So, you've decided to come to Uppsala University and you have been nominated by your home university. Congratulations! But what next? Follow the easy guide below.

• How do I apply?

• What about accommodation?

• What happens after I have applied?

• Learning Swedish

• I would like a buddy

• What should I do on arrival?

• Orientation

• Where is the International Office

• I would like to find out more about student life in Uppsala

• I would like to find out more about the city of Uppsala

How do I apply?

After you have been nominated by your home university it is time to get started filling in application forms! Note: Many of Uppsala University's exchange agreements are departmental agreements. Check with your coordinator at home if there is an application form for your specific department. Individual departments may also have their own deadlines. It is extremely important that you check with your home university if your agreement is a departmental agreement, or if it is a general, university wide agreement. The information that follows is only guaranteed to be relevant for general, university wide agreements.

All applications must have arrived at Uppsala University by the following deadlines:

• 15 April for the coming autumn semester
• 15 October for the coming spring semester

Now that you are aware of the deadlines (don't forget to allow time for your co-ordinator to sign the documents) please proceed to our applications webpage.

Note that we only accept scanned copies of application forms in PDF format. Please do not send them by post.

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Accommodation

Formal exchange students from exchange agreements with a good balance between incoming and outgoing students are given priority for student housing, given that they submit their housing application on time. At Uppsala University there are no halls of residences, colleges or other forms of "university housing". All rooms that students live in are regular rooms owned by a variety of different housing companies. These rooms are adminstered by the Housing Office. The Housing Office has a detailed website explaining all you might need to know about housing in Uppsala (and a lot more!).

Find out more about housing and housing application at the Housing Office's website.

Find housing on your own: It can be difficult to find housing in Uppsala.  You can however find some information about finding accommodation at the Student Union's website.

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After you have applied: What happens next?

After your home university has signed your application and sent all the scanned copies of the relevant documents to Uppsala University, your contact person at the University will then evaluate your application. Remember, your contact person will be at the department if you have a departmental agreement, or it will be one of the coordinators at the International Office if you have a general (or central) agreement. Your transcript of results and course proposal will be sent to the various departments involved so that they can determine if you have the academic prerequisites to study the subjects you have chosen, and if there is a place available in the course for you (some courses have restrictions on the number of places available). When we can see that you meet the prerequisites for your chosen studies we will issue your acceptance letter and send a whole host of other information about Uppsala and your time here. This evaluation process may take some time.

Note: Some courses have very specific academic prerequisites. Simply because you would be able to take a similar course at your home university does not mean that you meet the academic prerequisites to take that course at Uppsala University. Take note of any academic prerequisites, see if you have what is required, and if you have questions get in touch with your contact person at Uppsala University.

EU/EES citizens do not need a visa to stay in Sweden. You will however have to obtain a residence permit on your arrival. Find out more about the Registration of Right of Residence (new window). You will also have to show that you have a valid medical insurance. Remember that the European Health Care Card can only be obtained from your land of permanent residence - you cannot organise this after your arrival in Sweden.

All other citizens will need to obtain a visa (or residence permit) to stay in Sweden. To apply for a visa you will need your Acceptance Letter and amongst other things proof that you can support yourself financially for your stay in Sweden. The current amount needed is SEK 7,300 per month. See the Migration Board's homepage (new window) for more information about visas.

You can find out more information about the cost of living and a feasible budget in the International Student Guide.

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Swedish courses

This is a quick review of the information contained in the section for prospective students. All exchange students have the chance to study a course in basic Swedish. A course worth 7.5 ECTS runs every semester. This course is part time and designed to be taken parallel with your regular studies. Application takes place on arrival. For those of you arriving in the autumn there is the possibility of taking a one month intensive Swedish language course. Find out more about the Swedish courses we have available for exchange students.

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Buddies

Many students are interested in having a buddy to help them settle into their new Swedish life. The Uppsala Student Union runs a buddy program open to all international students. For more information about the buddy program, including application and deadlines, please see the Student Union's webpage.

