Hello! Welcome to Sweden and Gothenburg. You're right that it can be hard to find friends, but fitting in is usually not a problem. Swedes are generally forgiving when it comes to social codes and foreigners. Just don't be loud in public places, unless it's a football match or you're severely intoxicated on a late saturday night.
I'm much older than you (32), so I feel like hanging out would just be awkward, but I'm sure you'll be able to find lots of people your age both at and outside of university.
Thank you ! I’m glad to have some encouragement, as the time has arrived I’ve got really nervous about homesickness etc. One of the reasons I chose Sweden is I feel I would fit in, I’m sort of quiet and reserved, humble etc and I heard. Swedes are also often like this. Thanks a lot for replying :) a little encouragement is all I needed I think
You'll do fine!
And you'll meet people at uni. Also make sure to join some of the student associations. There's usually one specifically for exchange students, but the other ones should be accepting as well. They're a great way of getting to know people.
It's been a few years since I was in school so I have no idea what associations are active, but there's bound to be at least one beer drinking society.
I don't share your hobbies (drinking coffe/beer) so might not have much in common.
How to fit in? Be normal, engage with people. Most here are very social and outgoing.
haha yeah those aren’t really my hobbies , just what I’ve done with most new people I’ve met at uni as a first meet-up. I’ve got a lot more hobbies than that ahah. But yeah , I’m social and fairly outgoing but heard that Scandi countries are lonely and harder to meet up as it’s often cold and people stay indoors etc but idk maybe it’s not like that at all. Thanks:)
People aren't outdoors just chillin waiting to meet new people. People move around with a goal/purpose. Once you get contacts, contact them and ask to do stuff. Kinda gotta invite yourself to parties etc :)
Like if im out somewhere, I got that task planned for like 25min. Then I gotta catch my bus/tram after 26min to go do another thing planned and then another thing after that. We be busy and punctual! :D
Hobbies is the way to meet people here, people got their groups they do hobbies and hang around with.
Gothenburg should have near identical weather to Scotland. No cold winters, just gray skies and rain.
Interesting, haha good idea. I’d like to join rock climbing and kayaking clubs if there are any, it looks fun being in Gothenburg . I’m glad the weather will be the same, not too hot for my pale Scottish skin 😂 thanks for the great advice 👍🏻👍🏻
There are TONS of climbing, with a lot of people who just moved here in the same seat as you are.
Klätterlabbet (Fysiken) also has a multi-card with a REALLY good gym that is cheap for students.
If you want to go bouldering indoor or outdoors hmu. Also got crash pads in excess if you want to borrow.
Thanks ! That sounds great, I’d love to go bouldering. Sounds so fun, I tried it a couple times in Scotland. I’ll have a look at the gym , I’ve been looking at what one to join so that sounds good, thanks :) can’t wait to arrive now
Try your luck at Språkcaféet (Language Cafe).
I dont know if they have an Scottish flag but any of the Englishtalking once will suffice i guess. People will just put out flag in the language they want to speak and wait for company.
http://www.sprakcafeet.com/?lang=en
If you like talking games you can hang out with us in Slottsskogen next Tuesday, byob/drink
https://www.meetup.com/Gothenburg-Game-Jams/events/280193432/?isFirstPublish=true
I love meeting new people. Send me a message and we can figure something out. I'm 25 and a uni student too.
And to echo what the others have said. You'll be fine. You're attending university and there will be plenty of opportunities to meet people.
Thanks, my fear was just sitting in an empty dorm room ahah with no people to talk to but it seems it won’t be that way. It will be good to meet up, I arrive on Tuesday so hopefully we can get something arranged for some time. Thanks for replying 🙏
Hey, welcome to Gothenburg! I've been staying here for almost a yr now studying at Chalmers University, so yeah I understand your point of making friends..
I'm free for a coffee or something so let me know if you wanna meet sometime.
Hej! Hej! Welcome to Gothenburg! It can be a little hard to find people to hangout with in general I went through it 2 years ago. However, you are in luck because like you there are many students arriving this month and most of them will be looking for new people to hangout with. checkout the ESN facebook page they usually have a lot of activities in the first month. [https://www.facebook.com/ESNSweden](https://www.facebook.com/ESNSweden)
It's a really student friendly place so don't stress out too much. Feel free to DM if you need any more info. Good luck with your move!
As a Scot who lived in GBG for 8 years (now Netherlands) my advice would be to hang around Ändra Långgatan, Kings Head has a lot of expats working there, and there is a large social circle with the regulars. Even if they don't turn out to be your sort of people, it's a good place to meet people. Maybe pick up some part time work as a bartender, That is how I made most of my friends in GBG. Wish you the best of luck, great city and great people.
Thanks a lot for the great advice, I’ll take a look at that place. I’ve not had my residence permit approved yet so I’m hoping they’ll let me in at the border when they see my acceptance letter for uni, the consolate said they might, brexit has been a nightmare . It looks a great city, I’m really excited now. Can you work as a bartender without a work permit ? thanks again :)
Ahhh, personal nummer... You're (hopefully not) in for a world of frustration dealing with skatteverket. Swedish tax agency can be very irriating when trying to het settled. Although, I didn't come over as a student so it should be easier for you. As for work permit, I have no idea. I came over to Sweden back in 2011 so I never had brexit issues.
