Steps to Take when Moving to Lund, Sweden as an International Student

Are you considering moving to Lund, Sweden for your studies? Well, you're in for a treat! Lund is a charming university town with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant student community. As a bustling hub of innovation and creativity, Lund offers an exceptional academic experience that's hard to match.

With a population of just below 100,000 people, Lund is a small city that's easy to navigate and explore. Its quaint streets, picturesque parks, and stunning architecture make it an excellent place to call home. Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, especially when you're going to study there. Lund, Sweden is a popular destination for international students because of its high-quality education, beautiful scenery, and, not to forget, friendly people.

But before you pack your bags and jump on the next flight to Sweden, there are a few things you need to know.  Moving to Lund as a student requires careful planning and preparation. This guide will take you through the steps to help you make a smooth transition to your new life as a student in Lund.

Finding a University or College in Lund

The first step to moving to Lund as a student is, of course, to find a university that offers the program you want to study. Lund University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Sweden, offering a wide range of programs. There are also other colleges and universities in Lund, such as Lund International School. Do your research, compare programs, and consider the admission requirements, tuition fees, and living costs.

Applying for a Student Visa

If you're a non-EU citizen, you need a student visa to study in Sweden. To apply for a student visa, you need to have been accepted to either courses or a program in Lund and provide proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a scholarship. You can apply for a visa at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process can take several weeks, so make sure you apply as early as possible.

Looking for Accommodation

Lund has limited student accommodation, so it's essential to start looking for accommodation as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. Lund University offers student housing, but the demand is high, and the waiting time can be long.

You can also find private and shared accommodation through online websites, such as Hemavi. Consider the location, cost, and safety when choosing accommodation. Are you an international student looking for shared accommodation in Lund? Make sure you check our listings – your potential roommate is waiting to be matched with you!

Getting a Residence Permit

If you're going to stay in Lund for more than three months, you need a residence permit. You can apply for a residence permit at the Swedish Migration Agency website. To apply, you need to have been accepted to full-time studies in a programm or courses Lund, provide proof of financial support, and have health insurance. The application process can take several months, so make sure you apply as early as possible.

Getting Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Sweden. If you're an EU citizen, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or apply for a European Health Insurance (EHI) in your home country. If you're a non-EU citizen, you might need to purchase private health insurance. The cost of private health insurance varies, so shop around and compare policies. Make sure your health insurance covers medical expenses, including emergency medical care and hospitalization.

Managing Your Finances

Studying in Lund can be expensive, so it's important to plan your finances carefully. Consider the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. Look for scholarships, grants, or student loans to help cover the costs. Lund University offers scholarships to international students, and you can also search for scholarships through organizations like Study in Sweden. Create a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.

Learning the Language

Although Swedish is the official language of Sweden, lots (read: almost all) of Swedes speak English! However, living in Lund can be a great opportunity for you to learn the language so you can communicate with locals and fully immerse yourself in the culture. Lund University offers Swedish language courses for international students, and there are also private language schools in Lund. You can also practice your language skills by joining language exchange programs or participating in language cafes. Learning the language can also help you in your studies, as some programs may be taught in Swedish.

Conclusion

Moving to Lund, Sweden as a student requires careful planning and preparation, but with the right resources and support, it can be a rewarding experience. Remember to research universities, apply for a student visa and residence permit early, look for accommodation, get health insurance, manage your finances, and learn the language.

Lund offers a welcoming environment for international students, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city and immerse yourself in the culture. Best of luck in your new adventure in Lund!

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!

If you're an international student moving to Lund and looking for a roommate and a room to rent, you can create a free account on Hemavi and start applying to the listed rooms right away.