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Living in Sweden – survival guide
Living in Sweden –
survival guide
Welcome to the School of Business, Economics and Law!
The School of Business, Economics and Law is one of the faculties at the University of Gothenburg, and
is led by a Faculty Board responsible for undergraduate education, postgraduate education and
research. The various activities are organized into five departments: Business Administration,
Economics and Statistics, Law, Human and Economic Geography and Economic History. The School has
also set up a special ‘Partnership Programme’ with companies and administrative bodies, including
interactions such as executive seminars, company presentations, multi-disciplinary research and career
services.
The decentralized structure of the University of Gothenburg gives the School considerable
independence. The School is, for example, solely responsible for its staff and finances and the quality
and development of its programmes. It is led by a dean, currently prof. Per Cramér, and two vice-
deans; prof. Olof Johansson Stenman and prof. Mette Sandoff. In 2011 there were 7500 full-time
students, and the number of teachers was equivalent to 264 full-time employed teachers.
Visiting address Vasagatan 1 Gothenburg, Sweden
Mailing address P.O. Box 602 SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
International Office Is located on campus in L2 Visiting hours: Monday – Thursday 10.00 – 12.30
Curriculum Courses offered in English are presented at www.handels.gu.se/international/courses
STUDIES IN GOTHENBURG
General information about studying in Sweden Visit www.studyinsweden.se
For information about Visa and Resident permits Visit www.migrationsverket.se/info/studera_en.html
Funding You need proof of funding to obtain a student permit/visa. For more information, visit www.studyinsweden.se
Accommodation Housing is handled by the Student Housing Office. Please contact them if you have questions regarding housing. Email: [email protected] http://www.utbildning.gu.se/education/exchange-students/Practical+information/accommodation/
Libraries
The library of the University of Gothenburg consists of
seven separate libraries. The library facilities are open
to everyone; university affiliation is not required.
1. The Central Library (Centralbiblioteket)
Visiting address: Renströmsgatan 4 (next to
Humanisten), ph: 031-786 17 45
2. The Economics Library
Visiting address: Vasagatan 1, A-Building 3rd floor,
Ph: 031-786 14 31
3. The Biomedical Library
Visiting address: Medicinaregatan 4
Ph: 031-786 30 02
4. The Botanical Library
Visiting address: Carl Skottsbergs gata 22 B
Ph: 031-786 25 41
5. The Earth Sciences Library
Visiting address: Guldhedsgatan 5 A
Ph: 031-786 28 30
6. The Education Library
Visiting address: Pedagogen, Utsikten, Västra
Hamngatan 25 Ph: 031-786 23 41
7. Undergraduate and Newspaper Library
Visiting address: Vasagatan 2 A, Ph: 031-786 27 20.
Gothenburg City Library The Gothenburg City Library consists of the Main Library and some 25 branch libraries. For addresses and telephone numbers, contact the main library. Visiting address: Götaplatsen, Ph: 031-368 33 00 Email: [email protected] www.stadsbiblioteket.goteborg.se
IT Services IT Services can assist you in problems related to your student account, printers, copying machines, your e-mail account or the computers in the computer labs. Visit them at Service Center Haga, Tuesdays and Fridays 11.00 – 13.00, or send an email to: [email protected]
Course literature Be prepared to buy your own books. Books are considered quite expensive in Sweden. Some textbooks are available at the student bookshop ‘Handelsboden’ on the 3rd floor of the C building at the School of Business, Economics and Law. Books can also be bought online. It may also be possible to borrow some of the books at the Economics Library and The Undergraduate and Newspaper Library (KTB Kurs- och Tidningsbiblioteket). Some textbooks are also available as e-books.
Academic culture The relation between students and teachers can be described as informal. Students do not use their teachers’ title, and they are also encouraged to ask questions both in and out of the classroom, as well as to comment on things that they disagree with. It is, however, inappropriate to interrupt the teacher or a fellow student when they are talking. The dress code at the University is informal. Most students tend to wear something casual but reasonably smart and the most typical attire would be a pair of jeans or other type of pants and a shirt.
