Sometimes, we jokingly say that SLU is an acronym for “Sweden’s Longest University”. Maybe you’ll be studying in Alnarp, Skara or Umeå. Or perhaps you’re an externally employed doctoral student and won’t be in daily contact with research environments on any of our campuses; you could be based in Africa, or Iceland. No matter where you may be, we wish you a warm welcome! Perhaps you have just arrived in Sweden to start your doctoral studies – if so – welcome to Sweden! Many things will be different to what you are used to, so we will try to provide you with helpful links to information you will need for the best start possible.
You will find information about SLU's activities, campuses and departments at the SLU webpages.
Mailing lists. Each faculty has an email list for the faculty's doctoral students. Make sure to get on the list as soon as possible. Contact your faculty's director of studies or the administrator at the faculty office to join. Are you for example an industrial doctoral student, or sandwich doctoral student? It is as important for you to join the mailing lists as for the doctoral students that are employed at the department. Otherwise you might loose information on courses and other important things related to your education. Information on social activities will also be distributed via these mailings lists.
The vast majority of doctoral students are employed, either by SLU or by an external employer. This means that the head of department's responsibility for employees' work environment also applies to doctoral students. In addition, the head of department has a responsibility to ensure that even the doctoral students who are not employed by SLU are offered conditions and opportunities that as far as possible are similar to those that apply to the university's employees.
Equal opportunities mean that all employees, students and applicants must feel welcome and given equal conditions regardless of gender, sexual orientation, transgender identity or expression, disability, ethnic origin, religion, other beliefs or age. SLU's work with Equal opportunities shall lead to equal possibilities and rights for employees and students at work and in their studies. SLU does not accept any form of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or reprisals. '
Perhaps you have just arrived in Sweden to start your doctoral studies – if so – welcome to Sweden! Many things will be different to what you are used to, so we will try to provide you with helpful links to information you will need for the best start possible.
The SLU Division of Human Resources has published information about living in Sweden and working at SLU. You can find useful information for before and after your move to Sweden here: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/living-and-working-in-sweden/
International channels of information:
Below, you will also find a link to a publication full of tips and advice for doctoral students and visiting researchers from abroad (please observe that the last part of the pdf is only applicable to those working at the dept of Ecology): Living_and_working_in_Sweden- Stephan&Stephan_2019.pdf.
The Swedish National Union of Students (SFS) has put together a useful PhD Student Handboo with a lot of general information about life as a PhD student.
A beginner's guide to Swedish Academia:Young Academy of Sweden (YAS) has developed a guide to help navigate Swedish academia and remove time-consuming obstacles.
Chapter 1 - In the beginning of doctoral education
Chapter 2 - Being a doctoral student in Sweden - and at SLU
Chapter 3 - Prerequisites of the doctoral education
Chapter 4 - Supervision and supervision policy
Chapter 5 -The doctoral student's rights and obligations
Chapter 6 - If the education is unsatisfactory?
General information about doctoral education: Lotta Jäderlund and Eva Stening.