Experience in Oslo, Norway by Ahmad

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

Oslo is a cute small city with around 600 000 inhabitants. Very laid-back city with less stress, short way to fjords, forests and mountains and very easy going and happy people. The forests are at the end of some subway lines actually. The air is fresh; water is so pure and good.

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It's a bit cold though, but as Norwegians say: "There is no bad weather only bad clothes".

What is the student lifestyle like in Oslo?

Being from a university that is specialized in Arts, we got so interesting mix of crazy artists, dancers and opera singers. Loads of activities and shows all over the year, I love it!

How much does it cost to live in Oslo?

Oslo is one the most expensive cities in the world. Though the renting of student houses seems to be a bit cheaper than Paris, for example, life here is generally expensive. A good loaf of bread can be at least 5$, a glass of beer starts from 10$.

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

I personally have never experienced difficulties finding my 2 past apartments. I got each of them amazingly fast. Actually one of them I got it after one day of searching!

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

Norwegian traditional food is based what Norwegians used to plant before the age of transport and globalization. Potato is the king! And fish of course. Salmon, cod and trout are very much present. Also wild and hunted red meat.

The "Pinnekjøtt" dried and the boiled smoked lamb meat is a dish I would die for. Also "Elk" (moose) or also "Hjort" (roe deer) "karbonader" (hamburgers) are just soooo good.

What places would you recommend visiting in Oslo?

Even though it's a small city, it has a lot to offer. A rich landscape with some interesting architecture and parks. You never get bored of Frogner/Vigeland park. It's charming in all the seasons. Sognsvann or Sogn Lake is a nice forest to have a walk. If you want to mix contemporary art and nature, then you have Ekeberg park. In Oslo fjord lays several small islands that you can take the public transportation boat to, it's the place to be in summer days.

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Vigeland Park

Grunnerløkka is my hood, very trendy and kinda hipster with some nice bars and cafes.

Is it good to eat out in Oslo? Can you tell us your favorite spots?

Everything has a price. To eat a meal that touches your heart and memory, get your pockets ready. I'm a foodie, farmers market is my place to get my meats and cheeses, loads of other good stuff also.

A secret to anyone who visits the farmers market: there is a spot in the market where they sell home and with-love-made "Sveler" - Norwegian pancakes". Don't miss it! Little pricey but worth every penny!

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

I'm honestly not a nightlife type of a guy. But, there are some cool places that I know about and that got some international recognition that I can recommend, namely, "BlÅ" and "The Villa". "Blå" is a jazz bar by the river, very cool place.

What advice would you give future students headed to Oslo?

Oslo has its own personality. It's unfair to compare it with other big cities. It can be very quiet if you are looking for a typical big city student life. Norway is an extraordinarily beautiful country, travel around and see its nature.