kth royal institute of technology

Handbook for International Students An Introduction to and Studies at KTH

Welcome to KTH As Sweden’s premier technical and one of the leading centres of research in Europe, kth is proud to welcome you to . Situated on a beautiful, historically protected campus in the centre of the city, it is an ideal place to pursue your studies. kth is Sweden's most prestigious technical university, it is also the country's oldest and largest. With world-class facilities the university offers a wide range of programmes and the most inter­ nationally diverse student body of any technical university in the country. From classes with leading experts in their fields to the vibrant atmosphere of Stockholm, kth has something to offer students from around the world.

Taking the Next Step As you prepare for your studies, the questions you face may seem endless. Where do I go when I arrive? What do I need to know about residence permits, health insurance or student ­services? And who should I contact for more information? With this handbook as your guide, we aim to answer these and other questions to help make your transition abroad as smooth and informed as possible. Also, we have included a checklist to help guide you through the necessary steps you need to take before departure. So take a moment to get acquainted with life at kth. We hope that you are excited about joining us in Stockholm, and we look forward to meeting you soon. Content Sweden 4 Living and Studying in Sweden 8 Arrival at KTH 11 Map of KTH Campuses 13 Studying at KTH 15 Student Services 17 Accommodation 19 Student Union and Student Life 20 Useful Information A–Z 22 Checklist – Before Arrival 25 Useful Links 27 Contacts for International Students 28 A Word From the President Before you jump into the details of kth student life found in this handbook, I want to welcome you to this exciting new chapter in your life. kth is dedicated to bringing the best intellects, facilities and environment together to not only ensure an excellent , but to also contribute global innovations in every area of academia and research we offer. You will be part of this exciting lineage and your potential is limitless. This may also be a new country or city for you, so we want you to feel at home in Stockholm and at kth. Every year we work to ensure that new students have the best support system possible, helping them to acclimatise to their new environment. Inside this handbook you will fnd answers to many of the practical questions you may have, but if you still need support please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are here to help. Enjoy this unique opportunity to pursue knowledge and expe- rience in one of the best and cities in Europe. It is our belief that together, the world’s challenges and adversities can be overcome with new ideas and those willing to implement them. Join us in shaping the future.

Welcome to kth!

Peter Gudmundson, President at kth Sweden

Sweden is often described in terms years in upper . of contrasts; innovative modernity Around one third of young people in and historical tradition, high tech- Sweden go on to at nology and magnificent natural a university or college. Tuition is free settings, rationality and beauty, of charge at all levels of the compul- land and water. Sweden is also sory, upper secondary school and known for its multinational brands, higher education system for such as IKEA, Ericsson, Volvo and and citizens of EU/EEA countries and H&M as well as cultural brands like Switzerland. Private schools and col- ABBA, Stieg Larsson, Astrid Lindgren, leges are few in number and gener- Ingmar Bergman and many more. ally receive government grants. You can read more about life in From the 2011/2012 academic ­Sweden at: www.sweden.se year, students from countries out- side the EU/EEA and Switzerland Facts and Figures about Sweden must pay tuition and application • 9.8 million inhabitants fees for higher education in Sweden. • 500 000 square kilometres • Member of the EU since 1995 Climate • Currency: 1 krona (SEK) = 100 öre Influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, • Constitution: Constitutional mon- the Swedish climate is milder than archy, parliamentary democracy you might expect at this latitude. • Parliament: The , with In the summer it can be hot and 349 members in one chamber dry with temperatures reaching up • Head of State: King Carl XVI Gustaf to 30° Celsius as well as down to • Head of Government: Prime 15°C. The differences between the Minister southern and northern regions are considerable. Education in Sweden Northern Sweden is covered by Compulsory schooling in Sweden snow in wintertime, with tempera- lasts for nine years, followed by three tures down to –30°C, while winter in

