Living in student housing

This page gives you an overview of what you need to know during your stay in student housing arranged by Stockholm University. It includes practical guidance on agreements, rent, maintenance, safety, and your responsibilities as a tenant.

If something is broken or not working, report it anytime through the Service Portal.

Emergency numbers

In case of urgent problems that could damage the building – such as a water leak or broken front door – contact property management.

In life-threatening situations, always call 112.

Emergency numbers

Everyday life

This section helps you manage the everyday aspects of your stay.

Some problems – like a blocked drain or a blown fuse – can be solved easily by following a few simple steps.

Watch how-to videos

 

Please avoid loud music or other noise after 22.00. If security is called due to a disturbance, you may be fined. Repeated complaints can result in termination of your rental contract.

If you are disturbed by neighbours

  • Try to resolve the situation politely.
  • For serious disturbances, call the emergency number provided in your rental contract.
  • Your identity will remain anonymous if you file a complaint.
  • If needed, contact the Student Health Service for advice.

Quiet hours

  • Weekdays: 22.00–07.00
  • Weekends and public holidays: 22.00–10.00

Indoor temperatures in Swedish housing during winter are normally around 20°C, measured as an average. This means that a temperature between 19–20°C is considered normal. Variations slightly above or below are expected.

Radiators automatically turn off when the indoor temperature reaches 20°C. If they feel cold, it simply means the room is already warm enough. Heating is generally activated when the outdoor temperature stays below 15°C for several days. Each building may have slightly different system settings.

If you feel cold, wear warm clothes, use slippers, and drink hot beverages.

Before reporting a heating issue:

  • Measure the indoor temperature one metre above the floor and one metre from the outer wall.
  • Report only if the temperature stays below 20°C for three consecutive days.

Heating systems in Sweden (Stockholms studentbostäder)

Lost keys can be reported to the Housing Office or Service Centre. In case of lost keys outside the working hours, tenants must contact the property owner’s emergency number. A charge for the provided service will occur. A fine for a new key will be charged.

Opening hours Service Centre

You can find your letterbox in the main entrance or by the entrance to your corridor. Remember to put your name up when you move in. Fore some areas you need to by a padlock for the letterbox.

Several delivery companies operate in Stockholm. If you have problems with mail delivery, it is your responsibility to contact the company you used.

If a parcel does not fit in the letterbox, it is usually delivered to the nearest service point. You will receive a message with collection details.

The Housing Office cannot accept or store letters, parcels, bags or suitcases on your behalf.

Pets are not allowed in any of our accommodations or shared spaces.

Pest infestations, such as bedbugs, can unfortunately occur – often after travel. To minimise the risk:

  • Wash and clean clothes and bags thoroughly after travelling.
  • Never store bags or luggage under your bed – this is an ideal hiding place for bedbugs.
  • Clean your accommodation regularly.

Signs of infestation may include small black dots (droppings) on bedding or bite marks on uncovered skin.

If you discover pests in your room or anywhere in the building, you must report it immediately via a maintenance request in the Service Portal. This is a legal obligation.

  • Decontamination is free of charge.
  • You will not be penalised for reporting pests.
  • Always report suspected pests – even if you're unsure.

You are responsible for sorting waste correctly. Follow the instructions and signs in your building.

  • Sort and dispose of rubbish and recycling according to local guidelines.
  • Food waste must be disposed of in the correct bins – never in recycling or bulky waste areas. Do not leave waste in communal areas or outside the flat.
  • Always push waste fully into recycling or bulky waste rooms. Fold cardboard boxes to save space.
  • Do not throw cigarette butts, paper or rubbish on the ground or out the window.
  • A fee will be charged for anything that staff need to clean, collect or move – this includes shared spaces, outdoor areas, and recycling rooms.

Keeping a clean and comfortable home

To help ensure a pleasant and healthy living environment for everyone, we kindly ask that you maintain regular cleaning throughout your tenancy. A clean home not only supports your well-being but also helps prevent damage and wear over time.

