Erasmus Experience in Oslo, Norway by Raphaël

Why did you choose to go to Oslo, Norway?

I had a job opportunity (internship) there and I was interested in discovering life in Northern Europe.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I receive the Erasmus scholarship, which amounts to 450€ per month for me.

What is the student lifestyle like in Oslo?

I don't study but my flat mates do. From what I see, under Covid restrictions it only consists in following online classes.

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

Although very expensive, Oslo is a very nice city to live in, especially if you like nature. However, if you like to party Oslo is the last city you should move in to as the prices of alcohol are dramatically high: about 40€ for a 1L bottle of vodka/whiskey...

What is the food like?

Even without the Covid restrictions I wouldn't go to restaurants because it is obviously hell expensive. In the supermarkets, the food is pretty much the same as it is in every Western country. Of course you might not find your country's specialties but apart from that you should expect the same as in all Europe.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Oslo?

Finding the accommodation was pretty easy, finding an affordable accommodation is different.

How much does it cost to live in Oslo?

Trust me you don't want to know... All included (except my trips in Norway) I spend about 1350€ per month. Thankfully I have a salary, the Erasmus scholarship and my parents can help me if needed but if you want to be as cost-effective as possible, I think you can live with 900€ per month (if you don't live in the city center and watch all your expenses).

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Speaking Norwegian is obviously great as learning any language opens your mind, but Norwegian people speak English so well that you don't need to. As for language courses at the Uni I don't know, since I'm here for an internship.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Oslo from your city?

I live in Oslo, so I would say walking out the door.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Oslo?

I arrived during the Covid pandemic so I can't say much about the nightlife if we talk about clubs and bars. However, I've had great times going into the nature and lighting a bonfire with friends.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Oslo?

I arrived during the Covid pandemic so I can't say much about that. But even in normal times, I don't think I would go to restaurants as the cost of living in Olso is very high. Or maybe once or twice, just to try.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Museums have been closed since I arrived in Oslo. But walking in the street is pretty nice since like all European capitals, you can learn about its history just by looking around you.

2 more things

1. The weather is not so terrible. It's very cold indeed, (about -10 degrees when I arrived in January) but with warm clothes it's perfectly livable: I didn't even need to buy extra clothes, I already had everything I needed. And the sun was out almost every day.

2. During winter, get ready for very short days, it can be complicated psychologically sometimes but the daylight time evolves quickly as you are far away for the equator and in April the sun sets at 9pm or so.