4 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 5 southern Sweden does not always Stockholm’s city centre is made up mean snow nor temperatures of 14 islands connected by bridges. below zero. In summer time the The city’s unique location means north of Sweden enjoys the mid- that water is always close by. This night sun – a phenomenon which offers spectacular views and out- means that the sun never sets in standing activities, such as fishing, June/July, with constant daylight swimming, sailing or ice-skating in as a consequence. the heart of the city or the sur- rounding archipelago. The exten- Average Midday Temperatures sive archipelago is often described in Stockholm: as a unique natural experience as Winter: Dec–Mar, –5 to 2° Celsius it has more than 24.000 islands Spring: Apr–May, 8 to 14° Celsius of which only 150 are inhabited Summer: June–Aug, 18 to 24° Celsius throughout the year. Autumn: Sept–Nov, 5 to 15° Celsius Traditions and Holidays Stockholm Holidays in Sweden are both reli- Stockholm is the capital of Sweden gious and secular. Many of them with over two million inhabitants date back to the time when Sweden in the greater Stockholm area. It is was primarily an agricultural society. located between Lake Mälaren and Below are some examples of major the Baltic Sea and is characterised holidays celebrated in Sweden. by an innovative atmosphere and a bust­ling city life. Easter The capital contains the heart of Easter is primarily a family holiday. Swedish commercial and business Children dress up as “Easter life. Financial services, IT, biomedi- witches” and pay visits to their cine, environmental technology and neighbours asking for sweets. Good the rapidly increasing “experience Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter industry” (media, design, music, Monday are national holidays. etc.) are among Stockholm’s most prominent industries today. Walpurgis Eve The city also provides a full range On the evening of April 30, Swedes of events within culture and sports. welcome spring by lighting bonfires

6 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS and listening to choirs singing tradi- the KTH Main Library, the Student tional songs. Speeches are delivered Union or elsewhere on campus. to greet the arrival of spring. Christmas Midsummer Even before Christianity was intro- Late in June when days are at their duced in Sweden, there was a longest, Midsummer is celebrated. winter solstice cele­bration. Today This is one of the biggest, and cer- Christmas is an important holiday. tainly most popular, Swedish holi- Most people are off work or school days. In the afternoon the maypole for at least one or two weeks. The is raised and people dance around peak of the celebration is 24 Decem­ it. The menu offers pickled herring, ber when families eat traditional new potatoes and strawberries. food, gather around the Christmas According to tradition, unmarried tree and children wait for Santa girls pick seven different kinds of Claus to bring Christmas presents. flowers, put them under their pillows and dream of their husband-to-be. New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve, 31 December, is Crayfish Season celebrated either at home or with The frst Wednesday in August friends. traditionally marks the beginning of the crayfishing season. This is Daylight Saving celebrated with outdoor parties Like most countries in Europe, illuminated by colourful lanterns Sweden temporarily adjusts time to where silly hats are worn. enjoy longer daylight hours during the summer period. Lucia Winter time: the clock is adjusted St Lucia was an Italian saint whose backward one hour on the last memorial day is celebrated in Sunday in October. Summer time: Sweden on 13 December. Lucia is the clock is adjusted forward one supposed to bring light in the dark- hour on the last Sunday in March. est period of the year. If you happen to be up early, there is a good chance of seeing a Lucia parade at

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 7 Living and Studying in Sweden