Teaching methods and examination Higher education in Sweden is academic and practically oriented. The education is carried out in various forms, such as lectures, seminars, group work, laboratory work and independent studies, and the grades obtained generally reflect the entire performance in the course, and not only the final examination. Students are expected to put a great deal of individual work into their studies. Attendance in lectures is highly recommended but not always compulsory. Study technique University studies require that you take full responsibility for your studies. Self discipline is a key to success. Put aside enough time to complete assignments; do not wait until the last moment. To maintain what you have already learnt it is recommended to revise and go through the material of the course over and over again. Usually it is not enough for the students to just take notes at the lectures to pass the examinations; the course literature needs to be studied quite thoroughly. Alcohol and drug regulations It is forbidden to attend courses under the
Catering facilities Many students who live nearby the university go home for lunch; others bring their meals to the university; there are microwaves where you can heat your food close to the School’s restaurant. There you can also have daily lunch (“Dagens rätt”) for a reasonable price. “Dagens rätt” is served at most restaurants and is normally offered between 11.00 and 14.00.
influence of narcotics or alcohol. In Sweden it is also illegal to possess or deal drugs. If a student uses drugs, he or she will be expelled from the university and must leave without any academic records. The Swedish laws concerning drinking and driving are also very strict, so it is essential that students take this matter seriously. Smoking is only allowed outdoors, in fact it is prohibited in all public buildings in Sweden and in the student housing.
Examination All courses include examinations that can be written and/or oral. Grades are awarded according to a scale of Fail, Pass and Pass with Distinction. Certain courses only award the grade of Fail or Pass. Examination periods depend on the specific course. Attention should therefore be paid to the schedules. Examination dates and times can also be found in the GUL Portal, you will be given a username and password for logging in by the International Office on the Registration Day. Sign up online through Ladok on Web. The exams usually take place in the examination hall at Viktoriagatan 30 (a five minute walk from the School). You need to bring a valid national ID card or your passport to all examinations, otherwise you will be refused to take the exam.
Examination
The Student Association Each university in Sweden has a Student Association. The Student Association is to act in the interest of the students regarding their education and the matters associated therewith. With the membership card you will receive discount in different shops, on travelling by airplane, train and the local tram, etc. The Student Association Office works as an information centre, where you can get information about everything concerning student life at the University of Gothenburg and the School of Business, Economics and Law. You can read more at www.hhgs.se The HHGS Student Association is located on the 3rd floor of the H building. Visiting hours: Weekdays: 11.00 – 14.00 Ph: 031 - 711 13 83 E-mail: [email protected]
INTU The Student Association has an international division, INTU, who organizes various activities for international exchange students. E-mail [email protected] INTU supports the international students at the School of Business, Economics and Law by provi- ding information, arranging social activities, and integrating them with the Swedish students. INTU also arranges part of the introduction for recently arrived international students. To support the new students, INTU assigns new students a buddy who will be available if they need help to get settled or sort out any problems that they may encounter during their stay in Gothenburg. INTU is a non-profit organization that is conduc- ted on voluntary basis by dedicated students, with the principal aim to work in the interest of the international students at the School.
MEDICAL CARE AND SOCIAL WELFARE
Health Care Centres In the case of illness, you can turn to the Student Health Centre or to a regular Health Care Centre (Vårdcentral). Some are listed under “Useful addresses” at the end of this booklet. At some Health Care Centres you will reach an answering machine and you will be asked to leave your phone number and later they will call you back. Wait by the phone for them to call back. You may be able to get an appointment on the same day. If you need to see a general practitioner, there is a fee, and if you need a specialist, the fee will be higher. It is also possible to get medical attention from a private doctor, although the costs may be somewhat higher and might not be covered by the agreement. If you do not have insurance, the medical care in Sweden is very expensive; one night in a hospital costs around SEK 1,000 but usually more. For all visits to medical or dental care units, international students need to bring a copy of their insurance policy and their passport for identification. Students from an EU or EEA country must also bring their European Health Insurance Card.
