Getting started as a 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. You can start the application before you arrive.
Once you are in Sweden you must visit a Swedish state service centre for an identity check. After registration, you will receive a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), which is required for many services in Sweden.
Moving to Sweden, Swedish Tax Agencys website
If you are staying for less than one year but plan to work and receive salary in Sweden, you can apply for a coordination number (samordningsnummer) through the Swedish Tax Agency.
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. BankIDs are only issued to people with a Swedish personal identity number.
- Banking in Sweden (euraxess.se)
- How to set up a bank account (movetogothenburg.com)
- How to obtain a Swedish e-dentification (e-legitimation.se)
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.
With the EHIC card or the student insurances StudentIN (exchange students), and FAS Plus (fee-paying students) you are covered for emergency health care costs.
Things to do before your studies start
Once you have started your studies at the University of Gothenburg, the Student Portal is where you will find all the information about your studies and student life.
To help you understand what you need to do before the start of the semester, we've created a checklist that covers all the essentials.
Find your way on campus
The University of Gothenburg is located in several places in (and outside) Gothenburg, providing access to study spaces all over the city!
Campuses and study areas at the Student portal
Find your way in Gothenburg
It is easy to get around Gothenburg, as trams, buses, trains and ferries are all operated by the same public transport company, Västtrafik. Travel planner and ticket information is easily available in the Västtrafik To Go app. There are also city bikes and electric scooters available for rent throughout the city.
Getting around Gothenburg (goteborg.com)
Adult students (20 years and older) with a Mecenat student card can receive a discount on Västtrafik period tickets, and travel for the same price as youths. To use the discount, you need "Studentresesymbolen" symbol in your digital student ID.
Students under the age of 20 automatically travel at the youth rate and do not need a student card.
Read up on your student rights
As a student at the University of Gothenburg, you have certain rights and responsibilities. To ensure your experience here is as positive as possible, it's important that you're aware of what these entail.
Study Swedish at the University
The University of Gothenburg offers Swedish language courses to admitted and registered international students, who are enrolled in programmes or freestanding courses at the University. The courses are free of charge.
Practical matters
Activities and information sessions hosted by the University
Welcome Services, International Centre arranges a variety of activities and events throughout the semester to help you settle in and ensure your stay in Gothenburg is as enjoyable as possible. Many activities are also arranged togheter with student ambassadors or the student unions. The activities are marketed in the monthly newsletter, that is sent out automatically to all international students.
Welcome Programme
The International Student Welcome Programme is held at the beginning of each semester. The programme of events and activities provides international students with practical information about the University and living in Gothenburg. It is also a perfect opportunity to meet other international students and Student Buddies from all over the world.