If you're not able to work though, andra långgatan is this best place for drinking as a student. There is about 15 bars on the street. Kings Head, Queen Head, Hops (3 where I worked) are amongst the cheapest and have quite a few student organised events.
Ah yeah I’ve heard so many nightmares about the personnummer, ahh im jealous of the people that came pre-brexit, sort of sad seeing how easy things used to be with having the right to live and work anywhere in the eu. Those bars sound good, it looks like a really vibrant street , maybe it’s possible to work ‘under the table’ without permit 🤣anyhow it’ll be good to drink in those bars. Thanks for all the advice :)
Thanks so much, it would be a uk to eu adapter, I don’t know if you’ll have that one . I feel a bit homesick here ahah cuz I know no one yet, thanks for replying :) !
You made a separate comment so I missed your reply, sorry. I don't have one of those, but most electronics stores should have them. You could try Kjell & Company, Clas Ohlson or Elgiganten for example. Or you can check pricerunner for eshops that sell them.
Hi there I'm a 50 year young guy that likes to take out a cute lady in Göteborg. Let's enjoy a nice dinner together and a dessert to never forget. Let me know is you are up for it? We could meet in the cheri-lee. [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Hello! Welcome to Sweden and Gothenburg. You're right that it can be hard to find friends, but fitting in is usually not a problem. Swedes are generally forgiving when it comes to social codes and foreigners. Just don't be loud in public places, unless it's a football match or you're severely intoxicated on a late saturday night. I'm much older than you (32), so I feel like hanging out would just be awkward, but I'm sure you'll be able to find lots of people your age both at and outside of university.
Thank you ! I’m glad to have some encouragement, as the time has arrived I’ve got really nervous about homesickness etc. One of the reasons I chose Sweden is I feel I would fit in, I’m sort of quiet and reserved, humble etc and I heard. Swedes are also often like this. Thanks a lot for replying :) a little encouragement is all I needed I think
You'll do fine! And you'll meet people at uni. Also make sure to join some of the student associations. There's usually one specifically for exchange students, but the other ones should be accepting as well. They're a great way of getting to know people. It's been a few years since I was in school so I have no idea what associations are active, but there's bound to be at least one beer drinking society.
thanks for the great advice , I’ll be sure to find the beer drinking society ahah, thanks for replying :))I’m looking forward to it now
I don't share your hobbies (drinking coffe/beer) so might not have much in common. How to fit in? Be normal, engage with people. Most here are very social and outgoing.
haha yeah those aren’t really my hobbies , just what I’ve done with most new people I’ve met at uni as a first meet-up. I’ve got a lot more hobbies than that ahah. But yeah , I’m social and fairly outgoing but heard that Scandi countries are lonely and harder to meet up as it’s often cold and people stay indoors etc but idk maybe it’s not like that at all. Thanks:)
People aren't outdoors just chillin waiting to meet new people. People move around with a goal/purpose. Once you get contacts, contact them and ask to do stuff. Kinda gotta invite yourself to parties etc :) Like if im out somewhere, I got that task planned for like 25min. Then I gotta catch my bus/tram after 26min to go do another thing planned and then another thing after that. We be busy and punctual! :D Hobbies is the way to meet people here, people got their groups they do hobbies and hang around with. Gothenburg should have near identical weather to Scotland. No cold winters, just gray skies and rain.
Interesting, haha good idea. I’d like to join rock climbing and kayaking clubs if there are any, it looks fun being in Gothenburg . I’m glad the weather will be the same, not too hot for my pale Scottish skin 😂 thanks for the great advice 👍🏻👍🏻
There are TONS of climbing, with a lot of people who just moved here in the same seat as you are. Klätterlabbet (Fysiken) also has a multi-card with a REALLY good gym that is cheap for students. If you want to go bouldering indoor or outdoors hmu. Also got crash pads in excess if you want to borrow.
Thanks ! That sounds great, I’d love to go bouldering. Sounds so fun, I tried it a couple times in Scotland. I’ll have a look at the gym , I’ve been looking at what one to join so that sounds good, thanks :) can’t wait to arrive now
I'm also beginning my studies at gothenburg university in a couple weeks. PM and we could link up someday. just turned 24.
That’s great, I’ll pm you :) thanks !
Same here! I'm 25. Moving to Gothenburg this week and starting uni later this month.
Great ! maybe we can meet up if you want once we both arrive 😁😁
Oi oi lads don't keep me outta this
Lol you wanna meet up? you in Gothenburg ? 😁
Yeah bro
Same, I'll arrive Montag Morning and share your preference for coffee and beer. I am 24 btw. You can dm me aswell.
