Tips from new colleagues

Starting at Karlstad University can involve many new impressions and experiences.
Here, new employees share their best tips and reflections, together with some advice from us as an employer.

Tips from New Employees

• Karlstad University is a friendly, well-sized organisation. It’s easy to make contacts, get help and find your way, as decision-making routes are short.
• The working culture is relaxed and inclusive, so you will quickly feel part of the community.
• Much of the informal collaboration happens in the staff room, in the corridor or during shared activities. Feel free to join in, that’s often where you’ll get answers and meet new colleagues.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions, big or small. We support one another, and no one is expected to know everything from the start.
• Take initiative and stay curious. Knocking on a colleague’s door or making a quick phone call is often faster than sending an email and gives you a better sense of how things work.
• The university encourages ideas and independence. There are plenty of opportunities to influence and develop your work.
• Explore the services and support available – from IT and HR to wellbeing, training and internal networks. It will make your day-to-day work easier than you might think.
• Karlstad as a city is also easy to settle into. Everything is close by, and you’ll quickly build a network both at and outside work.

Tips from Us as an Employer

• Use Inslaget, our intranet, as your start page to stay up to date with everything that’s happening.
• Check the calendar to find important meetings, activities and events across the university.
• Karlstad University offers Swedish tuition for international employees, please talk to your head of department for more information.
• Have lunch in whatever way suits you – many bring their own food, but there are also several restaurants on and near campus. Each department also has its own kitchen area and lunch spaces.
• Take part in the fika culture – coffee machines are close at hand in every department and division, and fika is a natural way to meet.
• Make use of the opportunity for lunchtime training at Nordic Wellness Karlstad Campus, or take a walk along the beautiful sKAUgen path just next to campus.
• Use Kau City, our centrally located facilities in town, which you are free to book for meetings or for a workday in a different environment.
• Discover Ingesund School of Music, part of Karlstad University and the largest concert organiser in Värmland, many of its concerts can be found directly in the calendar.
• If you need help with digital teaching, technology or Zoom, Keeponteaching offers quick and simple support.
• Explore the possibility of staff exchanges and be inspired by other higher education institutions around the world.
• Don’t miss the staff party – a much-appreciated opportunity to meet colleagues from across the university and get to know people outside your immediate area.