Study guide

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

TO GET STARTED

Welcome to Gothenburg!I really hope that your stay here at the University of Gothenburg will meet your expectations or even exceed them. Since living in a new country can be quite a challenge, at least in the beginning, we have put together a booklet with advice and information that may make your everyday life a bit easier. I hope you will find it useful.

Pam FredmanVice-Chancellor

CONTENT

Before arrival 5

Getting settled 11

Student services 15

Academic information 23

Living in Gothenburg, Sweden 29

Useful information A-Z 33

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Before arrival

Once you are accepted into a course or a programme at the University of Gothenburg, you need to prepare for your studies in Sweden. Here you will find importantinformation about practical issues.

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Residence permit and visaIf you come from a country outside EU/EEA and plan to study for more than three months in Sweden, you will need a residence permit/visa. You apply for the permit/visa at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country. Be sure to do this in good time before you leave. Keep in mind that when applying for your residence permit you need to show that you have a valid insurance (see the section ”Insurance” below). For addresses, opening hours etc. of Swedish embassies and consulates, please see www.swedenabroad.com

If you come from an EU/EEA country, you do not need a residence permit or visa to enter Sweden. It is sufficient with a valid passport or an ID card proving your citizenship. However, if you intend to study for longer than three months, you must register with the Swedish Migration Board (Migrations verket) within three months of arriving. Citizens of Switzerland need to apply for a residence permit. Read more on the website of the Swedish Migration Board at www.migrationsverket.se/start_en.html

InsuranceBefore you leave your home country, you are advised to review your insurance coverage. Enquire with your regional social insurance office and your insurance company.

Free movers (Non-exchange students) from outside EU/EEAFee-paying students from outside EU/EEA are covered by The Swedish State’s Insurance for Fee-Paying Students (with property coverage), FAS+. The insurance covers students 24-hours a day in the Schengen region, with the exception of property coverage, which applies in Sweden only. Note that Master students studying a 2-year programme or Bachelor students who are admitted to an entire programme are eligible to apply for a Swedish personal identity number, which gives the right to the same health care as Swedish citizens. This applies only after having received the identity number. Read more under “Getting settled” for details.

Free movers (Non-exchange students) from EU/EEAIf you are a student from within EU/EEA, make sure to register for a European Health Insurance Card at your Social Insurance Office. This card allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge. For more information about insurance issues, see www.gu.se/insurance

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Before arrival

Before arrival

Exchange studentsAs an incoming exchange student at the University of Gothenburg, you are automatically covered by The Swedish State’s Insurance for Foreign Students in Sweden, Student IN. The insurance covers students 24-hours a day and is valid from two weeks before the studies start until two weeks after the exchange studies end. It is your own responsibility to decide if you need extra insurance as a complement to the Student IN insurance. Read more about the Student IN insurance at www.kammarkollegiet.se

HousingAs an international student you have a number of options when it comes to finding a place to stay. However, as with all major cities accommodation is in great demand and it may be difficult to get a student apartment directly. A private room may be a good alternative at the start of the term. Boplats Göteborg is the primary source of temporary accommodation for international students. Read more about how to find a place to stay at www.boplatsgbg.se/s/studentliving.html

SGS Studentbostäder and Chalmers Studentbostäder are the two main provi-ders of student apartments in Gothenburg. Before you can apply for an apartment at SGS you have to be registered on their website. Sometimes at the end of a month you can find last minute apartments here. To be able to get an apartment at Chalmers Studentbostäder you first need to register with Boplats Göteborg at www.boplatsgbg.se

Read more about SGS Studentbostäder at www.sgsstudentbostader.se/enRead more about Chalmers Studentbostäder at www.chalmersstudentbostader.se/en

Exchange studentsExchange Student Housing Services offers a limited number of student rooms for exchange students. More information for exchange students is available at www.gu.se/exchangestudenthousing

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Getting settled

Now that you are here and settled in your new home, enjoy the city! However, to make life easier we recommend that you attend to some practical matters as soon as possible.

