As an Australian who’s soaked up more than her fair share of sun, sand and saltwater, I was ready for a drastic change when I accepted my offer from Uppsala University! For months now, I’ve pictured the snowy winters, sprawling landscapes and cozy coffee dates with friends.

But moving abroad is about experiencing more than just the idyllic moments. It’s navigating the unexpected twists and turns, laughing through the tough times and opening yourself up to a world of unfamiliarity. My first few weeks in Sweden have been full of surprises that have left me excited, confused, and most of all, ready for this new adventure!

Here are some of the biggest culture shocks I’ve experienced during my first few weeks in Sweden. Hopefully they’ll help make your own move here a little smoother!

Grocery Stores

You don’t realise how important the familiarity of a grocery store is until you’re in a new country, with no idea what or where anything is. The layout feels unfamiliar, and you still can’t find the milk, no matter how hard you look! Walking into a Swedish supermarket for the first time felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. It took me eight laps of the entire store to find the one label I recognised – my biggest kitchen comfort item, Barilla genovese pesto.

At first, it was overwhelming trying to Google-translate every long and complicated label I came across just to tick “flour” off my list. But it’s also been so fun to discover new go-to snacks, and swap out ingredients in my favourite recipes to things that are actually available. Cooking has become even more of a creative outlet, and getting to know my local grocery aisles has been an easy way to feel right at home. Just keep in mind that food prices are quite high in Sweden, so planning your week’s meals in advance may cut down the costs!

Endless Summers

I knew about the long, dark winters, but I definitely didn’t prepare for the summer days to last from before 4am until almost 11pm! I thought we got a lot of sun in Australia, but here it feels like the days never end! Multiple times in the first few weeks, I’ve been reading or watching shows with the rays of the sunset streaming through the windows, only to look up and realise it’s almost 3am.

I’ve been lucky to move into an apartment with some thick blackout curtains, but they might be one of your first long-term investments in Uppsala. Even with them, you might find yourself getting creative with your bedtime routines (sunset lamps, closing the curtains earlier), just to make sure you get your 8 hours!

On the upside, all this daylight means you can explore the city and surrounding areas without feeling rushed. And the best part? It leaves you plenty of time for long fikas in the sun with all your new friends and classmates!

Rulebook Culture

I’ve learnt pretty quickly that Sweden loves a system full of unspoken (and spoken) rules. In comparison to the “she’ll be right” flexibility of Australia, this has definitely been one of the bigger culture shocks for me to adapt to! From having a list of rules in my rental contract – including quiet hours and number of dinner guests! – to sorting recycling into 7 different categories, the rules can be pretty comprehensive through your new life here.

You’ll likely experience this in full force when you apply for your personnummer after arriving. There’s a long list of specific documents you’ll need, and a clear step-by-step process that must be followed in order to receive that number, set up your BankID and apply for student loans!

While it may feel a little overwhelming to begin with, you’ll notice very quickly how much this structure helps things run smoothly, keeps public spaces clean and makes expectations clear from the get go. Give yourself a little time to adjust, and soon you’ll be the one reminding newcomers to book their laundry room slots!

Temperatures

After years of 40°C summers in Australia, I never expected a 22°C day in Uppsala to be what made me think, “Maybe today’s an indoor day. It’s just TOO hot outside!” But the difference isn’t just the number on the weather app. It’s the intensity of the sun in an old stone town that seems to hold on to every bit of heat. It’s the lack of breeze and shade, and the houses built for plummeting winter temperatures. And it’s the adjustment of looking at that 22°C on your phone and knowing that that means light, flowy clothes, not a jumper and jeans!

When you start packing for your move, don’t skip the summer clothes just because you’re focused on preparing for winter. Some light, breathable outfits will be your best friend on sunny days. You’ll thank yourself when the heat and humidity catch you off guard!

Moving to a new place comes with a whirlwind of surprises, challenges and unexpected moments. Settling into Uppsala has already thrown a million curveballs at me – from getting lost in supermarkets to spending way too long scratching my head by the recycling bins – but every single one has been part of the adventure. Each surprise has taught me something about life and culture in Sweden, and made me feel more and more connected to my new home.

So, when you arrive in Sweden, give yourself permission to experience those learning curves, and remind yourself that you’re not expected to know everything straight away. Be open to new experiences, embrace the challenges, and buy those blackout curtains for your bedroom!

If you’ve already made it to Sweden, what has surprised you most so far? I’d love to hear your stories!