Acclimating to the cold in Skellefteå, Sweden was a gradual process for us. We spent a week increasing our outdoor time each day, leaving behind the fast-paced life we were accustomed to back home. The inherent calmness of Skellefteå enveloped us, and our temporary apartment’s proximity to the city centre made exploring the city a breeze.
As we ventured out onto the snow-filled roads, the glimmering reflection of shop lights caught our eyes. The iconic Sara kulturhus loomed in the background, adding to the charm of the city. Grocery stores and bakeries quickly became our haunts during those initial weeks. The pastries from Stigs and the cheesecake from Cafe på Bit were instant favorites, satisfying our cravings for sweet treats.
One of the most pleasant surprises during our time in Skellefteå was the welcoming attitude of the locals. Skellefteå municipality and Welcome House Skellefteå proved to be invaluable resources, providing us with information and support as newcomers to the city. They even organized a gathering for newcomers, allowing us to meet others and learn more about the community. We were pleasantly surprised by the large Indian and Asian communities in Skellefteå, adding to the city’s diversity.
Eager to try a winter sport for the first time, I discovered Fritidsbanken through the Skellefteå municipality website. The vast collection of equipment available for rent was impressive, ranging from winter sports accessories and outdoor gear to camping equipment, indoor games, and wellness items. The fact that the equipment was donated by residents and managed by the municipality, making it entirely free to rent, was a testament to the community spirit in Skellefteå.
While English sufficed for daily interactions, the need for Swedish became apparent when I began my job search. The Welcome House Skellefteå website offered online career guidance sessions, helping me navigate the job market in Skellefteå. Swedish fluency was often listed as a requirement for many roles, highlighting the importance of learning the language to fully integrate into the community.
Learning Swedish became a priority for us, as most public information was only available in Swedish. We started with basic Swedish lessons on Duolingo before enrolling in the SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) program for a more structured approach. The importance of understanding Swedish culture and language became evident as we immersed ourselves in the community.
One of the daily rituals we adopted was checking our mailbox, as most communication in Skellefteå happened through traditional mail. To streamline the process and reduce paper waste, we later enrolled in a digital platform that delivered important information directly to us. The clear communication and transparency in Skellefteå were impressive, making it easier for us to stay informed and connected.
A delightful surprise came in the form of a welcome gift from Skellefteå municipality, containing details about the city and coupons to local stores. This thoughtful gesture further solidified our sense of belonging in Skellefteå, making us feel appreciated and welcomed.
As December approached its third week, we were still adjusting to the weather but were filled with excitement for our first Christmas in Europe. The city was gearing up for the festive season, and we couldn’t wait to experience the holiday spirit in Skellefteå. Our journey in Skellefteå was just beginning, and we looked forward to what the future held in this charming city.