The Newbie Guide to Sweden

We explain Sweden

Integration

3 Month Reflection: Get Out, Get Involved, Get Cozy

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Written by Bonnie Thornington

I’ve been in Sweden for exactly three months now, and it’s starting to feel like home. Moving to a new country can be intimidating and scary. However, it is also an exciting opportunity to stretch one’s comfort zone, meet new people and develop new perspectives. To ensure a smooth transition to a new country, my motto is: Get out, Get Involved, Get Cozy.

When I think back to what my family and I have done over the last three months, the people we have met and the places we have seen, I can say that trying to balance new things and keeping a routine at home has been the secret to our steady integration. 

Get Out

We live in Lund in Skåne and there are endless activities and destinations for a fun-filled day trip.

Look at the map, pick a place and just go! Don’t have too many expectations and you will be rewarded with some long-lasting memories and amusing stories by the end of the day. 

Yellow bikes on Ven Island. Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

Remember, you don’t need a car; we spent the first three months in Sweden using public transportation and biking around. It will actually make you more aware of all the transport links and fantastic bike paths. Plus there is more opportunity to meet more people and strike up a conversation!

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Some fun day trips from Lund

  • Explore the island of Ven by bike. Just a short ferry ride from Landskrona, you can bring your own bike or rent one on the island. Swim at the beaches, play mini-golf, visit the Tycho Brahe museum, sample whiskey at the Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn, learn about alpacas at Hven Alpacka, ride the horse-drawn wagon or simply rent a kayak and enjoy discovering the little coves along the coast.
  • Step back in time and visit the Foteviken Museum. Stroll through the open-air Viking village where 23 buildings have been reconstructed using materials and techniques of that time. Get up close to a Viking ship and dress up as a Viking soldier preparing to go to battle. The place is a living museum where you encounter animals and community Viking villagers, volunteers who bring the village to life. 
  • If you’re looking for something wild and majestic, look no further than Kullaberg Nature Reserve. With incredible views, ragged cliffs, and endless hiking paths, there is something for everyone’s tastes. Climb to the top of Kullen Västra Lighthouse, clamber up the rocks or jump into the refreshing sea. Bring a picnic or use one of the many BBQ pits. 
  • If you’ve ever wanted to ride a bike on a disused railroad track, then dresscykling is a must. It is fantastic for the entire family or with a group of friends. You can take turns pedaling the old inspection trolleys as you take in the scenic views. Bring a picnic or fika as there are many picnic tables along the way. There are several dresscykling routes you can try out in Skåne. 
  • Learn about sea life and ocean conservation at Naturum Öresund in Malmö. Free to the public, the centre provides a hands-on opportunity to engage in local nature experiences. You can snorkel, explore the shoreline and identify sea animals with the help of enthusiastic staff members. Come with your questions and curiosity, leave as an expert on marine life!

Get Involved

Swedes have a reputation of being a bit reserved and difficult to get to know. From my experience so far, I feel that they are actually quite warm and open but you have to be the one to initiate. 

I’ll be the first to admit it isn’t easy to take the first step, but you never know what doors may open because of it.

Take a deep breath and strike up a conversation with your neighbour. Take a few extra seconds and try your Swedish with the cashier or café waiter. Forget Google Maps, ask someone for directions instead.

For me, being involved in my community is very important to become integrated. But what can you do if you don’t speak Swedish? Lots actually!

  • If you want one-on-one-Swedish practice, sign up to Nya Kompisbyrån and get matched with a local volunteer. The aim is to meet up, online or in-person, and get to know one another and practice Swedish. Basically it’s like a matchmaking service for making local friends. I got matched with someone my age who happens to live 3 minutes away and who also has two children! We decide when we meet and what we do based on our interests and availability.
  • Choose a hobby or activity that you want to do, and find a class or event in Swedish. For me, I love yoga and need a good stretch at least once per week. I found a local yoga studio that teaches in Swedish. Not only do I come out of a class feeling super relaxed, but I’m also learning the parts of my body and how to count in Swedish! 
Swimming at Kullaberg Nature Reserve – bliss! Photo by: Bonnie Thornington
  • What are you passionate about? Find an organization and see if they need volunteers. Volunteering allows you to understand the local culture a bit more, plus you get to meet some locals who are also passionate about the same cause and who will likely become your new friends.

I didn’t think the process and manner of how Swedes work was very different to what I was used to but since I started volunteering, I’m beginning to see little nuances on how they think, how meetings are conducted, and how decisions are made. 

  • Involve the whole family. Everyone needs to feel like they have something to belong and look forward to.

Besides several extra-curricular activities, we put our children into the local Scouts group because we liked the philosophy of the Scout movement but we also wanted them to be immersed in Swedish with local neighbourhood children. We know it will take a while for them to feel completely comfortable in a new environment in a foreign language, but so far the fun activities and outings are keeping their interest and enthusiasm high.

Get Cozy

Feeling integrated and comfortable in a new country means making the place you live in now a home.

What makes a home warm and inviting to you? What aspects about your home screams comfort and relaxation? It could be a pair of slippers, a favourite coffee mug, or just some scented bath salts.

Get busy cozy-ing your house/flat and you will start to feel that this is the home you have always wanted and that this new country is the one that was intended for you.

One thing I have embraced here is the collection of house plants that are now proudly displayed on every window sill. It makes me happy and calm to see healthy, thriving plants every direction I turn.

Recently, I bought a small bottle of Canadian maple syrup at our local ICA. Even though the cost caused me to have a mini heart attack, the moment I had a bite of fluffy pancakes drenched in the syrup, it was all worth it. 

It’s only small things. But the small things make up the big picture.

Home means different things to different people. It can mean the place where you were born. It may be the place where you grew up. It may be where you have citizenship.

Malmö beach. Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

For me, home is where I am today with my family. Home is what you make of it, and the more you put into exploring your new surroundings, making new connections and creating a cozy abode, the more it will become the home that you have always dreamed of.

Bring on the next three months – and more!

About the author 

Hej! My name is Bonnie and I’m a Chinese-Canadian who has lived/visited over 60 countries, most recently travelling with my family on our 42-foot sailboat for the past year from Canada down to the Bahamas. I love music, yoga, swimming in oceans and lakes and will try anything at least once. I am excited to be moving to Lund and look forward to immersing myself in Swedish culture – especially fika and lagom! Hope you enjoy my posts as I recount my experiences of relocating and settling into Swedish life during a pandemic!

Dealing with cancer in Sweden – Betül’s story

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Written by Sara Costa

Betül is the most generous, positive and wonderful person that I have ever crossed paths with and I consider myself lucky for having met her. She is a proud scientist at Chalmers and she loves Sweden and her life in Gothenburg. She is also a Newbie like many of us. 

Imagine you just moved to a new country. That shouldn’t be difficult as most of you are – or have been – a Newbie. Remember how hard it is/was sometimes to be alone in a new city, new home, new job, maybe even a new language? It feels like being reborn, requires a lot of effort to just go through the most mundane daily routines. It takes a while to build up your comfort zones again. We have all been there, one way or another, and we know or have at least an idea of how it feels.

 Now imagine that right in the middle of the adaptation process you were diagnosed with cancer. In a foreign country. Far away from home. That is exactly what happened to Betül, and this is her story.