Residence Permit EU/EEA/Nordic/Swiss citizens Non EU/EEA citizens Students from EU/EEA or Nordic Students from outside the EU/EEA countries may study in Sweden require a residence permit to study without a residence permit. Swiss in Sweden. The authority respon­ students must apply for a residence sible for issuing residence permits permit upon arrival to Sweden. is the Swedish Migration Agency, Migrations­verket. Apply for a resi- Work in Sweden dence permit for studies online at: International students are allowed www.migrationsverket.se to work in Sweden during their If you are required to pay tuition period of study. No additional work fees you should pay the invoice permit is needed. However, please before applying for a residence be aware that it is diffcult to fnd permit as your application will not a part-time job in Stockholm, espe- be processed until your payment cially if you do not speak Swedish. is cleared. Personal Identity Number Extension of Permit International students who will stay A residence permit for studies is in Sweden for more than 12 months granted for maximum 13 months at a can be registered in the Swedish time. If you will be staying in Sweden population register and obtain a for more than 12 months you need to personal identity number. You must apply for an extension before your be enrolled at a Swedish university permit expires. You cannot obtain to apply. The issuing agency is the a permit for longer than your pass- Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket. port's period of validity so make sure The personal identity number is to extend your passport if necessary. widely used for everyday purposes

8 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS and obtaining this will facilitate about insurance coverage at: contact with companies, organisa- www.kth.se/newatkth tions and authorities in Sweden. EU citizens should try to obtain the Health Care EU health insurance card from their The Swedish health care system is social insurance offce as this is a fnanced by a social insurance that requirement to register in Sweden. provides all citizens with subsidised health care through the govern- Recommended Insurance ment. There are both public and It is very important that all interna- private providers of health care. tional students have comprehen- Depending on the length of your sive insurance coverage for their studies and citizenship different entire stay in Sweden. regulations apply to public . Dental care is not A comprehensive insurance fully subsidised and is therefore should include: ­relatively expensive in Sweden. As • Medical care such, it's a good idea to have a full • Dental care dental check-up before you leave • Personal injury (accidents) your home country. You can read • Personal possessions (luggage, etc.) more about health care in Sweden • Liability cover (in the event that at: www.kth.se/newatkth you are subject to a damage claim, e.g. cause of fre in apartment) European Health Insurance Card • Legal expenses cover (if you need EU/EEA citizens should bring the to make a damage claim) European Health Insurance Card • Home transportation (in case (EHIC) which is issued by the social of serious injury) insurance offce in their home country. The card entitles students Please take time to fnd out how you to health care in Sweden at the are insured and if you have additional standard patient fee. Bring the coverage through KTH. All above card every time you need to seek mentioned components should medical care. be covered. You can read more

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 9 Public Transportation Mobile Phone Services Public transportation is easy to use There are several companies on the in Stockholm, and in Sweden in gen- market that provide mobile phone eral. Stockholm Public Transport, SL, services such as prepaid refll cards provides travel by commuter train, or mobile phone plans. It is well metro, bus, tram and boat, through- worth comparing their offers to out the greater Stockholm area. To fnd one that best suits your needs. use public transportation you need Please note that not all mobile an electronic travel card charged phones are compatible with the with 30 or 90 days. This will provide European mobile phone network. you with unlimited travel within the greater Stockholm area and this is Cost of Living by far the easiest and cheapest way Depending on costs for housing, to get around. Find more informa- food and leisure a typical minimum tion about routes, tickets and prices student budget for one month in at: www.sl.se/en Stockholm could be (all costs in SEK): • Food: 2.000 Bank and Cash • Accommodation: 2.500–6.200 The Swedish currency is the krona • Local travel: 560 (SEK). Sweden does not use the Euro • Telephone/internet: 300 currency. You should not carry large • Insurance/medical care: 300 amounts of cash or personal • Hobby/leisure: 1.100 cheques from abroad into Sweden. Total: SEK 6.760–10.460 We strongly recommend that you bring a VISA/Mastercard to ensure Meals at a self-service restaurant access to existing bank accounts. cost approximately SEK 65–100. The Having access to a Swedish bank student restaurants at KTH offer account during your stay in Sweden meals at reasonable prices. Many can be convenient for paying bills students bring their own food that and receiving incomes, etc. However, can be heated in microwave ovens requirements may vary at different provided on campus premises. More banks. All banks charge a fee for information on the cost of living: their services and without a www.studyinsweden.se/life-in-sweden Swedish personal identity number the offered services are limited.

