Accommodation for exchange students

FAQ-Exchange Students

This FAQ contains practical information regarding your accommodation, move-in and move-out procedures, rules, safety information and contact details.

Before arrival

Must the rent be paid before I arrive?

Yes. 

What should I do if the apartment is not properly cleaned when I move in?

If the accommodation is not adequately cleaned upon arrival, this must be reported to Karlstad University no later than 24 hours after you have gained access to the accommodation.

Please document any issues with photographs if possible.

What should I do if I cannot collect the key myself?

Keys are issued only to the person named on the tenancy agreement and who can present valid identification.

Therefore, it is not possible for someone else to collect the key on your behalf.

If you are unable to collect your keys at the scheduled time, you will need to pick them up at a later occasion from Karlstad University’s Welcome Center. Please contact the university in advance to arrange a suitable time for key collection.

What should I bring with me?

Bed linen, sheets, pillowcases, towels, toilet paper, and a shower curtain are not provided. Please make sure to bring or purchase these items before or shortly after your arrival.

What happens if I cannot arrive after I have paid my rent?
If you have paid your rent in advance but are unable to arrive, you may receive a full refund of the prepaid rent. 

Can I receive a refund if I withdraw from my studies?
Students who discontinue their studies within six weeks of arrival may receive a refund of 50% of the prepaid rent. If studies are discontinued more than six weeks after arrival, no refund is normally provided. 

Accommodation

What is included in the apartments on Triogatan?

The apartments on Triogatan are furnished and include the following:

• Bed with mattress
• Duvet, pillow, and mattress protector
• Desk, desk chair, and desk lamp
• Wardrobe or other storage space
• Bookshelf or equivalent storage unit
• Curtain rod with curtains
• Access to a shared kitchen with kitchen equipment and household utensils
• Internet access
• Electricity, heating, and water
• Access to a laundry room
• Refrigerator 

What is included in the apartments on Jakthornsgatan?

The apartments on Jakthornsgatan are furnished and include the following:

• Bed with mattress
• Duvet, pillow, and mattress protector
• Desk, desk chair, and desk lamp
• Two chairs
• Wardrobe or other storage space
• Bookshelf or equivalent storage unit
• Curtain rod with curtains
• Private kitchen with kitchen equipment and household utensils
• Internet access and router
• Electricity, heating, and water
• Access to a laundry room
• Refrigerator and a freezer

What is included in the rent?

The rent includes:

• Electricity
• Heating
• Water
• Internet access
• Access to a laundry room

Could there be furniture or other items left in the apartment when I move in?

Yes. Previous students may have left behind furniture, kitchen equipment, or other useful items in the apartment.

Such items may be used by the current tenant. As the contents vary between apartments, the university cannot guarantee that all accommodations contain the same furniture or equipment.

I discovered damage when I moved in. What should I do?

Any damage or defects should be reported to the relevant landlord as soon as possible after moving in. It is recommended that you take photographs of the damage so that it can be documented and registered.

May I leave belongings in the apartment when I move out?

No. When moving out, the apartment must be emptied of all personal belongings and cleaned according to the applicable move-out requirements.

Items left behind may be removed at the tenant's expense.

Is there internet access in the apartment?

Yes. Internet access is included in the accommodation. A router is not included in the accommodation on Triogatan.

Do I need a router for internet access?

If you are staying in an apartment on Triogatan, you will need to provide your own router in order to use the internet connection in your apartment. A router is not included in the accommodation.

Students staying at Jakthornsgatan are provided with a router as part of the apartment inventory.

Please note: It is your responsibility to purchase and install a router if you are living on Triogatan.

What should I do if furniture or equipment is missing?

If any furniture or equipment that should be provided in the apartment is missing upon arrival, please contact Technical Services (TS) as soon as possible by email at ts@kau.se.

Please specify what is missing, provide your apartment number, and indicate whether the maintenance staff may enter using a master key so that the matter can be investigated and resolved.

What happens if I lose my key?

If you lose a key, you must immediately contact Karlstad University or the relevant landlord so that the situation can be handled safely. Lost keys are charged according to the applicable fees. The cost depends on several factors, including whether you live on Triogatan or Jakthornsgatan, how many keys have been lost, and whether the lock needs to be replaced.

Do I need to bring my own bed linen and towels?

Yes. Bed linen, sheets, pillowcases and towels are not provided and must be brought or purchased by the student.

How do I book the laundry room?

Jakthornsgatan
The laundry room is booked using the booking board located outside the laundry room. To make a reservation, use your tag and select the desired date and time slot on the board. The booking board clearly displays available dates and times.

Triogatan
The laundry room is booked using the booking board located outside the laundry room. To reserve a timeslot for laundry time, insert your tag into the board and select the desired date and time. The board displays available dates and booking times, making it easy to see when the laundry room is available.

Where can I find the laundry room?

At Triogatan, each building has its own laundry room located on the ground floor. 

