Tromsø: the paradise on earth

Hello! Here is my experience in Tromsø! Enjoy it!

Source

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION:

• Home university: Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova (PD), Italy
• Faculty: Medicine and Surgery
• Host university: UiT, Arctic University of Tromso
• Erasmus Programme: International semester, 30 ECTS
• Attended year: 5th year in Italy, corresponded to 4th year in Tromso
• Length of stay: one semester, the first

Source

WHY TROMSO

I have always conceived the Erasmus experience as unique and unforgettable, so that I took the decision to go to Tromsø, in the northern part of the world. Besides, I was really interested in understanding how they could live without the light for almost half year and how they could fight against the Arctic cold. Therefore, I was ready to live the most sensational experience of my life: one semester in the north pole.

Source

LIFE IN THE NORH POLE

Contrary to what is believed, life in Tromso is not that far from ours. The darkness and the coldness don't prevent them from living their lives normally.

I arrived in Tromsø at the beginning of August, when the daily 24h of light were decreasing slowly. I still remember the first night: at 1 am it was still sunny and i felt so excited to have a tour of this magic place.

Source

The weather was really nice: sunny and warm, just like in Italy. It sounds unbelievable if you consider to be in the northest part of the world but actually it was so. Consequently, we spent most of time hiking around the mountains, kayaking and getting tanned at the beach.

Later, the days started shortening and the weather cooling down, but the sky was still blue and shiny. After the 21st of November, the sun disappeared after the mountains and we were warmed by its far sunbeams. Then, darkness came and we assisted to one of the most impressive natural shows: the Northern lights. These wonderful tricks of the light, dancing above you and changing colours from pink to green. I am still excited when i think about it.

Source

What I appreciated the most was the intimate contact with nature in all its forms. I refer to the blueberries and cloudberries collection during a hike, or the fresh water of the rivers that we drank while walking, or moreover to the free fishing of cod fishes and mackerels on a abandoned boat in the Arctic Sea. There I could feel a great sense of freedom and peace that I still miss a lot.

Source

Moreover, I want to share with you the great generosity of Norwegian people with their associations which gave you the possibility to borrow some sport equipments to be active and live deeply the magic surroundings.

THE FOOD

I had the chance to eat fish everyday and don't forget the liver paté which they love a lot. Moreover, I tried for the first time of my life the meat of reindeer and the whale which are part of the Norwegian tradition for food.

Source

LIFE COST

The life cost was quite high. I spent more or less 950 euros per month, but I travelled a lot and I didn't want to miss any experience.

I got a scholarship from my university which was definitely not enough to cover my erasmus but still was an economic support (280 euros per month).

Source

ACCOMMODATION

• private sector
• university student housing

TIPS

• Bring with you both summer and winter clothes: you will need them across each semester.
• Try every kind of food and activities; join the student associations and take part at sport competions or just enjoy and move! Be active!
• Talk to people and learn Norwegian. The university organizes free language courses, don't miss them: it's a good occasion to meet people and live better the norwegian culture.
• Don't be afraid of darkness: remember that northen lights will enchant you and leave you speachless!
• Bring with you your car licence and rent a car! The surrounding landscape is magic (Lofoten Islands, Senja, North Cape, Alta and lots more.. )

Source

Source

Source

• Don't miss the dog sledding during winter! So enjoyable!

Source

and lot more....

HOW TO REACH TROMSO BY PLANE

1. SAS, you get great discount if you are less that 26 years old, just click on "book youth".
2. Norwegian Airlines: low cost company with competite prices

These are the airlines I used and I really liked them.

This is just a small part of my experience which has been the most meaningful of my life! I hope yours will be even better!

Enjoy and live freely!

Elisa