I first wrote this article for The Newbie Guide to Sweden in July 2016, but after living in Sweden for over two years, I’m sharing an updated version with more insights for Nigerians moving to Sweden. Whether you’re coming for your studies or joining a loved one like I did, you need to know these few things to make your transition smoother.
Below are my top 5 tips for any Nigerian planning to move to Sweden and curious about what to expect in the first few weeks or what to do before leaving Nigeria.
1. Accommodation
Housing is one of the biggest challenges for Nigerians moving to Sweden, especially considering the cold winters! 😆 While many universities provide housing for international students during their first year, it’s typically on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid last-minute stress, I suggest you contact your university as soon as you get your admission offer and ask about the accommodation options available. Also, make sure to get on the waiting list for student housing—even if the university offers you immediate accommodation. The queue system works in such a way that the longer you stay on the list, the better your chances of securing a place of your choice. Reach out to your student union to get the names of student housing sites and join the queue before leaving home!
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| Photo Credit: Wikipedia |
2. Food! Food! Food!
Don’t even think about leaving Nigeria without packing some basic foodstuffs that you love and can’t do without. When I first arrived, I was so glad I had brought along some essentials! It might take a while to adjust to the food system in Sweden, and African foodstuffs can be quite expensive here, especially in African shops. My advice: pack as much as your suitcase can carry! Food items like poundo, garri, groundnut, crayfish, maggi cubes, and spices will keep you feeling connected to home, even though they may be tough to find or pricey here. Just a heads up—palm oil is not allowed on flights, so don’t even think about bringing that big keg of palm oil! 😆
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| Photo Credit: Amaka Ltd |
3. Be Informed
One of my mistakes was not doing enough research before moving to Sweden. Sure, my husband had already lived here for two years and offered guidance, but I still faced plenty of culture shock once I arrived. My advice? Read up as much as you can before you move! There are so many articles, videos, and blogs that can help prepare you for life in Sweden. Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities for Nigerians and other African expats. Ask questions and build connections before you leave. Don’t limit yourself to just Nigerian networks—there are lots of Africans from Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, and beyond who can offer insight and support.
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| Photo Credit: Branding Personality |
4. Swedish Language: Learn Key Phrases Before You Arrive
Swedish is the official language in Sweden just like I wrote in one of my articles here. While you don’t need it for your studies as an international student, it can make your life much easier if you know some basic phrases. When I first arrived, I wished I had learned the names of food items and fruits, which would’ve saved me a lot of confusion at the supermarket! While there are free online Swedish courses available, I recommend focusing on learning the names of food and essential phrases. Trust me, it will help you feel a bit more confident when you’re navigating grocery stores or dealing with everyday situations. Your Swedish lessons have officially begun! 😛
Finally, the almighty Swedish weather! If you're coming from a country with an average temperature of 25-29°C, you might find the Swedish climate quite shocking. Summer temperatures hover around 13°C, and winter can plunge to a chilling -18°C to -22°C (sometimes even lower). If you arrive in the autumn or fall, expect the weather to shift dramatically within a few weeks. My best advice? Pack a warm jacket or sweater before you leave Nigeria to avoid scrambling for a winter coat when you arrive. Trust me, you’ll want to be prepared for the cold, dark winter months.
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| Smiling through the Cold |
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I hope these tips will help any Nigerian planning to move to Sweden! It’s always better to be informed and prepared than to be surprised by the challenges ahead. If you find these tips useful, feel free to buy me a coffee to keep my brain chugging and write more articles like this. ☕
Until next time… 💋
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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Thank you once more for your wonderful article! I believe the knowledge I have gleaned from your site and the other webpage will make my visa application successful.