Experience in Oslo, Norway by Juni

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

Oslo is a very nice and diverse city, that contains everything you need in close distance. In Oslo, you can find citylife and nature in walking distance from each other. The city has many nice neighborhoods with a lot of nice bars and restaurants, as well as many parks that are perfect for meeting friends.

What is the student lifestyle like in Oslo?

Oslo is pretty expensive, but there is also cheaper options for students. Oslo has a lot of bars and clubs, and many events for students throughout the year. There are also many nice places to hang out outside, like in different parks and by the river and lakes around the city.

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How much does it cost to live in Oslo?

There are cheap options in student houses like the ones at Kringsjå, to give one example. Living in the middle of downtown is however pretty expensive. When it comes to food and activities, as well as transport, there are cheaper options for students.

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

Kringsjå is one of the most popular student villages for exchange students.

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

There is not really any typical, Norwegian food. Norwegians love all kinds of food, and in Oslo there are a lot of Mexican, Italian, American and Asian restaurants - something for every taste and in every price range. Tacos is usually the favorite dish of Norwegians - and it's what everyone eats at least one night during the weekend!

What places would you recommend visiting in Oslo?

• The neighborhoods Grünerløkka and Grønland for the diversity. Especially Grünerløkka has many nice bars and restaurants (The Nighthawk Diner, Habanero, Chair, Villa Paradiso, Barrio Burrito, Cocoa hot chocolate bar) as well as the nice park called Birkelunden.
• Of course see the ski jump at Holmenkollen and the Vigelandspark.
• Walk up along the river Akerselva, here you can also swim in many places.
• The shore-area, including the Opera and Sørenga, the newest beach and bay for swimming, as well as the more posh area Aker Brygge
• The islands along the shore with the public boat.

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

There are lots of restaurants in Oslo that are great:

• Italian: Villa Paradiso (pizza, Grünerløkka)
• American: The Nighthawk Diner (Grünerløkka)
• Mexican: Barrio Burrito, Habanero (Grünerløkka)
• Asian: Tasty Thai (Grünerløkka), Rice Bowl (Youngstorget)

Is the night life good in Oslo? Where is good to go?

The nightlife in Oslo is pretty good, but there are some rules to be aware of. On Thursdays most clubs will let 18 year-olds in before 23/24. Fridays most clubs let 20 years old in before 23/24. Saturdays you have to be 23 to get into a lot of clubs, or you have to be there as early as 22. This differs from club to club though.

Some nice clubs are the jazz cafes Cafe Sør, the club Lawo and John's, the clubs Horgans and Kjøkken og Bar, Kulturhuset and Blå. For cheap beers, go to Samfunnet below HiOA or Evergreens down the street.

Chateau Neuf, the student associations building, has a lot of student parties and events.

Every Sunday night there is a free concert at Blå, but you have to be 20 to get in. Other nights there are concerts here and its a club in the weekend.

What advice would you give future students heading to Oslo?

Get involved in student organisations, and don't be afraid to get to know Norwegian students!

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