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Swedish personal identity numberStudents that have a residence permit valid for 365 days or longer (this generally applies to students studying a programme longer than one year) should register as a resident at the nearest office of the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). This will make you eligible for Swedish healthcare benefits and will give you a unique personal identity number (personnummer). This number will simplify a whole range of transactions in the Swedish society, such as acquiring an identity card, opening a bank account and visiting a doctor.

In Gothenburg, the Swedish Tax Agency is located at Östra Hamngatan 17, phone: 0771-567 567.

Note that it is your own responsibility to see to that your new personal iden-tity number is registered in the University´s computer-based system for the documentation of students (Ladok) at Student Affairs. Contact one of our servicecenters for further information, see page 16.

Swedish ID cardTo get a Swedish ID card you need to apply at the Swedish Tax Agency. Only students who have a Swedish personal identity number are eligible to receive a Swedish ID card. Read more about how to apply for an ID card at www.skatteverket.se/privat/idkort/idcard

Work permitTo be allowed to work you need a Swedish personal identity number. If you do not have this number and plan on working then you should get a coordination number, known as a ”samordningsnummer”, from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

International students have the right to apply for a work permit in Sweden after graduation provided you have received a job offer and fulfill some other requirements. Please see www.migrationsverket.se for details.

GU cardThe GU card is a multi-functional card for University students. It serves, for example, as a library card, an access card and provides student discounts. Read all about how to obtain your GU card at www.gu.se/gucard

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Getting settled

Student services

Time to start your student life in Gothenburg! On the following pages you can read about the services that the University offers you as a student.

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ServicecenterWe have five Servicecenters located around Gothenburg and close to student areas. Feel free to contact them with any questions you may have, or to get your GU card or buy compendiums and study materials.

• Näckrosen, visiting address: Renströmsgatan 6, phone: 031-786 6501• Vasa, visiting address: Vasagatan 33, phone: 031-786 6502• Haga, visiting address: Sprängkullsgatan 19, phone: 031-786 6503• Academicum, visiting address: Medicinaregatan 3, phone: 031-786 6504• Pedagogen, visiting address: Västra Hamngatan 25, phone: 031-786 6505

Visiting hours for all Servicecenters are: Monday - Thursday 8.30 am - 4 pm, Friday 8.30 am - 2 pm.E-mail: servicecenter@gu.se For more information see www.gu.se/service-center/en

Study and career counsellingThe centrally based study counsellors at Student Affairs can offer you personal guidance regarding study and career decisions. Visiting address: Karl Gustavsgatan 29, phone: 031-786 1860

Most of the departments and faculties at the University also have local study counsellors who can offer information and guidance concerning their specific programmes and courses.

You can turn to the Career Center if you are a student or have recently graduated from the University of Gothenburg, also found on Karl Gustavsgatan 29. They provide the tools to make the road to employment easier. Read more about study and career counselling at www.gu.se/study-career-counselling

Peer Help ProgrammePeer helping is a support service provided by students who have received special training to support and assist other students, who would like someone to speak to about problems experienced during their studies or in their private life. Peer helpers may also, if necessary, refer students to professional expertise. Read more about peer help at www.gu.se/peer-help-programme

Student services

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Students with disabilitiesThe University offers educational support to students with disabilities. For more information, please visit: www.gu.se/disabilities

Language Support ServiceThe Language Support Service is available for all students who are inte-rested in improving their English or Swedish for academic purposes. Tutoring sessions on an individual basis or in small groups as well as open seminars and workshops are offered. Read more about language support at www.gu.se/language-support

Swedish language coursesCourses in Swedish are offered to international students.

Exchange students Information about the courses will be sent out by e-mail near the start of the term and shared during introduction.

