A B  C  D  E F G H I J K L  M  N  O  P Q R S  T  U  V  W X Y Z

 

A.

Academic calendar

The academic year consists of 40 weeks, divided into two semesters. Please find the academic calendar for each school at the student web, under “Studies External link, opens in new window.”, 

Air Travel

Jönköping Airport is located 9 km from the city centre and has connections with Stockholm (Arlanda Airport External link, opens in new window.) and Copenhagen (Kastrup Airport External link, opens in new window.), Denmark. To get to and from the airport there is a regular bus service (route 27) to Jönköping city centre. There are also airport taxis.

There are a number of international airports with good connections to Jönköping. Landvetter Airport and Göteborg City Airport are two airports connected to Gothenburg on the west coast. Arlanda Airport, Stockholm Skavsta Airport, Stockholm Västerås Airport and Stockholm Bromma Airport are on the eastern side of Sweden. Malmö Airport is situated in the south of Sweden. All the airports are just a few hours away from Jönköping and they are connected to the main city in question via Airport Coaches.

Alcohol

In Sweden you may only buy alcohol in a shop called Systembolaget. You cannot buy alcohol in supermarkets or any other shop. The kinds of drinks you are able to purchase at normal shops contain very low percentages of alcohol. 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. Ask your nearest Systembolaget shop about valid IDs within Europe.

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

Allemansrätten - "Right of Public Access"

Allemansrätten, or the right of public access, gives everybody the right to use private as well as public land and waterways for certain activities such as hiking, jogging or boating provided that no damage is caused to the land. You must also show consideration to other people and animals and respect the wishes of private landowners. This means that you cannot walk or sail too close to houses and private gardens. It is also a good idea to ask the landowner if you plan on pitching a tent for more than a short period of time.

B

Bookshops

Books are generally quite expensive in Sweden, paperbacks included. There are a few bookshops in Jönköping, however, it is also quite common to buy literature online, especially course books. Affordable books can be found on Adlibris and Amazon.

Buses

The local buses regularly serve most places in Jönköping. A single trip costs approximately 25 SEK. More information about tickets and monthly bus passes can be found at JLTs website External link, opens in new window., where you can also find timetables.

The main bus stop in the city is Juneporten and is situated next to the railway station.

You can buy a monthly bus pass at the following places:

  • Råslätts spelbutik
  • Träffpunkt Jönköping at Juneporten
  • Pressbyrån at the railway station/bus station
  • Pressbyrån at A6 Shopping Centre
  • Pressbyrån on Klostergatan

C

Campus Map

Campus Map

Cash Dispensers (ATMs)

Cash dispensers (ATMs or "Bankomat" in Swedish) can be found all around the city and they normally accept international cards (e.g. VISA, Mastercard).

Cinemas

Jönköping has three cinemas. Filmstaden is the biggest and it screens most of the newest releases. The price for a ticket there is around 120 SEK. Biograf Fokus and Folkets Bio have smaller screens and the price for admission is normally less than at Filmstaden. These two, however, have a narrower programme and fewer screenings. Movies are usually subtitled in Swedish.

Filmstaden, Juneporten External link, opens in new window.(In Swedish)

Jönköping filmstudio (Biograf Fokus) External link, opens in new window. (In Swedish)

Folkets Bio, Kulturhuset External link, opens in new window. (In Swedish)

Climate

In winter, Sweden only gets a few hours of sunlight. During the shortest days the sun sets around 3 p.m. On the other hand, around the summer solstice the sun does not set until 22.00 and rises at 3 a.m. Average temperatures during the winter are -7°C to +10°C and in summer +20°C to + 25°C.

Clothing

Weather in the South of Sweden is cold from October to April. From November to February you will need winter clothes (coat, gloves, etc.); during these months the temperature will often be below 0°C. The autumn months, September to November, may seem like winter to those students who come from warmer countries. You can, of course, purchase clothes suitable for the Swedish winter when you arrive in Sweden.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted in Sweden when supported with a passport, other proof of identify or, if available, chip and pin. It is also possible to use them in selected cash dispensers.

Culture

Spira External link, opens in new window. is Jönköping’s cultural arena, built in 2011. The new venue offers music, theatre, performing arts and good food. A restaurant, café and bar can also be found in Spira. 

Currency

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.

Exchange office in Jönköping: Forex Bank, Västra Storgatan 6. You can find the latest exchange rates at Forex website External link, opens in new window..

Cycling

Jönköping is an ideal city for cycling since there are many cycle paths running through the city and its suburbs. Round, blue traffic signs with a white bicycle indicate the paths. If you cycle after dark you must have lights, both front and back, and also reflectors. If you don’t, you could be fined by the police. Also remember that we drive on the right-hand side of the road.

If you want to buy a cheap second-hand bicycle, you can look in the small ads in the local papers. You can also rent a bike at a few places in the city.

D

Dates

Dates are often written in the following order: year, month, day, e.g. 12 October 2015 is written 2015-10-12 (or just 151012); or day, month, year 12/10 2015. Dates are never written in the order of month, day, year as in the United States.

