A brief introduction to life in Uppsala.

Housing

In most cases the Collegium can provide Fellows who do not live in the Stockholm–Uppsala region with accommodation for the duration of their stay. This is available from the first day of the semester until a maximum of two days after the end of the employment contract. Due to maintenance and renovation needs, flats are not available in July and August. However, it is usually possible for families with school-age children to come to Uppsala a few days before the start of the school year.

The Collegium has access to a number of sublet flats of various sizes in the city. We also have one-room flats with a private bathroom, an adjoining office and a communal kitchen in Prefektvillan, next to Linneanum in the Botanical Garden. Across the street, in Villa Therese Andersson, we have somewhat larger flats with a communal kitchen.

Smoking and pets are not allowed in SCAS accommodations/offices.

If you expect to have visitors during your stay in Uppsala, the SCAS staff will be happy to provide information about suitable hotels and hostels.

Pictures from Prefektvillan and Villa Therese Andersson.

Day Care and Schooling

There are several preschools in Uppsala for children aged one to five years. Swedish is the language of instruction in most preschools. The cost is currently (November 2024) no more than SEK 1,688 per month for one child. There is a discount for each additional child. If your accompanying partner is unemployed or on parental leave during your stay in Uppsala, you will not be eligible for a full-time preschool place.

Please note that preschool applications need to be submitted at least four months in advance of the expected start date.

There is an International School (up to year 9) in Uppsala, where classes are taught in English. Tuition is free, although you will have to pay a fee if you wish to enrol your child in the after-school programme.

Driving and Parking

If you wish to drive in Sweden, you will need an International Driving Permit issued in your home country. If you pay a daily or monthly parking fee, you can usually find parking near the Collegium. A special parking permit is required.

Banking

All the major Swedish banks have branches in Uppsala. For currency exchange, there are exchange bureaus in central Uppsala. Most shops accept Visa or MasterCard, and there are cashpoints throughout the city. The closest ones to SCAS are on St Johannesgatan (at Ica Folkes Livs) and on Drottninggatan, down the hill from Carolina Rediviva.

Mobile Communications

It is usually not possible to take out a mobile phone contract without a Swedish personal identity number, but you can buy an unlocked phone to use with a pay-as-you-go SIM card. The main Swedish mobile phone operators all have shops/service centres in central Uppsala.

Getting to Know Uppsala

The Uppsala Tourist Board, Destination Uppsala External link, opens in new window., can provide more information about the city. During arrival week, all Fellows will have the opportunity to take a city tour, and SCAS staff will be happy to recommend restaurants, fun activities, and sporting opportunities.