Free movers (Non-exchange students):Apply on-line at: www.utbildning.gu.se/education/academic-life/swedish-courses/

Student services

Student unionsAt the University of Gothenburg there are four student unions. The unions represent the academic and social interests of their members.In Sweden, students are free to decide whether or not they want to belong to a student union. The student unions, however, offer the possibility to get a little more out of your time here in Sweden. Which student union you should join depends on your field of study. Read more about the student unions at www.gus.gu.se/english

GISA BuddiesThe GISA student buddies are students with a special interest in international exchange who organise events and activities for greater integration between international students and Swedish students. Read more at http://gisabuddies.gu.se

GUS – University of Gothenburg Student UnionsGUS is a non-profit collabo ration organ between the four students unions at the University of Gothenburg. GUS has two counsellors (student-ombudsmän) who are specialised in student questions. If you experience any problems in your education contact your union or the counsellors for help. The student unions help all students, even non members.www.gus.gu/english/studentombudsmen

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GFS – The Association of Student Unions in GothenburgGFS is a non-profit cooperative organisation for all five student unions in Gothenburg, both within the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers. Read more about GFS at www.gfs.se/en

The following are some examples of services within GFS:

Akademihälsan – The Student Health CenterThe Student Health Center (Akademihälsan) is a complement to the public health care system and free of charge for students. Its main task is the treatment of health problems originating from or aggravated by a student’s study situation. Students from countries outside the European Union without a Swedish personal identity number are not entitled to public health care in Sweden, but these students may use the Student Health Services to receive medical care. Telephone: 031-10 69 70.Read more at www.akademihalsan.se

Fysiken – the students´ own training facilitiesAt Fysiken you can work out in Gothenburg´s biggest and best equipped gym, attend all kinds of classes, participate in sports, climb the climbing wall, etc. Read more at www.fysiken.nu

Studentjuristerna – legal counsellingStudent solicitors provide free legal service for students and operate on a drop-in basis. Read more at www.gfs.se/en/om_gfs/studentjuristerna

Krokus - childcareKrokus (eng. crocus) is a nursery for children of students or doctoral candidates. Since it is run with the participation of the parents, it is necessary for parents to know some Swedish. Read more at www.krokus.nu (only in Swedish).

LibraryThe University of Gothenburg Library (Göteborgs universitetsbibliotek) consists of nine separate libraries, three learning centres and over 1,700 study places. For more information about the library at: www.ub.gu.se

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Student services

Academic InformationStudying in Sweden can differ from what you are used to at home. On the following pages we will help you get acquainted with higher education in Sweden.

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Academic information

Two termsThe academic year is divided into two terms. Normally, the autumn term runs from September 1st to January 18th, and the spring term from January 19th to June 7th. Classes are usually not scheduled betweenChristmas and New Year and not on Swedish national holidays.Full-time studies correspond approximately to a 40-hour work week.

TeachingThe teaching at the University ranges from large-scale lectures to individual tutorials. The amount of teacher-led education varies depending on the subject.

Lectures are the classic form of university teaching. They take place in large groups, sometimes comprising hundreds of students. Lectures help structure the courses and present special problem areas, etc.

Classes are probably the most common type of teaching today. They involve groups of about 20-30 students. The purpose is to discuss and work through the course literature.

Laboratory sessions are mainly used in the natural sciences and technology. In a lab session, students work alone or in small groups on an experi-mental assignment, and write a report of the results.

Seminars are a type of teaching where students take an active part. The seminars are for example held to go through project work.

Tutorial implies that the teacher in charge of a course helps students prepare for their oral presentations, reports, essays and term papers.

Reading lists are used in most courses. Students are expected to purchase the required course literature. At the beginning of a course you can usually find the course literature at the library.

Examinations for each course normally consist of a written or oral exami-nation. It may however also take the form of an independent assignment such as a written report or essay. A student who fails an examination has the right to retake it.

The grading and credit systemUnless the institution decides to grade on some other scale, the grades used are Pass with Distinction (VG, Väl Godkänd ), Pass (G, Godkänd ) or Fail (U, Underkänd ).

Sweden has a system of higher education credits (högskolepoäng), which are equivalent to ECTS credits, where a normal 40-week academic year consists of 60 higher education credits, 30 higher education credits per term.

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DegreesA degree proves that you, by means of your studies, have acquired know-ledge and proficiency up to a certain level. When you have completed your studies, you must submit a proper application in order to obtain your degree. Read more about how to apply for a degree at www.gu.se/degrees

Rights and responsibilitiesAs a student at the University of Gothenburg you have both rights and responsibilities. Particularly as an international student it can be important that you understand what ethical and legal rules apply.Read more at www.gu.se/rights-and-responsibilities

Web services for studentsThe University of Gothenburg has a variety of web services for students that you can use during your studies. You can access the services via the Student Portal by using your Student Account to log in.

