Maybe it’s the weather (it’s puffy coat + hat + gloves time), maybe it’s the leaves changing color, or maybe it’s just the realization that I am halfway through the semester, but lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my time here in Sweden. It feels like I’ve been here for a lot longer than two months…memories of the summer weather, orientation at the beginning of the semester, and meeting my host family for the first time feel far away. The two months remaining feels like a long time, but that’s only a few more weekends. Amongst all this reflection, I’ve been thinking about what I wish I had known before coming to Sweden. Some are little things and others are bigger things; regardless, I wanted to share some of the practical things that I’ve learned in these past couple of months. Hopefully these can help someone out, but if not, perhaps you’ll chuckle at my naivetie (or at least get a little sense of what life is like here). Firstly, and seasonally appropriate: bring gloves. And a hat, a scarf, and a good winter coat. Make plans/goals early in the semester. This could mean travel plans (although I think those can wait a little bit), but also goals for what to do in Stockholm. If you wait too long (in the fall in particular), it will be cold and then those things might not be as possible. Plus, it will be nice to have a list to refer to when you all of a sudden have a free day…then you won’t be left scrambling wondering what fun things to do(I have been there). The doors at DIS take some getting used to…but you’ll figure it out. Be ready to walk up a lot of stairs (and walk in general). DIS is on the fourth and fifth floors. Also, the metro has a lot of stairs…and I have definitely found myself frantically running up or down them to catch my train. Of course, elevators and escalators are a thing as well. Embrace the commute + the quiet. Honestly, this is one of my favorite parts of Sweden. I look forward to my mornings of looking out the window listening to my music like I’m starring in a dramatic music video. There’s something about the fact that everyone is together, but in their own world; nobody really talks to each other, and I appreciate that time to myself. However! There is still half a semester to go. With that, I’ve made some goals/bucket list items I want to do before I return to the US. Hopefully writing down these things will keep me accountable to actually do them–and maybe give some inspiration for activities for others to try. Visit Christmas markets. I am so excited for this! It’s not quite Christmas time yet, but when it is…I’ll be there. I’ve heard Gamla Stan is the place to be. Embrace the coziness and the darkness. In a few weeks it will be dark at 4pm, and all the Swedes I’ve talked to have told me to embrace it. Light the candles, bundle up by the fireplace, drink some tea: cozy. Perfect my Saturday candy combination. Saturday candy = one of my favorite Swedish traditions, and I’m slowly making my way through trying the different types. Somehow I always end up with one or two types that I don’t like, so of course, I have to get new candy every Saturday–for research, of course. Try the cafes on my list. It’s a fun way to explore the city! Currently, Lillebrors Bageri is at the top.

Try winter bathing + sauna. I did my first cold plunge this weekend and it was freezing…I think experiencing the cold water -> sauna would be a fun and perhaps warmer experience. Two months down, two to go: my time in Sweden is flying by, but writing this post helped me realize that I’ve learned a lot in the last two months. I hope this was at least a little bit helpful, and I hope it encourages you to take time to reflect…Now, I’ve gotta go check some of my goals off the list.