 

Betül during the "interview"
Betül during the interview (Photo: Sara Costa)

Moving to Sweden

Betül moved from Turkey to Gothenburg in February 2017, after having been accepted for a postdoctoral position at Chalmers. “I had no idea how beautiful and peaceful Sweden is, so I consider myself lucky for having ended up here,” said Betül during our nice talk over a cup of tea. A few months later she noticed something on her neck. At first, she didn’t pay too much attention to it, especially because she didn’t have any other symptoms, but when it started growing and became visible, she decided to check it up at the closest vårdcentral.

The diagnosis

The first thing she was asked was if she had other symptoms. When she replied no and saw the doctor’s reaction, she understood for the first time that it could be serious. She did a blood test immediately and was told the results would take 3 days. However, she got a phone call from the doctor the day after. The results had not been conclusive, and she was advised to go to the emergency room at Sahlgrenska. Immediately. She had a second biopsy and once again, the results would take some time: 10 to 15 days. That was a Thursday. The Monday after, Betül got call back again and she understood that it was bad.

She was told she had lymphoma and it was big. It was malignant and spreading on the upper body. It was scary.

“I was in shock and went back to work because I just couldn’t think about it. I needed some time to process what was happening to me.” Later, she talked to her colleagues and friends, and asked one of them, Elin, to be her contact person at the hospital. “It was better to have a contact person that could speak Swedish because even though most people at the hospital speaks English, some of the nurses could have difficulties in explaining some things.” However, when she had a small surgery, she was offered a Turkish translator, in case she didn’t feel comfortable enough speaking English. “I refused, but I thought it was nice that they offered. It made me feel safer.”

The treatment

One of the nodules was close to the heart, therefore Betül was not fit for radiotherapy. She was told she would have chemotherapy for 6 months. Her first chemo day was less than a month after the diagnosis. The hospital provided her with all the necessary information and support. “They told me to never google it and gave me a phone line that I could call at any time with questions or if I got any new symptom. They could also call my doctor if needed. Having that support made me feel comfortable and safe. I never felt like I was bothering them with my silly questions and worries. One does get a lot of thoughts and doubts about everything”.

The treatment was not easy. Each session took five hours, during which five liters of liquids (4L of chemicals + 1L salt water) were administrated on the arm. “That sounds awful, but at that time I was not feeling sick. I could read and do other things.” After a while, the doctors changed the method and used a vessel on her chest, which shortened each session to 3h. “The most difficult was the days after the chemo sessions, but with the medication, which took a few weeks to get right, I could usually work a couple of days later.”

Life and work during the treatment

The most striking memory I have of Betül during this whole period was how calm and positive she was. Constantly! At first, I thought it was a defense mechanism to avoid thinking about her treatments. Soon I realized that it was just who she was. Still, upon her diagnosis, a flow of questions hit Betül. Could she stay in Sweden for the treatment? Would she be able to keep her job? What would her boss say? Her contract had barely started and she could be gone for months.

“It was July and most people were on vacation or attending conferences. I emailed my two closest managers and immediately got a reply full of support. My boss even offered to interrupt his holiday and come here, but I said that was not necessary.”

The doctors advised her to not work during the treatment. According to her medical certificate, Betül was entitled to full sick leave. She had, however, a different opinion. “I really didn’t want to just be at home. I asked them to please, please, let me work. Three doctors discussed this and after a while, two of them approved as long as I took certain precautions.”

Betül ended up applying for flexible sick leave. This meant that she could determine how many hours a day she wanted to work. All she had to do was to count the working hours so that her salary and sick leave remuneration would be correctly adjusted. After the treatment, she went back to working full time and her contract was extended to compensate for the time she was on sick leave.

“Everything worked very smoothly and not only did I not lose my job, but I had the freedom of choosing when to work.”

Light at the end of the tunnel

After three months she did more tests, revealing that the treatment was working. However, she would have to do the three remaining months of chemotherapy. “After the second session, I could actually see that it was working, because the nodule in my neck was much smaller.”

At the end of the treatment, new tests revealed that the nodules had disappeared and Betül was cancer-free. She still does regular checks, but so far everything is alright. “The best thing is that I never have to take care of anything, the doctors or nurses always call me to tell me about my appointments. I never have to worry about anything. I don’t even have to think about it.”

Costs

Betül had medical insurance from Chalmers and ended up never paying much for the treatments. She paid for some medicines and hospital visits but quickly reached the 1100kr and 2000kr top margins. This meant she didn’t have to pay for anything else. “Chemotherapy is really expensive! I remember that three little pills that I had to take before sessions, cost about 3000 SEK. The hospital provided everything. I didn’t even have to go to the pharmacy myself, the nurses just took care of everything.”

Relationships in Sweden and back home

Betül ended up developing a close relationship with all the doctors and nurses from vårdcentral and at the hospital. “I know them all by name and I felt that they really took care of me, like family.”

When I asked her about her friends, here in Sweden, mentioning how some people have difficulties making Swedish friends. Her answer came fast, as she immediately said no, that it was not difficult at all. Everyone at work, Swedish or not, had always been helpful and supportive. “My closest friend, who also became my contact at the hospital, is Swedish and she did everything she could to make me feel good.” Betül had to change apartments during the treatment. The sessions were on Fridays and she was supposed to move and mount the new Ikea furniture during one of the weekends.

“I felt so much nausea after that session, that my friend Elin booked me a hotel so that I could stay in peace to recover from chemo. In the meantime, she and other friends from work moved my things to my new apartment, built the new furniture and took care of everything. I only had to move in and Elin and her boyfriend even drove me from the hotel to the apartment.”

When asked if it would have been easier to deal with cancer at home, Betül quickly said “No”. She added with confidence: “I’m quite sure that it was better to be treated here. The hospitals have better conditions, are cleaner and much more organized.” She talked a lot with her parents during the diagnosis and treatment, but she always told them to not come and visit her. “My parents are very emotional, and I always felt sad after talking to them. I felt weakened and it was the only time I felt really sick.” She continues by saying that otherwise, and despite nausea and side effects, she never really felt she was a sick person. “I had my friends from work and I felt supported by all nurses and doctors, so it was ok.”

A message from the heart

Betül would also like to leave a message for all of those going through something similar: “I would like to tell them that they don’t need to worry about their diseases and treatment. Sweden’s health care system is the best for taking care of the patients (especially in urgent cases). Swedish doctors have great knowledge and they are always up to date with new improvements in medical science. They recommend the treatments accordingly. Most side effects from chemotherapy are predictable. Doctors can help to minimize them with medication. The most important I would say is to keep the mood up. I found that very easy in Sweden with all the kind and helpful people around”.

Betül has also made herself available to be contacted. If you would like to know more about her experience or simply would like to talk to her, all you have to do is leave a comment below.

I have learned a lot myself while talking with Betül. The biggest lesson might have been that I won’t complain again when I have to wait for my turn at the vårdcentral. Now I know that they are probably taking care of a more important case.

Thank you Betül for sharing your story with us!

Remember that you can learn more about the Swedish health care system here.

 

About the Author 
Hej! I’m a Portuguese Newbie in Sweden. I have also lived in Brazil, Poland and the Czech Republic. It’s been fun to be a foreigner in so many different countries and I enjoy learning about other cultures. I’m a fan of sports, some to watch and some to practise, my favourite being running. I also love food, reading and blogging. I hope you enjoy my posts!

