The Housing Landscape as a Student at Tollare Folkhögskola

Welcome to the beautiful island of Värmdö, Sweden, where your journey as an international student at Tollare Folkhögskola is about to begin. To ensure you have a smooth transition, we've put together this guide to help you navigate the housing landscape in Värmdö and find the perfect accommodation during your studies.

An Island Oasis

Värmdö is a picturesque island located in the Stockholm archipelago, just a short distance from Sweden's capital city. As an international student, you'll find Värmdö to be a unique and enchanting place to call home. The island offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a close-knit community.

Värmdö's lush forests, pristine beaches, and serene lakes provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, including hiking, kayaking, and exploring the archipelago. Life here is peaceful, and the island's small size fosters a sense of belonging within the community, making it easy to connect with locals and fellow students.

On Hemavi, finding housing as easy as having fika!

Tollare Folkhögskola - A Center of Learning

Tollare Folkhögskola has been a bastion of education in Sweden since its establishment in 1945. This esteemed institution is situated on the beautiful island of Värmdö and is known for its commitment to personal development, creative exploration, and cultural diversity.

At Tollare Folkhögskola, education goes beyond the classroom. The school encourages individuality, artistic expression, and a deep understanding of different cultures. Whether your passion lies in the arts, music, social studies, or personal development, Tollare Folkhögskola offers a welcoming and nurturing environment to nurture your talents.

Housing Options for Tollare Folkhögskola Students

The Swedish housing market can be quite competitive and challenging. Through this guide, you will put your hands on plenty of valuable resources to help you on your journey.

Tips and Tricks for Finding Decent Student Housing

Start Early: Securing housing in Sweden is very 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.
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.
Consider Co-living: Co-living arrangements have gained significant popularity among students and international newcomers relocating to Stockholm. These housing options offer thoughtfully designed living spaces, inclusive cleaning services as part of the rent, and the added advantage of quickly building connections with fellow newcomers in the city.
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: While finding student housing in Stockholm may not be the easiest task, there are numerous options and platforms available. With some perseverance and research, you can undoubtedly find a fantastic place to live. Here are some valuable resources to explore:

Hemavi
Sök Studentbostad
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 offer you additional support in your housing search, we've thoroughly scoured the internet to gather valuable insights from international students who have already navigated the process of moving to Sweden and finding excellent accommodations. Here, we've distilled the essential lessons learned:

Set Your Priorities Straight: Certainly, identifying your top priorities is crucial when searching for student housing. Whether it's the rental cost, proximity to your university, room size, or residing in a secure neighborhood, having a clear understanding of your non-negotiables and areas where you can compromise will greatly facilitate your housing search in Sweden.
BEWARE OF SCAMMERS! We absolutely can't stress this enough.
Only Rely on Reputable Websites: Hemavi and similar platforms have a key advantage: they feature landlords who have undergone verification, allowing you to preview rooms online. Furthermore, they prioritize secure payments by withholding funds until you've physically moved into your designated space, guaranteeing a completely safe transaction process.
Beware of Unrealistic Deals: Exercise caution when dealing with offers that seem exceptionally enticing. Scammers often attract individuals with rents that appear unrealistically low or tempt them with promises of lavish amenities.
Meet the Landlord in Person: Make sure you have a face-to-face meeting with the landlord or property manager. Scammers often avoid in-person interactions and prefer to communicate solely through email or messaging.
Respond To Offers Quickly: When responding to housing advertisements, it's important to provide a comprehensive self-introduction. Include specific details such as why you are seeking the room or apartment, your field of study, and any potential roommates you plan to share the accommodation with, among other relevant information.

How NOT to Get Scammed When Finding Housing

At Hemavi, ensuring the safety of our users from scams is our topmost concern. We understand the substantial challenges this can present, particularly for individuals moving to a completely new country, possibly without proficiency in the local language.

Verify Property Ownership: Ensuring the ownership and legitimacy of the property is a fundamental step. Request the landlord's contact details and, if feasible, cross-check them with official records. Rest assured that with Hemavi, property ownership is consistently verified, providing an extra layer of security.
Be Cautious with Advance Payments: We highly advise against making upfront payments whenever feasible. With Hemavi, you can trust that your initial payment is only processed after you've physically moved into your room. However, if a situation necessitates an advance payment (if you're not using Hemavi), it's crucial to choose a secure payment method and ensure you receive a receipt. Exercise caution when landlords demand significant upfront payments before your move-in date.
It's Always Best to View Online: Written advertisements may sometimes be misleading. However, with Hemavi, you have the opportunity to benefit from a comprehensive online tour of your entire room, accessible from wherever you are.
Visit the Property: Whenever possible, it's advisable to take the time to visit the property in person before proceeding with any payments or signing contracts.
Research Rental Laws: It's essential to prioritize understanding the rental laws and regulations in Sweden to ensure you are well-informed about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Hemavi, being a startup based in Sweden, possesses in-depth knowledge of these laws and is always ready to provide you with support and guidance as required.

Exceptional Education on a Beautiful Island

As you embark on your educational journey at Tollare Folkhögskola on the enchanting island of Värmdö, securing suitable housing is essential. With options ranging from student accommodations to private apartments, you have the flexibility to choose accommodation that suits your needs.

We wish you the best in your studies and hope you have a memorable and enriching experience on Värmdö. Embrace the island life, make new friends, and savor every moment of your time in this charming community. Welcome to Sweden, and welcome to Tollare Folkhögskola!

Don't forget to explore Hemavi, a reliable platform that connects you with a variety of verified housing listings.