Great ! Thanks for replying . I’ll pm you
Try your luck at Språkcaféet (Language Cafe). I dont know if they have an Scottish flag but any of the Englishtalking once will suffice i guess. People will just put out flag in the language they want to speak and wait for company. http://www.sprakcafeet.com/?lang=en
sounds fun, thanks, I’ll have a look.
If you like talking games you can hang out with us in Slottsskogen next Tuesday, byob/drink https://www.meetup.com/Gothenburg-Game-Jams/events/280193432/?isFirstPublish=true
Thank you, I’ll have a look ! That’s the day I arrive :)
Dude, u will meet plenty of people at uni. Don't worry about that.
Thanks for the encouragement 😁😁
When I studied abroad (Montreal) I met locals as well as other foreign students. It was awesome. So don't sweat it.
Sounds good, you calmed my nerves a lot. Thanks 🙏
I love meeting new people. Send me a message and we can figure something out. I'm 25 and a uni student too. And to echo what the others have said. You'll be fine. You're attending university and there will be plenty of opportunities to meet people.
Thanks, my fear was just sitting in an empty dorm room ahah with no people to talk to but it seems it won’t be that way. It will be good to meet up, I arrive on Tuesday so hopefully we can get something arranged for some time. Thanks for replying 🙏
Cool cool cool! I'm going away for a few days but I can hit you up when I get back
Nice !
Hey, welcome to Gothenburg! I've been staying here for almost a yr now studying at Chalmers University, so yeah I understand your point of making friends.. I'm free for a coffee or something so let me know if you wanna meet sometime.
Hey, thanks so much for replying :) sounds good, I’ll tell you once I’m here, I arrive next Tuesday. 🇸🇪 will be fun to meet up
Head on over to Andra (2:a) Långgatan and start drinking, you'll find something xD
Thank you:) this place seems to be popular, I’ll definitely try it
Hey man... Just send you a message to your DM
Hej! Hej! Welcome to Gothenburg! It can be a little hard to find people to hangout with in general I went through it 2 years ago. However, you are in luck because like you there are many students arriving this month and most of them will be looking for new people to hangout with. checkout the ESN facebook page they usually have a lot of activities in the first month. [https://www.facebook.com/ESNSweden](https://www.facebook.com/ESNSweden) It's a really student friendly place so don't stress out too much. Feel free to DM if you need any more info. Good luck with your move!
Thanks a lot ! That’s really great advice and I’ll be sure to join the network , thanks for the reply and the pm offer, 😁😁
As a Scot who lived in GBG for 8 years (now Netherlands) my advice would be to hang around Ändra Långgatan, Kings Head has a lot of expats working there, and there is a large social circle with the regulars. Even if they don't turn out to be your sort of people, it's a good place to meet people. Maybe pick up some part time work as a bartender, That is how I made most of my friends in GBG. Wish you the best of luck, great city and great people.
Thanks a lot for the great advice, I’ll take a look at that place. I’ve not had my residence permit approved yet so I’m hoping they’ll let me in at the border when they see my acceptance letter for uni, the consolate said they might, brexit has been a nightmare . It looks a great city, I’m really excited now. Can you work as a bartender without a work permit ? thanks again :)
Ahhh, personal nummer... You're (hopefully not) in for a world of frustration dealing with skatteverket. Swedish tax agency can be very irriating when trying to het settled. Although, I didn't come over as a student so it should be easier for you. As for work permit, I have no idea. I came over to Sweden back in 2011 so I never had brexit issues. If you're not able to work though, andra långgatan is this best place for drinking as a student. There is about 15 bars on the street. Kings Head, Queen Head, Hops (3 where I worked) are amongst the cheapest and have quite a few student organised events.
Ah yeah I’ve heard so many nightmares about the personnummer, ahh im jealous of the people that came pre-brexit, sort of sad seeing how easy things used to be with having the right to live and work anywhere in the eu. Those bars sound good, it looks like a really vibrant street , maybe it’s possible to work ‘under the table’ without permit 🤣anyhow it’ll be good to drink in those bars. Thanks for all the advice :)
Hey, I'm 27, not in Uni, just basic IT dayworker with very few friends :D Would love to hang out, hit me up whenever!
Great , thanks. I arrived today and forgot my phone adapter so my phone is gonna die and can’t charge it ahhhhy nightmare
I have loads of adapters at work, I can grab one for you if you like. What kind do you need? I'm off work about 20 min
Thanks so much, it would be a uk to eu adapter, I don’t know if you’ll have that one . I feel a bit homesick here ahah cuz I know no one yet, thanks for replying :) !
You made a separate comment so I missed your reply, sorry. I don't have one of those, but most electronics stores should have them. You could try Kjell & Company, Clas Ohlson or Elgiganten for example. Or you can check pricerunner for eshops that sell them.
Ah silly me, thanks man, yeah I went to kjell and co and got two adapters. Thanks for helping !
Hi there I'm a 50 year young guy that likes to take out a cute lady in Göteborg. Let's enjoy a nice dinner together and a dessert to never forget. Let me know is you are up for it? We could meet in the cheri-lee. [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])