Top 5 student cities in Sweden

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Sweden and what makes them unique.

Sweden is one of the most popular countries for international students thanks to the quality of its universities, its safe environment and modern lifestyle, with sustainable cities, nature everywhere and a practical approach to teaching. If you’re looking for the top five student cities in Sweden, this guide’ll help you choose the ideal destination for you based on your preferences in terms of lifestyle, budget, and academic experience.

Throughout the article, you’ll find useful information about each city to help you decide: its main advantages and disadvantages, the most prominent universities, and reference prices for student accommodation. In addition, as our online student accommodation platform allows you to compare verified options in different areas of the country, you’ll be able to plan your arrival with greater peace of mind.

Stockholm

The Swedish capital is one of the country's most important university destinations. It’s ideal for international students looking for a multicultural environment, an active cultural life, a varied nightlife and proximity to nature. It’s also a very safe city with good transport links and a high quality of life.

Pros and cons of studying in Stockholm

Studying in Stockholm can be very rewarding, although you’ll also encounter some more challenging aspects.

Pros of studying in Stockholm

It’s the Swedish city with the widest range of cultural and leisure activities, including nightlife.
It‘s multicultural and has many inhabitants from different parts of the world.
The academic offerings are very diverse at prestigious universities.
Good transport for exploring the country and travelling to neighbouring countries.

Cons of studying in Stockholm

It’s the most expensive city in the country and one of the most expensive in Europe.
The demand for accommodation is very high, especially before the start of term.
The cost of accommodation in central areas is usually very high, so it’s common to have to use public transport.

Top Universities in Stockholm

The Swedish capital is home to some of the country's most prestigious universities.

Kungliga Tekniska högskolan (KTH - Royal Institute of Technology)

The Royal Institute of Technology is one of Sweden's most prestigious institutions. As its name suggests, it focuses on engineering and technology programmes. It has five campuses, with the main one located in the Östermalm district.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to housing close to the Royal Institute of Technology.

Stockholms universitet (Stockholm University)

Stockholm University is one of the largest institutions in the country and in Scandinavia. It has several campuses in the Norra Djurgården area and one in the Kista area.

Learn more about convenient locations, faculties, and neighbourhoods to live in our guide to accommodation near Stockholm University

Student housing in Stockholm

Rental prices for students in Stockholm are among the highest in the country and among the most expensive in Europe. However, if you start looking early and don't mind travelling by public transport, you're sure to find more affordable accommodation. Students usually choose to live in shared flats, which cost between €450 and €600 per month in neighbourhoods far from the city centre, or from €700 upwards in more central areas.

Are you looking for accommodation in the Swedish capital? Read our guide to student accommodation in Stockholm, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Gothenburg

View of the Älvsborg Bridge, a green suspension bridge over the Göta älv river, with the city and ships in the background under a blue sky with white clouds.

Gothenburg is Sweden's second largest city and one of the most popular university destinations for Swedish and foreign students. It has a very active student atmosphere, is more accessible than Stockholm and offers a good quality of life, with quiet neighbourhoods, green areas and many cultural activities.

Pros and cons of studying in Gothenburg

The academic experience in Gothenburg has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

Pros of studying in Gothenburg

It’s more accessible than large cities such as Stockholm.
It has a cultural, historical and artistic variety.
The student atmosphere is very lively and multicultural.
It’s surrounded by nature, with islands and forests to explore.

Cons of studying in Gothenburg

The climate is rainy and humid for much of the year.
Accommodation may be limited at the beginning of the semester.
Somewhat high prices for leisure and food.

Top Universities in Gothenburg

The institutions in Gothenburg are renowned for their excellent teaching standards.

Göteborgs universitet (University of Gothenburg)

The University of Gothenburg is one of the largest in the country, with highly regarded faculties in humanities, social sciences, arts, education and natural sciences. It has several campuses spread across different parts of the city, in neighbourhoods such as Haga, Johanneberg and Annedal.

See the complete guide to accommodation near the University of Gothenburg.

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola (Chalmers University of Technology)

Chalmers University of Technology is a technical institution that is often ranked among the best in the world. It’s a leader in engineering, architecture and sustainable technology. It has two campuses in the city, named after the neighbourhoods in which they are located: Johanneberg Campus and Lindholmen Campus.

Find out more details in the guide to housing close to the Chalmers University of Technology.

Student housing in Gothenburg

Rental costs in Gothenburg are generally more affordable than in Stockholm, but are still considered high by European standards. A room in a shared flat usually costs between €400 and €650 per month, depending on the area and demand at the start of the semester.

If you’d like to see all the available options, please consult our guide to student accommodation in Gothenburg.

Uppsala

Uppsala is one of Sweden's most iconic university towns, known for its lively student atmosphere and for being home to one of the country's oldest and most prestigious institutions. It’s an ideal destination if you want to live in a quiet, academic environment that’s well connected to Stockholm. This city is steeped in history and offers a rich cultural experience, with its iconic cathedral and numerous museums.

