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Wednesday, January 14 | 2026
Are you relocating to Sweden short-term? Or are you perhaps relocating for a long time but not having any luck finding long term housing in Sweden? Well, this guide covers your top temporary housing choices that will allow you to start settling while you look for something more permanent.
Sweden is a one of the leading destinations for international students and a hub for multinational companies, so it is no wonder that thousands of newcomers each year are looking for temporary housing solutions. And this may feel a bit daunting. But if you plan in advance and research the options, you should get well underway for a comfy life in Sweden.
Student housing in Sweden
Most universities such as Uppsala, Lund and KTH have student rooms or apartments right on, or near, campus. These are usually cheaper than renting privately but they are also hugely popular so make sure you sign up as soon as possible as it can take many months to get a student room.
To apply, check the housing section of your university’s website. Applications open months before the semester starts. And again, spots fill up fast, so apply early. You’ll need documents like proof of acceptance to the university, a passport copy, insurance etc. Select your preferences like single or shared room and fingers crossed.
In the dorms, you’ll share facilities like bathroom and kitchen. Apartments may have a small kitchenette and bathroom. Furniture is provided but you should bring linens, kitchen items and remember to set up your broadband asap.
Some schools partner with private student housing companies too. Rates are then usually similar to university housing. If the dorms are full, look for private student apartments nearby. Renting a room in a shared apartment is another option close to campus.
Check out our section on how to find housing in Sweden as there are some good listing recommendations that are good for students too.
If you come to Sweden to study and haven’t found a place to stay, then you should immediately contact your university and the local student union (called Studentkår). There are – in most cities around Sweden – special emergency housing for students and it is important that you sign up for these as soon as possible.
Your university or Studentkår can help you with that. Note that there are different student unions for different student subjects (one student unions for philosophy, one for medicine, one for management etc.).
Short-term rentals and furnished apartments
If you have a larger budget, you can use services that offer short- and long term rentals and furnished apartments. For instance Airbnb, Forename, Unity, Beautiful Apartments and HomeToGo list apartments, hotel-style services flats and private rooms for rent periods of 1-12 months.
You can filter by location, amenities, price and positive host reviews to find good temporary housing wherever you are planning to live in Sweden.
Hostels in Sweden
Hostels in Sweden can also be a good option for temporary housing. And on a side note, it is a great way to travel Sweden on a budget. Hostel networks such as The Swedish Tourist Association – STF has a lot of different options all over Sweden.
You will have to become a member but the membership costs only 195 SEK per year if you are below 26 years old and 345 sek per year if you are above 26 years old.
The hostels are usually centrally located in major cities or in scenic natural areas so a hostel stay can be just the thing if you are coming for a short while to Sweden.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a community where people share their accommodation with travelers for a short period of time. This is probably not be the most comfortable living situation, as you will be staying at someone else house.
But it comes with a lot of added bonus. For instance it is a very good way to connect with local people and it is free of charge. You join the Couchsurfing community by signing up and creating a profile.
How else can I find temporary housing?
There are temporary housing solutions in many Swedish cities. Do you know where you will be staying in Sweden? If you do, just google “temporary housing, long stay, aparthotel” or långtidsboende + the name of the city where you will be living.
Fika is a Swedish word for a coffee break and stands for Coffee and Cake! It’s a well-known Swedish tradition to socialize around coffee breaks. Fika comes along with some traditional Swedish sweets such as Kladdkaka, Kannelbullar, Semla.
Fika is more than just a mere coffee break, it’s a social phenomenon and a reason to step away from your busy life for some quality time spent with your friends, family or colleagues. Fika can be done at any time during the day.