10 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Arrival at KTH

The main campus at KTH is called adjust to life in Stockholm, prepare KTH Campus and this is where them for their studies at KTH and central student services are located. provide them with essential infor- Most new students will need to mation about Sweden. For more go to KTH Campus either to pick up details about the introduction pro- their key for accommodation or to gramme see www.kth.se/newatkth get other essential information. Go to www.kth.se/newatkth to Programme/School Activities fnd directions under Maps and Introduction activities may also addresses. be arranged by your KTH school or programme at the beginning Arrival Services of the semester. The international/ Arrival services are provided programme coordinator will be to facilitate­ a smooth arrival your key academic contact during for international students. Free your studies and will be able to shuttle buses are offered to Stock­ help you with any academic con- holm's international students on cerns you might have. You will certain days at the beginning of receive information about the the semester. Before planning school or programme activities your arrival be sure to check the from your coordinator before the up­dated information on the start of your studies. Arrival and Introduction pages at www.kth.se/newatkth How to Get to KTH KTH is spread out over four cam- Introduction Programme puses in the Stockholm region. All new international students at From the Central Station in KTH are encouraged to participate Stockholm and the adjacent metro in the introduction programme hub, T-Centralen, you have easy at the beginning of the semester. access to all KTH Campuses. The introduction programme is T-Centralen is the heart of the intended to help new students Stockholm transport network

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 1 1 and connects long-distance and KTH Campus commuter trains, metro, buses KTH Campus, the main campus and taxis. at KTH, is just 5 minutes away by metro from T-Centralen and the From the Airports Central Station. There are many ways to travel Take the red line towards from Stockholm International Mörby Centrum and get off at the Airport, Arlanda, to the city of station Tekniska Högskolan. Follow Stockholm. Read about the free the signs towards Tekniska Hög­ shuttle bus (Arrival Services) above. skolan and KTH. The airport transfer buses depart every 10–15 minutes outside the KTH Kista arrival hall at Arlanda to City­ Metro: Take the blue line from terminalen, adjacent to the T-Centralen towards Akalla and get Stockholm Central Station. The off at the station Kista. The trip high speed train, Arlanda Express, takes about 20 minutes. departs every 15 minutes to Stockholm Central Station and KTH Flemingsberg takes about 20 minutes. Commuter train: From T-Centralen Certain airlines arrive at Skavsta towards Södertälje. Get off at the Airport. The airport transfer bus station Flemingsberg. The trip takes takes about 80 minutes to about 20 minutes. Stockholm Central Station. KTH Södertälje Commuter train: From T-Centralen towards Södertälje. Get off at the station Södertälje Centrum. The trip takes about 45 minutes.

12 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Map of KTH Campuses

Commuter Train Metro Station Station • KTH Campuses

• KTH Kista

• KTH Campus T-Centralen •

CITY OF STOCKHOLM

• KTH Flemingsberg

• KTH Södertälje

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 1 3 14 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Studying at KTH

The academic year consists of 40 to the workload of one full-time weeks divided into two semesters, academic year, normally 1500–1800 each consisting of two study peri- hours. ods. Each study period comprises of circa seven weeks of scheduled The grading scale ranges from A ­tuition, such as lectures or labora- (excellent) to F/FX (fail). tory work, followed­ by about one A = excellent week of examinations. For architec- B = very good ture students the semesters are not C = good divided into study or examination D = satisfactory periods. Be aware that the course E = sufficient dates may vary and that compulsory attendance is decided by the profes- A distinction is made between the sor. Please take this into account grades FX and F that are used for when planning potential travels. unsuccessful examinations. FX means: “fail – some more work Academic Calendar required to pass” and F means: See www.kth.se/en/student, section “fail – considerable further work Timetables for specifc information required”. No overall grade is given about the academic calendar. for a degree and students are not ranked. Credits and Grades KTH uses a system of credits Examinations where one week of full time study Examinations are normally taken (40 hours including lectures, indi- at the end of each study period. vidual studies, etc.) is equivalent to Cour­ses may include written and/or 1,5 credit. One academic year equals oral examinations. Exercises and 60 credits. Swedish credits may be laboratory work may also form part compared to European ECTS credits, of examinations. If you fail your first in which 60 ECTS credits correspond exam there are re-examination

