, room rental, and roommates, before you arrive to ensure you have a comfortable place to stay.

Use this opportunity to learn some Swedish

While most Swedes speak excellent English, learning some Swedish can be helpful in getting around and making new friends. Try to learn some basic phrases before you arrive, and consider taking a Swedish language course once you are settled in Lund.

Embrace the culture

Sweden has a unique and fascinating culture, with its own traditions, customs, and social norms. Take the time to learn about Swedish culture, and try to embrace it while you are living in Lund. Attend cultural events, museums, and festivals to get a better understanding of the local culture.

Make friends from everywhere

Lund is a very student-friendly city which makes it a home to people from all over the globe. This makes it the perfect place to make friends from different backgrounds and get exposed to a variety of cultures. Join clubs and societies, attend social events, and participate in group activities to meet new people. One thing to keep in mind while socializing though: while it can be tempting to spend all your time with other international students, making friends with Swedes can also be a great way to learn more about Swedish culture and improve your language skills!

Take advantage of student discounts

As we mentioned, Lund is a great place to live in as a student. Students in Lund have access to a wide range of discounts and benefits, including discounted transportation, museum tickets, and more. Make sure you take advantage of these discounts to save money and make the most of your time in Lund.

Don'ts of Moving to Lund, Sweden

Don't forget to be mindful of local culture

For instance, in Swedish culture, it's common to communicate indirectly, using euphemisms and polite language to avoid confrontation or offending others. Being too direct can actually be perceived as rude or aggressive. It's important to pay attention to nonverbal cues and tone of voice when communicating with others, and to be respectful and considerate in your interactions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Swedes value peace and quiet, and being loud or disruptive in public places can be seen as disrespectful. It's important to keep your voice down, especially in places like libraries, public transport, and residential areas. This also applies to social gatherings and parties, where it's important to be mindful of noise levels and to respect the peace and privacy of your neighbors.

Don't litter

Sweden has a strong environmental ethic, and littering is not tolerated. It's important to dispose of your trash properly and to recycle whenever possible. This includes not only throwing away garbage in designated bins but also picking up litter that you see on the street or in public spaces. Being mindful of your environmental impact is a core value in Swedish culture, and demonstrating this can help you integrate better into the community.

Don't forget to pack your winter clothes

Lund can get very cold in the winter, and it's important to have warm clothes and footwear to stay comfortable. The winter months can be long and dark, and being unprepared for the cold weather can be not only uncomfortable but also dangerous.

The average temperature in Lund, Sweden during the summer months, from June to August, is around 18°C to 20°C . During the winter months, from December to February, the average temperature in Lund drops to around 0°C to 2°C, with occasional periods of snow and frost. Temperatures can even drop as low as -10°C on particularly cold days.

It's important to invest in warm, waterproof clothing and footwear, including a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and boots. This will ensure that you can enjoy the winter months and make the most of your time in Lund.

Conclusion

Moving to Lund as an international student can be an amazing experience, but it's important to keep these do's and don'ts in mind to make the most of your time in Lund. With some research, preparation, and a willingness to learn and embrace the Swedish culture, you can have a fantastic time studying and living in this beautiful city.

We've put together a full guide for Moving to Lund, Sweden – Whether you're coming to Lund to study for a semester or pursuing a full degree, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before arrival, including steps to take for the move, cost of living, ways to find accommodation or roommates, information about student life in Lund and more!

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