The International Student Community in Stockholm: How to Connect and Make Friends

Stockholm is a popular destination for international students, with over 20,000 foreign students attending its universities and colleges each year. As an international student, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the new environment and the challenge of making new friends. Fortunately, Stockholm has a vibrant international student community, offering a wide range of opportunities to connect with other students and expats.

Here are some tips for getting involved in the international student community in Stockholm.

Join a Student Organization

Stockholm's universities and colleges have a wide range of student organizations, including clubs for sports, cultural activities, and academic pursuits. Joining a student organization is a great way to meet like-minded people who share your interests.  Stockholm's universities and colleges have a wide range of student organizations, ranging from sports clubs to cultural activities to academic pursuits. Stockholm University alone has over 60 student organizations.

Joining a student organization can help you build a sense of community and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. According to a survey by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education, 61% of international students in Sweden participate in student organizations.

Attend Social Events

Attending social events is a great way to get to know other students and make new friends. Many student organizations and groups host social events, such as parties, dinners, and excursions. Attending these events is a great way to get to know other students and make new friends. Some popular social events for international students include pub crawls, movie nights, and game nights.

Stockholm also has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs catering to students and expats. Attending social events can help you learn more about Swedish culture and connect with other international students. According to a survey by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education, 67% of international students in Sweden participate in social activities.

Participate in International Student Programs

Many universities and colleges offer programs specifically for international students, such as language classes, cultural events, and mentorship programs. Participating in these programs can help you connect with other international students and learn more about Swedish culture.

Stockholm University's International Office, for example, offers a range of activities and events for international students, including Swedish language classes, cooking classes, and a buddy program. According to a survey by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education, 48% of international students in Sweden participate in international student programs.

Explore the City

Stockholm is a beautiful city with many attractions and activities to enjoy. 90% of international students in Sweden are satisfied with their experience of studying in Sweden, which means it is a great city to be based in and explore as a student.

Exploring the city with other students is a great way to bond and make new friends.  Some popular activities for international students include visiting the Old Town, taking a boat tour of the archipelago, and attending cultural events like the Stockholm Culture Festival.

Use Social Media

According to a survey by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education, 84% of international students in Sweden use social media to connect with other students and stay up-to-date on events. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are popular among international students in Stockholm.

Join groups and follow pages related to your university or college to stay up-to-date on events and activities. Some popular Facebook groups for international students in Stockholm include "Stockholm International Students" and "Erasmus Stockholm."

Attend Orientation Week

Most universities and colleges in Stockholm host an orientation week for new students. According to the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education, 94% of international students in Sweden participate in orientation activities, making them the perfect platform to meet and interact with other students.

Attending these events is a great way to meet other international students and learn more about the university and the city. Orientation week typically includes campus tours, social events, and informational sessions about academic programs and resources.

Conclusion

Making new friends and connections as an international student in Stockholm is an exciting opportunity to experience new cultures and build relationships that can last a lifetime. Whether you join a student organization, attend social events, or participate in language exchanges, there are many ways to connect with other students and expats in Stockholm. By putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences, you can make the most of your student experience in Stockholm.

When it comes to finding accommodation, Hemavi can be a helpful resource for international students. Hemavi is a matchmaking service for roommates and shared accommodation, with a high focus on safety and compatibility between roommates. Hemavi's matching algorithm takes into account factors such as lifestyle, interests, and personality, ensuring that roommates are a good match for each other.  Hemavi provides a platform for students to find compatible roommates and a safe living environment, making it easier to adjust to life in Stockholm.