Incoming PhD (Sept) from Malaysia, need housing/rent advice (Lund vs Malmö?)
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Hi everyone, I recently accepted a PhD offer at Lund starting this September and I'm currently sorting out my visa. This is my first time moving to abroad, so I’m trying to get my bearings on how the housing market actually works and what I should prioritize first.
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I know finding a place can be tough, so I’d love some advice on where an incoming PhD should actually look to avoid scams. What are the reliable websites or housing queues I should be focusing on? Also, what does a realistic monthly rent (in SEK) look like right now for a room or small studio? I just want a solid baseline so I know what to expect.
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I’m also debating between living in Lund vs. Malmö. Since I'll be in the lab a lot, I need to be on campus pretty often. Is it significantly better to stay in Lund for convenience, or is commuting from Malmö a common/better option for rent?
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My other big concern is the commute. I keep hearing that biking is basically mandatory in Lund, but I literally never learned how to ride one. If I live further out or commute from Malmö, is the train/bus system reliable enough to get me to campus every day, or am I going to struggle without a bike?
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Any advice, reality checks, or tips on what my immediate next steps should be to find a house/room to stay etc would be super helpful. Thanks!