Please follow the simple guidelines below to keep your apartment in great condition.

Important tips

  • Do not pour hot oil into the sink – wipe with kitchen paper and dispose of it properly.
  • Clean under and behind the fridge regularly to prevent fire hazards.

  • Vacuum or sweep floors weekly.
  • Dust surfaces, skirting boards, and furniture regularly.
  • Avoid accumulation of clutter and rubbish.

  • Wipe down countertops and appliances after use.
  • Clean hob and oven regularly to prevent grease build-up.
  • Empty bins frequently and keep the area hygienic.
  • Check and clean the fridge weekly to avoid expired food.

  • Clean toilet, sink, and shower/bath at least once a week.
  • Wipe mirrors and tiles to prevent mould and limescale.
  • Ensure good ventilation to reduce dampness.

  • Open windows regularly to air out the apartment.
  • Wipe window sills and frames as needed.

Living together means sharing responsibility for keeping common areas clean and pleasant for everyone. To help with this:

  • Hold regular house meetings to divide cleaning tasks fairly.
  • Agree on a cleaning schedule that suits everyone’s routines.
  • Use meetings to follow up on any issues or disagreements in a respectful and constructive way.

Clear communication and teamwork go a long way in creating a comfortable and cooperative home environment.

Tenancy agreement

Learn what your rent includes, how to pay it, and how to apply for extensions.

Student housing is rented by the semester. If you're staying for a full academic year, you may apply for an extension. However, rent may vary between semesters.

It’s not possible to extend your stay for just a few days after your contract ends – please plan your departure accordingly.

You can request a summer extension during the spring semester. Only the following end dates are available:

Extension 2026: 22 June, 6 July, 20 July, 3 August, 10 August
If you choose another date, it will be moved to the next available one.

The rent must be paid in advance and is based on your spring semester rent.

  • You cannot change housing area or accommodation type.
  • Subletting is not allowed under Swedish law.
  • Guests may stay one night only, and only with prior approval from the Housing Office. Check your contract for local rules.

You can stay in university housing for up to 4 semesters (2 years).
Extensions are not automatic – you must apply through your accommodation account after moving in. Each time you apply, you must upload proof of tuition fee payment.

Application instructions and deadlines will be communicated to tenants by email.
Approval require confirmation from your international coordinator or proof of tuition fee payment.

Log in to you accommodation account

Safety

All tenants must follow a few essential rules to ensure a safe and respectful housing environment.

Always lock your door, don’t let strangers in, and never block corridors or stairwells.

  • Keep apartment and staircase doors closed – they stop smoke and fire.
  • Never store anything in corridors or stairwells. These are evacuation routes. No shoes, bikes, garbage bags or packages. Items will be removed without notice – fines may apply.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited in all rooms, apartments and shared areas.

1. Rescue

Evacuate yourself and assist others if it is safe to do so. Do not put yourself at risk. If that’s not possible, stay in your room and close all doors. Rescue services can reach you through a window if needed.

2. Alert – call 112

Call 112 and clearly explain what happened and where you are.

3. Extinguish – only if safe

Only try to put out a small fire if you’re not in danger.
Never risk your own or others’ safety.

Keep in mind:

  • Stay low – smoke rises.
  • Use the stairs – never the lift.
  • Avoid smoke-filled areas.
  • Close doors behind you.
  • Don’t open a warm or closed door.

Most rooms are equipped with ceiling-mounted smoke detectors. Test your detector when you move in by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds.

You are responsible for regularly checking that your smoke detector is working properly.
Tampering with, removing or damaging the smoke detector is strictly forbidden.

If the detector beeps or blinks continuously, change the battery. If it still doesn’t work after changing the battery or if you’re unable to change the battery yourself, report the issue immediately via the Service Portal.

What applies to your building may differ

Some practical details – such as internet access, laundry rooms, or how to use your key – vary depending on where you live. Visit the page for your accommodation area to find out what applies to you.

Find your accommodation area

Contact

Last updated: 2026-02-23

Source: Property Management Office