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 1 5 periods throughout the academic SWELL Open is an online Swedish year. Bring your KTH student identi­ elementary distance course which fication card and your passport or is open to all international students other valid photo ID to the exam. at KTH. The course has no limited Cheating on exams is strictly participation or application dead- forbidden at Swedish universities. line and does not generate any Any student who is caught cheating academic credits. or disrupting academic activities may be suspended from lectures­ Pre-sessional Course in English and exams. This course prepares students for their studies at KTH with lessons Additional Courses and seminars in effective study skills Students that are liable to pay a and English for academic purposes. tuition fee will have to pay addi- For further details, please visit: tional fees for courses that are not www.kth.se/presessionalenglish included in their degree, language courses included. Visit our web Additional Language Support to read FAQ about tuition fees: On the KTH Language and www.kth.se/en/student/studentliv Communication website you will fnd more information about Language Courses language courses, language cafés Courses in Swedish and other activities connected An introductory course in Swedish with learning a language: language and culture will be offered www.kth.se/en/language to all inter­national Master’s stu- dents who are starting their studies at KTH in the autumn semester.

16 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Student Services

KTH provides a full range of support study counsellor, who works on a and service for our students. Below more general basis, or through the is a summary of what we can offer study counsellor connected to each during your studies at KTH. specifc programme. All contacts with study counsellors or pro- KTH Entré gramme coordinators are confden- KTH Entré is the central meeting tial. For more information regarding point and service desk on campus. student counselling at KTH see: Here you will get help fnding your www.kth.se/en/student way around KTH, help acquiring ­offcial transcripts and support with KTH Accommodation IT-related issues. Visit KTH Entré if KTH Accommodation offers accom- you do not know where to turn or modation to tuition-paying and who to contact at KTH, or simply scholarship holding degree stu- want a place to meet friends over a dents and exchange students when coffee or study project. possible. Read more on page 19.

Support for International Students KTH Libraries KTH provides a number of services There are several libraries on the to help facilitate your transition various campuses of KTH. The library when moving to Sweden. If you at KTH Campus is called KTHB Main have questions about residence per- Library. In addition to a large selec- mit, banking options, insurance, the tion of books, scientifc journals and Swedish health care system or any databases, the KTHB Main Library other concern related to settling in also offers services such as study Swedish society contact Informa­ spaces, computers, group study tion & Service at: [email protected] rooms and a café, which has made it a popular meeting spot for students. Study Counselling at KTH KTH Kista and KTH Södertälje have KTH provides qualifed study coun- local libraries. selling either through a central

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 1 7 IT-Services books. For more information, con- Wi-Fi networks, Eduroam and KTH tact the coordinator for students Open, are available in most places with disabilities: [email protected] at KTH’s campuses for anyone with a valid KTH account. KTH Campus Student Health Service offers a network in public areas; lec- The student health service at ture rooms, student areas etc. There Avonova provides counselling and are both wired (outlets) and wireless help for physical, psychological or connections available. The network social problems related to your is also implemented in KTH Kista studies. The staff is bound by pro- and KTH Söder­tälje. KTH IT-Support fessional confdentiality and their can help with technical support and services are free of charge to all troubleshooting. KTH students.

