My Erasmus Exchange in Bergen, Norway

Why did you choose to go to Bergen, Norway?

Actually, I didn't choose to go there. It was one of the options I had to choose from for an English-speaking Erasmus exchange. I put all of them down and this was the one I was allocated. I don't regret it at all though. :)

How long did your exchange last? How much were you paid?

My exchange lasted for ten months and I was paid 250 euros a month. I'm not sure how much the grant is nowadays (I went three years ago).

What's the student life like in Bergen?

It's a city with loads of atmosphere, very university-based.

Would you recommend the city and University of Bergen to other students?

Yes, definitely. Above all to those who like smaller cities, or ones which aren't too big, with a large student population.

What's Norwegian food like?

I'd recommend it for lovers of 'healthy food'.

How did you find your accommodation?

The university found me accommodation in a well-known hall of residence in the city (in the outskirts, called Fantoft). When I arrived from Spain, I had this accommodation to live in, and organised it all from my home.

How expensive is accommodation? How high are the prices in general?

The prices of the halls of residences are between 250 and 270 euros a month, if I remember rightly. This doesn't cover your food, but you do have your own kitchen. Unfortunately then your grant only covers paying for you to have somewhere to sleep. The prices in general are around three or four times higher than what they are in Spain. It's all a case of looking for cheap things though (above all in terms of food, since there are always different things on offer or half price every day... ). You just have to search well and you'll save a fair bit.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

I didn't go to a course since I got told in Spain that there wouldn't be Norwegian courses in Bergen. When I got there, everyone else had signed up for one, so yes, there are courses, I just ended up missing out on them. From what I heard, it was difficult at first, and required quite a lot of studying. For people who are looking to work there afterwards though, it was a really good idea. I would recommend doing it.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Bergen from your home city?

The cheapest way is by plane, for sure. I would fly from Madrid to Oslo and then from Oslo to Bergen. It was usually cheaper to do this than to fly directly to Bergen (from Madrid, at least).

What are the best places for partying in Bergen?

I don't know what new places there are now. The best places I remember however were Tiger Tiger, and the Café Opera... almost all of them are nearby though, so it's easy to go from one to the other.

What about eating out in Bergen? What were your favourite places?

In all seriousness, with the low amount of grant I received I didn't often go out for a meal...

What does Bergen have to offer in terms of culture?

You can see everything Bergen has to offer within a day or two, and in the surrounding areas there are also some really interesting things to see (such as the Fantoft church, very near to the residence).

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Bergen?

Enjoy the experience and, if you can, travel as much as possible around Norway.