A complete guide to buying an apartment in Stockholm (Part 1)

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Written by Teenie Fung

Looking to buying an apartment in Stockholm? Are you browsing on Blocket for rental apartments in Stockholm? Then I highly recommend you to read this article.

In less than 10 months from arriving in Sweden I bought my first apartment in Stockholm at a great bargain. Here are some tips and secrets on how you can also get out of the frantic rental market.

How competitive is the rental market in Stockholm?

  • You are competing with an additional 10,000+ migrants who relocate to Stockholm each year (SCB gov stats, 2017).
  • On 1 single Blocket rental ad, 100+ people are messaging about renting the same flat within a few days of an ad being published.
  • It can take at least 2 months to find a rental apartment in Stockholm. Dealing with scams while using Blocket ads is highly likely.
  • One can easily spend close to/over 40% of your income on rent. It is not uncommon to have to move every 3-6 months to avoid being homeless. It is almost impossible to find a long-term rental contract for more than a year as a foreigner.

Sounds familiar to your current situation? 60-80% of your time is probably spent on merely looking for a place to sleep. The rest of your time and money goes on adapting to the local culture, new work challenges and social life.

However, instead of facing high-costs & a pressure-cooking life-style, it is in fact financially POSSIBLE to buy an apartment in Stockholm. This guide will be split into four parts, providing some insights into how you can settle in like a pro.

Is renting more expensive than buying an apartment?

A 23sqm apartment I rented in Gärdet (Stockholm) for 12,000 SEK/ month in 2017.

The ugly truth is that you, as a foreigner, probably have no idea how much you are currently being overcharged by your landlord.

As an example, let’s say that you are looking for a studio/ 1 bedroom (‘1-2 rum’ in Swedish terms) apartment in Stockholm. Let’s do the math on how much you could have saved each month by buying an apartment:

In reality, it only costs your landlord (the person who lends you the flat) a total of 3,000 kr/ month, including all utility bills and ‘avgift’ (a fee paid to the housing association in English), for a 23sqm apartment. According to the market value on Blocket, you will likely have to pay a monthly rent of around 12,000 kr given the high market demand.

This essentially means that you are paying 4x ( 9000 kr/ month) of what you would have saved if you own the apartment.

Calculation explaining below:

12,000 (Your monthly rent)
-3000 (Your landlord’s total cost)
=9000 kr/month (Amount of money you could have saved by owning the property)

Each year, you are looking at an annual expense of 108,000 kr (=9000*12), extra just in rent alone.

In 3 years, you would lose about 324,000 kr (=9000*12*3) in rent.

In 5 years, your piggy bank would already have half a million extra if you had chosen to buy an apartment instead…and 1 million in 10 years!

Imagine you could have used the 100,000 kr saved each year for travelling, buying another apartment or doing anything else.

You can still be a first-home owner like a Swede.

Who can buy an apartment in Sweden?

Anyone!

  • The rules are the same for Swedish, EU and non-EU. The only difference is that you will, as a foreigner (esp. non-EU), have a 1-2 week longer processing time for your mortgage application and a slightly smaller mortgage if you have been under 3 years in Sweden.

 

  • The buying process is very straight forward. You don’t need to know the Swedish language to buy a house. Google translate is quite useful!

Remember:

  • You must have a full-time job in Sweden and passed your probation for the bank to approve your mortgage

When should I buy an apartment?

Ignore what the media says about a property bubble. All you need is a good location for the apartment and you will be least affected by/shielded from any economic downturn.

You are buying because you need a stable life. That said, research if it’s the right time to buy such as a seasonal offer. Always do your own research before jumping into the market. First, check if the market is likely to bring you a profit or a good bargain if you are to sell in 5 years. Some important indications of a good time to buy now is as shown below.

  • It’s a buyer market:  Property price in Stockholm area fell by 5-10% y-y in Aug 2018, this is a good moment to hunt for bargains. Remember that you are not looking for the deepest plunge, but entering at a good low-mid point from the last price peak is generally good enough. Property prices are most likely to rise in long-term and has been for more than 20 years now (+60%).
Bostadsrätter Prisutveckling in Stockholm
Average Property price per sqm in Stockholm (Svensk maklarstatistik, Oct 2018)
  • Financially viable: Downpayment in Sweden is still historically low at 15%. (e.g. downpayment of a 2.5m flat is 375k). This proportion has increased from 10% to 15% recently, consider that the downpayment is likely to increase followed by a stricter gov policy. Grab a cheaper deal before the next one comes!
  • Easy credit: Sweden has one of the world’s lowest interest rate (1.5%), and longest mortgage repayment period (no rush to pay back) compared to many other modern places such as London and Hong Kong. You can still borrow close to 5x your annual income (reduced to 4.5x from 5x since Jan 2018).
  • Unprecedentedly high demand for a small apartment (<2 rooms) due to migration and immigration: coupled with low construction rate leading to a tight supply. The demand-supply gap is huge (+10,000 migrants vs 3000 newly constructed 1-2 rooms). Prices for small-sized apartments are likely to continue to rise in long-term.
Färdigställda lägenheter i nybyggda hus efter region, hustyp, lägenhetstyp och år
Newly constructed apartments in Stockholm by number of rooms (SCB, Oct 2018)

 

 

 

 

 

Now that you are curious about buying an apartment instead of renting, let’s get down to a step-by-step guide of how you can achieve this in action. Read ‘A complete guide to buying an apartment in Stockholm (Part 2)’ to be published in a couple of weeks. 

 

Disclaimer:

The information presented on this Blog series is shared for entertainment purposes ONLY.  Forecasts, estimates and certain information contained here should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation to invest. Past performance is not indicative of future results.  The Author in no way guarantees any specific outcome or profit.  Investments can lose money over short or even long periods of time.  You should consult your financial advisor before making an investment decision.

About the author

Teenie is a Stockholm-based investment advisor and tech enthusiast. Inspired by the gigantic potential of Stockholm aka ‘Unicorn Factory’, Teenie left her job from a top-tier bank in Hong Kong and moved to Sweden in 2017. She’s also the creator of an online activewear brand (yogafriday.com) and the founder of a fashion community that is still active today in England. At present, Teenie continues to seek for emerging technologies in pursuit of improving everyday living and a better future.

Settle in Sweden within 1 year

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Written by Teenie Fung

Have you considered moving to Sweden alone? Are you worried about the language, culture, job opportunities, cost of living etc? It can be extremely daunting to move from one place to another. However, life is short but remember that preparation is key and adaptation comes next. 

Do your homework, measure the risk and reward. If the risk is too high to lose, have a backup plan or improve your current situation before rushing for relocation. Nothing is impossible! Here’s how I relocated and settled in Sweden within one year. I hope you can find it useful!

Before relocation

Savings are essential to buffer unforeseen risks of relocation. Once you have a work contract, you will need to apply for a work visa from your home country. The waiting time can go from four months to one year depending on the job/ employer. There are jobs that are prioritized in the application process, be sure to check first with ‘Migrationsverket‘ before applying for any jobs.

