A guide to life in Stockholm

Housing

Finding housing in Stockholm can take time, especially at the beginning of your studies. Demand is high, and availability varies depending on the time of year and type of accommodation. Students typically live in student housing, shared apartments, or private rentals, often in different parts of the city.

It is recommended to start searching early and to use multiple channels, including official housing providers, university-related resources, and student networks. Many students begin with temporary accommodation and move once they are more familiar with the city and housing options. Understanding contracts, queue systems, and rental conditions is an important part of the process.

Find out what is available via SSE Housing.

Getting around

Stockholm has an extensive and reliable public transport system, including metro, buses, trams, and commuter trains. The system is well integrated, making it possible to travel across the city and surrounding areas with a single ticket.

Most students use public transport daily to commute between home and campus. At the same time, the city is compact and well suited for walking and cycling, especially in central areas. Bike paths are widely available, and many students choose to cycle during parts of the year. Planning travel times and choosing where to live often go hand in hand.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Stockholm is relatively high compared to many other cities. Major expenses include housing, food, transport, and course materials. Prices can vary depending on lifestyle and location, and students often adapt their spending habits over time.

Budgeting is therefore an important part of student life. Many services offer student discounts, including public transport, cultural institutions, and some retailers. Cooking at home, sharing accommodation, and planning expenses are common ways to manage costs while studying.

Student life and social activities

Stockholm offers a wide range of cultural and social activities throughout the year. Museums, music venues, restaurants, and public events are easily accessible, and the city hosts both international and local cultural scenes.

At SSE, the student association plays a central role in social life. They arrange events, trips, and activities that complement academic studies and create opportunities to meet other students. Many students combine campus-based activities with what the city offers, creating a varied and active student experience.

Work and internships

Many students combine their studies with part-time work or internships. Stockholm has a strong business environment with opportunities in finance, consulting, technology, and other sectors. These opportunities are often connected to SSE’s network and collaborations with companies and organizations.

Balancing work and studies requires planning, but it can also provide valuable experience and insights into professional environments. Internships and part-time roles are often integrated into students’ longer-term career development.

Find out more via SSE's career support.

Nature and outdoor life

One of Stockholm’s distinctive features is the proximity to nature. Parks, waterfronts, and green areas are part of everyday city life, and many are within walking distance from campus and residential areas.

The archipelago, forests, and lakes surrounding the city offer opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. Students often spend time outdoors, whether for exercise, relaxation, or social activities. Seasonal variation is a natural part of life in Stockholm, with long summer days and darker winter months shaping how people use the city and its surroundings.

Practical information

Students moving to Stockholm may need to arrange practical matters such as a personal identity number, bank account, and access to healthcare. The exact requirements depend on your nationality and length of stay.

Public authorities provide structured information, and SSE offers guidance to help students navigate these processes. Planning these steps in advance can make the transition smoother and allow you to focus on your studies once you arrive.

Useful resources 

Residence permits and immigration
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): https://www.migrationsverket.se

Personal identity number and registration
Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket): https://www.skatteverket.se

General information about moving to Sweden
Sweden.se: https://sweden.se/life/society/moving-to-sweden

Housing
SSSB (Stockholm Student Housing): https://www.sssb.se
Stockholm Housing Agency (Bostadsförmedlingen): https://bostad.stockholm.se

Public transport
SL (Stockholm Public Transport): https://sl.se/en

Healthcare
1177 Vårdguiden: https://www.1177.se/en