About the City – Why Umeå is Made for Students
To study in Umeå is to live in one of Sweden’s most student-focused, innovative, and naturally beautiful cities. Located in northern Sweden, barely 400 km south of the Arctic Circle, Umeå is widely known as the “City of Birches”, with over 3,000 trees lining its streets.
Umeå isn’t just scenic. It’s smart. The city is home to Umeå University, one of Sweden’s top research universities, attracting students from every continent. While it may be snowy outside for half the year, inside the lecture halls, you’ll find programs in biotechnology, environmental law, architecture, artificial intelligence, and more, all taught in English.
With a population of just over 130,000 people, Umeå still manages to be one of Sweden’s fastest-growing cities. It’s youthful (the average age is around 38), it’s green (literally and environmentally), and it’s innovative at its core.
If you’re looking for academic excellence, a tight-knit international community, and a dash of Nordic adventure, studying in Umeå hits the right balance.
Why Umeå is Ideal for International Students
1. Academic Excellence with a Global Focus
Umeå University is internationally acclaimed, especially in medicine, social sciences, environmental studies, and design. Many programs are offered in English, including master’s degrees in public health, computing science, and creative studies.
With a strong leaning toward interdisciplinary research, students are constantly encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and solve real-world problems.
2. International Community in a Local Setting
With more than 2,000 international students and numerous exchange programs, Umeå is seriously welcoming. You’ll find buddy programs, language cafés, cultural events, and on-campus support that makes adjusting a breeze, even in sub-zero temperatures.
3. Nature First, but City Smart
Love hiking, skiing, or spotting the Northern Lights from your balcony? Umeå gives you that. But it also gives you art galleries, music festivals, cozy coffee shops, and a tech-driven start-up scene. The best of both worlds.
4. Safety and Sustainability
Umeå ranks among Sweden’s safest cities, with great healthcare, clean public spaces, and an eco-conscious mindset. Most students walk or bike. The tap water is so pure, you’ll never buy bottled again.
5. Surprising Social Life
It’s small, yes. But boring? Never. Student nations, pub quizzes, sauna nights, and winter picnics make sure your calendar stays full.
Don’t overlook the North, study in Umeå and experience a whole new kind of university life.
Top 10 Universities or Colleges in Umeå
1. Umeå University (Umeå Universitet)
One of Sweden’s premier higher education institutions. Known for research in medicine, life sciences, environmental studies, and tech. Offers over 40 programs in English.
2. Umeå Institute of Design (UID)
Ranked as one of the top design schools in the world. Offers English-taught master’s programs in product, interaction, and transportation design.
3. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences – Umeå Campus
Specializes in forestry and environmental sciences. Cutting-edge programs in climate policy, renewable natural resources, and biodiversity.
4. Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE)
Faculty under Umeå University offering bachelor’s and master’s programs in business, economics, and data analytics. Many programs in English.
5. Umeå School of Education
Offers teacher training programs including pedagogical leadership, special education, and international collaborations.
6. Umeå School of Sport Sciences
With Sweden’s largest indoor sports facility on campus, the school offers world-class programs in sports medicine and health sciences.
7. HUMlab – Umeå University
A digital humanities lab offering research-led courses exploring the intersection of tech and culture.
8. Umeå Fine Arts Academy
Internationally oriented art academy offering courses in contemporary art, sculpture, and multimedia expressions.
9. eHealth Institute
A collaboration hub committed to digital health innovation in Northern Europe. Offers research opportunities and postgraduate programs.
10. Tolk- och översättarinstitutet (Institute for Interpreting & Translation Studies)
Focused on professional interpretation and multilingual translation, ideal for language buffs.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Umeå
- IKSU Residence Umeå
- AB Bostaden – Studentlägenheter
- Studentvägen by Heimstaden
- Mariehemsvägen Corridor Housing
- Nydalahöjd Student Housing
- Brf Västteg Student Living
- Studentstaden Nydala
- Polacksbacken Flats
- Campus Living Vallmovägen
- Porsön Area Apartments (LU Member Houses)
These properties offer studio or corridor-style apartments, furnished rooms, laundry access, and bike parking, close to campus and nature alike.
Top 10 Student Areas in Umeå (And What to Expect)
1. Ålidhem
- Nearby: Umeå University (5–10 min walk)
- Housing: AB Bostaden, corridor-style housing
Student mecca. Budget-friendly, lots of shared flats, and always buzzing with events and nightlife.