Academic Resource Center Faith and Contemplation KTH’s Academic Resource Centre The student chaplain is available (ARC) supports students seeking to for people of all faiths, if you want develop their skills in academic writ- someone to talk to or if you have ing and information retrieval, as queries regarding religious matters. well as providing career coaching, There are spiritual rooms avail- mentor programmes and advice on able for prayer and meditation on improving your study skills. ARC also KTH Campus and KTH Kista. You can regularly arranges lunch seminars fnd more information about reli- and workshops on related topics. gious meeting places in Stockholm at: www.kth.se/en/student, under Studying with a Disability Student support and student life. KTH works actively to make studies available for students with disabili- KTH Emergency Number ties and to ensure that these stu- If there is a security issue at KTH dents are provided with the support call the KTH emergency number they are entitled to. Examples of 08-790 77 00. The emergency such support include extended time number is staffed 24 hours a day. for written exams and availability of help to take notes and audio

18 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Service for Tuition-paying scholarship, Erasmus Mundus and Students and Scholarship Holders EIT students and Study Abroad (SAP) Additional service is offered to students enrolled in studies of at tuition-paying students, including least 30 credits. Read more at: non-EU/EEA degree-seeking stu- www.kth.se/en/studies/master/kth/ dents, students holding a KTH or SI fees-funding

Accommodation

The shortage of student accommo- KTH Accommodation dation in Stockholm is a prominent Tuition-paying Students and problem and the wait is generally Scholarship Holders long. Subletting a fat or room is a KTH Accommodation guarantees common way for students to accommodation for students on arrange housing on a short-term joint Master's programmes and basis. There are a number of web- degree-seeking students who pay sites available where private sublets tuition fees or students holding a are announced (see www.kth.se/ tuition fee waiver or scholarship. accommodation for current list). Updated information about the However, the demand for student application for KTH Accommodation housing is high especially in the can be found at: www.kth.se/ beginning of the semester so start accommodation your search early. Some groups of students are Exchange Students guaranteed accommodation KTH Accommodation cannot guar- through KTH Accommo­dation, antee exchange students housing please read more below. but provides them with housing to the extent possible. Updated infor- mation about the application for KTH Accommo­dation can be found at: www.kth.se/accommodation

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 1 9 Students from EU/EEA to KTH. Please see www.kth.se/ KTH Accommodation cannot pro- accommodation for information on vide accommodation for degree- alternative ways to fnd housing in seeking students from the EU/EEA. Stockholm and how to join the Students are advised to look for Stockholm Foundation for Student housing on their own before arrival Housing (SSSB) queue.

Student Union and Student Life

Most universities and colleges in THS is one of Sweden’s oldest stu- Sweden have very strong and active dent unions and has 112 years of student unions. The student union experience in working for students’ at KTH is called THS, Tekniska Hög­ rights and high quality education skolans Studentkår, and it has three at KTH. THS business and industry main objectives: a c t i v i ­­ties offer skill development • T o ensure that everyday life as a and networking, and boast one of KTH student is trouble-free and the biggest business and industry rewarding fairs in the student world – THS • To monitor and improve the Armada. THS is based in its main quality of education at KTH building Nymble, and with the • T o serve as a platform to con- big city across the street THS is a nect students with business hub for student life in Stockholm. and industry, while offering skill Visit www.ths.kth.se and follow development and professional facebook.com/ths.kth for all things networking student life!