Dental Care

Before leaving for Sweden it might be wise to have a thorough check-up at your dentist's. It can be both difficult and expensive to get an appointment with a dentist in Sweden. Should you still need to see a dentist during your stay in Jönköping, the public dental service is Folktandvården External link, opens in new window. (in Swedish). There are also private dental clinics. If you need urgent dental treatment, call any dental clinic and ask for advice.

Please note that dental care is not included in the social benefits.

Driving in Sweden

If you are over 18 and have a driving licence from your home country, you may use it in Sweden for a maximum period of one year. Note that EU and EEA driving licenses are valid in Sweden and you do not need to trade them for a Swedish license.

Switzerland and Japan are special cases as licenses from these countries can be exchanged for a Swedish one without taking a driving test. Read more about the Swedish driver´s license on Transportstyrelsen External link, opens in new window. (Swedish Transport Agency).

Sweden drives on the right side of the road, and all passengers in a vehicle must wear seat belts at all times. You must also use dipped headlights or special daylight driving lights at all times during daytime.

Sweden's drinking laws are strict. The police can at any time stop a vehicle and perform a breath test on the driver. Drinking and driving in Sweden is not tolerated. When driving in wooded areas, please look out for wildlife, such as elk. From 1 December to 31 March it is a legal requirement to fit all vehicles with snow tires when the driving conditions call for it.

Drugs

The Swedish police take the consumption and/or possession of illegal drugs in Sweden very seriously. The use and/or possession of narcotic drugs is regarded as a criminal offence according to Swedish law and is punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Swedish culture does not tolerate the use of drugs, including marijuana, cannabis, and stronger drugs such as cocaine. The use of drugs is not tolerated in the Swedish society.

E

Electricity

Sweden uses 220 volts and 50 cycles (Hz), which is the European standard. You may need a transformer and/or an adapter for your electrical appliances, since Swedish outlets differ from, for example, both American and British ones.

Embassies and Consulates

Swedish embassies and consulates around the world External link, opens in new window.

Embassies and consulates in Sweden External link, opens in new window. (in Swedish)

Emergency

In Sweden the emergency phone number is 112 (no area code needed) for ambulance, police, fire department etc. If you use a telephone booth your call is free of charge when you press the emergency button and then dial 112.

Event Tickets

Tickets for different theatre, concert and sporting events in Jönköping and Sweden can be found at

J

JU Card

With the JU card, you can access the university’s buildings, borrow books from the University Library and log into printers/copying machines. The card gives you access to buildings that you are authorised to enter. Your authorisation is based on your organisational belonging.

Jönköping

Jönköping is the ninth largest city in Sweden with some 135,000 inhabitants. The city is located in a region characterized by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Jönköping is easily accessible by train, plane, bus or car. There are excellent links between Jönköping and the other major cities in Sweden as well as with the continent.

For more information please visit Jönköping Municipality’s website or Destination Jönköping External link, opens in new window.

Map of Jönköping External link, opens in new window.

L

Laundry

There are few launderettes in Sweden as most private households and blocks of flats will have laundry facilities in the building. Check in your building where they are located and ask the landlord to help you if you do not understand how they work.

Dry cleaning is rather expensive in Sweden, so always check the prices first!

Library

Jönköping University has its own library facility where you can find all the help you need such as course literature, foreign newspapers, computer databases etc.

There are also several city libraries, "bibliotek", where you can borrow books free of charge. In order to borrow books you will need a library card. The library staff will help you acquire one if you bring your passport with you the first time you borrow books. The main library is at Dag Hammarskjölds plats 1. It has books, newspapers and magazines in foreign languages.

M

Museums

There are many museums in Jönköping which you should try to visit. For more information contact the Tourist Information office, Juneporten, or visit Destionation Jönköping External link, opens in new window.

N

Newspapers

Jönköpings-Posten is the local newspaper and it is published six days a week (Monday-Saturday). National morning newspapers are Dagens Nyheter and Svenska Dagbladet and evening papers are Aftonbladet and Expressen.

For international newspapers, visit the University Library or one of the city libraries. Pressbyrån, at the railway station, also sells some international newspapers and magazines.

Swedish news in English can be found on The Local's website External link, opens in new window..

O

Opening Hours

Shops in the city centre are normally open weekdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m./7 p.m., on Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m/4 p.m. and some shops on Sundays 12 noon - 4 p.m.

A6 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.

Banks are usually open weekdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Post offices and pharmacies are open the same hours as most shops.

P

Pharmacy

At the pharmacies (apotek) you can buy prescription and non-prescription drugs as well as health-care products. The staff can also give you general medical advice. Some non-prescription drugs can also be bought at the supermarkets.

There are pharmacies at the health care centres, in the city centre and at the A6 Shopping Centre. They are usually opened on weekdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The pharmacy at Ryhov County Hospital is open weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Police

In case of emergency, call 112.

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

You found more information at the Police website External link, opens in new window..

