New Student
The University of Gävle is happy to welcome you as a new student. We hope you have a great time here and wish you the best of luck with your studies! There's a lot to keep track of as a new student, so we've put together everything you need to do to make sure you're well prepared for the start of your studies.
Check Off Before You Start
1
Collect your user account
Once you have accepted a course or programme, your user account will be created automatically. You can collect it two weeks before the start of the semester.
2
Register in Ladok
Ladok is your introduction to several web services. You can check your study results, register for courses, get transcripts of your records and notify us of a temporary address change. Please note that you can register for your course through Ladok two weeks prior to course start.
3
Log in to Canvas
Canvas is your digital learning platform during your studies. You will find study guides, course materials, assignments and other important information. You log in with the user account you downloaded in step 1. Once you have registered in Ladok, you will be automatically enrolled in your course within an hour, and the course will be available as soon as the teacher has published it.
4
Find out when your programme or course starts
Here you can find the date, time and place when your programme or course starts.
5
Get your course literature
The syllabus describes the structure and content of your course. The reading list contains the literature used in the course. Make sure you get your course literature well in advance. You can borrow from the library, buy it new online or why not second-hand.
6
Find your timetable
As a student at the University of Gävle you can find your timetables through our online timetable search service. The course schedule must be finalised at least four weeks before the start of the course.
7
Activities for new students
There are a range of activities happening during the semester. Get to know the University, the city of Gävle and your new university friends by taking part in the activities listed below!
Welcome Weeks are a wide variety of fun events at he beginning of the semester organised by The International Committee of the Student Union (IntU Gefle). Participation is volontary, but it gives you the chance to take part in student life and create memorable experiences. The International Committee will email you with more information.
Disability Study Support
As a student with a long-term disability, you can apply for disability study support to be able to study on equal terms.
Useful to Know
The Swedish academic year is divided into two semesters, each lasting 20 weeks. Here you'll find key dates for semester start, study periods and exam weeks to help you plan your studies. In Sweden, we often use week numbers to refer to specific weeks of the year – for example, for course starts and exam weeks.
Find your way to and around campus
The University is less than two kilometres from the city centre, just a few minutes away by bike, car or bus. Use our map to navigate around campus, where all rooms are numbered by building, floor and room number.
Free software for students and wireless network
As a student at the University of Gävle, you have the ability to install Microsoft's Office software for free on up to five computers. A wireless network, Eduroam, is available on the University's campus.
Get your HiG Card – your key to campus and printing
HiG stands for Högskolan i Gävle, which means University of Gävle in Swedish. Your HiG card has two main functions: it gives you access to the University buildings and computer rooms, and it lets you print and copy using the campus printers. You can collect your card at the Reception once you’re registered in Ladok and can show valid ID.
EU/EEA Citizens
Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It gives you access to necessary healthcare while in Sweden.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens
You must arrange your own health insurance before arrival. Without it, you may have to pay for all medical costs yourself.
Liability Insurance
We recommend that all international students get liability insurance before coming to Sweden. It protects you if you accidentally cause damage or injury.
Accident Insurance
All students are covered by personal accident insurance during school hours and on campus. This is provided through the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet).
To borrow or order printed books, you need to be registered as a library user. You can register by filling out the library’s registration form. If you want to access the University’s databases and e-books, your University user account is all you need – no library card is required for these services.
There is a lot to think about as a new student. For you, it might mean a whole new life in a whole new country. An important issue for most people is housing and you need to apply for accommodation yourself. It is a good idea to start looking for accommodation as early as possible, and it is a good idea to join a housing queue.
A student ID shows that you are a student at a university and makes you eligible for various student offers.
Student union and student associations
Your time as a student isn’t only about academics – it’s also about meeting new people and having fun. Take the opportunity to get to know both new and current students by joining the activities offered by the Gefle Student Union and the student associations!
Distance learning can take many forms - some programmes are entirely online, while others have compulsory meetings. With fewer scheduled sessions, there is a greater need for planning and structure, and a sustainable study environment and good practices are important for success.
The Swedish academic year is divided into two semesters, each lasting 20 weeks. Each semester is then further divided into two study periods. There are no official breaks for Christmas, New Year or Easter but there is usually a lecture-free period during these holidays.
This page was last updated 2025-04-11