20 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS THS International as well as career services are THS International is a part of THS organised by BEST every year. aimed to make it easier for interna- Visit BEST’s website to see their tional students to meet other stu- upcoming events and how to join: dents and get acquainted with THS, www.beststockholm.se KTH and Stockholm. During the introduction week, social and Outdoor Life ­cultural activities, such as campus Although KTH Campus is located in tours, town visits, movie nights, central Stockholm, it is next to the dinners, parties and trips will be National City Park – a large green organized. Read more at: area with substantial natural and www.kth.se/introprogramme cultural resources. The Swedish Law of Public Access to nature gives the Student Clubs and Associations right to roam in the Swedish coun- There are a large number of student tryside as long as respect is shown clubs and associations at KTH and for crops and wildlife. You are enti- THS. Some examples are the KTH tled to walk, jog, ski, picnic or cycle Football Club, Platoon DJ’s and in any of Sweden and Stockholm’s Gaytek. many parks and forests. Stockholm offers many places where you can BEST Stockholm go swimming in Lake Mälaren or the BEST (Board of European Students of Baltic Sea, near the city centre or the Technology) Stockholm is a student- surrounding archipelago. driven, non-proft organisation If you like to spend time outdoors based at KTH. The aim of BEST is to we encourage you to explore the develop an international mind-set excellent opportunities for recrea- among KTH students, by reaching a tional activities in and around the better understanding of European capital city. For more tips about what cultures, and to develop capacities to do outdoors, in Stockholm or else- to work in an international environ- where in Sweden, visit the web of ment with the fnal purpose of the Swedish Tourist Association: fnding the best job opportunities. www.swedishtouristassociation.com Various courses, educational events, training days, competitions

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 2 1 Sports, Gym and Fitness badminton, tennis, weight training, At KTH Campus you will fnd a group ftness and more on Stock­ sports facility, KTH-Hallen, which holm Univer­sity's campus. Various offers a fully equipped gym, ftness types of memberships and student classes, cycling and sports such as discounts are available. basketball, foorball, badminton, SSIF is a sports association for etc. Students may buy membership students in Stockholm. They offer at a reduced price. More informa- a wide variety of activities at rea- tion: www.kth-hallen.se/en sonable prices at various locations Near the main campus there is around the city. For example; an indoor swimming pool called martial arts, racket sports, dance GIH-badet. classes, kayaking, fencing and acro- Frescatihallen is a gym and sports batics. Read more and sign up: hall that offers halls for ball games, www.stockholmsstudentersif.se

Useful Information A–Z

Culture Centre Dates The Culture Centre, Kulturhuset, The most common way of writing continuosly offers a variety of activ- dates in Sweden is year, month, day ities such as theatre performances, i.e. 2016-05-14 or simply 160514, exhibitions, films, lectures, etc. meaning 14 May 2016. It is also Many of the services are free of possible to write 14/5 2016. charge. There is also a library with a variety of books, magazines, movies Driving and music. More information: Sweden, like most European www.kulturhusetstadsteatern.se countries, has right-hand traffic. International students with a

22 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS foreign driver’s license may use it something on the metro, commuter in Sweden for up to one year. train or bus, contact SL, Lost property. If you loose valueables, contact Electricity the City Police Station to report the The main electricity type in Sweden item(s). is 230 volts and 50 cycles (Hz). As many international sockets differ Narcotics from the continental European, an All types of illegal drugs are strictly adapter may be needed for electri- forbidden in Sweden. There are cal appliances. severe penalties against using or selling illegal substances. Driving Emergency under the influence of narcotics or For emergency assistance from alcohol is prohibited by law. police, ambulance or fre depart- ment, dial 112 (free of charge). Police In case of emergency, dial 112. Household Items The national number to the police Bed linen, kitchen ware, etc. can is 114 14. This number applies to all be bought at reasonable prices at non-urgent cases. IKEA, or at one of the many second- hand stores in Stockholm such as Post Myrorna or Stadsmissionen. On There are no conventional post weekdays buses depart from offices in Sweden. Instead you can Stockholm Central Station bound drop your stamped envelopes in the for IKEA. The IKEA bus is free of blue or yellow post boxes found charge. Light bulbs and other small around the city. The blue box is for items can be bought reasonably local mail and the yellow box for priced at stores such as Clas Ohlson domestic/international mail. Parcel and ÖoB. and postage service is available in convenience stores and supermar- Lost and Found kets that carry the Swedish postal KTH Campus’ lost and found is situ- service sign. If you have received a ated at KTH Entré. If you have left parcel, a dispatch note is sent to you

