Whether you’re from a country with a warm or cold climate, winters in Sweden can be a real challenge to navigate, especially as a student. Personally, even though I come from Poland, a relatively cold country, Polish winters were no match for what I’ve experienced in Sweden, especially when it comes to the temperatures and darkness. However, since I have managed to get through two Swedish winters already, here are some of my tips for you on how to embrace the cold, beat the darkness, and make Swedish winter work for you!

Weather

Swedish people tend to say “there isn’t bad weather, only bad clothing”, and I couldn’t agree more. When the temperatures drop below zero, layering is essential. My first line of defence is a base layer, made of a thermal shirt and tights, followed by a thick hoodie or a sweater, and finally topped off with a jacket, scarf, gloves and a hat. With this set of clothes, you are guaranteed to feel warm and cosy even in lower temperatures, with one caveat.

While wearing extra layers can be helpful, the materials you choose for them also matter. Picking clothes made of good materials, such as wool or fleece, will allow for better breathability inside and warmth retention outside. In addition, choosing an insulated jacket can be a life-changer, especially for snow and wind protection, given the changing weather conditions. Lastly, don’t overlook the choice of footwear; well-insulated and waterproof boots with a strong gripping sole can prove to be crucial on the icy and slushy pavements.

Darkness

In the depths of winter, Uppsala gets less than 6 hours of daylight, which can significantly influence your mood, sleep and overall energy levels. Therefore, firstly, it is critical to look after your health – taking vitamin D supplements, going outside during the day, and getting some exercise might be small habits, but surprisingly make a big difference in how you feel long-term during the darker months. Personally, one of the biggest game-changers for me has been a daylight lamp, acting as an artificial equivalent of sunlight, which you can purchase in local shops, or if you’d rather not invest in one straight away, visit a dedicated light therapy room on campus.

Social life

While maintaining a social life during winter months may sound more challenging, it is much easier than you think! No matter how cold, snowy or windy it is, meeting up with friends and going to a nation pub or club is not an obstacle for Swedish students. Joining a nation is the best way to keep up with social activities, especially when you want to meet new people or bond over a hobby. Personally, joining yoga classes, as well as poetry evenings with friends, has been the highlight of my winter months. Beyond going to nations, making concrete plans with peers gives you something to look forward to and keeps the winter blues away – whether that is going for a fika, lunch or a study session together.

Finally, it’s good to remember that while winters in Sweden can be challenging, it is completely normal to struggle with it, no matter where you come from. Give yourself time and patience to navigate the new conditions and find something that works for you through ensuring good preparation, the right mindset and people around you. In the end, wintertime passes more quickly than you’d think, and sunnier days are always ahead. You’ve got this!