Experience in Oslo, Norway by Trym

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

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I'm born and raised in Oslo, and maybe that's why I loved it. But for a foreigners perspective you might not enjoy it as much as a local. Oslo is an very expensive city to live in, but at the same time, if you have a job you can earn a lot of money, even if you just work at the supermarket. To live in Oslo I think would be an interesting part of your life. At first you might just think it's like most Western European cities, but when you get to know the different districts and the people you will have a good time. The city offers a lot of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafés and so on and if you are here to study I think the educational offer is great. It also has a rich nature around the city which you definitely should take advantage of. Also some parks, like Vigelandsparken, Tøyenparken and Sofienbergsparken is always a safe bet in the summerdays.

What is the student lifestyle like in Oslo?

How the student lifestyle is in Oslo is a bit difficult to answer, it's mostly up to you how you want to live while studying. But if you are a social person and want to be active in a lot of different social activities and just generally do a lot, there is a bunch of things you can take part in. There is usually a lot of events related to the course or study you attend. For example showcases and social gatherings, depends on what you're studying. Most Norwegian love to party, so if you're into that then look no further.

How much does it cost to live in Oslo?

Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to have a good time, just be conscious of what you invest in. To buy food and drink beer at restaurants and pubs/bars will eat up your wallet. So just don't blow it all away the first month. Beer starts at 8 euros (3 euro at supermarkets) and bread at 2 euros. A tip: buy rice at some of the foreigner shops, much cheaper.

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

I myself have none experience of living alone or with friends in Oslo, but many I know do. My impression is that it's not too difficult to find a place, but to find something cheap might be a bit harder. Especially if you want to live in the center or in the "hip" neighborhoods while paying little. But in general I think you will find a place to live in no time.

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

Oslo have all kinds of food. Everything from Norwegian classics to sushi.

What places would you recommend visiting in Oslo?

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Get to know a local person who is from Oslo or have been here a long time, he/she should show you around. My second tip is to just pack your bag, put on some music and walk through the streets, you might be surprised of what Oslo has to offer when you're away from the tourist places.

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

Go to Grønlad for Indian food. There's a place called Punjab Tandoori right by the metro station where you can eat good Indian food for a very low price. Oslo also have a lot of kebab places all around the city. You should also check out Torggata. Tons of nice restaurants and bars. I love it both daytime and nighttime, always has a lot to offer. Just by Torggata is also a couple of good Vietnameese places, just ask when you are nearby. If you want something "high end" go to Aker Brygge.

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

I like the nightlife in Oslo. Because it is a big city and in our capital we have a big variety of bars and clubs. If you google "nightlife in Oslo" you will just find the biggest and most known places, they play dance and mainstream music. If you are into different music, like funk, disco, boogie, hip-hop, trap, R&B, rock, salsa and so on we have many good places for that kind of music as well. I personally would recommend you check out Ingensteds, Blå, Fisk & Vilt, Gudrunds and Hva Skjer if you want to dance. If you want to chill with a couple of beers, go to Café Sara, Kulturhuset, Café Sør (Salsa nights once a week), People's, Internasjonalen, Dattera til Hagen, Postkontoret and at Grünerløkka there is cafés, bars and restaurants everywhere. If you like Gin & Tonic go to Chair at Grünerløkka, they specialize in GT.

Most of the places have a facebook page, so just look it up and they usually make an event where you can find further information about the different events they have. I almost forgot, if you like Jazz go to Victoria Nasjonale Jazzscene, they usually have concerts but the last saturday of every month there is an event called Jassbox. Jassbox is a guarantee turn up if you want to get sweaty and dance all night to african beat, jazzdance and soul.

What advice would you give future students heading to Oslo?

Have a good time, get to know a lot of people, a lot of the Norwegians already studying in Oslo are from Oslo, so they usually have their friends from back in the day, which means some just attend the classes and then go home to their old friends. But if you befriend not only foreigners but also some locals I guarantee you will have a blast!

Oslo is not that big, so you can just use the metro and get around in no time. Take the metro for 15-20 minutes to go outside the city center and you will find beautiful nature. I would say that it's one of the best things Oslo has to offer, its nature and wildlife in every direction around the city. You can also eat at cabins in the forest where we serve food and drinks, for example waffles. For a foreigner I think this would be an interesting and different experience which most students coming abroad wouldn't even think of do.

Also in the summer season you can take a boat out to many of the islands in the Oslofjord. This you should also definitely do if you have the opportunity.

My last tip is just walk around, get to know the city, because at first it might not impress you, but when you get to know it maybe you will love it as much as I do.

And of course: bring very warm clothes for the winter. The winter can be rough for someone who come from warmer countries.