At Jakthornsgatan, the laundry room is located either on the ground floor of your building or on the ground floor of a neighbouring building. The exact location may vary depending on your accommodation.

Is detergent provided?
No. Laundry detergent and other laundry products are not provided. You are responsible for purchasing your own detergent and any other items you may need when using the laundry room.

How do I adjust the heating?
The heating system is centrally controlled and normally adjusts automatically depending on the outdoor temperature. Please do not cover the radiators with furniture, clothes, or other items, as this may reduce their efficiency. If you believe the heating is not working properly, please contact your landlord or report a maintenance issue.

Rules and responsibilities

Am I allowed to smoke in the apartment?

No. Smoking is prohibited in all apartments and common areas. This prohibition also includes e-cigarettes and water pipes.

Am I allowed to keep pets?

No. Pets are not permitted in the accommodation.

May I have guests in my apartment?

Yes. Temporary visitors are allowed provided that they do not disturb other residents or result in the accommodation being used in violation of the housing regulations.

Can someone else live in my apartment?

No. The accommodation is intended solely for the student to whom it has been assigned or rented. Subletting or allowing another person to occupy the accommodation without approval is not permitted.

Can I exchange rooms or apartments with another student?

No. Accommodation exchanges between students are not permitted.

When should it be quiet?

Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, special consideration must be shown to neighbours and other residents. Disturbing activities should be avoided during these hours.

May I store belongings in corridors, stairwells, or other common areas?

No. Corridors, stairwells, and other common areas must be kept free of personal belongings for fire safety and accessibility reasons.

Am I allowed to host parties?

Social gatherings and visitors are permitted, but you are responsible for ensuring that other residents are not disturbed.

Loud noise, disruptive parties, or other activities that negatively affect neighbours are not allowed. You are also responsible for any disturbances caused by your guests.

Repeated or serious disturbances may result in a warning and, ultimately, termination of your housing agreement.

Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, special consideration must be shown to neighbours and other residents.

Am I responsible for my guests?
Yes. You are responsible not only for your own behaviour but also for any disturbances or damages caused by your visitors. 

What happens if I repeatedly disturb other residents?
Repeated disturbances may result in warnings, fines issued by the landlord, and ultimately termination of the tenancy agreement.

How do the shared kitchens at Triogatan work?

The shared kitchens are used by several students, which means that all residents are responsible for contributing to a pleasant and well-maintained environment.

You are therefore expected to:

• Wash and put away dishes immediately after use
• Keep work surfaces, stoves, and other shared areas clean
• Sort and dispose of waste in the designated bins
• Show consideration and respect for other residents

We also recommend labelling your food and other personal groceries with your name and date to avoid misunderstandings.

Please be especially considerate during evenings and nighttime to help maintain a safe and pleasant living environment for everyone.

Can my apartment be inspected during my stay?
Yes. Karlstad University or the property owner may carry out inspections of apartments, shared kitchens, laundry rooms, recycling rooms, corridors, and other communal areas. You have the right to be notified in advance whenever possible.

Can maintenance staff enter my apartment?
Yes. If repairs, maintenance, or inspections are required, the property owner or maintenance staff may need access to your apartment. You have the right to be notified in advance whenever possible. 

Am I responsible for damages in the apartment?
Yes. You are responsible for taking good care of the apartment, furniture, equipment, and inventory. You may be charged for repairs, replacements, or restoration if damage occurs beyond normal wear and tear.

Maintenance and Service request and Support 

Who should I contact if I have questions about my accommodation?

For questions regarding accommodation, move-in, move-out, keys, or maintenance issues, please contact Karlstad University's Campus Services Department or the International Office. The Campus Services Department can be reached by email at Accommodation@kau.se

The International Office, located in Building 1B, is open for drop-in visits on Thursdays between 13:00 and 14:30 and can be contacted by email at Exchange@kau.se

If you need assistance from the Maintenance Staff at the Campus Services Department, you can contact them directly via ts@kau.se

For residents of Triogatan (KBAB)

If you discover a fault in your apartment or in the building, such as problems with heating, water, electricity, windows, or locks, please contact KBAB. For urgent faults during evenings and weekends, you can submit a maintenance request through Mina sidor (My Pages) on KBAB's website or contact the emergency service on +46 54 540 75 75.

For non-urgent matters, you can reach KBAB by telephone at +46 54 540 76 00 or by email at kbab.kontor.kronoparken@karlstad.se.

If you are locked out of your apartment, you may contact KBAB's emergency lockout service on +46 10 470 57 81. Please note that the cost of this service will be charged to you separately.

For residents of Jakthornsgatan (Stiftelsen Karlstadshus)

If you discover a fault in your apartment or in the building, such as problems with heating, water, electricity, windows, or locks, please contact Stiftelsen Karlstadshus. For urgent faults during evenings and weekends, you can submit a maintenance request through Mina sidor (My Pages) on the Stiftelsen Karlstadshus website or contact the emergency service on +46 54 17 64 80.

