What to Pack #
Luggage #
Please refer to your airline’s luggage requirements and restrictions. Most students bring one or two pieces of luggage.
We strongly recommend that you bring everything you need in your luggage. Shipping packages to Sweden from the US (or any other non-EU country) is expensive, slow, and requires importation paperwork. Students who receive packages will be fully responsible for the associated paperwork and costs, including customs fees and taxes. For more information, see Mail & Packages.
Please bring only what you can carry yourself. Keep in mind that your apartment has limited space for luggage storage and the Program is not able to store student luggage. Heed the advice of previous students: less is more!
Clothing #
Please pack clothing, outerwear, and shoes suitable for Stockholm’s weather. We also suggest packing swimwear, an overnight bag for weekend trips, and a nice outfit for the occasional formal event such as student banquets.
Be prepared for some rain, snow, and ice. If you plan to pursue winter sports or hike during the colder months, or if you’re joining the optional Arctic Circle trip, you’ll need a good base layer of thermal underwear (i.e., leggings and a long-sleeved top). Avoid cotton and instead opt for synthetic materials or wool. And don’t forget warm socks, preferably in wool.
Of course, you can purchase clothing and outerwear in Stockholm if needed.
Toiletries #
Students are responsible for bringing or purchasing their own toiletries and grooming products. These items can, of course, be purchased in Stockholm. Please be aware that some brands that are available in the US are not available in Sweden.
Laptop #
We strongly recommend bringing a laptop computer. The Stockholm School of Economics has very limited computer facilities.
Mobile Phone #
Students must provide staff with a working phone number where they can be reached during the semester. Students can either arrange an international plan from their current service provider before arriving in Stockholm, or purchase a Swedish SIM card and phone plan upon arrival. The Swedish Program will reimburse students up to 100 SEK for a Swedish SIM card. For more information, see Mobile Phone Service.
Adapters and Converters #
You will need an outlet adapter to use appliances or chargers from the United States. If your appliance is not suitable for a voltage of at least 220 V, you will also need a voltage adapter. The voltage is typically listed on the appliance itself, its power cord, or in the owner’s manual. We recommend purchasing adapters at an electronics store before departure.
Hair dryers and kitchen appliances are provided in our apartments. Please note that we provide hair dryers because they are very high-wattage appliances and thus require high-wattage converters unless they are specifically designed for international use. Attempting to use a non-compatible hair dryer without the proper converter can permanently damage your hair dryer and can cause a blown fuse and/or a power outage in your apartment.
Debit and Credit Cards #
Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Sweden. Students are generally able to use their existing bank cards for purchases or to withdraw cash from ATMs in Stockholm. This eliminates the need to bring a large sum of cash to exchange. In fact, many shops and restaurants in Stockholm have gone cashless and accept card payment only. Visa and Mastercard are the preferred credit cards, while American Express is fairly common but not accepted everywhere.
Cards with a security chip for international use and pin code are strongly preferred and will make your transactions quicker and easier. If you do not have a card with a chip and pin code, you will need to show your ID and sign for all card purchases. Before departure, please contact your card provider to arrange a card with a chip and pin code, report your travel plans, and discuss any applicable foreign transaction or withdrawal fees.
Identification #
Bring your passport and at least one other form of photo ID. We recommend leaving one photocopy of your passport ID page with your family and bringing one photocopy abroad to be stored in a safe place (separate from your passport) in case of loss or theft. For more information, see Identification.