Shops in the city centre are normally open weekdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m./7 p.m., on Saturdays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and some shops on Sundays 12 noon–4 p.m.

Asecs Shopping Centre is open weekdays 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.–5 p.m. See their website asecs.se/english/

It has become very popular to shop at second hand shops (thrift stores), such as Erikshjälpen External link, opens in new window., Myrorna External link, opens in new window., and PMU City, External link, opens in new window. for both clothes and household items.

Food

Sweden’s food culture External link, opens in new window. centers on local produce, but many classic dishes have international roots. This is because Swedes have always explored and tried new flavours and dishes and incorporated them with local ingredients.

Fika

In between breakfast and lunch as well as between lunch and dinner, Swedes will have "fika", often coffee and pastry or cake.

Restaurants

Bear in mind that Swedes eat early; lunch will be served from 11am, dinner from 6pm. Smoking is not allowed in restaurant or pubs.

Tipping is not considered mandatory in Sweden. However, if you have really good service, it is customary to round up the bill to the nearest 20 SEK or so.

Drinks

In Sweden you may only buy alcohol at Systembolaget – the government owned chain of liquor shops in Sweden. In order to buy alcohol at Systembolaget, you must be 20 years old and be able to verify your age by showing a valid ID. Non-European residents should note that only a valid passport counts as proof of ID. Ask your nearest Systembolaget shop about valid IDs within Europe.

The kinds of alcoholic drinks you are able to purchase at normal shops contain very low percentages of alcohol.

Alcohol can also be purchased at restaurants and pubs. You must be at least 18 years of age in order to do this and you have to drink it at the location.

Note that there is zero tolerance towards drunk-driving in Sweden.

If you are concerned about your drinking habits, please contact the Student Health Care

Sweden’s Postal Service, called PostNord, has outsourced their offices to shops and petrol stations. To locate one, look for a blue sign “Postnord” or consult the PostNord website.

In case of emergency, call 112.

If you want to report something stolen or found, etc., you can visit the local police station on Vallgatan 3–5 or phone: +46 (0)36-114 14.

Visit the Police website from more information, polisen.se

The use and/or possession of narcotic drugs (marijuana and stronger drugs) is regarded as a criminal offence according to Swedish law and is punishable by fine or imprisonment.

The use of drugs is not tolerated in the Swedish society and this includes student life.

See the information under Living Costs.