For non-urgent matters, you can contact Stiftelsen Karlstadshus by telephone at +46 54 17 64 80 or by email at bobutik@skhus.se.

If you are locked out of your apartment, you may contact Stiftelsen Karlstadshus on +46 54 17 64 80. Please note that any costs associated with lockout assistance may be charged to you separately.

What should I do if I experience problems with the internet connection at Jakthornsgatan?

If you experience problems with your internet connection at Jakthornsgatan, you can contact Tele2 Technical Support directly.

Phone: +46 8 120 52 895
Select option 1 for technical support.

When contacting support, please be prepared to provide:

• Customer number: 78806086
• Your address
• The CM MAC number of your router (if available)

You do not need to identify yourself using BankID when calling this number.

Please note: This information applies only to residents of Jakthornsgatan. 

What should I do if I experience problems with my internet connection at Triogatan?

If you experience problems with your internet connection at Triogatan, please contact Bredband2 Support directly.

Customer Number: 23415736

Telephone: +46 770 811 000

When contacting support, please be prepared to provide:

• Customer Number: 23415736
• Your address and apartment number

Please note: Students living at Triogatan must provide their own router. A router is not included in the accommodation.

Access to Your Apartment

 When contacting KBAB, Stiftelsen Karlstadshus, or the caretakers at the Uni regarding a maintenance issue, please let us know whether permission is granted to use a master key to enter your apartment if you are not at home.

Providing permission to use a master key can help resolve the issue more quickly and may avoid delays in scheduling a visit. If you do not wish to grant access, please make sure you are available at the agreed time for the inspection or repair.

General information 

Can I buy a Swedish SIM card?

Yes. SIM cards can be purchased from:

• Pressbyrån
• Grocery stores
• Electronics retailers

Where can I buy bus tickets?

Bus tickets can be purchased:

• Through the Värmlandstrafik app
• Via the Värmlandstrafik website
• From Värmlandstrafik sales agents, such as Pressbyrån near the university
• On board certain buses using a bank card

How do I travel between the accommodation and the university?

Both Triogatan and Jakthornsgatan are located in Kronoparken, close to Karlstad University.

• Walking to the university normally takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the location of your accommodation.
• Cycling is a common means of transportation.
• Bus routes 1 and S serve the area and connect Kronoparken with the university and Karlstad city centre.

Current timetables are available on the Värmlandstrafik website.

Where is the nearest grocery store?

There are several grocery stores within walking and cycling distance of the accommodation in Kronoparken, including ICA and Coop.

Can I receive parcels at my accommodation?

Yes. You can have parcels delivered to a collection point and pick them up when convenient.

Common parcel collection points in the Kronoparken area include Coop, Direkten, and Pressbyrån, depending on the carrier and delivery option selected when placing your order.

When ordering online, please make sure to provide your correct name and address. You will normally receive a notification by SMS, email, or through the carrier's app when your parcel is ready for collection.

Please note: The collection points and available delivery options may vary depending on the carrier and the retailer.

Where can I store my bicycle?

Bicycle racks are available outside the residential buildings at both Triogatan and Jakthornsgatan. You are welcome to park and store your bicycle in these designated areas. To help prevent theft, we strongly recommend using a secure bicycle lock whenever your bicycle is parked.

Waste management and sustainability 

Where should I dispose of my waste?

Household waste and recyclable materials must be sorted and disposed of in the designated waste and recycling areas.

What should I do with large items that need to be disposed of or recycled?

Furniture, electronics, and other large items must not be left in common areas or recycling rooms. Instead, they must be taken to a recycling centre. Please visit the Karlstad Municipality website to find the nearest recycling centre.

Contact information

Which health centre should I contact?

The nearest health centre for most students is:

Vårdcentralen Kronoparken
Kronoparksvägen 12
Karlstad

For medical advice, you can contact 1177 Vårdguiden by calling 1177.

In emergencies, always call 112.

In case of emergencies

• 112 – Call in the event of a fire, ongoing crime, serious illness, or accident.
• Police (non-emergency matters): 114 14
• Healthcare Advice Line: 1177 – Medical advice and healthcare guidance available 24 hours a day.
   

Move-out

What must I do before moving out?

You must:

• Thoroughly clean the apartment
• Remove all personal belongings
• Empty the refrigerator and cupboards
• Return all keys

What happens if the cleaning is not approved at move-out?

You may be charged for additional cleaning costs.

Can I move out before my contract ends?

Yes, it is possible to move out before your contract ends. However, you are still responsible for paying the rent for the entire contract period unless otherwise agreed with Karlstad University. Before leaving, you must clean the apartment, remove all personal belongings, and return all keys according to the move-out instructions. If you are considering an early departure, please contact Karlstad University's Campus Services Department as soon as possible.

When must I return my keys?
All keys must be returned to Karlstad University no later than the end of the tenancy period and according to the instructions provided by the university. 

What happens if I do not return my keys?
Failure to return keys may result in charges for replacement keys, lock replacement, or other related costs.