Stockholm welcomes 450 international students to City Hall

For many of the students, it was their first visit to one of Stockholm’s most recognisable landmarks. The reception took place in the Blue Hall, best known as the setting for the annual Nobel Prize Banquet, where Nobel laureates and distinguished guests gather each December.

The programme included welcoming speeches, Swedish fika and an introduction to the history of Stockholm City Hall, followed by an opportunity to explore the Golden Hall.

An international student’s journey in Stockholm

Among the speakers was Elijah Kafwimbi, a student at Södertörn University, whose story offered a personal perspective on what it means to begin a new life in Stockholm.

Just one year earlier, Elijah had been sitting in the same hall as a newly arrived student from Zambia. This time, he returned to address the next group of newcomers.

Reflecting on his own experience, he shared a message that many newly arrived students could relate to:

“Great memories often begin in places where we feel completely out of place.” – Elijah Kafwimbi (student at Södertörn University).

Drawing on his first year in Sweden, Elijah spoke about finding friendships, discovering unfamiliar places and embracing opportunities, even when everything feels new. He encouraged students to be curious, meet people and make the most of their time in the city.

“Have the audacity to live in the presen” he told the students.

His message reflected an important part of the student experience: studying in a new country is not only about academic achievement, but also about building connections and finding a sense of belonging.

Welcoming international students in Stockholm

The reception also featured speeches from Sara Stenudd, Second Vice-Chair of Stockholm City Council, and Martin Sahlin from Stockholms Akademiska Forum.

Bringing together the city and its higher education institutions, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration in welcoming students to Stockholm and helping them connect with the wider community.

For Stockholms Akademiska Forum, which works to strengthen Stockholm as an academic city, initiatives like this are an opportunity to introduce students to the people, institutions and experiences that make up Stockholm’s academic environment.

Discovering student life beyond Stockholm’s universities

Following the reception, students explored the Golden Hall, famous for its elaborate mosaics.

For some participants, the programme continued at the Nobel Prize Museum, where a mingle quiz introduced them to stories and discoveries connected to the Nobel Prize. With pizza, refreshments and a photo booth, the gathering provided further opportunities to meet fellow students. Three teams were recognised as quiz winners, and participants also had time to explore the museum.

From the historic halls of City Hall to conversations with new classmates, the welcome offered a first glimpse of what Stockholm has to offer beyond lectures and university campuses.

And as Elijah’s story demonstrated, a great deal can change in just one year.

To everyone beginning a new chapter in Stockholm: welcome. We look forward to seeing the stories you create here.

Special thanks to the City of Stockholm, Nobel Prize Museum, Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm School of Economics, Södertörn University, Swedish Defence University, Royal College of Music in Stockholm, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Konstfack, Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Swedish Red Cross University