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Arrival

The International Student Guide is packed with all sorts of information you might need about your stay in Uppsala.

Before your arrival the Housing Office will send you a confirmation about where you will be living and a document called "Important Arrival Information". For those of you who like to plan things well in advance there are a number of things you can consider.

Your exchange coordinator at Uppsala University will send information to you regarding the recommended arrival date. For students beginning in the autumn, the recommended arrival date will likely be in the third or beginning of the fourth week of August. For students beginning in the spring it will likely be only a day or two before the start of the semester. You should wait until you receive information about the recommended arrival date or email contact person before confirming any flight bookings.

Many of you may choose to arrive by plane directly to Arlanda (Stockholm) airport. Arlanda is in fact closer to Uppsala than it is to Stockholm, and you have the choice of taking a 20 minute train journey, a 30 minute taxi ride or a 40 minute bus journey. Follow the links below for more information:

• You can take the train, known as Pendeln. Tickets can be purchased at SJ:s homepage or at the airport (tourist information and train ticket office). Costs about 165 SEK.

• You can take the bus no. 801 and it costs 100 SEK if you purchase the ticket on board.

• You can take a taxi. Uppsala Taxi offer a set price for the journey between Uppsala and the airport. Costs about 500 SEK.

You can also consult the Arlanda Airport homepage for more information: http://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/to-from/

*Welcome Desk at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (fall 2013)
On Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th August, Uppsala University will have a welcome desk set up at Arlanda.The desk will be open between 8am - 8pm, and will be located directly outside customs service in Terminal 5.

It is always a good thing to keep your exchange coordinator informed about when you expect to arrive in Uppsala. Upon arrival, the first two things that you should do would be to sort out your housing (you will have received instructions from the Housing Office about where you can collect your key and sign your contract) and to go and meet your contact person. You should also collect your "Welcome Package" (which contains all sorts of information). For information regarding each semester's arrival arrangement, please see www.uu.se/welcome (this page will be updated before the begining of each semester).

Assuming you have come during the regular arrival period you will be able to take part in the Orientation Week. Don't forget that we work regular office hours at the University, and some departments may have restricted opening hours. This is especially important should you arrive in the summer, as many Swedes take long summer holidays and it can be difficult to contact people.

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The International Office

Many departments have their own international coordinators, and some of the larger departments may even have their own international office. If you are coming to Uppsala University on a departmental exchange then you will likely have most of your contact with your exchange coordinator at the department. Contact your exchange coordinator to find out more about what hours they are available.

Finding your exchange coordinator at Uppsala

Check out our list of partner universities. Find your university by selecting your continent, then finding your country and your university. Click on your university. You will then see a list of all of the exchange agreements Uppsala University has with your university. Find the right subject area, take note of the name of the coordinator the click on the coordinator to come to the staff search engine. Contact that coordinator for more information.

For students coming on a university-wide agreement, you will have most of your contact with the International Office. During semester time the International Office is open Monday - Friday 9:30-12:00 and Thursday 16:00-18:00. During the summer we have reduced opening hours and during the arrival period we may have additional opening hours. These information would be posted on the website. 

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Orientation

Each semester there is an orientation program for new students. For the fall semester 2013 Orientation Week will take place from August 26, 2013. Orientation week consists of a range of activities, both practical and social, to help you get acquainted with Uppsala University, the city of Uppsala and of course each other. See www.uu.se/welcome for the most updated information for each semester.

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Student life

Uppsala is reknowned for its student life. Many of the traditions at Uppsala can trace their origin to the 17th century. There are many different organisations you can join at Uppsala, however much student activity is centred around the so called "Student Nations". Here are some links to get you started in your exploration of Uppsala's student life:

• International Students Guide 2013/14 (PDF) *New version!
• Uppsala Student Union
• United Nations of Uppsala
• "Nationsguiden" - the unofficial guide to activities at the nations

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Uppsala

Uppsala is a city with a rich history, and with much more to offer than many students see during their stay here. One of the best sources of inspiration for finding out more about Uppsala is the Uppsala Tourism Information Centre

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