My Erasmus Experience in Oslo, Norway by Béatrice

Why did you choose to go to Oslo, Norway?

As I'm doing studying at the Office Nationale d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) or 'The French Aerospace Lab' in France, I work on products being developed by a Norwegian firm, that is why I did my internship in Norway.

How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

I was there for 14 weeks. I haven't to this day received any money yet, but it's entirely my fault as I didn't fill out the papers on time. Those in my class who also did a work internship abroad and who filled out their paperwork on time (more than a month before leaving), received their Erasmus grant 2 weeks after completing them.

Source

What's the student vibe like in Oslo?

There weren't many students about! All the students were on holiday! Oslo put on numerous cultural and sporting events and they're sometimes even on the same Saturday. It's a really busy city that and the student bars stay open and maintains its fun atmosphere even when the students have left!

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

Oh, yes! But watch your spending! Oslo is the most expensive city in the world and don't forget it! And even if there's free things to go and do, the transport to get there however... definitely isn't!

What's Norway's food like?

It depends, for example the bacon in a tube and even the lunch at work is nasty! However, after eating in a Norwegian friend's home many times, I can say that their home-made meals are delicious! For example, the deer and doe meat (they distinguish between both female and male venison here, unlike the UK) that they hunted themselves a few days before, when it's cooked properly, is really delicious! There's obviously also the Norwegian salmon, all freshly caught. You need to take a walk to the port and walk around the markets where the products are really fresh and you can really appreciate the impact of a well-preserved environment and of a healthy attitude towards preserving food.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Oslo?

My boss found me accommodation at his friend's and neighbour's house.

What are living costs like in Oslo?

Outrageously expensive! I paid 800 euros (when converted), for a 25m² place, which is the average price! I'd pay 100 euros in France for that size! So I'll say it again, budget!

Source

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

No I spoke English the whole time, which was the educational goal of the internship that my Engineering School set me.

What's the most economical way to get to Oslo from your home town?

Train.

Where do you recommend to go out in Oslo?

Everywhere once you're in Oslo centre, you'll be spoilt for choice!

And to eat in Oslo? What are your favourite places?

Personally, my neighbour's house!

And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

All the museums! Oslo is culturally rich; I think I even visited some of the museums several times!

Source

Any advice for future students going to Oslo?

Budget!