Javi's Erasmus Experience in Oslo, Norway

Why did you choose to go to Oslo, Norway?

For the country, I had visited it as a tourist and I loved the natural beauty of Norway. Also to get to know a different culture, as well as the educational system of the Nordic countries.

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

The scholarship was given to me in 2 instalments: I received around 1, 200 euros, but it is worth noting that it is not even enough to begin with, and even less so in a country like Norway.

What is student life like in Oslo?

Very good, people are quite responsible with their studies. The university offers a lot of facilities to students. They are also very conscious about Erasmus and help you as much as possible.

What is the food like?

This is one of the worst parts, Norwegian cuisine differs greatly, especially in quality, from Spanish food. Even so, supermarkets are full of imported products, so you can usually find food from everywhere.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Oslo?

Not at all. In Oslo there is an organisation called SIO, which is responsible for providing services to students, including accommodation. All or most of the student residences are associated with the SIO, which offers lower prices compared to flats.

How much does it cost to live in Oslo?

Depends, a flat, even shared, is very expensive. The price of the student residences are similar, or even cheaper, than in Spain. In my case I paid €500 per month for a single room with bathroom. Food/laundry is not included. My average has been about 900€ per month.

How is the language? Did you take a course at the University?

There aren't too many problems if you know English, because practically all Norwegians speak English. In my case I went to a Norwegian course given by the university. It is not a complicated language to learn as it is very archaic. Anyway, as I said, you don't need to know Norwegian to live in Norway.

What is the cheapest way to get to Oslo from your city?

I live in Salamanca, for the outward flight, I flew from Madrid because I was bringing a suitcase. But for trips where I didn't have to carry a suitcase, the best option was to make a stopover going from Oslo-Barcelona-Valladolid.

Which places would you recommend to party in Oslo?

First, I would say that the party in Oslo is far from comparable to what we have here in Spain. You can still manage to have a good time. From my point of view the best thing is to start the party in some residence, and then go to some place where there is a special event (every week there is something somewhere, you just have to look a little). The area I liked the most was Grünerløkka.

What about eating in Oslo? Can you name some of your favourite places?

Near the town hall, along the promenade there is a pasta and pizza restaurant (I don't remember the name) which is not bad. And in Akker Bridge there is a pub called Beach Club, which specialises in hamburgers.

What cultural sites would you recommend?

Inside Oslo you have to see the opera, the town hall, the fort and I recommend the Viking museum (it's on one of the islands). But the best you can visit are the natural sites (fjords, lakes, etc. ), that's what makes Norway incomparable to other countries.

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Any advice you want to give to future students in Oslo?

The first thing is that you should know that the educational system is the opposite of Spanish, very few classes are given (2-3 hours per week per subject) and a lot of work is done. They stress the importance of practical education and expect you to "do-it-yourself". The first thing to do is to adapt in that sense.

When it comes to buying food, the Grønland district has a fruit and vegetable market with low prices. This is the cheapest option. The last few months I was there, they also opened a butcher's shop at rather low prices. In the supermarkets, they always make some offer, whether weekly or monthly, so take advantage of it. The Kiwi, for example, offers meat every Friday.

The last and best advice I can give is: enjoy it. You're never going to experience anything like it, I assure you, so just enjoy every second of Erasmus, because it is going to be the best experience of your lives.

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