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Academic toolbox for studying in Sweden

Starting university studies in a new country can be exciting but also challenging. Academic expectations may differ from the study culture you are used to, and ways of writing, reading, and using sources may feel unfamiliar. This toolbox is designed to help you prepare for these expectations and to support you as you begin your studies.

Here, you will find an introduction to key academic skills that you will use throughout your education at Jönköping University. You can work through the material before your courses start and return to it whenever you need a reminder or want to develop your skills further.

It includes four different sections:

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  1. Critical Thinking
  2. Evaluating Sources
  3. Academic Integrity
    1. Using and referencing sources in your own work
    2. Avoiding plagiarism
    3. Generative AI in academic work
  4. Academic Writing

At the University library, we are also happy to help you when it comes to information search, making a reference list and much more. Check out our web site or come by the library once you are on Campus.

The University Library and the Academic Language Center are also available to support you with information searching, referencing, academic writing, reading skills, and many other questions related to your studies. Visit our website or come by the library once you are on campus.

Critical thinking

When you study at a Swedish university, you are expected to think independently and engage actively with the materials you read. Critical thinking helps you understand, question, and reflect on ideas rather than simply remembering facts. This is a very important aspect of academic studies in Sweden.

You will write academic texts throughout your studies, such as reports, essays, and research papers. These assignments allow you to demonstrate that you understand the course content and can use it to develop your own arguments. It is important that you go beyond summarising and also use what you read to develop your own reflections and interpretations or connect ideas. Critical thinking also enables you to position yourself within the research; to agree with it, to question it, or add new perspectives to it.

To learn more about critical thinking, check out these resources from the University of Leeds:

Evaluating sources

Understanding whether a source is reliable is an important part of academic work, and Swedish universities place strong emphasis on using trustworthy, well-documented sources. You are expected to use material that is credible, well-founded, and relevant to your topic. This means going beyond simply locating information and, in addition, considering its trustworthiness, who produced it, and how it fits into your own line of reasoning.

As the use of AI tools becomes more common in academic work, it becomes even more important that you carefully evaluate the material you work with. Developing this awareness will help you distinguish useful sources from content that may be irrelevant, biased, or inaccurate.

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A helpful approach is to reflect on the background and expertise of the author and the organisation behind the publication. Academic publishers, universities, and established research institutions usually follow rigorous standards, while other sources may be influenced by specific interests or lack clear editorial processes.

It is also important to think about why the text was written and for whom. Some texts aim to inform or explain, while others are designed to persuade or promote a particular viewpoint, and this affects how you should interpret them.

Another important aspect is the currency of the material. In many fields, knowledge changes quickly, and you will need to ensure that the sources you use are up to date when this is relevant for your work.

The way a source presents its evidence also matters. References, data, and the way arguments are supported can tell you a great deal about the quality of the text and how well it aligns with other research in the field.

By looking at your sources from these different perspectives, you will be able to judge how useful they are for your academic tasks. Developing this skill will strengthen your writing, deepen your understanding of the subject, and help you engage critically with the information you use.

Academic integrity

Expectations around academic integrity vary widely across countries. You may come from an education system where referencing is used differently or collaboration is encouraged in ways that are not permitted in Swedish academic contexts. Understanding how academic integrity is defined in Sweden will help you work confidently and avoid unintentional mistakes.
In the Swedish academic context:

  • Clear referencing is essential. You need to show where your ideas come from, even when paraphrasing.
  • All forms of plagiarism are prohibited. This includes both copying the work of others and reusing your own previously submitted material without clear permission or proper acknowledgement.
  • Collaboration rules vary. Some assignments allow group work, while others require individual effort. Always check the instructions.

Using and referencing sources in your own work

Because academic writing relies on transparent use of sources, you must understand how to work with other people’s ideas responsibly. Proper referencing shows how your thinking builds on existing research, and accurate citations allow your reader to trace your sources and evaluate the material you have used.
At Jönköping University, the most commonly used referencing style is APA. If you have not used this system before, you can become familiar with it through the University Library’s APA Guide.

Plagiarism is when you present someone else's work as your own. For example, using someone else’s words or ideas without attributing the source or citing a source without indicating that the text is a direct quote. To avoid plagiarism, you will need to take careful notes, understand the source material, and express ideas in your own words.

This may be different from the study practices you are used to, particularly if you come from an educational environment where referencing is not as central or where knowledge is viewed more collectively.

Here are some strategies you can use:

  • Take notes while reading and use your own notes when writing.
  • Summarise the main ideas of a paragraph in your own words.
  • Compare your text with the source to see if you worded your text too similarly to the original source.
  • Use direct quotations sparsely, and only when the exact wording is essential.

The principles of academic integrity help ensure fairness, honesty, and trust in academic work. If you have studied in a system with different expectations, adjusting can take time. Even experienced students sometimes find paraphrasing and using sources challenging, especially when writing in a second language. Once you are on campus, you are welcome to contact the University Library and the Academic Language Center, which can guide you through your writing process.

To learn more about summarising and using sources in your text:

There are many AI tools available that can support your studies in various ways, such as brainstorming ideas, searching for information, drafting text, clarifying concepts, providing feedback, or improving grammar and language. When used thoughtfully and responsibly, these tools can help deepen your understanding of a subject and enhance your learning. However, be aware that the responses generated by AI tools are not always reliable. You are ultimately responsible for the content and wording of your assignments. Also, keep in mind that if you rely too heavily on AI tools, you risk missing out on important aspects of your learning and the knowledge you will need in your professional life.

Different universities may have their own rules regarding AI use. At Jönköping University, the rules for using AI tools may vary between courses and programs. Always check what is permitted in your specific course. If you are unsure, ask your teacher whether AI tools are allowed for a particular assignment and explain how you intend to use them.

The instructions given often include the following principles:

  • You are expected to think independently. AI should not create arguments, analyses, or results that you present as your own.
  • You will need to be transparent. If you use AI for planning, language support, or idea generation, your teacher may require you to describe how you used it.
  • You must evaluate the output. AI-generated text can contain errors, invented facts, or fabricated references, so you are always responsible for checking accuracy.
  • AI cannot replace academic sources. It can support your workflow, but it does not count as a scholarly reference.

Used thoughtfully, AI can help you learn. Used carelessly, it can lead to academic misconduct. If you are unsure, ask your teacher or contact the University Library.

To learn more about how to use AI tools responsibly: AI tools and academic writing (in the Sourcewise guide)

Academic writing

Academic writing may differ from writing styles you have encountered before. Academic texts aim to be clear, structured, and carefully explained. You will be expected to express your own reasoning, explain how you reached your conclusions, and connect theory to practice.
The Writing Process

To help you understand the writing process, you can explore these videos from Lund University. They introduce key steps such as interpreting your assignment, planning your writing, and structuring your text.

The University Library also provides many useful books and resources on academic writing and thesis work. Visit the library and we can help you find materials that suit your needs.

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Language & Style

Writing in English at a university level may be new to you, especially if English is not your first language. When it comes to language and style, you should always aim to be:

  • Precise

Avoid unclear or general expressions. State your meaning directly so the reader does not have to interpret your intention.

  • Coherent

Avoid unclear or general expressions. State your meaning directly so the reader does not have to interpret your intention.

  • Focused

Make sure that every sentence contributes to your overall argument or purpose. Remove unnecessary details or comments that do not add value.

To learn more about language and style in academic work, watch the following videos from Lund University on:

Once on campus, the Academic Language Center can help you develop your academic language, and you are welcome to book individual guidance.