So your flight to Sweden is booked, your classes start in a few weeks, you have received your student visa, now its time to pack!
Packing for a semester/year abroad may seem overwhelming or impossible. Usually there are so many things you want to bring and such a small space to fit everything. The key is to bring the most important things and buy the extras when you arrive.
The great thing about Sweden is there are many second hand shops where you can find what you need for very cheap. Everything from clothes, to furniture to kitchen appliances can be bought at second hand shops like Myrona. And of course for another cheap option, there is always IKEA!
Try keeping a list a few weeks before you leave and whenever you think of something write it down. While most people suggest packing weeks in advance, I am more of a night before packer. I prefer a growing pile of things I don’t want to forget in the corner with a last minute cramming of everything into a rolling suitcase.
Packing for Sweden can be easy! Photo By: Mararie (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Here are some things to make sure you don’t forget before you leave for Sweden:
- clothes especially for the cold (seriously, Sweden is COLD);
- camera, share your stories with people from home;
- favorite DVDs, easy to pack and give you something to do on a rainy day;
- alarm clock (don’t want to miss your first class);
- pictures, to decorate the empty walls;
- Some goodies from home (tub of peanut butter, marmite, kraft dinner etc…), Is there something you can’t live without? Might seem like a waste of space, but it’s the crazy things you crave when living in another country;
- Passport/registration papers/ important contact numbers. Might sound obvious, but super important;
- converters, if you want to plug in or charge anything (otherwise just buy a hair dryer or cell phone when you arrive);
- money, you need enough to get you by until you can open a bank account and transfer money;
- prescription medicine, stock up before you leave;
- student id card, always good to have to get some extra student discounts;
- some fancy clothes (suit or dress for the nation gasques);
- another empty bag if possible (there is lots of great shopping).
And of course, before you leave, make sure to check the weight allowances of your flight and use a scale for your luggage. The cost for extra weight is extremely expensive. Also, remember a carry on with a change of clothes just in case your luggage is lost for a few days.
Try not to stress when packing up your life because anything you forget you can buy when you get here. So just get here already!
There is always IKEA to fill up your dorm room and pick up anything else you need! Photo By: Kalleboo (CC BY 2.0)