There is also a Medical Information Service, a municipal 24-hour telephone advice line offering free medical information and consultation. Ph: 0771-70 31 50 or the national short number 1177. In case of an emergency, always dial 112. You can also visit the emergency ward (akutmottagning) at the University Hospital (Sahlgrenska). Remember that you should only visit the hospital in case of an emergency.
Pharmacies Pharmacies in Sweden offers prescription drugs, simple patent remedies and hygiene products. Pharmacies are usually open 9.00 - 18.00 on weekdays, and a few hours on Saturdays as well. Most are closed on Sundays. There are a few pharmacies with longer hours: Apotek Hjärtat, Götgatan 12, Nordstan (8.00 - 22.00 every day) Apoteket Smörblomman, Östra sjukhuset, (Mon – Fri 9.00 – 22.00 and Sat - Sun 11.00 – 22.00) Some grocery stores also sell pain killers and similar, you have to buy them over the counter at the checkout. Dental Care It might be a good idea to have a check-up at your dentist before leaving for Sweden. Should you still need to consult a dentist here, go to your nearest public dental clinic, Folktandvården. The one closest to the School of Business, Economics and Law is Folktandvården Västra Götaland Gibraltar at Gibraltargatan 1 C, ph: +46 (0)31 7413300. Dental care is not covered by the same government subsidies as medical care, and hence a visit to the dentist may become quite expensive depending on the type of treatment needed. There are also private dentists. Make sure your insurance covers dental care as well. If you are in urgent need of dental care, call the Emergency Dental Care for an appointment, ph: 031-80 78 00
LIVING IN GOTHENBURG Gothenburg is located at the mouth of the Göta Älv river on the west coast of Sweden and is the second largest city in Sweden, with 930 000 inhabitants living in the metropolitan area. Despite the northerly location, the climate is relatively mild thanks to the temperate Gulf Stream. The city has always served as a major port, and for many years shipbuilding was one of its most important industries. Today, areas historically used for shipbuilding are being transformed into modern residential neighborhoods. Gothenburg furthermore maintains its long-term position as the city that supplies the world with Volvo cars and SKF ball bearings. Gothenburg is known for its lovely parks together with its coastline, waterways and the ferries linking the many offshore islands. The city’s cultural activities suit most tastes in music, dance, art and theatre. The opera house is located in the harbour area in the centre of the city, while the concert hall, the city theatre, the city library and the art museum can be found at the top of Avenyn, the main street of the city. There is always plenty to do and see - sports events, concerts, annual trade fairs and much more. For more information visit www.goteborg.com Fysiken Fysiken has two student fitness centres offering a wide range of activities: Aerobics, ball sports, dancing, weight lifting, massage, outdoor pursuits etc. Using the facilities requires a student membership card that can be purchased at Fysiken.
Tourist Information At the Gothenburg Tourist Office. There you will find detailed information about places of interest, exhibitions, museums, theatres, concerts etc., in and around Gothenburg. Gothenburg Tourist Office Kungsportsplatsen 2 Ph: 031-61 25 00 Website: www.goteborg.com (in English) E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Kaserntorget 11A, floor 6-7 (tram stop Domkyrkan) Ph: 031-10 69 50, Website: www.fysiken.nu
Post Office Because of reorganization during recent years, the Swedish post offices have been relocated to petrol stations, supermarkets, kiosks and other places of business, where you can send and pick up mail and parcels. Look for the blue and yellow sign above or by the entrance of outlets providing this service. You can also buy stamps and conduct most other errands at these outlets, many of which stay open late in the evening and on weekends. Yellow post boxes are for national and international letters and blue for regional letters.
For information about public transport services in
Gothenburg and the surrounding area, please
contact Tidpunkten (0771-41 43 00), or visit them
at Nils Ericson terminalen, Brunnsparken or
Drottningtorget. They are open all days of the
week except the office at Brunnsparken, which is
closed on Sundays. An excellent timetable service
is available at www.vasttrafik.se (select English
version).
most machines accept both credit cards or coins. Tram and bus tickets may also be purchased via mobile phones.