1. Learn the culture

  • Think long-term. ‘The sense of belonging’ is crucial when you move to a new country. Do you also have special connection to Sweden?
  • Make some friends from Sweden in the country you are currently residing in. Join activities organized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and other Swedish-related organizations/meet-ups. Get to know the Swedish community!
  • Learn the Swedish history and traditions! Sweden is full of heritage and rich culture. You will enjoy more Sweden if you know more about it.
  • Buy a book to learn basic Swedish!
  • Visit Sweden during short holiday breaks and meet up with your Swedish friends!

E-learning courses

Feel a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to learn and do before, during and after your move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered with some of our great and affordable digital courses:

2. Line up job interviews

  • The worst thing when coming to Sweden is to have no income and waiting for a miracle to happen. If you haven’t already done your homework, 70% of the population in Sweden are Swedes. The majority of jobs in Sweden require a very good level of the Swedish language.
  • The best strategy is to prepare for multiple job interviews and be as prepared as possible.
  • Set goals and stay motivated.

How to land job offers in Sweden?

Work out every possibility you can think of. Just do it! Don’t only submit your CV to Arbetsförmedlingen if you are a young professional with work experience and a university degree.

  • Get referrals from your current network, don’t be afraid to ask! Network, network and network. This is how I got my first job in Sweden!
  • Check if your current employers have offices in Sweden. If so, you can try to request a transfer wherever appropriate.
  • Leverage your skill sets: Focus your job search on the industry that you have the longest work experience in (at least 2 years). Think from the employer’s point of view. Why they should hire someone from outside Sweden when they can hire someone close to them with the same skill set? Know your strengths. Apply to jobs where you are in a more advantageous position compared to a local.
  • Apply to companies with international business exposure. They are the ones who are most likely to hire foreigners. Know the hiring season in Sweden. June to Aug and Nov-Jan are holiday seasons in Sweden. Job opportunities during these months are extremely low, hence it’s best that you don’t end up in Sweden without a job especially at this time of the year. The best way is to relocate just before the hiring season. Meeting employers in person will hugely increase your chances of getting hired than a Skype/phone interview.
  • Create a long list of companies you want to work for on excel. Do your research on them and mark down your application status.
  • Find jobs that don’t require Swedish in the job description. Don’t waste time applying for jobs where the Swedish language is a must.
  • Try connecting with employees of the companies you want to work for on Linkedin by sending a short note to express interests and ask constructive questions. Speak to Headhunters if possible.
  • Make international cold calls: Sweden is a very open and transparent country. You will easily find a phone number and email address on many company websites. Be brave and make a call to a decision maker for a job interview. Make sure you prepare before the call! Buy an unlimited monthly plan on Skype for 75 KR/ month (much cheaper than using roaming or calling cards) and get a Swedish phone number  It shows that you have interests in moving to Sweden.
  • Go to Career Fairs in universities (e.g. Stockholm School of Economics) and meet employers in person. Bring your CV. You can do that during your short holiday trip.
    First day of work in Stockholm!
    The first day of work in Stockholm!

Most importantly…

  • Know the visa process from head to toe. Call ‘Migrationsverket‘ and ask all the questions you can think of. The queue on the telephone line is extremely long, but it’s worth it! Consult them about the work visa process and your nationality. Most employers don’t know the process. Knowing the process will get you one step closer to landing an offer.

Understand that Sweden is not as international as big cities like London, Hong Kong, Paris and New York. Yet, Stockholm is one of the most innovative cities in the world. The Swedish economy survives by exporting,  so there will always be jobs here for foreigners. Locals are very welcoming despite the recent immigration problem. You just need to find like-minded people as everywhere else in the world!

Ring the bell with me in Nasdaq Stockholm when you are ready!

3. Accommodations:

Watch out for scams! There are many scams online if you try to find accommodation before visiting the flat in person.

  • Ask your friends and new colleagues for short term stay accommodation. Stay in a hotel or Airbnb.
  • Find rental apartments on Blocket and visit the apartment.
  • It’s great to experience living in different areas in Stockholm as an expat. Later on, you may want to buy an apartment to cope with the endless moving.

How to identify scams

The so-called ‘landlord’ might pretend to get to know about you. You may have even Skyped with the person. They might create multiple fake ‘flatmates’ to email you and try to ‘get to know you’. But this person can still be fake.

  • Ask the person for a personal number and full name (This is a unique number given to all Swedish citizens). You can search the person’s information online on hitta.se as there’s no secrets in Sweden! If you don’t find a matching name, personal number and address of this person and its property, then it is a fake. If they refuse to provide you with their personal number, they are likely to be scams no matter what excuses they give.
  • They only want you to send money to a bank account outside Sweden e.g. Spain. That’s because they want to cover up their traces in Sweden in case you reach out to the police.
  • The person disregards you right away when you insist to visit the flat first in person. That’s because they don’t really have one!
  • The contract is too simple – google “scam contract” and check if you have the same copy. Google what terms there should be on a normal contract.

Check for other warnings here on another newbie post.

After relocation: First year in Sweden

1. Welcome to Sweden! Now, get yourself into the happy circle of Sweden!

  • Reconnect with your Swedish friends from the country you previously live in. Make new friends through group hangouts!
  • Go to events organized by Meetup and Eventbrite
  • It’s a modern world. Use different apps on your phone to enlarge your network of friends, but be safe!
  • As everyone says, the fastest way to learn Swedish is to be in contact with a Swedish. And the best way to fall in love with Sweden! I met my boyfriend, John, in Sweden coincidently soon after I started my new life here. He’s a great person with a lovely family!
  • Buy warm clothes! As the Swedish say: “Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder.” Appreciate the darkness and snow. Get candles and make your home a nice and cozy place.

2. Register for SFI and attend as many classes as possible.

I work full time and I attend Swedish classes every Monday and Wednesday after work from 17.30 to 20.30.

  • You need Swedish to live in Sweden. Everything is in Swedish except the airport and the main train station. Respect local culture and learn the language like you would also want others to respect your own when they are in your country. Eventually, this will open many doors you have never believed possible before. When you finish SFI, you can do this.
  • You will meet like-minded friends with a similar background. They will most likely become your lifelong friends in Sweden.
  • You are more likely to pass SFI exams when you set a goal with your classmates. Study with your friends and help each other even outside the course.

3. Travel to as many places as possible in/near Sweden.

  • Take a trip to Sälen for skiing, Båstad for the beach, Visby for the medieval week, Copenhagen for city exploration and the 10,000 Swedish islands on the archipelago!

Skiing in Sälen
Skiing in Sälen
Beach life in Båstad, Sweden
Beach life in Båstad, Sweden

 

Parliament in Copenhagen
Parliament in Copenhagen

And here you go! You will settle in in no time! Lycka till! (Good luck)

 

About the author

Teenie is a Stockholm-based investment advisor and tech enthusiast. Inspired by the gigantic potential of Stockholm aka ‘Unicorn Factory’, Teenie left her job from a top-tier bank in Hong Kong and moved to Sweden in 2017. She’s also the creator of an online activewear brand (yogafriday.com) and the founder of a fashion community that is still active today in England. At present, Teenie continues to seek for emerging technologies in pursuit of improving everyday living and a better future.

10 Non-conventional ways to learn Swedish!

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Written by Karishma Desai

So you have decided to learn the language! Bravo! It’s not easy to take that first step and it takes an additional effort to make the journey more interesting.

