Moving abroad comes with the inevitable question: What on earth should I pack? There are already plenty of great packing lists for international students online, so this is by no means an exhaustive guide. This is more of a personal take, things I wish someone had told me before moving specifically to Uppsala. So think of it as your unofficial, mildly chaotic, Uppsala-specific packing survival guide.

Must-Bring Essentials

The Jacket Dilemma
Let’s start off with a hot take: if you already own a really thick, high-quality winter jacket, bring it. The super-warm kind that can handle sub-zero wind and snow is worth packing, especially since buying a brand-new one in Sweden can be very expensive. But as for all the other types of outerwear (waterproof jackets, windbreakers, lighter coats), you can find them easily and affordably in second-hand stores once you’re here. Uppsala has amazing thrift shops that carry solid outdoor gear for a fraction of the price. It’s only the big winter investment piece that I was truly glad I didn’t have to buy again here. But there are different schools of thought when it comes to this so don’t come for me. Of course, some people swear by buying everything here, so take this with a pinch of salt.

A Few Summer Clothes 
It’s tempting to pack only sweaters and coats when you’re moving to Sweden, but don’t forget to throw in a few summer pieces! August and September can be surprisingly warm, and if you show up with only pullovers, you’ll absolutely melt during your first outdoor picnic or campus event.

Formalwear: Yes, You’ll Need It
Sweden may be laid-back most days, but don’t be fooled: Uppsala has some very formal traditions, especially when it comes to gasques (student dinner parties) and university balls. Whether you’re here for one semester or a full degree, you’re likely to attend at least a couple. Bring either one ball dress (elegant but practical) or one suit (which you can dress up or down depending on the event). And regardless of what you choose, pack one pair of formal shoes or heels, just one is enough, so go for something versatile and comfortable enough to survive dancing, stairs, and cobblestones.

A Card That Works Everywhere
Sweden is basically a cash-free society. Whether you’re hopping on a bus or buying a cinnamon bun at a bakery, almost everyone pays by card or with apps like Swish, most places won’t even accept cash. But you’ll only get access to Swish once you open a Swedish bank account, which can take a while thanks to all the bureaucratic steps involved. In the meantime, make sure to bring an international card that has low or no foreign transaction fees. And let your bank know you’ll be abroad! Otherwise, they might flag your card for suspicious activity and block it.

Cultural Comforts From Home
This is personal, but I can’t recommend it enough: bringing a piece of home with you is a game-changer. Just be strategic about what to pack now and what can wait. Sweden has everything you need, but it’s those little personal things from home that make the biggest difference on tough days. (And maybe at a cultural night where we can all share a piece of home together!) Here are a few of my personal staples:

  • Essential spices and go-to ingredients (as long as they’re allowed through customs)
  • Cultural clothes, for events or just to feel connected to home
  • Small decorations, maybe a traditional scarf, a photo frame, or something handmade. They make my space feel warmer, and they really do lift my spirits when I’m missing home.

Just keep an eye on your luggage weight! If you’re short on space when moving, bring the essentials first. You can stock up if you go back home or ask your family to bring things if they visit.

Medicine & Prescriptions
Bring enough of your prescription meds to last until you’re registered in the Swedish healthcare system (which takes some time). Also, carry the actual prescription or a doctor’s note, just in case customs have questions.

Pictures to Decorate
Photos of your loved ones, your favorite view back home, or your pets, they’re weightless and powerful. You’ll thank yourself when your walls start to feel like your walls.

A Router 
If you’re going to be living in a student room provided by the Housing Office, make sure to bring a router. Internet access is included in the rent, but you’ll often need your own router to actually connect to Wi-Fi. You can buy one in Sweden, of course, but electronics here tend to be more expensive than back home. If you already have a spare router or can get a cheap one before you move, bring it with you and thank yourself later.

Bonus: What Not to Bring

These are likely pretty intuitive, but for anyone who needs to hear it, here is what you can leave behind:

Too Many Books
Books are heavy. If you have favorite novels or religious texts, bring them, otherwise, go digital or wait till you’re settled.

Bulky Kitchen Items
Pots, pans, blenders: not only too heavy but also very easy to find once you arrive. Your accommodation may already provide some kitchen basics, and secondhand shops or Facebook groups are great for stocking up affordably.

Statement Clothing You Rarely Wear
Coming from someone who adores statement items, I say this with a heavy heart: it’s just not worth it. Most of your day-to-day life in Sweden will call for neutral, weather-friendly, and versatile layers. Save space for pieces that can be dressed up or down. Bring your signature top or unique jacket if it sparks joy, but leave the rest for later visits home.

Too Many Bags or Purses
A backpack, a durable tote, and a small going-out bag are all you really need. Anything beyond that just takes up space in your tiny student room. The same goes for footwear!

Gloves (Trust Me on This One)
If I could go back in time, I would leave my cute leather gloves, knit mittens, and those little touchscreen-friendly ones at home. The gloves I ended up using here are a different species entirely, designed for survival not aesthetics. They’re thick, insulated, and made to actually protect from wind, snow, and sub-zero air. Now I know that every glove I’ve ever owned before moving here was just decorative.

Cash
As mentioned before, Sweden is one of the most cashless countries in the world. After 10 months here, I couldn’t tell you what a Swedish bill looks like if my life depended on it. So save yourself the trouble and don’t waste money on conversion fees, you probably won’t ever need cash. (The only exception being when I bought a bike at a flea market right after arriving, though I paid in euros.)

Huge Toiletries Stockpile
Once again, these items are heavy and can be easily found in Sweden. Pack only the essentials for your first day, then head out to explore local shops and discover your new favorite products in your new home!

The Bottom Line?
Keep it simple, pack smart, and trust that Sweden will have everything you need. With just the essentials and a few comforting pieces of home, you’re all set for an amazing adventure!