Housing is one of the biggest challenges Nigerians face when moving to Sweden, especially considering those cold winters. Most universities offer accommodation for international students in the first year, but it’s usually first-come, first-served. Once you get your admission letter, contact your school immediately to ask about housing options and get on the student housing waiting list ASAP, even if the school promises you accommodation. The longer you're on the list, the better your chances of securing a good spot.
📍 Pro Tip: Reach out to your student union for names of trusted student housing sites and register on them before you leave Nigeria!
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| Photo Credit: Wikipedia |
2️⃣ Food! Food! Food!
Listen, don’t leave Nigeria without foodstuffs you can’t live without. This one is coming from my personal experience. African groceries are expensive in Sweden, especially at African stores. You’ll thank yourself later if you come prepared. Pack as much as your suitcase allows: poundo, garri, crayfish, groundnut, seasoning cubes, your favorite spices, you get the gist. It’s not just about taste; it’s about comfort when everything else feels unfamiliar.
🚫 Note: Palm oil is not allowed on flights, so please don’t carry that big keg 😆
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| Photo Credit: Amaka Ltd |
3️⃣ Be Informed
One of my mistakes? Not doing enough research before moving. Yes, my husband had already been living in Sweden for two years, but even with his help, I still experienced major culture shock. Start by reading articles, watching YouTube videos, or following blogs that talk about life in Sweden as a foreigner. Join Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities for Nigerians and Africans in Sweden. Ask questions. Make connections before you land. And don’t limit yourself to just Nigerian networks, Ghanaians, Zambians, Cameroonians, and others have useful advice too. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
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| Photo Credit: Branding Personality |
Swedish is the official language, and while you might not need it immediately for school, it really helps in daily life. I wish someone had told me to learn the names of fruits and food items before moving. Grocery shopping was a whole mystery! 😅. There are free Swedish resources online, but start with just the basics like greetings, common expressions, food terms, etc. Trust me, you’ll feel way more confident navigating day-to-day stuff. Let your Swedish lessons begin... 😛
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| Images from Lexin |
5️⃣ The Weather Is No Joke, Come Prepared
Ah, the almighty Swedish weather! If you're used to Nigerian temps of 25–29°C, brace yourself, Swedish winters can drop to -22°C, and that’s not even the worst of it 😩 Arriving in autumn? Get ready for a weather shift real quick. Bring a warm jacket or sweater with you. Don’t wait until you land to start shopping unless you want to freeze while trying to figure things out.
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| Smiling through the Cold |
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I really respect I could not live there! That cold! CHAI! The weather in the UK gets cold and I can barely manage that LOL
ReplyDeletewww.raetalk.co.uk
LOL. I also thought I would never survive this harsh weather. 3 years later I am still here and now used to the weather. One just blends in with time.
DeleteHello, thank you for this article.
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