In my earlier post, I started  a list of basic words to start with Swedish. Now, I am trying to pen down some unusual ways which will help to make this process more fun. After all SFI won’t be enough to teach you everything you need in order to survive!

10 fun ways towards learning Swedish

  1. Start by listening to advertisements on radio and TV. It will give you a bunch of words for daily use like handla (to buy), rabatt (discount), hälsa (health), mat (food), kläder (clothes) etc. You also get acquainted with supermarkets and online shopping sites in Sweden. The second obvious step will be to visit these sites and start reading words for different household, grocery, fashion or hobby products.
  2. Avoid watching TV shows from your country when you are learning. Make an effort to follow SVT programs based on your interest. I started with ‘Melodifestivalen‘ in 2016 and followed many there after.
  3. Listen to Swedish songs on karaoke video. It is a fun way to improve pronunciations as well as learn about the music industry inf Sweden. Don’t be shy to sing out loud with it if you want the best results.
  4. Read your rental documents, tickets, insurance documents in Swedish first before using Google translate. Check if you understand the context. That’s a great way to learn formal way of writing.
  5. Join a förening (activity Club) or studiecirkel and talk in Swedish with participants. Here, one learns everyday words and sometimes slang words.
  6. Take the opportunity to talk to teenagers and retired people. You may take topics like technology and gaming to teens and perhaps travel and hobbies to elders. These two set of people have a kind of different way of talking and using words. To give an example, the ‘ba’- language of young adults where ‘ba’ means ‘bara vill säga’ is not usually written anywhere or used in office or formal events. Some old people use words like ‘hustru’ -an another word for ‘fru’ or ‘maka’ (wife) which I do not hear so often.
  7. Keep reading job descriptions on LinkedIn or Arbetsförmedlingen website, even if you are not looking for jobs actively. It is always good to learn and practice words related to your profession.
  8. Feel free to use English words if needed while speaking Swedish. It actually seems like a style here nowadays! I’m sure nobody minds it. Lucky to be in Sweden 🙂 But do check the word and learn from it.
  9. Go to social media groups, blogs or forums and read opinions from different kinds of people living in Sweden. In addition to language, it gives a good insight about the society around us.
  10. Lastly, I would recommend this nice android  app I am using for two years. It is offline Swedish-English dictionary and the best of all I have tried. Works without internet and gives short example of how to use words in different context. Many times it has helped on-the-go while shopping, travelling and even eating at restaurants.

Sounds convincing? Then start using them TODAY! And share if you have more !

About the author

Hej! I am Karishma, an Indian who started the Newbie journey 2 years ago with my husband. Västerås is our new home now. It has been a tremendous learning experience to start a new life from scratch. I want to share my experience and interact with fellow Newbies on this website and also on my blog Swed Lifestyle. I’m lucky to born as creative soul and you will find me doing painting or trying some DIY projects in my spare time.

Mastering the art of fika

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Written by Sara Costa

Fika is much more than just a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. At work, fika is a social event, in which one gets not only to relax and take a break but also to know the colleagues a little better. The art of fika doesn’t rely on the quality of the coffee, as one might think, but instead on the quality of the conversation. In fact, a bad coffee is a very good conversation starter.

As a Newbie is not always easy to blend in and be a part of something that others seem to do so naturally. Especially if the conversation is in Swedish, a language that you might not master yet. Here are some tips that might help, based on my own experience.

Observe the masters

I dare say that every group has at least one fika master, that is someone that can initiate, carry and lead a conversation so well and naturally, that it is never boring to sit around them. Fika masters can turn the most trivial subject into something interesting and worth to discuss. They are usually great story tellers and have good social skills.

Tip: Identify the fika masters and observe them. You will not only improve the art of conversation but also have fun.

Keep it neutral… at first

The themes during a conversation during fika break can vary quite a lot, from trivial everyday life things, like I need to buy a new bag/bike/whatever, to what are your plans for the weekend. As a newbie (not in Sweden but in the group) it will be frowned upon if you start asking personal questions right from the beginning. Instead, keep it neutral until someone asks you a more personal question. This might take a few (or a lot) of fikas, depending on the group, but it will happen.

Tip: You can also show them that you are open to more personal subjects by telling something about yourself without anyone asking. For instance, saying “I saw this movie with my girfriend/boyfriend” instead of just saying “I saw this movie”, will tell your colleagues something about your personal life without actually saying too much. Sometimes that’s the green light they need.

Find conversational themes

A lot can be said during a fika break. Comments about the weather are a good start but they run out quite fast. The best is to engage in a theme in which anyone can and is happy to participate. That theme should be more or less neutral, not related to work and of interest to everyone… That’s a tough one! Actually not. Movies, sports, travelling and current events seem to work pretty well.

Tip: Keep yourself updated on what’s happening in Sweden. Have a look at the news, check how it’s going for the local teams, see which events are about to happen in your city.

Dare, be patient and never give up

I remember my first fika at work. I had just completed the first level of SAS at school and thought I could understand quite a lot and speak reasonably well if given some time to think. The real world proved to be quite different though. The fika room was full of people, many talking simoultaneously, using slang and speaking in different tones and dialects. It was loud and confusing and I felt lost and out of place, but I didn’t give up. I kept going and trying every day. A couple of months after I could not only contribute to the conversation, but I had also improved my conversational swedish more than ever. Nowadays, I still can’t follow every conversation but I can sit comfortably in the fika room without feeling like an alien.

Tip: Remember that listening is also a part of it, so you don’t have to feel forced to participate. Laugh along, smile and be there until you feel like one of them.

Happy fika!

About the Author 
Hej! I’m a Portuguese Newbie in Sweden. I have also lived in Brazil, Poland and the Czech Republic. It’s been fun to be a foreigner in so many different countries and I enjoy learning about other cultures. I’m a fan of sports, some to watch and some to practise, my favourite being running. I also love food, reading and blogging. I hope you enjoy my posts!

Moving To Sweden – Tips For Your Arrival

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We were very lucky, in that Dadda had been in the country for 8 weeks before I and the three children arrived in Sweden.  This was due to the time it took us to find, purchase, and move into a house.  However, if he hadn’t been our “advanced party” a few things may have tripped us up moving to Sweden.  With no children or family logistics to distract him, Dadda was able to get himself sorted out, before the rest of us landed and we needed help.  He sussed out what was needed to be done ready for us.

Photograph: Sonia Cave

Personal Number

You need to make this your top priority when moving to Sweden.  Without it you can’t get a bank account, library card, supermarket membership (even for self scanning), the list goes on….it really is a magic number that is the key to unlocking your life in Sweden.

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen.

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner.

 

Sign up to your course here

Sit Back and Wait

Be prepared for things to take time, from paperwork to home wifi being installed.  Nothing is done in a rush here, and as frustrating as that can seem when you are still waiting for Försäkringskassan to sort out your child benefit payments a year after your move (they prefer to write a letter to you and send it via Swedish snail mail when they hit a snag), you need to accept this pace of life with good grace, and plan for it 🙂

Photograph: Sonia Cave

Don’t Plan To Get Things Done In The Summer

Sweden is on holiday in the summer.  One reason for moving here was the Swedish work/life balance, but when the full force of this hits you during an international move/immigration process, it can be a little frustrating.  Dadda arrived in Sweden in the middle of August.  He needed to make his arrival in Sweden official, settle into a new job, look for a house, and buy one, sort out purchasing a family car…..and everything else that goes along with all that.

