Congratulations on being accepted to Malmö University! Now it's time to start preparing for your studies. Here you will find information about, the academic calendar, the Orientation, the Buddy programme and more.

Orientation

All students admitted to courses and programmes taught in English are invited to take part in the Malmö University Orientation. The Orientation consists of lectures and activities that are designed to help you become acquainted with Sweden, Malmö and Malmö University. You will get the chance to meet other students and get to know your surroundings. 

The Orientation begins with a welcome meeting and is followed by a series of practical, academic and social activities. The Orientation during the Autumn semester 2026 takes place between 19 and 30 August.

How to join the Orientation

You are welcome to attend all activities, or just the ones you find relevant. There are different types of activities, such as informative ones and social ones. 

Orientation schedule

19 August

Swedish Fika

Time: 9.00–9.45

Location: Orkanen, Atrium (Lobby floor, Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

Feel free to stop by and learn about Swedish fika, which you will have a lot of while you are studying in Sweden.

Welcome Meeting

Time: 10.00–11.30

Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

An official welcome to Malmö University with the University Vice-Chancellor and an introduction to core topics that we believe will be useful during your studies in Malmö University.

Introduction to the Student Union, Erasmus Student Network Malmö, and the Buddy Programme

Time: 12.30–13.00

Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

A crucial aspect of university life is social life. Here, you'll get the chance to learn more about some of the organizations that enhance academic life.

Library tour and introduction, followed by a short city campus area tour

Time: 13.30–15.00

Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

Learn about what the Malmö University Library has to offer and how to use it. After that, take a quick look around the main campus area.

Beach Volleyball with Buddy programme

Time: 15.00–as long as you wish

Location: Scaniaparken, Malmö Beach Arena

Directions to Malmö Beach Arena (Google Maps)

When the campus tour is over, the whole group will leave from Malmö University. No volleyball experience needed, it's a social event. Bring some food and drinks, a blanket to sit on and a bathing suit and towel if you want to swim if the weather allows.

20 August

Malmö City Tour

Time: 11.00–13.00

Meeting point: Stortorget, by the big statue (Stortorget, 211 22 Malmö) 

Explore Malmö on a walking tour with a local guide. Discover the city's main squares, old city, and hidden gems. During the tour you will learn about Swedish food, history and culture. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle.

Games with ESN Malmö and the Student Union

Time: 13.00–16.00

Meeting point: Pildammsparken, 217 46 Malmö

Outdoor event. Bring lunch and snacks for a picnic. We will meet at “Tallriken”. See directions for the exact location in the park.

Directions to Tallriken (Google maps)

21 August

Mind the Gap: Communicating Across Cultures

Time: 09.00–10.15

Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

A fun and interactive workshop learning about yourself and others while living in Sweden

CANCELED: The Savvy Student Guide: Laws, Safety and Life in Sweden

Time: 10.30–11.00

IT Computer Systems

Time: 11.00-11.30

Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

New countries means new rules and regulations to learn. This is an introduction to rules that are good to know for your stay in Sweden. There will also be an introduction to the IT system at the University and tools available to students.

Love, Work & Play

Time: 13.15–15.00

Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

New country, new routines, endless questions. How do you balance studies, social life and sleep?

Designed for new international students to explore how everything can fit into daily life. Together, we will tackle the big questions around mental well-being, relationship dynamics, and cultural adaptation. You will get fresh perspectives, a stronger sense of belonging, and practical tools to balance study, and play.

Skip the trial-and-error, and join our interactive life-design session! Grab your spot and start feeling at home in Malmö!

BBQ at the Beach with ESN Malmö and Buddy Programme

Time: 18.00–20.00

Meeting point: Ribbersborg, Brygga 2 

Bring a blanket to sit on and your own beverages. We will provide meat and vegan hot dogs, and games, but feel free to bring your own.

22 August

Dalby Stenbrott Lake Day with Buddy Programme

Time: 14.00–18.00

Location: Dalby lake hangout area

You can spend the day at the lake called ‘Dalby Stenbrott’, outside Malmö. There you can swim, and hangout. Please bring a blanket, a towel, swimsuit, food, snacks and beverages. You can join at any time during the day and explore the lake yourself, it’s also beautiful for walking.

