Borlänge

Borlänge is a nice town located in Dalarna County in Sweden, upon the Dalälven river. In this post I would like to give you some practical information about the place.

Bicycle path on a way to Bå tstad lake

How to get here?

Borlänge has a very good train and bus connection with Stockholm (about 2-2,5h). There is also local airport: www.dalaflyget.se

When you are flying to Stockholm, from Arlanda Airport you can catch the direct train to Borlänge. From Skavsta Airport the best way is to get a bus to Stockholm Cityterminalen (flygbussarna.se), and then either a train (sj.se) or a bus (swebus.se or masexpressen.se)  to Borlänge. There is possibility to buy all tickets online and print them out at home. Check if you can get a discount with your student card, because Sweden may have different rules and it may be not accepted. If so, there should be a discount for youth (mostly <25 years old).

My advice is to arrive on the days when university pick-up service works. It is free of charge and to get to your accommodation with all bags is much more comfortable. If you ask, there should be no problem to pick you up first to the Tunabyggen office (if renting from them) to get your keys and then to your flat.

Where to live? 

Locus

The easiest way to find accommodation is to request it at Tunabyggen, which  offers: rooms in student house Locus or in  shared apartments.You can do it on their website.

Building with shared apartments

In Locus are single rooms with bathroom or rooms where bathroom is shared with other person. Common kitchens are located on every floor, cupboards have locks there. Locus also has laundry, it needs booking but once it is done, no one else can access it during your booked hours. Common room or sauna are also available.

Room in shared apartment

When renting a shared apartment, you will probably have your own room, one bathroom for all flatmates (2-4 people), shared kitchen and a living room. Cupboards in the kitchen do not have locks, in bathroom there are open shelves.  Be prepared that there is no washing machine in the flat, if you’re lucky it will be in the cellar of the building in which you live, otherwise you are forced to go to the other one. You can book the time of doing the laundry but there is no possibility to lock it, so everyone has access that time. There is no iron, only mangle. Room doors have automatic locks, remember to always take your key with you. And don't leave your room unlocked, consequences may be unpleasant!

Bathroom in shared apartment

Important information about Tunabyggen: there is no possibility to change your room. Also, don’t be shocked if at the beginning it looks like everything is not working or destroyed. Check all the furniture, if walls are not dirty or scratched, dryer in the bathroom, sink, bath, etc. The good thing is that when you report a fault someone is coming to fix it very fast. But sometimes it needs to remind about the problem few times. Before arriving think about all the necessary equipment because there is nothing in the flat except the furniture. You will need kettle, pans, dishes, cutlery, cutting board, pillows, quilts, bed sheets, etc. If your luggage is already oversize you can buy it in Borlänge – there are IKEA and Rusta stores in the neighbourhood. 

If you need some more info, don’t hesitate to visit:

http://www.tunabyggen.se/sv/Student/Internationel-student/ and

http://www.du.se/en/Student-Services/Welcome-to-Dalarna-University/Accommodation/

  

Kitchen in shared apartment

Where to go out?

There are some cafés in Borlänge, but my favourite pick is 'Café Peace and Love' located in the city center, very charming place, definitely worth traditional Swedish Fika. They have facebook page where you can follow if something is happening, like e.g. small concerts.

Centrum also offers restaurants with different choice of food (from pizza to Thai), pubs and clubs, so everyone can find something for himself.

Don’t forget about Tenoren - a student club (student house) where  a lot of things is happening! Starting from BBQs and finishing on thematic parties, like for example Octoberfest, Suit Up or Halloween. It has two floors, downstairs - more suitable to sit, have a beverage and talk to friends, upstairs - second bar and a dance floor with loud club music. 

Tenoren

Borlänge is also a place for nature lovers. Forests and lakes surrounding the town area are breath taking, no matter what season it is. 

What to do? 

Playing volleyball, football, cross-country skiing, visiting aqua park, going on trips? If you show the interest in participating in activities and finding people to join you, there is no way to be bored in Borlänge. Just bring the good mood! Looking for ideas where to go on a cruise? Follow our blog where we will post something about interesting places to visit later on!

Where to shop?

In Borlänge you can find a wide variety of shops. The main shopping centre is Kupolen, which offers clothing and beauty stores, pharmacy, mobile phones operators, home equipment boutiques, restaurants and fast foods like McDonald’s or Subway. There are also some supermarkets in the area (e.g. Willys or Lidl) for regular shopping.

Kupolen shopping centre