However, during the summer months it is very hard to pin anyone down due to the fact that they are a far too busy enjoying the Swedish summer months….fair enough, the summer life is fabulous here, but just don’t try and do your moving to Sweden then 🙂

Be Punctual

We are English, we need to arrive 5 minutes before an appointment time or if we are meeting someone, it is polite.  Or if like me you have three small children to drag out the house, you are always running, stressed, and late!  Either way, that is not Swedish.  There is a time for something and you arrive bang on that time.  We once were viewing a house and had arrived 5 minutes early.

We looked around the property a little confused as to why no one was here from the estate agents.  The, bang on the allotted time, a deluge of cars arrived, both other prospective buyers and the agent arrived on the dot!

Photograph: Sonia Cave

Sign Up For Supermarket Membership

Obviously this is only after you have your personal number!!  See the first point made.  In the UK, you load your shopping onto a lovely long conveyor belt, wait your turn, then pack it up as it is gently passed down the other end, and then you pay.  Moving to Sweden, I suddenly found the whole “packing a weekly food shop up for a family of 5” very stressful.  You can only load a small amount of shopping as the conveyor belt is very short.  Meaning you have to keep loading it on, while it is being whizzed through by the cashier.  You don’t get a chance to pack anything before you must pay.

A barrier goes down so the next persons food goes off to the other side of the packing area.  However, in the blink of an eye, their transaction is done, while your food is still needing to be packed and getting so squished as the conveyor belt is still moving everything to the other end in 1 big pile (handy tip….never put eggs, biscuits, cereal, or milk through first!!).

You now get all hot, sweaty, and stressed as the barrier lifts and the next persons shopping hurtles towards yours……the solution, get a membership. Only by being a member can you self-scan as you go along. Then when you’re done, you just go and pay….no conveyor belts, no grid sprints, no squashed food. It really makes the food shop a lot easier to deal with 🙂

Embrace The Sauna

These delights are everywhere, and you need to leave time to use them.  After going swimming you will head into your changing room (male or female), to be faced with everyone casually sitting in the sauna, drying after their shower…..mind boggling for a reserved Brit!  You will discover them floating in the fjord, so you can leap right into the fresh water afterwards.  You will wander round your little Swedish island discovering them in all shapes and sizes in gardens.

I hope if you’re thinking of moving to Sweden you will find these tips helpful (if you have already moved you may well agree with them).  There is a lot more information over on my website Mamma’s School about our move, and how we find it living here.

Moving to Sweden, living in Sweden, Moving abroad, living abroad, Sweden, www.mammasschool.co.uk
Photograph: Sonia Cave

Written by Sonia Cave

I’m Sonia, Mamma to three (our little lady, 9, and our twin mini men, 5). With Dadda, we’re on our dream adventure having moved from the UK to Sweden in October 2016. We’re happiest in the outdoors. We like playing in nature, climbing trees, and cooking in the great outdoors. We moved to Sweden to bring our children up the Scandinavian way, and to enjoy all things Swedish, especially their ethos of living. You can follow our adventures over on the the blog Mammas School

Sweden – 15 Things I Have Learnt Living Here

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We have lived in Sweden for 1 year now, and throughout that year I have been on a very steep (but happy) learning curve.  I have shared a lot of posts over on my personal blog at Mamma’s School about living here, but today I thought I would share with you the 15 main things I have learnt along the way so far 🙂

Photograph: Sonia Cave

Everything takes time

The Swedes are very laid back and they very rarely hurry.  This might be over a break at work (fika at work is very important), or installing a phone line and wi-fi (I think this took around 3-4 months after we moved in to get sorted out).  So, to avoid frustration, you need to adapt quickly, chill out, and go with the flow….it’ll happen one day.

You can’t buy Marmite or spray furniture polish here

2 of my cupboard staples back in the UK!  Plan in advance and get visitors flying out to see you to bring it (or anything else that you miss, as I realise not everyone is going to miss Marmite and spray polish!), in bulk preferably, whether you need it or not.  Then you can guarantee an ongoing supply.

All food is delicious

Perhaps though, like me, you will be ambushed by the simple concept of the cinnamon bun (kanelbulle).  You will eat your own body weight in cinnamon buns within weeks of arriving here, and you will still want more.

Candy

This is very important here in Sweden, especially on a Saturday (lördagsgodis).  To integrate fully here you need to take a bag at the pick and mix, and fill it every Saturday, without fail.

The seasons are all amazing

However, they can change rapidly – overnight!  One day you will be wearing your shorts, the next day autumn will have arrived, with no gradual run up to it.

Photograph: Sonia Cave

The people are really friendly

They want to help you, and you will need their help too in order to navigate some of the systems in Sweden.  For example, booking a doctor’s appointment or how to repaint your wooden home.  Their advice is priceless.

EVERYONE speaks English

This is good when you are struggling with Swedish, but makes it hard to learn if you are a little lazy.  They speak it very well too, but will apologise for not finding one word in a sentence, when I can’t even remember what I was going to say at all in English!!  They are very good at it.

Google translate will be your best friend

You will have the app on your phone to read parking signs, help with the grocery shopping, and so that you stand a chance at doing your child’s reading homework.  You will use it on your computer to translate all the school emails, and any letters that come your way from various places.

Predictive text will become your enemy

Your phone doesn’t know what on earth you are trying to write, and what language you are trying to type in. Until, that is, it starts memorising Swedish words along the way (no one wants to type out “Försäkringskassan” or “Länsförsäkringar” more than necessary!).

Hard cash is surplus to requirements

(unless you need a trolley – 10 SEK coin, or a swim locker – 10 SEK coin).  EVERYTHING is done either by card or phone.  There is none of this 50p charge for purchases under £5.  If you buy a 1 SEK sweet (about 10p) you don’t need cash.

Hot dogs (korv med bröd)

These are a staple in your diet in Sweden.  Sunny day on the beach?  You make hot dogs.  End of school term?  You meet and cook hot dogs.  The Prime Minister visits the island?  Free hot dogs. You go out on a hike? You cook hot dogs.  You get the idea?!!  You always need an emergency stash in the freezer, it’s saved me from being caught out a few times now!

You need to bulk buy your alcohol

The state run off licences, Systembolaget (the only place you can purchase it), are only in certain places (our nearest is about 20km away) so there is no “just popping out for a bottle of wine”.  They’re also closed a lot, especially at weekends and holidays….so stock up, or as I do, make your own!

Send all your children’s clothes to school (and more!)

They will need standard clothes for the day, they will need outdoor gear (I mean proper stuff, like full sets of waterproofs, or complete snow gear etc).  They WILL be going outdoors – both for play and lessons.  There are dryer cupboards, but it is helpful for them to have complete spare sets too…..and I mean complete…gloves (they get very wet through in the winter, even ski gloves with little people), socks….you get the picture! You will be taking a lot of clothes backwards and forwards, oh and boots!!

Fika

This is very important in Sweden.  It’s a chance to just enjoy each other’s company, but does usually involve coffee and a sweet treat.

Glögg & Pepparkakor

Throughout December it is perfectly fine and normal to drink mulled wine (glögg) and eat thin ginger biscuits (pepparkakor) every day…..perfect, and my idea of a cosy December!!