2. Nydalahöjd
- Nearby: IKSU Gym, Umeå Campus
- Housing: Heimstaden, private apartments
Green and spacious. Perfect for students who value a little quiet with their coffee.
3. Mariehem
- Nearby: Campus & nature areas
- Housing: Brf apartments and university dorms
Lakeside walks, affordable rent, and supermarkets around the corner. A total win.
4. Berghem
- Nearby: Central Umeå University faculties
- Housing: Student flats, shared villas
A mix of students and academics. More adult-y, but still social.
5. Carlshem
- Nearby: 10 min by bike to campus
- Housing: Semi-detached student apartments
More residential, great if you’re trying to focus. Solid gym access nearby.
6. Universitetsholmen
- Nearby: All central campus buildings
- Housing: Modern student apartments
Extremely convenient. Popular with international master’s students.
7. Tomtebo
- Nearby: Close by bus routes to UID and SLU
- Housing: Spacious, private apartments
Surrounded by trees, ideal for design/forestry students.
8. City/Norrlandsoperan Area
- Nearby: 15 mins to uni
- Housing: Private rentals
In the city center. Pricey. Good for students looking for work or culture access.
9. Västerslätt
- Nearby: 15–20 mins from uni
- Housing: Older, available apartments
Best for budget-conscious students. Out of the core, but very peaceful.
10. Teg
- Nearby: Bridge ride from city and campus
- Housing: Newer buildings and suburban flats
Feels like a small town, but close to everything. A solid, quiet spot.
Cost of Living in Umeå – What You’ll Really Spend
Yes, Sweden is pricier than some European countries, but Umeå is still very manageable for students. Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared/studio) | €350 – €600 |
| Groceries | €180 – €250 |
| Transportation | €30 (or bike!) |
| Internet/Phone | €30 – €50 |
| Health Insurance | €35 (for non-EU) |
| Social + Extras | €100 – €150 |
Estimated total: €750 – €1,100/month
Tips to save:
- Use Mecenat card for local and national discounts
- Shop at ICA and Willys for groceries
- Check for AF Bostäder rent subsidies or student union partnerships
- Share a corridor apartment rather than taking a studio
Local Transport – How Students Get Around Umeå
No subway here, but you won’t miss it.
1. Biking
Bikes = freedom. Most students own one. Umeå is made for it: bike paths, forest shortcuts, and even winter-ready routes.
2. Umeå City Buses (Ultra)
If snow ruins your bike game, buses have your back. Monthly youth/student passes cost around €30, offering unlimited rides.
3. Walking
You can walk from housing to campus like it’s no big deal. Bonus: adorable pine tree paths and city views along the way.
4. Regional Trains
For travel to Uppsala, Stockholm, or Arctic adventures. Discounts available with student rail cards.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Umeå
Academic excellence. Pure air. Forests that sing in the fall. And a university that feels built around students. To study in Umeå means saying yes to quality education, minus the chaos of big cities.
Whether it’s bike rides in the midnight sun or cozying up with lingonberry tea after class, life here is balanced, beautiful, and full of opportunities. With world-ranked programs, a deeply international community, and naturally motivating surroundings, Umeå turns every student into a learner, nature lover, and global thinker.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Umeå
1. Is Umeå good for international students?
Absolutely! It’s diverse, welcoming, and has strong English-taught programs.
2. How cold does it get?
Winters can hit -15°C, but campuses and student housing are fully winter-proof.
3. Are courses taught in English?
Yes, especially master’s degrees and some bachelor programs.
4. What’s the average student budget in Umeå?
Around €850/month, including rent, groceries, transport, and fun.
5. Is finding student housing easy?
It can be competitive. Apply early to AF Bostäder, StudentHome, or Heimstaden.
6. Can international students work part-time?
Yes. No limit for EU/EEA students. Non-EU students can work without a permit during studies.
7. Is it easy to travel from Umeå?
Yes! Buses, trains, and flights connect Umeå to Stockholm, Lapland, and beyond.
8. Do I need to speak Swedish?
No, but learning helps socially and with local apps/services.
9. What’s unique about living in Umeå?
Nature access, Northern Lights, and a student-focused lifestyle in a safe environment.
10. Why should I study in Umeå over bigger cities like Stockholm?
Lower cost of living, tighter community, easier housing, and a unique, outdoorsy lifestyle you can’t find in big metros.
