The availability of accommodation varies considerably from place to place. Usually, there is plenty of accommodation available at schools located in smaller and middle-sized cities or towns. Unfortunately, the situation is more difficult in the larger cities, especially in Stockholm and Göteborg, and in the traditional student cities of Lund and Uppsala. Often, the number of students exceeds the number of rooms that universities and university colleges have on offer and waiting times are long. However, there are alternatives.

 In addition to contacting your student union, you can also try contacting student housing providers directly. Associations and companies that provide student housing have set up a website for locating local housing providers. 

You can rent a flat in the private market. Though usually more expensive, it is a viable option for some students. It is not uncommon for students to share a bigger flat with several rooms. You may also be able to rent a single room privately. Other sources of information are local newspapers and message boards at your university.

Whether provided by student unions or by third parties, accommodation catering expressly for students is often the preferred option, however. Student flats or rooms tend to be less expensive than private alternatives; they give you a chance to meet fellow students and participate in social activities, and they are often close to lecture halls, libraries and other facilities.

Depending on availability, you can choose to live by yourself or in a shared student flat where you will have your own room but share a bathroom/toilet. Flats can be furnished or unfurnished.

 

Student dormitories:
Most students prefer to live in a student dormitory. This can be an enjoyable experience. It gives students from all over the world an opportunity to get to know each other and make friends.

But it can also be demanding. Students living in the same corridor may have very different cultural backgrounds, different habits and ideas about how to do things. Most dormitories have 10-15 single rooms in each corridor. A kitchen is shared by 4-15 students. Female and male students live in the same corridor. Often there is also a communal television room.

Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and the communal kitchen. Although rooms are let with basic furniture, there are no blankets, pillows, sheets, towels or light bulbs.

Some utensils may be available in the communal kitchen but you will usually have to bring your own plates, cutlery, pots and pans, etc. Some student unions rent these. Most student housing areas have laundrettes. There is a booking list and a small fee is payable for the use of a washing machine. Rent for accommodation must be paid in advance.

For universities located in smaller towns, accommodation prices ranged from 2,000 kr. to 3,000 kr. for a room. For universities located in medium-sized towns, accommodation prices ranged from 2,200 kr. to 3,300 kr. for a room. For universities located in cities, accomodation prices ranged from 2,400 kr. to 3,400 kr. for a room. ( Note that 1 SEK equals around NRs.10.00)

To find out the precise availability and prices for student accommodation, contact the student union at your university or University College.