I hope you have enjoyed these facts, and learning a little more about Sweden 🙂

Sweden - 15 Things I have learnt living here, living in Sweden, moving to sweden, www.mammasschool.co.uk
Photograph: Sonia Cave

 

 

Finding your community in Sweden

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Whether you’ve moved to a new continent, country or city, it always takes a bit of time to adjust and feel at home again. One of the best ways to help integrate and make you feel at peace with your move is to find a community. A community gives you a sense of belonging and purpose that can make you feel comfortable again. The only thing is you sometimes have to get out of your comfort zone to find this community. 

Through Fitness

Exercising is very popular in Sweden, and there are tons of communities that have formed with fitness as the core. You can join a gym and do fitness classes, register for a sports league or find a group of people that are interested in the same kind of exercise or sport as you. You’ll be healthier and active as well, so it’s a 2-for-1 deal with finding a community through fitness.

Interests and Hobbies

You certainly have interests and hobbies, why don’t you try to find other people who share the same interests? People love sharing tips and talking about things they’re interested in, so it’s a natural connection that doesn’t feel forced. Whether you like knitting, photography, board games or gardening, there are people who would love to share these interests with you. There’s a website called Meetup for finding interest groups and you could always look online or on Facebook as well.

Through your Job or Profession

If you’re one of the lucky people who loves your job, find others who are like that too. Some companies organize social events outside of work hours or you could always reach out to your coworkers for an “Afterwork”, which is going out after work for some light refreshments and drinks. In Sweden there are also a lot of unions and organizations for industries and professions. Look around for events or organizations and you could work on your personal development as well.

Events and Festivals

There is always an event happening somewhere. Sometimes they’re huge week-long events organized by the local municipality (kommuner) or sometimes they are by companies or individuals. They could be about music, food, film, culture or anything at all. There’s something for everyone if you just take a look. You can usually find out about events and festivals through billboards, newspapers or online.

Volunteer Your Time

Through donating your time, you can receive good karma and a community to be a part of. Volunteering can be very fulfilling and a great way to meet people. You could volunteer at a not-for-profit organization or even for helping with upcoming events. Find out what’s important to you and find opportunities to help.

Connect Through Language

There is something very connecting about language. If you’re not from Sweden, your native language is probably not Swedish. You can try to find other people who speak your native language and they will probably have some similar experiences to talk about, especially when it comes to language.

If you’re learning Swedish, you could always try to have some study buddies and encourage each other’s progress. You can also find people learning other languages that you’re interested in as well. Many places organization language cafes (spåkcafe) for people to come together and practice.

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. ” -Nelson Mandela

Start your own Community!

If you’ve looked around and couldn’t find what you were looking for… create your own community! Chances are that there are people who have similar interests and ideas and wish someone else would start something. Nothing is stopping you from sharing your passions with the world but yourself. It might be a bit of work trying to create a community but it’s certainly worth the effort.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Good luck finding your community!

Written by Joanne Lau

My name is Joanne and I’m a Canadian Interaction/UX Designer who moved to Sweden at the end of 2016. I’m really enjoying living in Sweden and am borderline obsessed with learning Swedish. When I’m not in sketching, designing or trying out the latest gadget, you’ll find me taking photos, climbing rocks or reading with a cup of tea. You are welcome to visit me over at my blog.

5 Things I wish I knew about Sweden!

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Written by Karishma Desai

Sweden-a country somewhere in the far north, often and easily confused with Switzerland, is not a place people know much about. My knowledge about Sweden improved before coming here as my husband was here a couple of times before we moved. And of-course, I browsed through the internet a lot. However, there are always things one discovers only once you are actually living in the country. An amazing roller-coaster of two years has helped me discover things that I wish I’d known earlier. And I can’t wait to share it with other Newbies!

Knowing English is NOT enough

Swedes are known for their good English skills. Most people understand and speak English, especially young people. It sometimes gets a bit difficult for older people to answer in English but mostly they understand the context. I expected a similar environment at the workplace and was happy to find many international companies here with English as the official language.

This was enough to fuel my motivation to come here without feeling the pressure to learn the local language. I thought of learning at my own pace. However, the bubble burst within the first 3-4 months, as I found out from a recruiter that all companies operating in the local markets demand you know Swedish.

My internship experiences in a multinational company was a testimony of just how important it is to know Swedish.

Most of the meetings were held in Swedish, with occasional clarifications in English for urgent matters related to me.

There are people who can manage without Swedish and get support to work only in English. However, it is highly appreciated if you try to integrate as much as possible.

All your important documents from rental contracts, electricity bill to your pension plans come in Swedish. One can always go to internet sites and use the translator but that is not always a reliable option. Grocery shopping was tough as I could not risk buying something new with ingredients I do not understand.

So, I concluded that completing my Swedish course (Svenska För Invandrare) would be a priority.  Not only getting a certificate, but so that I can use the language in daily life. Knowing English is a big plus, but not enough!

Individualistic approach to finance

My first encounter with a bank was a mix of weirdness and shock.  They wanted a proof of income from the employer, the Employment office – Arbetsförmedlingen or Försäkringskassan – the Social Insurance Agency – in order to open an account. My argument that my husband would support me in this initial phase of our relocation was not enough. They even asked me for a signed contract in that case. For me, this was an example of an extreme individualism practiced in Sweden.

Later, I discovered  how individualistic they are while dealing with their economy. I understood and respect their way of thinking but I surely wish I had known that before.

Using comma as decimal point

It took me a while to understand  that comma (,) and (.) used in decimal number is different than how we do in India. I am not sure how many people have had this issue, but somehow I missed this before coming here.

Comma is used as decimal indicator. It means 100,000 is ‘one hundred’ and 100.000 is ‘one hundred thousand’.

Knowing this in advance would have helped avoiding initial mistakes in my work.

For detailed information of countries using either comma or point as decimal indicator check out this link.

Re-learning names for countries and electronic gadgets

It is one thing to learn the names of animals and vegetables, but re-learning the country names in Swedish was demanding. To be honest, I still do not know all of them. That is true for all European languages.

My surprise reached the new heights when I found that even electronic gadgets are renamed!

Dator (Desktop), Surfplatta (Tablet), bärbar dator (Laptop), Dammsugare (Vacuum cleaner) sounded funny and hard to digest. But I think there will be a time when I will forget the universal names soon; as it is already happening with ‘dammsugare‘.

Monotonous clothing colors

Swedes are known as a reserved people and do not particularly want to be noticed in a crowd. Which is quite opposite to cultures in warm and populated countries. But in Sweden, a usual “uniform” is black pants, black top/t-shirt and black leather jacket.

Black, white and pastel clothing is practiced everywhere and all clothing shops are full with these limited variations. The most different variant will be a brown, wine or bottle green color.

It is a general feeling for many newbies in Sweden that it is hard to find something that suits our style. It is specific for people like me who comes from a vibrant culture. I would have brought more clothes from my country before arriving here if I had known this.

I think this list will get longer as the time passes. If this happens,  I will write another part of this post soon.

 

About the author

Hej! I am Karishma, an Indian who started the Newbie journey 2 years ago with my husband. Västerås is our new home now. It has been a tremendous learning experience to start a new life from scratch. I want to share my experience and interact with fellow Newbies on this website and also on my blog Swed Lifestyle. I’m lucky to born as creative soul and you will find me doing painting or trying some DIY projects in my spare time.

