Whoop!Whoop!! Tomorrow begins the second set (for KTH)  of arrival days for incoming students for the Fall Semester. I am so excited for this as it brings to my mind many memories – my journey at KTH  begun on this second arrival day exactly a year ago. Furthermore, I am so happy to have been given the honour to be one of the student guides at Terminal 5 this year. In other words, see you either on the 18th or 19th!

The student arrival team is organised by Stockholm Academic Forum (STAF) – 18 universities and the city of Stockholm. This year, there will be four arrival days: August 18th,19th,26th and 27th.  On these days, there will be student guides at both Terminal 5 and Terminal 2 at Arlanda airport. Then, one student guide on the bus going to the city. At Terminal 5, we will have an information desk, so students can make inquiries.

AT THE AIRPORT

At Terminal 5 in Arlanda, you’ll see this big roll-up and students wearing a white t-shirt with a black cap with the expression, “Stockholm is a state of minds” At Terminal 2, two students would be waiting also, holding large signs. You can see steps have been taken to ensure that you don’t miss the student guides 😉

BUS

On the four days, buses depart from Arlanda to the city every hour from 9 am to 9 pm. On August 18th and 19th, the buses have one stop only – KTH. On August 26th and 27th, the buses would stop both at the city centre and Stockholm University.

On the bus, there will be a student guide to answer any question you might have and also, you would be given a goodie bag on the bus. The goodie bag will contain:

• A comprehensive map of Stockholm
• A Reflex
• Prepaid SIM Card
• Water

The reflex is very important during winter nights. It gets really dark and it would be helpful for people to see you at night. Then, the prepaid SIM card comes with 1GB of data as well as access to 500 messages and 50 calls.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

On the official Arrival day for KTH, (18th and 19th), you would get additional services (such as setting up your KTH account and access to the internet in school, accommodation keys, THS,etc.)  at the KTH Entre immediately as people would be there to welcome you. Also, you will receive a bed kit (a pillow and a duvet).

Secondly, since you’re not entitled to the student discount for Stockholm’s transportation service (SL), you’ll have to buy the regular SL card. You can decide if you want to pay for a week or a day or pay per trip. You can easily purchase this card at the metro stations or 7-eleven or Pressbyrån. See the transportation prices here. An important thing to note is that you cannot purchase tickets onboard buses or commuter ferries or on most trams and light railway trains.

To be able to pay the student price as soon as possible, ensure you register with THS once you actually start classes.

SUMMARY

I would say, you have nothing to be worried about. When I arrived a year ago, the arrival service made my journey from Arlanda to KTH and then to my accommodation a very relaxing one; people were willing to help at every moment.

I look forward to meeting you on the 18th and 19th. I would be at Terminal 5 from 15:00 to 21:00.  See you soon!

Oluchi.