Getting there: You can get there by taking bus SkåneExpressen 8 (Regional ones/yellow buses) from position H at Malmö C, which runs once an hour. Because we might not all fit on the same bus, you might want to consider coming a bit earlier or later to the lakeside.

23 August

Fika with ESN Malmö

Time: 13.00–15.00

Location: Slottsparken (Kung Oscars väg 2, 211 18 Malmö)

Mingle with ESN Malmö over free fika and meet new people. Learn more about ESN Malmö, how to get involved, how to get a membership, and how to get an ESNcard. Depending on the weather, the event will take place either in Slottsparken by the windmill or in a booked classroom (will be updated if weather changes happen).

24 August

Newbie Language Café

Time: 10.00–12.00

Location: floor 2, student pantry area (Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 211 19 Malmö)

Join us for a fun and social language café where you can meet Swedish students, and practice basic Swedish in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to learn simple everyday phrases, get to know other students, and feel more connected during Orientation Week. No previous Swedish knowledge is needed.

Discover the support available to you and learn how academic life works in Sweden

Join us for these two essential sessions designed to help you thrive in your studies:

  • Get Ready to Succeed at Malmö University, with the Pedagogical Support office.
    Time: 13.15–13.45. Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)
  • Understanding the Swedish Academic System.
    Time: 13.45–15.00. Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

The Academic System session is accompanied by a series of video clips available on our Canvas page. Please watch these clips before or as part of the session to gain an overview of the Swedish academic system.

Watch the video clips on Canvas

25 August

Newbie Language Café

Time: 10.00–12.00

Location: floor 5, open floor space (Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 211 19 Malmö)

Join us for a fun and social language café where you can meet Swedish students, and practice basic Swedish in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to learn simple everyday phrases, get to know other students, and feel more connected during Orientation Week. No previous Swedish knowledge is needed.

Bridge to your future in Sweden starts here

Time: 13.00–15.00

Location: Orkanen D138 (Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 211 19 Malmö)

You came to Malmö to study. Now discover how to turn your ambition into a career. Meet key players from Malmö's innovation ecosystem, gain practical insights, build valuable connections, and learn how to stand out in the Swedish job market.

Presenting panalists: Drivhuset, Cohabit, Careers Service, Media Evoluation, Level, Coompanion Skåne.

Don't miss this opportunity. Come and grow your network.

Vegan Dinner with Buddy Programme and People’s Kitchen

Time: 18.00–20.00

Location: Student Hörnet at MKB Student Housing Swedish Rönnen

Vegan dinner organised by volunteers and students from People’s Kitchen. Bring your own cutlery, plate and glasses. The food will be provided.

26 August

Newbie Language Café

Time: 10.00–12.00

Location: floor 5, student pantry area (Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 211 19 Malmö)

Join us for a fun and social language café where you can meet Swedish students, and practice basic Swedish in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to learn simple everyday phrases, get to know other students, and feel more connected during Orientation Week. No previous Swedish knowledge is needed.

Karaoke Night at Fagans Irish Pub with Buddy Programme

Time: 21.30

Location: Fagans Irish Pub (Fagans Irish Pub, Per Weijersgatan 4)

You can sing, have a drink, hang out and meet new people at the Pub. Bring your ID for age verification, since it’s an 21+ event. We will be there from 21.30, but you can go earlier if you want to get a table or avoid waiting in line.

27 August

Newbie Language Café

Time: 10.00–12.00

Location: floor 2, open floor space (Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 211 19 Malmö)

Join us for a fun and social language café where you can meet Swedish students, and practice basic Swedish in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to learn simple everyday phrases, get to know other students, and feel more connected during Orientation Week. No previous Swedish knowledge is needed.

Student Association Fair

Time: 15.00–17.00

Location: Niagara Atrium, lobby floor (Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 211 19 Malmö)

Meet all the student associations at Malmö University and find the ones that peak your interest. Also a good opportunity to sign up for memberships.

