The first month in Stockholm as an international researcher is a strange mix of bureaucracy and beauty. You'll queue at Skatteverket, discover the best cinnamon buns in your neighborhood, and slowly realize that yes, Swedes really do eat lunch at exactly 11:30.
This guide is based on the experiences of researchers we've hosted from institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia. It's the guide we wish someone had given us.
Week 1: Arrive & Survive
Day 1–2: Immediate Essentials
- Get a SIM card. Buy a prepaid Swedish SIM at the airport (Pressbyrån, 7-Eleven) or in the city. Comviq and Lycamobile work without personnummer. ~100–200 SEK for data.
- Get an SL card. Buy an SL access card at any metro station. Load a 30-day pass (~970 SEK) or use the SL app.
- Grocery basics. ICA, Coop, and Willys are the main chains. ICA Maxi has the best selection. Download the ICA app for member prices.
- Cash is dead in Sweden. Everything is card/Swish. You won't need cash for anything except possibly a flea market.
Day 3–5: Official Registration
- Book Skatteverket appointment — Apply for a Swedish personal number (personnummer). You need: passport, employment contract or invitation letter, proof of accommodation. Processing: 2–8 weeks.
- Visit your department. Get your building access card, computer account, and meet your host researcher.
- Set up eduroam WiFi — Most Swedish universities use eduroam. Your home institution credentials usually work.
Important: Until you have a personnummer, you can't open a bank account, get a Swedish phone contract, or register for healthcare. It's the master key to Swedish life.
Week 2: Get Connected
🏦 Bank Account
Once you have your personnummer (or a coordination number), open a bank account. Handelsbanken and Nordea are researcher-friendly. Bring:
- Passport
- Personnummer confirmation from Skatteverket
- Employment contract or invitation letter
After the bank account, register for Swish — Sweden's universal mobile payment system. Without Swish, you'll feel like a second-class citizen at every fika.
📱 Phone & Internet
With a personnummer, you can sign up for a real phone contract. Hallon, Comviq, or Tre are affordable options (~149–249 SEK/month for data + calls). If you're staying with us, you already have 1 Gbps fiber — no need for home internet.
🏥 Healthcare
Register with 1177 Vårdguiden for healthcare. With a personnummer, you're covered by Swedish healthcare. Choose a local vårdcentral (health center) near your accommodation.
EU citizens: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — it covers you until registration is complete.
Week 3: Find Your Rhythm
☕ Fika — Non-Negotiable
Swedish research culture runs on fika. Your department will have a fika room. Show up at 10:00 and 15:00. Bring a kanelbulle from the local bakery on your first day. This is how you build your network.
🚲 Transport Tips
- Metro (T-bana): Runs 5 AM–1 AM (later on weekends). Clean, reliable, occasional art exhibitions in stations.
- Bike: Stockholm has excellent bike infrastructure. From April–October, consider a City Bikes subscription or buy a used bike from Blocket.
- Commuter rail (pendeltåg): For longer distances (Flemingsberg, Södertälje).
- Everything in one app: The SL app covers metro, bus, tram, and commuter rail.
🛒 Where to Shop
| Store | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ICA / Coop | General grocery | Everywhere. Get the membership app. |
| Willys / Lidl | Budget grocery | Larger sizes, better prices |
| Systembolaget | Alcohol | State monopoly. Closes at 15:00 Saturday, closed Sunday. |
| Apotek Hjärtat | Pharmacy | OTC medicine, prescriptions |
| Clas Ohlson | Hardware/home | IKEA for small things. Get adapters here. |
| Stadium / XXL | Sports | For outdoor gear — you'll need layers in winter |
Week 4: Settle In
🏠 Housing — If Still Searching
If you're still looking for long-term housing after a month, don't panic. Many researchers spend their first 1–3 months in temporary accommodation before finding something permanent. Common paths:
- Ask colleagues and your department — word of mouth is the #1 way to find housing in Stockholm
- Check Qasa daily — new listings appear in the morning
- Join Facebook groups: "Lägenheter i Stockholm" and "Bostad Stockholm"
- Your university's intranet often has housing boards
🌿 Things That Make Stockholm Special
- Allemansrätten — the right to roam. You can walk, camp, and pick berries on any land (with respect).
- Water everywhere. Stockholm is built on 14 islands. You're never more than 10 minutes from a waterfront walk.
- Daylight extremes. 18+ hours of light in summer. 6 hours in winter. Buy a SAD lamp if you arrive in November.
- English works. Almost everyone speaks English fluently. Learn "tack" (thanks) and "hej" (hello) and you'll fit in.
The Master Checklist
- ☐ SIM card (day 1)
- ☐ SL transport card (day 1)
- ☐ Skatteverket — personnummer application (day 3–5)
- ☐ Department registration, access card (day 3–5)
- ☐ Bank account + Swish (after personnummer, week 2–4)
- ☐ Healthcare registration at 1177 (week 2–3)
- ☐ Phone contract (after personnummer)
- ☐ Learn the fika schedule (immediately)
- ☐ Find your nearest Systembolaget (before Saturday 15:00)
- ☐ Join department lunch group (week 1)
Need a landing pad?
Our rooms in Täby are perfect for your first weeks or months — no minimum stay, 1Gbps fiber, full kitchen, and a quiet workspace. Many researchers stay here while searching for long-term housing, and some stay the whole research visit.