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 2 3 from the store where you can Tap Water pick up your parcel. Stamps can be Tap water in Sweden is of good purchased in most supermarkets quality and safe to drink. It is often and convenience stores. available free of charge at cafés and restaurants. Public Libraries The Stockholm Main Public Library, Tourist Information Stadsbiblio­teket, is located close The Stockholm Tourist Center is to KTH Campus. There are many located opposite the Central Station. local public libraries through­- Brochures, guidebooks, souvenirs out the city so there might be and maps of popular attractions and a library just around the corner­ sightseeing spots such as Skansen, from where you live. Check here: Vasamuseet, Gröna Lund, Kultur­ www.biblioteket.stockholm.se/en huset, etc. can all be found here. The International Library is part Youth hostels can be booked at of the Stockholm Public Library and the Stockholm Tourist Center or via is situated near the Main Public their web. If you need a youth hostel Library. The International Library has before coming to Stockholm, please 200 000 books in more than 100 book a room as soon as possible languages and is a multi-cultural before arrival. More information: meeting place for everyone inter- www.visitstockholm.com/en ested in language and literature: www.interbib.se/en Å, Ä, Ö The Royal Library is the national No, these are not printing errors. library and is situated in the park They are simply the three last Humlegården. One copy of every ­letters in the Swedish alphabet book and magazine ever published and three of the nine vowels in in Sweden is kept here for reference the Swedish language. purposes: www.kb.se/english

24 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Checklist – Before Arrival

Make sure that these practical mat- What to Bring ters have been properly arranged • Your passport before leaving for Sweden: • Your proof of residence permit • National passport or ID-card valid • AVISA /Mastercard to access your for the duration of your stay national bank account • Apply for residence permit if you • The welcome letter from your are not from the EU/EEA KTH coordinator • If applicable, pay your frst install- • Address and directions to KTH ment of the tuition fee. Please see and/or your accommodation in the tuition fee invoice to fnd the Stockholm deadline for payment. The invoice • Your mobile phone, if compatible will be sent to you by e-mail with the European network • Make sure you have comprehen- sive insurance coverage

Accommodation • Start your search for housing in Stockholm • If applicable, apply for housing through KTH Accommodation • Register in the SSSB student housing queue

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 2 5 26 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Useful Links www.kth.se/newatkth www.sweden.se KTH webpages for new interna- General information on Sweden. tional students. www.visitstockholm.com www.kth.se/en/student Official website of the Stockholm KTH student web. Visitor’s Board. www.kth.se/entre www.sl.se/en Central meeting point and Stockholm Public Transport SL. service desk on campus. translate.google.com www.ths.kth.se/international Free translation service by Google. Student Union at KTH. www.blogs.sweden.se/students www.kth.se/studentblogs Blogs for personal insights and International students share their perspectives on life and studies ­experiences from KTH. in Sweden. www.facebook.com/ www.sssb.se/en KTHinternational Register on the waiting list of SSSB, Facebook page that provides the Stockholm student housing insights to studies and student life association. at KTH and in Stockholm, Sweden. embassy.goabroad.com www.twitter.com/KTHuniversity For a list of foreign embassies and Twitter page that provides insight ­consulates in Stockholm. to studies and student life at KTH. www.studyinsweden.se The Swedish Institute’s information bank on studies in Sweden.

HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • 2 7 Contacts for International Students

Programme Coordinators KTH Accommodation Each programme at KTH has a des- [email protected] ignated coordinator who is the pri- mary contact person for students Student Service and Support regarding any academic or study- [email protected] related matters. Contact details for each Degree programme can be KTH International Study Advisor found at: www.kth.se/en/studies [email protected]

Exchange Students Each KTH School has an Inter­ national Coordinator for their exchange students. They are the primary contact persons for any academic or study-related matters you might have. Contact details can be found at: www.kth.se/newatkth

28 • HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Production: University Administration, KTH and Klirr Stockholm. Print: Elanders, January 2016. Photo: Emilia Bergmark Jiménez, Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se, Jann Lipka. www.kth.se/en