Getting started as a doctoral student
Once you have arrived in Gothenburg, there are several practical steps to complete during your first weeks. Below you will find an overview of what to arrange and where to turn for further information.
Register in Sweden
If you are staying in Sweden for one year or more, you must register in the Swedish Population Register through the Swedish Tax Agency. After registration, you will receive a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), which is required for many services in Sweden.
If you are staying for less than one year, your host department may apply for a coordination number (samordningsnummer) on your behalf.
Access to university systems
As a doctoral student, you will receive access to university systems, Staff Portal and Doctoral Portal through your x-account. Once your x-account is active, you can order your GU card and collect it at a Servicecenter. The GU card functions as an access card, library card and printing card.
Servicecenter provides support with accounts, transcripts and general university services.
Banking and digital identification
If you plan to work and receive salary in Sweden, it is recommended to open a Swedish bank account. The University is not affiliated with any specific bank, so you will need to research which bank to open an account with.
To access many digital services in Sweden, you may need a digital identification such as BankID. Digital identification is used for secure logins and electronic signatures.
Healthcare in Sweden
Sweden has a tax-funded healthcare system. If you are registered in the Swedish Population Register, you are entitled to healthcare under the same conditions as other residents.
If you are staying for less than one year you are generally covered for emergency care, by the University's insurance for foreign visitors. Contact your host department for more information.
For medical advice, you can contact 1177, which provide guidance and information about healthcare services. Before seeking healthcare, make sure you understand which insurances apply to you.
Practical matters
Activities and information sessions hosted by the University
Building a professional and social network is an important part of your doctoral journey. Welcome Services at International Centre regularly arranges excursions, social events, lectures, seminars, workshops and other activities for international researchers, faculty, staff and PhD students. Below are some examples of events.
The complete calendar with upcoming events and information sessions is available in the Staff Portal - login needed.
Community and networking
Building professional and social networks is an important part of your doctoral journey. In addition to university-based activities, several regional initiatives support international researchers and doctoral students in establishing themselves in Gothenburg and the surrounding region.
Unimeet Gothenburg
Unimeet Gothenburg creates activities, meeting places and networking opportunities for international students and researchers. They offer social and cultural events, networking days with industry etc.
Move to Gothenburg
Move to Gothenburg aims to attract and welcome skilled internationals to the region. The platform provides practical information for those planning to move here, as well as on-site support for those already living in Gothenburg.
International House Gothenburg
International House offers open desk services, career support service, webinars, courses and social activities for all internationals. They also provide practical support and information to help you establish yourself in the region.