The first task I had while I was sorting out logistics while moving to Stockholm was estimating my expenditure as a student. As an international student, this was crucial information, especially for students applying for education loans and planning finances. Stockholm can be considered to be on par with expenses in the US, UK and countries in Western Europe and above par with Eastern European countries. The expenditure also depends on one’s choices and lifestyle. In this blog post, you will get to see our monthly expenditures as students.
Accommodation
International students (outside the EU) are guaranteed student accommodations which are relatively less expensive as compared to regular housing. Student accommodation can range from 2500 sek to 6500 sek depending on the type and location of the student accommodation. A furnished corridor room in Lappis costs 3900 sek. Most of the accommodation rents are inclusive of electricity and internet charges.
Public Transport and Travel
Stockholm has convenient and reliable public transportation. With a single transportation card, we can access buses, metros, trams and ferries at any time of the day. A monthly transportation pass for students costs 640 sek. During the summer you can also buy a cycle for transportation (600 – 1000 sek) which would save the cost of the Sl card.
Grocery Shopping and Food
The food costs mainly depend on your eating habits. I choose to cook at home to reduce the expenses of eating outside. Further expenses can be saved by shopping in affordable marketplaces such as Lidl and Willys. My average grocery expenses amount to 1500 sek every month.
Telephone
Most of the students subscribe to prepaid services which would cost around 100 sek every month with unlimited calling and 3GB of internet. There are various service providers with similar rates and offer student discounts as well.
Health Insurance
All tuition fee-paying students (or KTH scholarship students) are provided with comprehensive insurance called FAS+ which is included in the tuition fees. EU students need to purchase health insurance themselves which costs around 300 sek per month.
Entertainment and Recreation
It would be sometimes necessary to take a break from studies and indulge in some activities. Stockholm offers movie theatres, concerts, sporting events, poetry and open mics, restaurants and cafes. I wanted to explore and travel whenever it was possible within and outside Sweden (Damn pandemic!). My usual miscellaneous expenses turn out to be around 600 sek.
|
Activity |
Vivek’s Expenditure |
Maria’s Expenditure |
|
Accommodation rent |
3900 sek |
6000 sek |
|
Groceries and food |
1500 sek |
1800 sek |
|
Transportation |
640 sek |
640 sek |
|
Telephone |
100 sek |
120 sek |
|
Health Insurance |
included in tuition fees | none – insured through personal number |
|
Recreation/Miscellaneous |
600 sek |
400 sek |
|
Total |
6740 sek |
8960 sek |
The expenses vary from 7000 to 9000 sek. Being aware of the cost of living and options to reduce the expenses, helps you to plan your funding and finances. If you have any questions regarding student expenses, do feel free to comment below.
