Erasmus Experience in Trondheim, Norway by Capucine

Why did you choose to go to Trondheim, Norway?

Easy with NTNU administration, and deadline quite late. Acceptance from my school is slow and takes time. So going to Norway was among the best chance to succeed in making a year abroad.

In addition education was of interest (hydropower engineering). And A am interested in skiing and river kayaking, which is good in Norway.

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

Erasmus scholarship 6 month. I got about 150 euros per month, I think.

In addition, I had a scholarship from the academy of Lyon supporting student to study abroad in the region of Lyon. 450 per month during 6 month.

Life is expensive in Norway. A rent in student housing is about 450 euros a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Trondheim?

Lots of students and among them lots of international student. Lots of party. Then, good for excursion in Norway and sport (coming to Norway without interest for outdoors sport and nature might be challenging, that's definitely the best Norway has, but for 1 year I guess it's fine just with party).

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

Yes. Still, coming to Norway without interest for outdoors sport and nature might be challenging. The climate is cold and it's dark in winter.

What is the food like?

It's expensive and it's not tasty. You don't come to Norway for food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Trondheim?

Yes, there is more people and student searching accommodation than available place to rent. But they are constructing, so it is still better than it was. Luckily, I got student accommodation.

How much does it cost to live in Trondheim?

• Rent: 450 euros, includes everything if you are lucky.
• Food: better eat only pasta with some salmon or cheap meat, you save a lot.
• Parties: alcohol is insanely taxed and very expensive, both in shops and even wors in bars. Best price ever is 5 euros for 33cl beer.
• Travelling: take your chance to visit Norway, lots of trips organized by ESU Trondheim, for example.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes. If you can speak English and German, you can almost read Norwegian. They speak with lots of intonation, it's really hard but you will get used to it by being surrounded by Norwegians. They will speak slowly if you ask.

There are different dialects, but once you can speak one you can understand all of them without problems. Of course, if a Norwegian doesn't want you to understand, you have no chance. But that's the same with every language between native speakers and foreigners.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Trondheim from your city?

Fly to Paris via Amsterdam. 2500 nok (300euros) to go and return.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Trondheim?

Circus, beer is cheap, you can also dance. Mormors is also a nice bar. For club, Fanmilien. Everywhere ask for student Risturn and, of course, Studentersamfunet, house of students is always the place to have a drink/dance or also do some activities during the day.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Trondheim?

No. "Norway is the first country for frozen pizza consumption".

If you really want, Kyoto Sushi is good. It's 35 euros huge plate + good beer.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The cathedral in Trondheim, Nidarosdomen. That's it.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Trondheim in the future?

Take warm clothes and alcohol from home. During winter it is light only from 11h to 15h. And reverse, it never gets dark in summer.

For the optimistic, you might see northern light!

Norwegians are peaceful people, they always avoid troubles. It's really safe to go alone in the night after party for example. Don’t kiss, just shake hands or hug if you are close.

Jeg elsker norge means I love Norway (to get some Norwegians friends! )

The university sport association is huge. Lots of sports, and lots of social event. There is a cool festival in October, called "UKA" (Macklemore is coming this year).

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