Most common mistakes Newbies make

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Getting used to living in another country can be quite difficult and you might be making some mistakes. Swedes have some “rules” that no one tells you about, but can do wrong many times. Are you doing something wrong? 

Paying in cash

Sweden has the most beautiful banknotes in the world (literally), yet they actually don’t really want you to pay in cash! The irony! Seriously though, try to avoid it. Some bars don’t even accept cash anymore, and cashiers might look a little surprised when you actually try to pay with a 500. Just use your card or use Swish (you need a Swedish bank account for Swish though, but it’s really useful once you have it). Your wallet will be much lighter and you won’t have the awkward moments of coins falling out when you try to reach something else..

Not recycling

I will never forget the look this old lady gave me when I was in Sweden for the first time, just finished my water bottle, and threw it away in a normal trash bin.. Absolute no-go! Always check the bins before you throw your trash away, recycling is really important in Sweden (which is awesome), so don’t be the rude foreigner who doesn’t care..

Small talk ?

Nej tack, Swedes don’t want it! Sure some do, but don’t risk it.. A nice smile and a happy attitude is much nicer to stand next to than someone who tries to talk to you when you’re just waiting for the metro to arrive. Cultural differences! I agree that it might seem a bit distant for people who are used to the very open cultures, but Swedes don’t mean it in a bad way. Just let us do our thing and we let you do yours 🙂

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen. 

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner. 

 

Sign up to your course here

The wonderful world of Systembolaget

One day you will find yourself running dramatically to Systembolaget at 14.55 on a rainy Saturday, I guarantee. If you’re used to just buying alcohol in the supermarket, this will be very different. A rather sad-looking store which tries to make alcohol look as bad as it can, weird opening hours, and you can only buy alcohol when you’re 20.. Remember: when you’re 18, you can buy alcohol in bars and restaurants, but NOT at Systembolaget until you’re 20! Don’t even try it, they’re strict with IDs. Also don’t forget your ID, you really will not get any alcohol if you can’t show it. If you live in Stockholm you’re lucky, but when you go a bit more to the countryside you’ll notice that getting to Systembolaget is pretty difficult. Have a fun party anyways 🙂 Skååål!

Handshake or hug?

After some awkward half-handshake/half-hug encounters, you might wonder what you’re doing wrong! Most of the time, it’s a handshake the first time you meet someone and every time after that it’s a hug. This of course really depends on the person, but for a casual meeting this is the way to go.

Colleague≠ friend

“Hey wanna go for drinks after work?” “uh.. no thanks..?” Ouch!? Work and friendship is something completely different, so don’t take it personal when your colleagues don’t want to go for drinks after work or just hang out. They’re colleagues, not friends! It’s not that no one likes each other, it’s all about balance. Free time is time to not think about work!

Don’t be late or early

If the party starts at 19:00 or you have an appointment, don’t show up at 18:30 or 19:30. Just be there at 19:00, simple as that! It’s not more polite to be early, it’s rather stressful for the one that organises it, and you’re not fashionably late but just a bit annoying.

I think we can all agree that getting used to living in Sweden can be a bit difficult sometimes, but you get used to this faster than you might think! Just do your best 🙂

Written by Lydia Hallie

I’m Lydia, a 19-year-old Dutch girl living in Stockholm. I try to write many helpful posts to help younger people who recently moved to Sweden to get to know the country and how everything works here! 

Productive things to do when you’re bored

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Free time is very important in the Swedish way of living.. but it can also be a bit boring from time to time. What productive things can you do in your free time? Well, many!

Learn Swedish online

Studying Swedish can be really boring… or really fun! There are many websites on which you can study Swedish and actually enjoy doing it, like Memrise, Duolingo and Quizlet. Especially on Quizlet as you can just fill in your own list and play games with that. You can even make your own “class” and have competitions with the other “classmates”, which you can add yourself. So if you want some competition with other newbies, bring it on!

Make Swedish fika food

This is probably the best way to learn about the Swedish culture and language.. reading recipes in Swedish so you can bake all the delicious food! I’m sure you’ve noticed that fika is a big thing in Sweden (luckily), so you can always just use that as an excuse 😉 You can find many recipes here, or here, or even here, and yes here as well! And many many more. If you’ve baked something, post it on Instagram with the hashtag #newbieinsweden to make us jealous!

Watch Swedish movies

While watching Swedish movies, you’ll notice that you get much better at understanding and reading Swedish (if you turn on the subtitles), even though you’re not doing anything at all!  Perfect! I started by watching Disney movies in Swedish, as they’re made for kids so they don’t use difficult words and it’s just relaxing to watch. If you don’t have a Netflix account, you can always browse SVT Play or download the SVT Play app. The famous comedy Kopps is also available on YouTube! If you don’t really want to watch something for that long, you should watch Lucas Simonsson’s videos on youtube or Facebook! 🙂 I recently started watching “Welcome to Sweden” on Netflix, as the episodes are really short it’s great to watch as a quick break, plus it’s about immigrating to Sweden which is perfect!

Visit a museum

If you live near Stockholm, there are many places to visit so you can expand your knowledge about Sweden and its history. Skansen: This is perfect when it’s nice weather! The open air museum shows everything about the history of Sweden, and there is a zoo as well. Vasamuseet: The museum is famous for the Vasa ship, that you can see once you’re in the museum. It’s very overwhelming to see the real ship which had so much influence in Swedish history. Fotografiska: If you’re into art then this museum is definitely a good choice. The museum is much more than just an art exhibition, so check it out!  Nordiska museet: You can find all you want to know about the Nordic history and traditions here! Interested in how life used to be in Scandinavia in the old times? Come and visit!

There are many many more museums in and around Stockholm, but these are the most famous ones. If you feel like newbies should definitely visit another museum as well, let me know in the comments!

Walk around the city and write down the words you don’t know

This is really my go-to option when i’m bored and the weather is nice. Get some exercise done while you’re learning more and more Swedish! It doesn’t matter how good you are at Swedish, you’ll probably always see words that you don’t really know the meaning of. Write them down, repeat them, ask yourself how you would use them in a sentence, and keep on walking!

As you’re looking for words on stores, street names, signs etc. you will find many details you would never have seen when you were just walking to work or friends. It’s great to pay a lot of attention, there are so many beautiful buildings and streets out there.

Read a book in Swedish

This might be pretty hard in the beginning, but don’t give up! Read a book you’ve already read before so you kind of know what it’s about if your Swedish isn’t that good yet. By reading you expand your vocabulary a whole lot, and your grammar will get much better.

Sing along to Swedish artists

I’m a terrible singer, but Veronica Maggio’s Jag kommer and Välkommen in  were stuck in my head all the time so I couldn’t help but sing them all the time (sorry, people around me..). I noticed that the lyrics were much easier to understand, and remembering sentences is very easy when you sing them. Find an artist you like and look up the lyrics 🙂

There are many more things to do of course, but hopefully you got inspired. If you have other tips on how to improve your Swedish on your day off, I would love to know!

Written by Lydia Hallie

I’m Lydia, a 19-year-old Dutch girl living in Stockholm. I try to write many helpful posts to help younger people who recently moved to Sweden to get to know the country and how everything works here!