Banks If you wish to open a bank account you will need to have a Swedish personal identity number, your passport and your Letter of Acceptance. If you are only staying for one semester there is usually no need to open a bank account. Normal opening hours are Monday – Friday 10.00 - 15.00/18.00. Public Transport Public transportation, including buses, trains, and airplane services are usually extensive all over Sweden. Gothenburg has two international airports: Landvetter Airport, which is the main airport and Gothenburg City Airport in Säve. There are special airport buses between the airports and central parts of Gothenburg. For more information: www.landvetter.lfv.se www.goteborgcityairport.se On trams and busses, tickets can no longer be purchased from the driver. Instead, you use a monthly ticket, a discount card or the ticket machine onboard,
Discount cards A period card/monthly card (periodkort/månadskort) suits the regular traveller, while a discount card may be more appropriate if you travel only a few times per week. If you have a Swedish sim card you can also buy a ticket by sending a text message to the number 72450 with the text GV, in return you will receive an SMS receipt which acts as your ticket for the journey. This is the SMS you must show to the drivers/ticket inspectors.
LIVING IN SWEDEN
Sweden has nine million five hundred thousand inhabitants, of which nearly two million live in and around the capital, Stockholm. Constitution
Facts Capital: Stockholm Language: Swedish Population: 9,5 million Currency: 1 krona=100 öre Area: 450,000 km² (174,000 sq mi) Political system: Parliamentary Democracy
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, in which King Carl XVI Gustaf is head of state, but royal power has long been limited to official and ceremonial functions. The nation’s legislature is the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag), with 349 members. 47 per cent of the Parliament’s elected members are women. After the 2006 election, twelve years of Social Democratic government ended when the four Alliance parties – the Conservatives, Liberals, Centre and Christian Democrats – formed a government. The Social Democrats, who ruled Sweden for most of the 20th century, are in opposition along with the Left Party and the Green Party. Language The Nordic languages Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Icelandic are closely related. Finnish, on the other hand, is not a Germanic language, and is completely different. English is taught as a compulsory second language in Swedish schools. Foreign TV-programmes and most films (except children’s movies) are subtitled in Swedish and are not dubbed. Tourists from Great Britain or the US may be surprised at the number of anglicises in use.
Nature The country is characterized by its long coastlines, large forests and numerous lakes. Half of the land surface is covered with forest and less than 10% is farmland. The distance from north to south is 1,600 km, incorporating a fairly wide spectrum of climate zones and diverse nature. Sweden’s archipelagos are world famous and the west coast is unique by its naked rocks and islands. The Swedish countryside is open to everyone, based on the Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten). You are allowed to walk, jog, cycle or ski through forests and countryside and across other people’s land, provided that you don’t cause any damage. Everyone has the right to swim, travel by boat on somebody else’s waters or to pick wild flowers, mushrooms, berries etc. You may even pitch a tent for one night, without special permission.
Religion One of the ties that link the Nordic countries together is a common religion. The Swedish situation is special, since the Church of Sweden, very early became a part of the central administration. Gradually, however, the church has been separated from the state and in 1999 it gained its full independence. Before the separation, children born in Sweden automatically became members of the national church. The fact that the Church of Sweden has many members does not mean that the average person goes to church every Sunday, or has a personal Christian belief. As a matter of fact, only a few per cent of the population regularly attend church services.
Population Sweden has a population of 9 million people. More than one third of the population lives in the three largest cities Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The central and southern parts of Sweden are the most densely populated. However, as the area of Sweden is large, the overall density is only 54 inhabitants per square mile (18 per km2).