Student AccountActivate your Student Account at one of our Servicecenters.

Student Portal - http://portalen.gu.seThe Student Portal (Studentportalen) is a personalised web service that makes it possible to access the University web-based services via a single login through your Student Account. Here is some of the content:

• GUL – University of Gothenburg’s Learning Management System GUL is a web-based platform with events and virtual rooms for information, communication and collaboration between teachers and students. The platform is used for courses and study programmes

• LADOK (Study documentation system) Ladok is the university database for documenting study results and personal data. You can view data accessible to you in Ladok via Ladok on the Web (LPW – Ladok på webben – in Swedish).

• E-mail & Calendar All students are provided an email address. This is the address the university uses to communicate with all students. If you prefer to use an existing email address it is possible to set up an automatic forwarding function. Read more about web services at www.gu.se/webservicesforstudents

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Academic information

Living in Gothenburg, SwedenGothenburg is a modern city with lots of things to do and see. Be sure to explore both Gothenburg and other parts of Sweden while you are here!

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GothenburgGothenburg (Göteborg in Swedish) is Sweden´s second largest city withpopulation of about 500,000 inhabitants, yet it has managed to retain much of its small-town charm. Today, the city is an important Scandinavian hub for logistics, innovation and research. The combination of an extensive range of cultural events and livelystudent life offers alternatives for filling your free time. You may want to seek out the laidback atmosphere of one of the city’s hundreds of cafés and pubs, or the buzz of the big music festivals or annual film festival.Read more about what is going on in the city at www.goteborg.com/en Do not miss the activities at the start of the term which are a part of Student Göteborg. Student Göteborg consists of a variety of activities to welcome new students and is a collaboration between the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology and GFS . It is held every autumn. Read more about the event at www.goteborg.com/student

Gothenburg is a green city with many parks and gardens. The largest and most frequented are The Botanical Garden (Botaniska trädgården), The Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) and Slottsskogen.

Living in Gothenburg, Sweden

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Getting around in the cityIt is easy to get around in Gothenburg. Monthly cards and multi-use cards for public transport are available at Västtrafik Customer Service and for example at shops and kiosks such Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven shops. Note that you cannot buy tickets directly from the driver. Read more about the services Västtrafik offers at www.vasttrafik.se/en

One of the best ways to get around is by bike. Try the new bike rental system, Styr & Ställ, in the city. There are 51 bike terminal stations scattered throughout the city centre and bikes are available 7 days a week 24-hours a day. Find out more about Styr & Ställ at http://en.goteborgbikes.se

SwedenWhy not explore other parts of Sweden while staying in Gothenburg? Sweden is for example known for its beautiful nature, environmental thinking and rich cultural life. Read more about Sweden and the Swedes atwww.sweden.se and www.visitsweden.com

Useful information A-Z

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Useful information A-Z

BankingBanks are generally open Monday - Friday 10 am - 3 pm. Different banks have different conditions for opening an account. For more information check the documents linked from our website: www.utbildning.gu.se/education/preparation/money-and-banks/

Websites of the four major banks in Sweden:• Handelsbanken, www.handelsbanken.se• Nordea, www.nordea.se• SEB, www.seb.se• Swedbank, www.swedbank.se

ClimateGothenburg has a typical coastal climate with predominantly mild winters and relatively few days with snow. In July the average temperature (day and night) is about +17°C (63° F), and in February it is about 1°C (34° F).

Cost of livingIf you are a foreign citizen studying in Sweden, the Swedish Migration Board requires a guarantee that you can support yourself financially during your studies in Sweden. The amount that needs to be guaranteed is SEK 7,300 per month.

The cost of living can vary in different parts of Sweden. As a student in Gothenburg, you will need approximately SEK 9,000 per month for living expenses. Read more about the cost of living in Sweden atwww.studyinsweden.se/Living-in-Sweden/Cost-of-living, www.gu.se/finances-cost-of-living

CurrencyThe currency in Sweden is the Swedish krona, SEK (Kr for short in Swedish). 1 krona = 100 öre.

