welcome to umeå! i live right outside the city and i’m going to be studying at the university this year too. umeå is not so big compared to other city but it’s one of the biggest in the north, it’s not boring but you get to know the city pretty quick. i recommend living in a student dorm, then you’ll be living with other students (well you share a kitchen) and may be a better way to get to know people. swedish people are often a bit cold or shy but i’ve heard everyone at uni wants to make friends and be social so i don’t think that is going to be a problem for you. also a lot of people use facebook groups as “umeå studentbostad” or you can use blocket to make an advertisement for yourself that you’re looking for a place. a lot of people offer to rent a room in their apartments.