Climate The warm Gulf Stream gives Sweden a milder climate than other areas this far north. The temperature variations between the southern and northern parts of Sweden are slight during the summer but greater during the winter. Gothenburg has a typical costal climate and winters are milder than in most parts of the country. Snowfall is irregular and it rains quite a lot. In July, the warmest month, Gothenburg has an average temperature of +14°C to +21°C and in February, the coldest month, the average is between -4°C to +1°C . In Sweden, the seasons are very distinct from one another. Summer is characterised by the light nights, whereas winter brings daylight only 7–8 hours in our region. Currency The Swedish krona is denoted by the currency symbol SEK. One krona is equal to 100 öre. Bank notes are available in denominations of 20, 50,
Time
Sweden is on Central European Time (CET),
GMT+1. Daylight savings time applies from the
last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in
October.
Driving in Sweden In Sweden, the legal driving age is 18 and you are expected to have your driver’s license with you when driving. EU residents may use their car – with a valid foreign license plate – in Sweden for one year, and temporarily be exempted from road and car tax. For students from other countries the time is shorter. Read more at www.vv.se/english Emergency In case of an emergency, dial 112, and ask for an ambulance, the fire brigade, the police or a doctor on call. You will be asked ”What has happened?”, “Where has this happened?” and ”From which number are you calling?”. Emergency calls from payphones are free of charge. Electricity The main electricity in Sweden is 220 volts and 50Hz. You may need a transformer and/or adapter for your electrical appliances. Swedish News If you want to keep yourself updated on what is
happening in Sweden, www.thelocal.se is a
useful site offering Swedish news in English. You
can also listen to Swedish news in English,
German, and certain other languages at
www.sr.se/international
100, 500 and 1000 kronor, coins in 1, 5 and 10 kronor. All major credit cards are widely accepted. Please note that you always need a valid identification when paying with a bank card.
Telecommunication To set up a landline telephone subscription, foreigners must pay a deposit, the sum is refunded on departure from Sweden. Please note that if you call Sweden from abroad you should drop the first zero in the area code. The area code for Gothenburg is 031, which you would use before the phone number when calling from anywhere else in Sweden but Gothenburg.
SWEDISH TRADITIONS
Sweden has a lot of traditions with ancient roots, many of them closely associated with the changing of seasons. Fettisdagen, was traditionally celebrated before lent started. Lent or no lent, however, Swedes still like eating their “semla” in February – a bun filled with cream and almond paste. For Easter (Påsk) children dress up as Easter witches in long skirts, headscarves and red-painted cheeks. They go from house to house with self-made Easter cards, hoping to get sweets in return. Walpurgis Eve (Valborgsmässoafton) is always celebrated on 30 April. Swedes welcome spring by lighting bonfires and listening to choral singing. Labour Day, 1 May, is a national holiday in Sweden. Workers get together for rallies and speeches, often joined by marching orchestras.
The National Day (Nationaldagen) is celebrated on 6 June, which is a national holiday. With no wars in mind, the celebration is, however, quite moderate among the Swedes. Midsummer (Midsommar) is one of the longest days of the year. People gather, often in the countryside, to pick flowers and put together a may pole to dance around. The typical menu features pickled herring, boiled new potatoes, sour cream and chives and strawberries. A crayfish party in August is mandatory for most Swedes. The parties are supposed to be held outside on a warm August evening, with colored paper lanterns lighting up the table. Crayfish are eaten with bread, cheese, beer and schnapps. Surströmming (sour herring) is a traditional food that Swedes either love or hate, mostly because of the smell of rotten fish. But a well-prepared fermented herring doesn’t taste the way it smells. All Saints’ Day (Alla Helgons Dag) at the end of October is a day for remembrance. People light candles at family graves and the lit up cemeteries are usually beautiful in the dark October night. Advent is a countdown for Christmas and also a way of escaping the darkness of the season. On the first Sunday, people light the first candle in the Advent candlestick. Each Sunday until Christmas, a candle is lit, until all four candles are alight. You can also see electric candles and stars in the windows of most households. Lucia on 13 December is one of the most beloved holidays. Early in the morning Lucia and her maids, all dressed in long white robes, holding candles, form a singing procession. Christmas songs are sung and the people that are watching drink warm “glögg” and eat saffronflavoured buns called “lussekatter”. Christmas (Jul) is celebrated on 24 December. A big meal with a pork ham as a centerpiece is served and Christmas gifts are opened in the evening.