Post Office

Sweden's Postal Service has pick-up and drop-off points in shops containing post offices ("kiosk"), shopping centres and petrol stations, as well as yellow mailboxes in many convenient locations. In the post office you can buy stamps and envelopes and also register your mail and send express mail. Post-services are normally available during the shops' opening hours.

Public Holidays

New Year's Day (Nyårsdagen) 1 January

Epiphany (Trettondagen) 6 January

Good Friday (Långfredagen) in March or April

Easter Sunday (Påskdagen) in March or April

Easter Monday (Annandag Påsk) in March or April

May Day (Första maj) 1 May

Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfärdsdag) a Thursday in May

National day (Nationaldagen) 6 June

Midsummer's Day (Midsommardagen) a Saturday towards the end of June

All Saints' Day (Alla helgons dag) a Saturday in early November

Christmas Day (Juldagen) 25 December

Boxing Day (Annandag jul) 26 December

In addition to these official holidays, Midsummer's Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are holidays for most government employees and many others.

S

Ski Slopes

There are several smaller ski slopes around Jönköping; Järabacken External link, opens in new window. in Jönköping, Strutsabacken External link, opens in new window. in Huskvarna, Knaggebo External link, opens in new window. in Mullsjö, Isaberg External link, opens in new window. in Hestra (45 minutes by bus) and the slopes in Ulricehamn External link, opens in new window. (30 minutes by bus).

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed inside buildings. This includes public buildings, companies, restaurants, pubs, schools and even your accommodation. If it is allowed to smoke in a building, you will find signs indicating it. You should normally go outside if you want to smoke.

Sports

Jönköping has other sports centres and gyms in the city

HV 71 is the Swedish professional ice hockey club in Jönköping. The team, which remains in the top division has won the national hockey championship several years. Ice hockey in Jönköping is popular. More information on HV71 is available on their website External link, opens in new window.. If you want to attend a HV71 match you can buy tickets on Ticketmaster External link, opens in new window..

J-Södra is a professional football/soccer team based in Jönköping. The team plays in one of the highest divisions in Sweden. For more information on J-Södra and ticket sales, visit J-Södra’s website External link, opens in new window..

Swimming

In summer, the beach of lake Vättern is a very popular place but there are countless other small lakes in and around Jönköping which are good for bathing and swimming.

In winter there are two public swimming pool complexes:

T

Taxi

A taxi ride is quite expensive in Sweden; a ride from Jönköping airport to Jönköping city centre costs 200-250 SEK and takes approximately 10 minutes.

Telephones

Most in Sweden choose to use Skype and mobile telephones with pay-as-you-go SIM cards from Swedish companies, which can be topped up online or at a newsagent. If you don't want to buy a mobile phone in Sweden it is often possible to use a phone from your home country with a Swedish SIM card. Make sure that the phone is not locked to your previous operator.

If you want to call Sweden from abroad, the country code is +46. The area code to Jönköping is 036. If you dial from abroad, you exclude the zero, and just dial 36.

If you want to call abroad from Sweden, the code is 00 followed by the country code.

Television

TV programmes in foreign languages are not dubbed, but have Swedish subtitles. The most popular Swedish TV-channels are SVT1, SVT2 and TV 4. Most apartment areas have several TV-channels.

Theatres

The main theatres in Jönköping are Smålands Musik och Teater, Tändsticksomådet, and Jönköpings Teater, Hovrättstorget. Check the local newspaper, Jönköpings-Posten, if you want to know what plays are on

For more info about theatre and other kinds of tickets visit Ticketmaster External link, opens in new window..

Time Zone

Sweden has Central European Time (CET), GMT +1. Daylight saving time (GMT +2) applies from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. Times are written according to the European system, e.g. 1 p.m. is written 13.00.

Tourist Information

The tourist information (Destination Jönköping) office has information about sights, concerts, theatres and other events in Jönköping and its surroundings. Their office is located at Resecentrum (by the railway station).

Travel within Sweden

The railway station is located in the middle of Jönköping city centre. The train company SJ runs most of the railway lines in Sweden. For information about tickets or national arrivals and departures, please visit SJ’s website External link, opens in new window.. Tickets can also be bought at the railway station.

There are a number of coach companies which connect most parts of Sweden. Here are a links to few of them:

U

University Chaplaincy

There are many places of worship in Jönköping. Some conduct services in languages other than Swedish. If you have questions regarding religious groups or traditions, please contact the University Chaplaincy.

V

Visa

Visas for Sweden are required for citizens of some countries, check with the nearest Swedish Embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application must be done in your home country, before entering Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for visas, work permits, residence permits and extensions of permits.

Vaccinations

There are no special vaccination requirements when entering Sweden. It is, however, recommended to be vaccinated against tetanus, polio and diptheria.

W

Water

Tap water in Sweden is of very good quality, tastes good and is safe to drink.

Wireless Internet

Jönköping University has wireless internet available on campus. You will also find Wi-Fi at several offentliga platser, caféer och restauranger in Sweden.

Websites