Experience in Oslo, Norway by Theodor

What is it like to live in Oslo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Oslo is a urban and honest city. The city has everything from billionaire neighborhoods at Frogner, to drugaddicts by the bus terminal. During the summer the city is bright, and full of people, light and a fantastic spirit.

Norwegians like to keep to themselves when in public, and they do not usually talk to strangers. But once you get to know a Norwegian, you'll never get a better friend.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Oslo?

The student lifestyle is very wide spread, yet close combined. Students are urban and easy going.

How much does it cost to live in Oslo?

Oslo is quite expensive. The cost of living is quite high, but there are arrangement for students, and plenty of student discounts varying from public transportation to hairdressers.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Oslo? Is there any advice you can give?

Finding accommodation is easy, and for foreign students you can easily access the Oslo Student Unions (SiO - Studentsamskipnaden i Oslo) student accommodations. As a foreign student you'll jump ahead in line to get a place to live. You could also check out the private marked such as FINN or HYBEL.

The more central, the more expensive. Areas such as Grünerløkka, Bislet and Frogner are the most expensive.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Norwegians does not have a strong relation to national dishes when they go out to eat. Italian, Asian, Indian, and Mexican dominates Oslos restaurants. Mostly Norwegians eat in their own homes, and you would do smart in knowing how to cook for yourself. Eating out is quite expensive.

If you get to know a Norwegian, get invited to a Pinnekjøtt-diner! Pinnekjøtt is a traditional Norwegian way of cooking sheeps meat, and is eaten mostly around Christmas times together with close family. It is very salty and super-delicious.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Oslo?

The area Grünerløkka, consisting of Aker Markveien, Olaf Ryes Plass and Birkelunden is great! It is the happiest place to be, and there are a lot of bars, nightclubs, and places to eat.

Brygge har is very beautiful, and you can take a ferry to the smaller islands of the Oslo Fjord in the summertime. Bring your swimsuit!

You can take the Holmenkollen-line to go for a skitrip in the wintertime. They also rent out sleds! Rent a sled, and run the Korketrekkeren!

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Is the nightlife good in Oslo? Where is good to go?

Very good nightlife! In the summer the sun gets up at about 1 AM, so it is always light out when you go home! In the winter you should just bring a heavy jacket, and you'll be fine! Great places to go is Justisen (located very central), MONO (a few blocks from Justisen) and also the area of Grünerløkka is a great place to be!

What advice would you give future students headed to Oslo?

Save up some money, don't be afraid of Norwegians (they are actually really honest and friendly), and if you do not speak Norwegian, English is sufficient. All Norwegians speak English!