Pros and cons of studying in Uppsala

Uppsala stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

Pros of studying in Uppsala

Its student environment is incredible, with loads of plans, societies and activities.
The University of Uppsala is considered one of the best on the continent.
Its proximity to Stockholm makes it easy to enjoy the capital.
It’s a quieter and more manageable city than the capital.

Cons of studying in Uppsala

Although more affordable than the capital, the cost of living and leisure activities remains very high.
Less cultural offerings than Stockholm or Gothenburg.
Job opportunities are scarcer than in larger cities.

Top Universities in Uppsala

Uppsala is home to one of the country's most prominent institutions.

Uppsala universitet (Uppsala University)

Uppsala University is one of the oldest universities in Scandinavia, renowned for its academic standards and its faculties of science, humanities, medicine and technology. It’s located in different parts of the city, so it’s a good idea to identify which campus you’ll be attending in order to find somewhere to live.

Find useful information about areas and faculties in the guide to accommodation near Uppsala University.

Student housing in Uppsala

The price of a student room in Uppsala is usually more affordable than in Stockholm, but there is still high demand at the beginning of each semester, which causes prices to rise. Prices for rooms in shared flats are usually between €360-550 per month, but you have to pay close attention to the location to make sure it isn’t too far from where you’ll be studying.

Are you planning to study in Sweden? Don't miss our guide to student housing in Uppsala, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Lund

Lund is one of Sweden's most traditional university towns and another favourite destination among international students. It has a youthful atmosphere all year round, a lively academic scene and a more relaxed lifestyle than Stockholm or Gothenburg. Its proximity to Malmö and Copenhagen also makes it very convenient for those who want to travel around the region.

Pros and cons of studying in Lund

Choosing Lund to study brings with it great advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

Pros of studying in Lund

It’s considered one of the universities with the best student atmosphere in Sweden.
It’s small and safe, which makes for a peaceful lifestyle.
Well connected to other cities, such as Malmö and Copenhagen.
It has some of the most prestigious universities in the country.

Cons of studying in Lund

The range of accommodation is usually limited during the high season.
It may feel too small for students seeking a more diverse environment.
The cost of living is high, so it’s necessary to plan your budget carefully to avoid overspending.

Top Universities in Lund

This city is home to another of Sweden's most prestigious institutions.

Lund Universitet (Lund University)

Lund University is one of the most renowned universities in Scandinavia and one of the oldest in Northern Europe. Its campus in Lund is not located in a single place, but rather consists of more than a hundred buildings scattered throughout the city.

In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find accommodation near Lund University.

Student housing in Lund

Finding accommodation in Lund can require patience, especially at the beginning of the academic year, as the city welcomes thousands of new students every year. Prices tend to be slightly higher on average than in Uppsala, although generally more affordable than in Stockholm. Estimate that the cost of a room in a shared flat is usually around €350-650 per month at a minimum.

If you’re going to study in the Swedish city, check out our guide to student housing in Lund with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Linköping

Linköping is one of Sweden's most renowned university towns, particularly for its dynamic academic environment and strong focus on innovation. It’s a manageable size, offers a good quality of life and tends to attract students looking for a peaceful setting with a very active student community.

Pros and cons of studying in Linköping

Being a student in Linköping has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

Pros of studying in Linköping

University town with a great student atmosphere.
High quality of life and a safe environment.
A city highly focused on research, technology, and engineering.
Efficient public transport and convenient distances for getting around by bicycle, as well as proximity to Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Cons of studying in Linköping

Less cultural and nightlife options than larger cities.
Rental prices can be high if you’re looking in areas very close to the campus.
Fewer job opportunities if you’re seeking to work while studying.

Student housing in Linköping

Rental prices in Linköping are generally slightly more affordable than in Stockholm or Gothenburg, and comparable to those in Lund. However, they can rise if you’re looking for options very close to the universities or in the neighbourhoods most sought after by students. As a reference, the average price for a room in a shared flat is usually between €350 and €750 per month.

For more information about university life, accommodation and areas to live in this city, you can read our guide on student accommodation in Linköping.

Find accommodation in Sweden with Erasmus Play

As you may have realised, choosing between the top 5 student cities in Sweden depends largely on your budget, the type of lifestyle you are looking for, and how you imagine your university experience to be. Stockholm, Gothenburg, Uppsala, Lund, and Linköping are all strong destinations in terms of both educational quality and student atmosphere, but each offers different rhythms, prices, and opportunities. That's why it's essential to compare them carefully before deciding.

If you already know which city best suits your style, at Erasmus Play you can easily search for and book verified accommodation. Our platform allows you to filter by price, location and type of accommodation, so you can arrive in Sweden with everything organised and no surprises.

Other guides on studying and living in Sweden

If you'd like more information about these destinations to help you make your choice, our guides will give you a broader perspective on each city.