It is the student’s responsibility to find accommodation. However, some universities/municipalities (see list below) guarantee incoming international students an accommodation upon arrival (sometimes, a one-time fee has to be paid for this service). Read more on the universities’ websites and navigate to “Accommodation”.
Monthly rent varies from 2500-4000 SEK for dorm room (i.e., student residence hall with shared kitchen and bathroom with 3-4 other students, sometimes bathrooms are not shared) to 3500-7000 SEK for not-shared apartment (ok to have spouse, friends or family members). How much you pay for rent depends on the city, location, size, standard, and type of housing.
Note that there are dedicated student housing options and “ordinary” housing options to choose from. The student accommodations are in principle easier to get (shorter que time), and utilities and internet are included in most cases. In some cases, you are allowed to keep the apartment during summer with free rent. Make sure to check the details of your contract before signing.
Some landlords utilize a que system, while others do not.
Second-hand contracts are also possible, suitable as a temporary solution (see e.g., FaceBook and search for groups for your selected city or Blocket.se). Make sure to follow guidelines to avoid getting scammed.
Ask for the landlord’s full name, address, and personal identity number. Confirm that this information is correct.
Search for the address online to see if it exists.
Search for the landlord’s name and email online to check for reviews or warnings.
Don’t send money before you’ve seen the apartment, signed a contract and have gained access.
The availability differs (the list below classifies the cities in three colors depending on the situation, data is from last year and is subject to change). Generally, it’s easier to find housing in smaller cities. However, living outside of the cities and commuting is also a convenient option as public transportation in Sweden is very well-arranged.
In general, living standards are high compared to India.
Home/house insurance is often required (around 70-100 SEK/month), make sure to ask the landlord about their policy.
Green – rather easy, most guarantees accommodation for incoming students
Borlänge
Borås
Eskilstuna
Falun
Gävle
Jönköping
Kalmar
Karlshamn
Karlstad
Kristianstad
Norrköping
Piteå
Skellefteå
Sundsvall
Trollhättan
Västerås
Örnsköldsvik
Östersund
Yellow – some waiting time unless you have looked for accommodation long in advance
