The Swedish Student Dictionary: Understanding Terms like 'Sittning' & 'Tenta'

Kår, nation, dugga, sittning? Welcome to university in Sweden – a fantastic place for knowledge, friends, and a completely new vocabulary. Feeling a bit confused? No worries! We've gathered the most important terms to help you crack the code of Swedish student life and feel right at home.

Academic Terms – The Studies

Tenta/Tentamen: The big, final exam in a course. Often a written, supervised exam that lasts for several hours. Feared by many, but no problem with the right study techniques!
Omtenta: A second (or third...) chance to pass an exam you failed on the first try. A welcome safety net for all students.
Dugga: A smaller test or quiz during the course. Often focuses on a specific part of the curriculum and can sometimes grant bonus points for the final exam.
Akademisk kvart (Academic Quarter): An old tradition meaning that something, usually a lecture, starts 15 minutes past the hour. If a lecture is scheduled for 10:00, it actually begins at 10:15. Always double-check what applies to your specific course, as some have started to abandon this!
Högskolepoäng (HP): Higher Education Credits. The university "currency". A full semester of full-time studies is equivalent to 30 HP. A three-year bachelor's degree is therefore 180 HP.
Ladok: The national system where all your study results, credits, and course registrations are stored. Ladok is where you see your grades and can download official transcripts.

Social Terms – Life Outside the Lecture Hall

Sittning: A formal dinner with singing and entertainment, often at long tables. A 'sittning' can have various themes and levels of formality. A "finsittning" (fine sittning) is more formal, while a "fulsittning" (ugly sittning) often has a more fun and relaxed theme.
Eftersläpp: The after-party that opens up to more guests later in the evening after the dinner part of the 'sittning' is over. The ticket is usually cheaper and the focus is on the dance floor.
Gasque: Another, often slightly fancier, word for a 'sittning'. Commonly used in cities like Uppsala.
Sexa: A simpler and more spontaneous party or dinner, often with a theme. The name is said to come from the tradition of them starting at six o'clock ('sex' in Swedish). It can also refer to the after-party for the staff working at an event.
Recentior / Recce / Nolla: A freshman or newly admitted student. These terms are primarily used during the orientation weeks, known as 'insparken' or 'nollningen'.
Overall / Ovve: The colorful boilersuit that many students wear at parties and events. The color represents the student's study program or faculty, and it is decorated with patches from events they've attended.

Organizations & Places – Who's Who?

Studentkår (Student Union): An organization representing the students' interests at the university. They work to ensure the quality of the education and support their members, but also arrange social events like 'sittningar' and career fairs. There are often various committees within the union you can join.
Nation: A student society that offers social activities, lunches, pubs, clubs, housing, and scholarships. Historically, they gathered students from the same geographical region of Sweden, but today most are open to everyone. 'Nations' are a cornerstone of student life, especially at Lund, Uppsala, and Linköping Universities.
CSN (The Swedish Board of Student Finance): The government agency that handles student grants and loans. A very important entity in the finances of most Swedish students.

Now you have the basics! Don't worry if you don't remember everything – you'll get the hang of the jargon quickly. Don't be afraid to ask senior students if you're wondering about something; most are happy to explain. A warm welcome to student life! 👋🎓