Saturday, January 24 | 2026
Saturday, January 24 | 2026
Written by Bonnie Thornington
To ensure a smooth transition to a new country, my motto is: Get out, Get Involved, Get Cozy.
When I think back to what my family and I have done over the last 3 months, the people we have met and the places we have seen, I can say that trying to balance new things and keeping a routine at home has been the secret to our steady integration.
We live in Lund in Skåne and there are endless activities and destinations for a fun-filled day trip. Look at the map, pick a place and just go! Don’t have too many expectations and you will be rewarded with some long-lasting memories and amusing stories by the end of the day.
Remember, you don’t need a car; we spent the first 3 months in Sweden using public transportation and biking around. It will actually make you more aware of all the transport links and fantastic bike paths. Plus there is more opportunity to meet more people and strike up a conversation!
Swedes have a reputation of being a bit reserved and difficult to get to know. From my experience so far, I feel that they are actually quite warm and open but you have to be the one to initiate.
I’ll be the first to admit it isn’t easy to take the first step, but you never know what doors may open because of it.
Take a deep breath and strike up a conversation with your neighbour. Take a few extra seconds and try your Swedish with the cashier or café waiter. Forget Google Maps, ask someone for directions instead.
For me, being involved in my community is very important to become integrated. But what can you do if you don’t speak Swedish? Lots actually!
I didn’t think the process and manner of how Swedes work was very different to what I was used to but since I started volunteering, I’m beginning to see little nuances on how they think, how meetings are conducted, and how decisions are made.
Besides several extra-curricular activities, we put our children into the local Scouts group because we liked the philosophy of the Scout movement but we also wanted them to be immersed in Swedish with local neighbourhood children. We know it will take a while for them to feel completely comfortable in a new environment in a foreign language, but so far the fun activities and outings are keeping their interest and enthusiasm high.
Feeling integrated and comfortable in a new country means making the place you live in now a home.
What makes a home warm and inviting to you? What aspects about your home screams comfort and relaxation? It could be a pair of slippers, a favourite coffee mug, or just some scented bath salts.
Get busy cozy-ing your house/flat and you will start to feel that this is the home you have always wanted and that this new country is the one that was intended for you.
One thing I have embraced here is the collection of house plants that are now proudly displayed on every window sill. It makes me happy and calm to see healthy, thriving plants every direction I turn.
Recently, I bought a small bottle of Canadian maple syrup at our local ICA. Even though the cost caused me to have a mini heart attack, the moment I had a bite of fluffy pancakes drenched in the syrup, it was all worth it.
It’s only small things. But the small things make up the big picture.
Home means different things to different people. It can mean the place where you were born. It may be the place where you grew up. It may be where you have citizenship.
For me, home is where I am today with my family. Home is what you make of it, and the more you put into exploring your new surroundings, making new connections and creating a cozy abode, the more it will become the home that you have always dreamed of.
Bring on the next 3 months in Sweden – and more!
About the author
Hej! My name is Bonnie and I’m a Chinese-Canadian who has lived/visited over 60 countries, most recently travelling with my family on our 42-foot sailboat for the past year from Canada down to the Bahamas. I love music, yoga, swimming in oceans and lakes and will try anything at least once. I am excited to be moving to Lund and look forward to immersing myself in Swedish culture – especially fika and lagom! Hope you enjoy my posts as I recount my experiences of relocating and settling into Swedish life during a pandemic!
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