Oslo, the Nordic countries are cool too. Say goodbye to the mainstream!

Why did you choose to go to Oslo, Norway?

To be honest, Oslo wasn't my first option, but I'm glad that it was finally my Erasmus destination. Norway has one of the highest standards of living in Europe, besides this, it isn't the typical Eramsus destination (such as France, Italy, Germany... ) as it's a bit different. In addition, my host university played an important role in this experience because according to Financial Times, it's one of the top business schools in Europe. Furthermore, as soon as you see the building, you will want to come at all costs.

How long does the grant las for? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The grant is 5 months long. I receive funds only from the EU, as the Spanish government has cut subsidies for those students who are not grantees of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and the Community of Madrid does not provide grants of this kind either. Theoretically, a student receives €300 per month (being Norway one of the most expensive Eramsus destinations) for a 5-month period, although I have not received all the grant money yet.

What is the student life like in Oslo?

Taking into account that I come from Madrid and I know what the student life in Madrid is like, Oslo is very different. There are not that many options for Erasmus students. That said, you won't get bored in Oslo especially if you bring the Erasmus spirit and you feel like having fun. With regard to a night out in Oslo, it is typical to meet your friends at one of your friend's room for the predinks normally in Bjølsen, which has the biggest kitchen, and then go to a nightclub. Do not expect times for a night out in Oslo to be at all similar to those of Spain. When I first arrived in Oslo and went out for a night out, the predinks started at 21. 00 h, then as the term passed by, we tried to impose more similar times to the Spanish ones or we just arrived a bit later than planned. We got into the nightclub at 00. 00 h or 00. 30 h at most because nightclubs in Oslo close at 03. 00 h.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Oslo to other students?

Definitely, yes. Please do not let the cliché that says that "it is too cold", "people there are too boring" etc. scare you. Are you really going to choose the destination for the course/term that will change your life based on whether it's hot or cold? Are you really going to limit your decision because of something so banal as the weather? (In addition, you need something to complain about: "It's May the 17th and I'm still wearing my coat! ", you will risk your life on the snow in winter, other adventures etc. ). Furthermore, your friends will probably be international students like yourself from many different places around the world. I met students from France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the United Stated and even Australia. There were not many students from my country, Spain, which, in my opinion, is something good because you meet more people from other countries and you're not talking all the time in Spanish. As I have said above, Oslo is not the typical place to go to on Erasmus and you will probably come back many times to other places that are closer and more typical.

What is the gastronomy of the country like?

It's like everything else: expensive. You can't eat out with friends as you would do in Spain unless we consider that going to McDonald's, Narvessen, 7Eleven or a sandwich at the Espresso House or similar is eating out. In terms of supermarkets, I'd recommend KIWI which as I have experienced is the cheapest one (I had read that the cheapest supermarket was REma 1000 but this is not the case in most of the products). With regards to what an average student can eat taking into account his/her social and financial conditions, you will tire of having salmon, chicken, sausages and lots of pasta.

Was it difficult for you to find accomodation in Oslo?

No, it wasn't. I just had to fill in a standarised form on the website of the University and set my preferences. They took care of everything. In my case, I chose BSN because of its proximity to the University. It's more expensive than other dorms but it's the closest one and the one that has more amenities. Although I must say that the dorm of Bjølsen is quite good, the disadvantage is that you will have to share the kitchen with lots of people (7 people I think) but you will have a private bathroom inside your room with a toilet, a washbasin and a shower. The rooms there are much smaller and older than those in BSN and Bjølsen is a bit further from the University, not much though. As for SiO Nydalen, SiO is closer to BI, the bathroom is shared and there are a lot of people. In conclusion, I'd choose BSN or Bjølsen.

How much does it cost to live in Oslo?

Life in Oslo costs around € 1, 000 per month all included (accomodation, food, etc. ). It could be even a bit less if we're good savers, but keep this that figure in mind. The dorms costs around € 600 montly and you will spend most of your money on food, as I have said, life in Oslo is very expensive, especially at the beginning because you don't know very well what or where to do your shopping and you'll spend more money.

What about the language? Did you attend any course at the University

I haven't learned Norwegian, expect for some words, some simple expressions or the name of some food (very useful at the supermarket in order to know what you're buying or what animal has been used in the preparation of some specific food). Obviously, all the courses at the University were taught in English, that is the reason why I haven't had to learn Norwegian. EVERYBODY speaks Egglish and they do it quite well. Literally, EVERYBODY does.

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

The cheapest way is probably by plane from Madrid to Oslo with Ryanair. However, if you're a Erasmus student, you will of course bring your suitcases with you and it will probably be more than one (or even more than two), so I wouldn't recommend Ryanair because they will charge you a lot of money for your suitcases. Furthermore, the plane lands at the aiport of Rygge, from which you will have to take a bus (which costs the additional amount of €37) that makes an hour journey to the Oslo bus station that is close to the Oslo Central Station. That's why I recommend to travel with Norwegian which is a low-cost airline and you can buy the fare for bringing your suitcases (besides, there's free wifi during the flight). Norwegian lands at the airport of Gardemoen and from there it will take you 20 minutes to get to Oslo Central Station. From the Cental Station you can take two trains: NSB or Flytoget. If you're a student and you don't have your Ruter Card (Oslo's transport card) as it will be the case when your first arrive in the city, take Flytoget which is better (the tranin frequency is higher, the journey is shorter and it has free Wifi). If you don't have a Ruter Card, the price is the same, so I'd recommend you to take Flytoget, the price os 90 NOK for one journey (this is the student price, which offers the 50% discount of the normal price).

Which spots would you recommend for a night out in Oslo?

You can enter the clubs for free! This is one of the few free things in Oslo. Please take into account that, of course, this is not the case all the days of the week nor in all of the clubs. It was on Thursday when we all, the Erasmus students, went out and the entrance was free, the clubs we went the most were: Lawo, Horgans, Gudruns... You will only have to pay around 37 NOK for the cloakroom, although you could save that money if you go, for instance, to Horgans. On Saturdays you will have to pay in almost every club. Besides and I don't know the reason, in most of the places it is compulsory to be at least 23 years old to get into the club, although it is not very strict because if you are in the guest list you shouldn't have any problem. With regard to the other days, it is compulsory to be 20 years old to enter the discos.

What about eating out in Oslo? Could you say your favourite spots?

I have already explained this before. You can only eat out if you're rich.

What cultural sites would you recommend

On Sundays all of the National Museums are free. Go and see The Scream by Edvard Munch at the National Gallery. Although to enter the museums that I personally liked the most, you have to pay but they have student prices:

Norskfolkemuseet, where you will find the famous wooden church, typical around here and the vintage houses brought from all over Norway; the Museum of the Viking ships. Both museums are in the penninsula of Bygdøy. I'd also recommend the surrounding island for the summer.

Apart from Oslo, you can't miss the rest of Norway. To be honest, Oslo is not very beautiful and you can see the city in one day, make the most of your trip to see this country because it has a lot to offer. Not just the fiords. The northern lights in winter in Tromsø are breathtaking. Had you ever imagined to see something so unique during your Erasmus experience? Forget about your friend's Erasmus experience at the Oktoberfest...

Is there any piece of advice you'd like to give to future students of Oslo?

As I have just said, travel to other regions of Norway and to the other Skandinavian countries. Enjoy the winter activities (such as sled riding in Korketrekkeren, ice skating in the Nationaltheatret ice rink, which is free if you bring your own ice skates, as buying new ice skates costs the same as hiring them for three times, skiing... ) Don't stay at home just because it's cold outside.

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