Evening at Malmö Live

Time: 17.00

Malmö Symphony Orchestra, with a glass of wine, and Mozart’s beloved Gran Partita. There will also be Turkish melodies in Sultani Yegâh Sirto and jazzy brass tunes in Cat Suite—music full of warmth, humor, and personality. Followed by Bistro with DJ Rivet, & guests, food, and drinks.

Book a free ticket with the discount code “MAUAW”. Each person can book one free ticket using this code.

Book Malmö Live here

Steps to complete the booking:

  1. Open the link above.
  2. Choose the ticket price option called “Fri medverkande”
  3. Create a Malmö Live account (if you don’t already have one).
  4. Complete the booking. Once the account is created and the booking is confirmed, the ticket will be issued and sent to you.

28 August

Newbie Language Café

Time: 10.00–12.00

Location: floor 2, student pantry area (Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, 211 19 Malmö)

Join us for a fun and social language café where you can meet Swedish students, and practice basic Swedish in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to learn simple everyday phrases, get to know other students, and feel more connected during Orientation Week. No previous Swedish knowledge is needed.

Bonfire Beach Party with ESN Malmö

Time: 19.00

Location: Soundhill, Scaniaparken

Cosy evening by the fire with ESN Malmö. Enjoy snacks, marshmallows, and good company. Soft drinks and snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own choice of beverages and food.

29 August

Climate Walk

Time: 11.00–13.00

Meeting point: Möllevångstorget 214 24 (Workers Statue)

Moving to a new city can be challenging, both on the budget and the climate. This walking route connects circular furniture and fashion boutiques, zero-waste pioneers, and community-driven climate hubs.

30 August

Beach Day with ESN Malmö

Time: 13.00

Location: T-bryggan (Brygga 3 217 75, 217 73 Malmö)

Relax with ESN Malmö at a beach day full of sun, swimming, and games. Hang out with friends, play volleyball, or just enjoy the summer vibes by the sea.

Orientation Canvas page

You are welcome to join our Orientation Canvas page and learn more about how to navigate the first stages of your semester as an exchange student at Malmö University.

Orientation Canvas 

Freshers' week (Insparken) – autumn only relevant

After the Orientation Programme, join Insparken for all new Malmö University students. Two weeks of social events give you the chance to meet students from other programmes and make new friends. Insparken is planned and run by students. 

Insparken takes place before the Autumn semester. If you start your studies in the spring semester, you can join Insparken later that same year.

About Freshers' week (inspark.malmostudenter.se)

Buddy programme

In addition to the Orientation, we also offer the Buddy programme – a way for you to get to know your fellow students better.

Through the programme we arrange social activities and have fun. This is an opportunity for you to expand your network, make new friends and develop your language skills. As a participant in the Buddy programme, you will be assigned to a group that will consist of both other newly arrived students, as well as current students, your "buddies".

Sign up for the Buddy programme using the form on this page. You can also sign up during the Orientation week by contacting the Buddy coordinators. 

Join the Buddy programme (Microsoft Forms) 

How to get to Malmö University

Malmö's central train station is well connected within Sweden and internationally via links to Copenhagen. It boasts its own airport, Sturup, but for international travellers, it is best served by Copenhagen Airport – just a 20-minute train journey away. Please be aware of the current regulations in place, both for your transits and for entering Sweden at the time of your travel.

If you are arriving on Arrival day, student mentors wearing orange vests will be at the train station to help with directions. 

Travelling to Sweden

Travelling and moving to another country to study can be very individual. You can find a list of important documents to bring with you here below. Please note, however, that this list is not exhaustive.

  • Proof of admission (for example, letter of acceptance)
  • European Health Insurance Card (if applicable)
  • Residence permit
  • Passport and other ID documentation

Make sure to stay updated regarding the regulations in place at the time of your travels, both in Sweden and regarding any transit you might have included in your travels.

What to be aware of before moving to Malmö

Academic calendar

The academic year in Sweden is divided into two semesters, each lasting 20 weeks.

Academic year 2026/2027

Autumn semester 2026: 31 August 2026 – 17 January 2027
Spring semester 2027: 18 January 2027 – 6 June 2027

Contact

For general questions regarding Orientation and/or your arrival to Malmö, you are welcome to email the International Office at Malmö University.

International Office at Malmö University

internationaloffice@mau.se