Eating out and travelling can be expensive and this is something you might want to consider when you are planning your budget. It is common for students to cook their own food and bring leftovers for lunch. Microwave ovens and refrigerators are available for all students.

In most restaurants, dinner starts at around 200–300 SEK – drinks not included.
Eating out at lunchtime is cheaper. You can expect to pay around 100–140 SEK for a meal including a soft drink, salad and tea/coffee. Food is available at various cafés and restaurants on campus at student prices.

Example of a monthly budget:

Students applying for a study permit in Sweden have to provide the Swedish Migration Agency with a financial statement to prove that they will be able to support themselves financially during their study period. The amount required is determined by the Swedish Migration Agency External link, opens in new window..

Below is a breakdown of how a monthly budget might look, depending on your specific cost of rent and leisure activities:

• Accommodation: 4,000–8,000 SEK depending on location, size, etc.
• Food: 2,000 SEK
• Phone: 150 SEK
• Monthly bus tickets: 570 SEK
• Laundry and hygiene: 350 SEK
• Clothing, hobbies, leisure, course literature: 1 500 SEK

Please note that this budget does not include the tuition fee paid by non-EU citizens. See the information about Tuition Fees.

STUDENT DISCOUNTS

When you have joined the Student Union, you have access to student discounts. The student discount card gives you discounts in certain shops, restaurants and on travel (minimum university registration 15 credits). The card is accessible through an app on your smartphone. You need to have registered in order to pay the Student Union Fee and download the app.

Note that the Student Union Fee is included in the tuition fee for non-EU citizens and in the boarding fee for Pathway students.

See the information about the proof of membership at the Student Union website.

The JU-card is no longer proof of membership in the Student Union.

MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS

Sweden is becoming a cashless society. Most payments, even small purchases, are done by card and many stores and restaurants do not accept payment by cash. Swish is also a widely used payment method in Sweden. The Swish app is a cooperation between the largest banks in Sweden and each bank is responsible for offers, terms and eventual charges for the service provided to their customers. You will need a Swedish bank account and Swedish personal identity number to get Swish. For information regarding the terms and conditions of Swish, visit your bank’s website.

All major credit cards are accepted in Sweden. It is also possible to use them in selected cash dispensers.

Do not bring personal cheques. These will not be cashed by Swedish banks. For more information, see: www.ju.se/student/en/service/banking-in-sweden

Do not bring a lot of cash as rent and tuition fee cannot be paid with cash.
Due to money laundering laws, depositing cash at a bank will require documentation regarding the source of the cash and many banks do not accept cash transactions.

The Swedish currency is the Swedish krona (SEK).

1 Swedish krona equals 100 öre. The denominations for coins are 1, 2, 5 and 10 kronor. Notes are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kronor.

Currency exchange office in Jönköping:
Forex, Västra Storgatan 6, phone: +46 (0)36-15 02 80.
You can find the latest exchange rates at www.forex.se

BANKING IN SWEDEN

Banks are usually open Monday – Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. There is no specific bank connected to Jönköping University.

It is not possible to pay invoices with cash. You need a credit card to pay any invoices at a bank office.