DrivingSweden, like most European countries, has right-hand traffic. In Sweden you have to be 18 years old to take a driving licence. If you have a licence from your home country, you can use it for up to one year in Sweden. Read more about driving licences (körkort) in Sweden at www.korkortsportalen.se

DrugsAll types of narcotics are strictly prohibited in Sweden. There are strong sanctions against using and selling illegal or non-prescription drugs.

ElectricityThe main Swedish electricity grid provides 230 volts and 50 Hz. As Swedish outlets can differ from those in other countries, you may need a transformer and/or an adapter for your electrical appliances.

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Emergency In case of a medical emergency, dial 112. As an adult, you can also visit the emergency ward (akutmottagning) at the University hospital (Sahlgren-ska Universitetssjukhuset). A visit costs approximately SEK 150-300.

Dental CareIf you have a toothache or are in urgent need of dental care, call the Emergency Dental Care for an appointment. Please note that non-EU students do not receive subsidised dental care and will pay full price. Opening hours: mo - fri 8-am – 8 pm, sat- sun: 8 am – 4 pm. Telephone: 031-80 78 00

Health care (not urgent)The Medical Information Service (Sjukvårdsupplysningen) is a municipal 24-hour telephone advice line offering free medical information and consultation. Telephone: 1177. If you become ill (sore throat, the flu etc.), please contact the District Health Centre (Vårdcentral). If you are unsure which District Health Centre that serves your area you can call 1177 or call Capio Vårdcentral Axess, Telephone: 031-725 00 75. Open from 07-22, seven days a week. A visit costs approximately SEK 200-300, if you need to see a specialist the cost is SEK 300.

HospitalsThere are three main hospitals (sjukhus) in Gothenburg: Mölndals sjukhus, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset and Östra sjukhuset. Read more at www.sahlgrenska.se

Internet providersThere are several internet providers. The Swedish Telecom Advisors is an impartial independent organisation that provides free information, guidance and assistance for telecom, TV and Internet consumers.Read more at: www.telekomradgivarna.se/Om-oss/About-us-in-English/

LanguageSwedish is spoken by about 10 million people, predominantly living in Sweden and Finland. Almost everyone speaks and understands English quite well.

LiquorAlcoholic beverages can be purchased at Systembolaget, the state liquor store. Bring you ID card (minimum age 20 years). Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Outdoor livingThe common right of access (Allemansrätten) gives the right to roam in the Swedish countryside as long as you show respect for crops and wildlife. Read more about Allemansrätten at www.naturvardsverket.se/en

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Useful information A-Z

PharmaciesNon-prescription medication, such as aspirin and cough syrup, are sold at pharmacies and at some supermarkets, grocery stores and petrol stations. A doctor’s prescription is required for stronger medications such as antibiotics, and they can only be obtained from a pharmacy (Apotek).For 24-hour information and advice on prescription drugs call: 0771-450 450 (if you ignore all the recorded information in Swedish you will eventually be connected to an operator).

Public holidaysIn Sweden the eve before a holiday is often as important as the holiday itself. Most Swedes have holidays off, including many civil servants, bank employees, shop assistants etc. Find a list of important Swedish holidays at www.sweden.se

Restaurants and coffee shopsThere is a wide range of restaurants and coffee shops in Gothenburg. Get inspired at www.goteborg.com/en/Eat

ShoppingShops are usually open Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm and Saturday 10 am - 2 pm. Some of the larger department stores are open later and for a few hours on Sundays. Read more about shopping at www.gbgcity.se

Swedish news in EnglishThe Göteborg Daily and The Local are electronic newspapers that provide Swedish news in English. www.goteborgdaily.se or www.thelocal.se

University chaplainsThe University chaplains (student priests) work with students and staff.Everyone, of any faith or none, is welcome to all activities. Read more at www.gu.se/universitychaplains

WaterThe tap water in Sweden is of very good quality and is perfectly safe to drink.

Å, Ä, ÖThese are not printing errors. They are simply the last three letters in the Swedish alphabet.

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Useful information A-Z

All you need

within walking

distance

Find all University locations at www.gu.se/map