Preparing for your studies  

Some programmes have a lot of timetabled studying, some include one or several periods of work placement, while others consist of a few lectures a week, with the student being free to dispose of the rest of the time as they wish. Whether your education has a lot of timetabled studying or not, it is up to you whether you succeed in your studies or not.

Tips for a sustainable student life 

In the freedom that your studies give you, it’s good to think about what sort of person you are. Are you a person who enjoys deciding what to do with your time?  Or are you someone who needs a strict schedule? Whatever kind of person you are, a few tips for a sustainable student life might come in useful: 

• Manage your studies like a job!
  Between 8:00 and 17:00 every day, take yourself to a designated place, such as the library or a study place on campus. This is especially helpful for those who otherwise have a tendency to study too much, and for those who postpone their studies until the last second. You rarely have the energy to be fully focused for a whole day, but if you have been in place and worked every day, there is a greater chance that you will succeed in your studies.  
• Talk to other people in your class
  Maybe you can form a study group?  
• Make contact with students in different semesters
  Often, students in higher years have found ways to structure their studies and it can help you talk to someone who has experience of a good structure for your particular studies.
• Find an environment favourable to studying
  Regardless of which institute of higher education you study at, it is important that you find a place to study that helps you focus on your studies.  
• Schedule time for recovery
  Schedule some time for breaks, rest and activities in addition to studying. Recovery also needs time! 

Work-life balance 

Sometimes it can seem difficult to find a balance between your studies and all the other things you want to do: leisure activities, exercise, recovery, relationships, rest, experiences... Of course, for shorter periods you may need to put extra focus on your studies, for example during exam periods, and postpone other things. But neglecting the rest of your life during your study years will lead to mental ill-health and poorer performance. Studies are usually full-time, 40 hours a week, but that also means that there should be time for other things in life as well. 

Your studies can pave the way for the rest of your life 

For many, this stage of life means the chance to meet new people, opportunities to get involved in activities outside of studies and the chance to build new networks. Many students assert that studying can also be one of the richest times in life, where studies are interspersed with voluntary commitments that bring lifelong friendships. Many alumni also say that their involvement in student life helped rather than hindered their studies and careers. For example, involvement in student nations and the unions can help you establish contacts with many former students from your programme who can provide tips and advice.  

As a new student, it’s important for you to think about how you want to look back on your study time and what is important to you. 

New student in Sweden 

If you are a new student, you have a lot to look forward to. You will hopefully meet new friends and have many new experiences. At the same time, it’s important to remember that moving to a new country can be a big change. 

Like any change, it can cause uncertainty and worry. It’s normal to feel lost and confused at first. To come to terms with this and make yourself feel more at home, try to get to know your city and your surroundings better. Try to create routines in your new life. For example, sign up for a gym class, take a tour around the city, get plants or decorate to make your accommodation feel more like home. 

Being an international student 

For many international students, studying at a Swedish higher education institute involves an academic adjustment. In Sweden, there is generally more focus on the process and the application of information than on facts compared to many other countries. This often means that you are expected to actively participate in seminars by expressing your opinion. Relationships to professors are also not as formal as you might be used to. Don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions and remember that you are at university to learn. 

Group work is another phenomenon that is very common in Sweden. This requires you to collaborate, communicate about the content of the work and, if necessary, solve problems that arise together with others. Remember that academic difficulties are common, especially when you are adapting to a new culture, system, and environment. These difficulties may entail missing an exam, getting behind in your studies or having difficulty understanding the English course literature. 

Strategies for your studies 

Another recommendation is to plan at the beginning of the semester when you will study and when you will have leisure time. To stay healthy and perform well in your studies in the long term, you need to have enough time for recovery. Take short breaks during the day and take time for longer rest in the evenings and at weekends. What helps you recover and recharge is very individual. It might involve reading a book, listening to music, spending time with friends or training. Do things that make you feel good and give you more energy. 

Living in Sweden 

Living in a new country with a different culture can also present other challenges. Everything from buying a bus ticket to opening a bank account can be a struggle. Try to be curious and get to know your new country and the people who live here with an open mind. 

As you probably know, Sweden is a country where it gets cold and dark in winter. Make sure you buy both warm clothes and good shoes to keep you warm, and that you spend time out in the daylight whenever you can.