About Us
The THS International Reception is a welcome event for all new master’s and international students at KTH. We aim to provide a variety of events that cater to different interests while also encouraging students to explore new hobbies. Our primary goal is to ensure that every new master’s and international student feels welcomed and included, easing their transition into student life at KTH.
We collaborate with various associations and chapters on campus to help you learn all about student life at KTH. This is a biannual project run by student volunteers, with our Fall Reception taking place in August and September and our Spring Reception in January.
This is your first opportunity to meet fellow students from all over the world, explore the campus, and discover the resources that will make your time at KTH smoother (and less stressful). Expect a few weeks filled with fun activities, delicious snacks (that may or may not become your new obsession), music that will get you moving, and plenty of chances to connect with people who are in the same boat as you.
This is your moment to start building friendships and find your place in the KTH family!
What Actually Happens During the International Reception?
So, you’ve just landed in a new country. You’re carrying two heavy suitcases, probably feeling slightly confused, and wondering, “What now?”
Don’t worry—the International Reception has your back! It’s hard to put the experiences you’ll have during the International Reception into words (or onto your screen), but let’s give it a shot. During these weeks, you’ll get to enjoy a variety of events organized by our team.
Arrival Days and Welcome Events
If you’re arriving on one of the official Arrival Days, we’ll be there to greet you at KTH and kick off some of the best welcome weeks you’ll ever experience!
Are you a party animal? Then the Welcome Party is an absolute must for you! Still not enough? Join one of our Gasques or pub evenings. Most importantly, do not miss Nollepubrundan (you’ll find out what that is later).
Beyond the Parties
Maybe at some point, you’ve had enough partying—but don’t worry, there are plenty of other events to attend:
🎨 Arts & Photography: Is art or photography your passion? Join a visit to one of Stockholm’s beautiful museums or take part in a Tunnelbana (metro) art tour to explore one of the longest art exhibitions in the world.
🏐 Sports & Outdoor Activities: Love running, hiking, climbing, or playing sports? Join us for events like Hiking, Volleyball, Capture the Flag, Badminton, and more!
📜 Stockholm Culture & History: Want to explore Stockholm’s rich history and its most scenic spots? Join one of our city tours or take a trip to Djurgården to soak in the local culture.
🛏️ IKEA Trips: Just arrived in Stockholm but don’t have a bed, kitchen utensils, or even a plant? No worries! Come along on one of our IKEA tours, where you’ll get inspiration for your new home while enjoying some Swedish meatballs (vegetarian options available).
🛠️ Getting to Know KTH: Interested in learning more about KTH, the student association, and your rights as a student? Several committees at KTH will introduce themselves during the reception and show you how to get involved in shaping your studies and student life. You’ll also meet representatives from various student Chapters, each offering unique activities and communities. (Don’t worry if you don’t know what a Chapter is yet—you’ll find out soon!).
Your Buddy Group – Personal Support and Instant Friends
The International Reception isn’t just about joining as many events as possible (though you totally should 😉). It’s also about making new friends 👫🏻 and getting support as you settle in.
That’s where your Buddy Group comes in. You’ll be matched with a group of fellow newly admitted students and a few Buddies, who are current KTH students there to help you, answer your questions, and organize fun activities 🎉 with your group.
Think of your Buddy Group as your personal support squad. They’ll guide you through your first weeks and share insider tips, like where to find the best pizza, the cheapest drinks, and the must-visit spots in Stockholm 🌆.
Joining your Buddy Group’s activities will make your start in Sweden, Stockholm, and at KTH a lot smoother—and much more fun. 🎈
Social Life = Activated
If you’re excited about the International Reception but feeling a little sad that it eventually ends, don’t worry—there’s no need to be! The fun doesn’t stop there. Student life at KTH is vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunities to connect, relax, and enjoy.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s waiting for you after the reception:
– Grab a classic Swedish fika (the holy coffee break) with a warm coffee ☕ and a cinnamon bun.
– Join in on game nights, quiz nights, or karaoke nights 🎤 organized by THS (that’s us!) and the Chapters at KTH.
– Enjoy amazing food 😋 and fun vibes at a gasque, or spend a day and night at Osqvik, THS’s very own house in the beautiful Värmdö Archipelago.
– Dance the night away at one of the many parties or chapter pubs 🍺, or unwind with a cozy movie night 🎬.
– Get active by joining sports clubs like KTH American Football or Basketball, travel to Lapland 🦌❄️ with THS, or explore Swedish culture through student excursions.
Whether you’re shy, outgoing, or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone—even after the International Reception wraps up.
Who Makes All of This Happen?
The THS International Reception is brought to life by the International Reception Project Team 💡 — a dedicated group of student managers responsible for organizing all the different parts of the reception.
They’re supported by a fantastic crew of volunteer Buddies, who make it possible to host so many fun, engaging events throughout the reception.
Long before the first students arrive, the project team is hard at work 💪🏻 planning a variety of activities designed to give you a fun, diverse, and memorable start to your new journey in Sweden and at KTH ✨.
When August arrives, everything they’ve worked so hard to prepare finally comes to life. And when the reception period wraps up, we celebrate with a big Thank You Party 🤗 to appreciate everyone who helped make it happen.
After that, it’s time to pass the torch. We invite new enthusiastic and ambitious students to apply and become part of the next project team—to plan the next legendary International Reception 📅.
How Do I Help Out?
Spring Reception:
– Recruitment for the project group begins in October.
– Recruitment for Buddies starts in November.
Fall Reception:
– Recruitment for the project group begins in February.
– Recruitment for Buddies starts in March.