CULTURAL SPECIALITIES
Be on time. Both at work/school and in the social life, Swedes are punctual (most of the time). It is considered impolite to keep someone waiting. Pay for yourself. When in a restaurant or a pub it is customary that each person in a party pays for their consumption. This habit is probably due to the comparatively high cost of eating/drinking out. Remain in a queue/line. Whenever you are waiting for something, a cinema, to pay in a shop etc., you are expected to wait in a proper queue/line. Many institutions, e.g. banks and post offices use a system of ”queuing tickets”. When your number is shown on the screen, it is your turn. Keep talking... Some foreigners complain that it is difficult to meet Swedes socially, and we have to admit that this may be true – to some degree. We might seem a bit reserved, but usually it is only shyness or a certain fear of imposing on the newcomer. If you do not give up but show that you are interested in making friends you will discover that we are a warm and friendly people.
...But listen too. When talking, Swedes do not like to be interrupted. When you speak, people are normally interested in what you have to say and listen, so do not forget to listen to them. Also, Swedes generally like to keep some physical space between themselves and the person they are talking to. No smoking. Smoking is not allowed in public buildings, and even in other places it is considered polite to check with the people in your party if it is all right to smoke. If you are in somebody’s home it is customary to go outside to smoke. Take off your shoes. Swedes take off their shoes indoors. Remember to leave your shoes at the door when you visit a Swedish friend! Shake hands. When meeting people in a group or on their own, Swedes shake hands with everybody before joining in the conversation. However, it is less formal within a group of friends.
USEFUL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS In Case of Emergency Ambulance, Police, Fire Brigade 112 Health Care Student Health Center 031-10 69 70 Kaserntorget 11b Axessakuten (24-hour service) 031-725 0000 Södra Allégatan 6 Website : www.capioaxessakuten.se/goteborg Medical information: (24-hour telephone advice line) Ph: 0771-70 31 50 or the national short number 1177. Dental Care Student Clinic 031-786 38 88 Medicinaregatan 12B [email protected] Emergency Dentist 031-80 78 00
Health Care Centres (Vårdcentral): Gibraltagatan Gibraltargatan 1C, Gothenburg: 031-708 19 00 Haga-Annedal Södra Allégatan 6, Gothenburg: 031-725 00 75 Slottsskogen Vegagatan 55, Gothenburg: 031-345 05 80 Spinnaren Gamlestadsvägen 4, Gothenburg: 031-345 07 00 Carlanderska Carlandersplatsen, Gothenburg: 031- 81 80 00 Läkarhuset Södra Vägen 27, Gothenburg: 031-81 09 00 Capio Lundby Sjukhus Wieselgrensplatsen 2A, Gothenburg: 031-65 70 00
Other Exchange Student Services (ESS) 031-786 1086/5337 Police 11414 Tax Office 0771-56 75 67 Östra Hamngatan 16 www.skattverket.se The Swedish Institute www.si.se/english www.studyinsweden.se SJ (Swedish Railways) 0771-75 75 75 www.sj.se/english Some useful websites: Gothenburg Concert Hall www.gso.se At Ticnet, www.ticnet.se, you can find and book tickets for entertainment, culture and sports. Universeum www.universeum.se Paddan Sightseeing www.paddan.se
Swedish Migration Board 0771-23 52 35 Vestagatan 2 A, Gothenburg www.migrationsverket.se University Priest 031-731 61 77 HHGS Student Association Office 031-711 13 83 E-mail: [email protected] www.hhgs.se Gothenburg Tourist Office Kungsportsplatsen 2 411 10 Gothenburg 031-61 25 00 www.goteborg.com E-mail: [email protected] Gothenburg Opera House www.opera.se Museum of World Culture www.varldskulturmuseet.se Liseberg amusement park www.liseberg.se
