• Information for exchange students
• Information for researchers
• International Office Staff

Incoming exchange students

Information for nominated students

So, you've decided to come to Uppsala University and you have been nominated by your home university. Congratulations! But what next? Follow the easy guide below.

• How do I apply?
• What about accommodation?
• What happens after I have applied?
• Learning Swedish
• I would like a buddy
• What should I do on arrival?
• Where is the International Office
• I would like to find out more about student life in Uppsala
• I would like to find out more about the city of Uppsala

How do I apply?

After you have been nominated by your home university it is time to get started filling in application forms! All applications must have arrived at Uppsala University by the following deadlines:

• 30 April for the coming autumn semester
• 15 October for the coming spring semester

Now that you are aware of the deadlines (don't forget to allow time for your co-ordinator to sign the documents, and time for the postal service) please proceed to our applications webpage.

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Accommodation

All exchange students are guaranteed accommodation, given of course that your form is filled in correctly and received in time. At Uppsala University there are no halls of residences, colleges or other forms of "university housing". All rooms that students live in are regular rooms owned by a variety of different housing companies. These rooms are adminstered by the Housing Office. The Housing Office has a detailed website explaining all you might need to know about housing in Uppsala (and a lot more!).

Find out more about housing at the Housing Office's website.

If you are not a formal exchange student then you are unfortunately not able to get housing via the Housing Office. You can however find some information about finding accommodation at the Student Union's website.

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After you have applied: What happens next?

After your home university has signed your application and sent all the relevant documents to Uppsala University, your contact person at the University will then judge whether to accept your application. Remember, your contact person will be at the department if you have a departmental agreement, or it will be at the International Office if you have a general (or central) agreement. Your transcript of results and course proposal will be sent to the various departments involved so that they can determine if you are qualified to study the subjects you have chosen, and if there is place in the course for you. When we can see that you are academically qualified to study here we will issue your acceptance letter and a whole host of other information about Uppsala and your time here. This process may take some time.

EU/EES citizens do not need a visa to stay in Sweden. You will however have to obtain a residence permit on your arrival. Find out more about the Registration of Right of Residence. You will also have to show that you have a valid medical insurance. Remember that the European Health Care Card can only be obtained from your land of permanent residence - you cannot organise this after your arrival in Sweden.

All other citizens will need to obtain a visa to stay in Sweden. To apply for a visa you will need your Acceptance Letter and amongst other things proof that you can support yourself financially for your stay in Sweden. The current amount needed is SEK 7,300 per month. See the Migration Board's homepage for more information about visas.

You can find out more information about the cost of living and a feasible budget in the International Student Guide.

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Swedish courses

This is a quick review of the information contained in the section for prospective students. All exchange students have the chance to study a course in basic Swedish. A course worth 7.5 ECTS runs every semester. This course is part time and designed to be taken parallel with your regular studies. Application takes place on arrival. For those of you arriving in the autumn there is the possibility of taking a one month intensive Swedish language course. Information about courses in Swedish can be found on the application page.

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Buddies

Many students are interested in having a buddy to help them settle into their new Swedish life. The Uppsala Student Union runs a buddy program open to all international students. For more information about the buddy program, including application and deadlines, please see the Student Union's webpage.

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Arrival

The International Student Guide is packed with all sorts of information you might need about your stay in Uppsala. Download the International Student Guide (pdf 872kb). Note: An updated version will be posted shortly.

Before your arrival the Housing Office will send you a confirmation about where you will be living and a document called "Important Arrival Information". For those of you who like to plan things well in advance there are a number of things you can consider.

Many of you may choose to arrive by plane directly to Arlanda (Stockholm) airport. Arlanda is in fact closer to Uppsala than it is to Stockholm, and you have the choice of taking a 20 minute train journey, a 30 minute taxi ride or a 40 minute bus journey. Follow the links below for more information:

1. You can take the train, known as "Upptåget"
2. You can take a taxi. Uppsala Taxioffer a set price for the journey between Uppsala and the airport. Their website will also give you the chance to try out Google Translate if your Swedish skills are a little lacking.
3. You can catch the Airport Bus

It is always a good thing to keep your contact person informed about when you expect to arrive in Uppsala. The first thing you should do is go and meet your contact person and get your "Welcome Package" (which contains all sorts of information). You should then sort out your housing (you will have received instructions from the Housing Office about where you can collect your key and sign your contract). Assuming you have come during the regular arrival period you will be able to take part in the Orientation Week. Don't forget that we work regular office hours at the University, and some departments may have restricted opening hours. This is especially important should you arrive in the summer, as many Swedes take long summer holidays and it can be difficult to contact people.

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The International Office

During semester time the International Office is open Monday - Friday 10-12 and Monday - Thursday 16-17. During the summer we have reduced opening hours and during the arrival period we may have additional opening hours. See the staff page for more information.

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Student life

Uppsala is reknowned for its student life. Many of the traditions at Uppsala can trace their origin to the 17th century. There are many different organisations you can join at Uppsala, however much student activity is centred around the so called "Student Nations". Here are some links to get you started in your exploration of Uppsala's student life:

• International Students Guide (pdf)
• Uppsala Student Union
• United Nations of Uppsala
• "Nationsguiden" - the unofficial guide to activities at the nations

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Uppsala

Uppsala is a city with a rich history, and with much more too offer than many students see during their stay here. One of the best sources of inspiration for finding out more about Uppsala is the Uppsala Tourism Information Centre.

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Is there something you would like to know that we have missed in this guide? Contact the webmaster with your suggestions on interoff(at)uadm.uu.se

 

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