Experience in Trondheim, Norway by Johanne

What is it like to live in Trondheim? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Trondheim is without doubt Norways best student city! Perhaps the best student city of the Nordics! The students has always been a very important part of Trondheims identity, and both the government and the locals are charmed by our traditions and also fund many student initiatives. The student is quite small, you can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes, making it feel more like a village, with many original wooden houses that has been preserved. The wheather is horrible! Within 15 minutes you could experience sun, rain, snow and hail. But in my opinion, the social opportunities makes it all worth it!

What is the student lifestyle like in Trondheim?

Most students belong to Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet (NTNU). The student association offers gyms, health care, accomodation, cantines and so on. The sports association offers a varity of sports from quidditch to swing. If sport is your thing, you will certainly find your passion among the groups of NTNUI. Many study programs also have their own initatives, within sports, theatre, choires, business connections and social activities. Seek our your "Linjeforening" which is responsible for the activities at your program. They will include you in the facebook groups and so on so that you are informed of what's going on. "Studentersamfundet" also known as the round red, is a large student hub close to the campus, with small cafés, bars and clubs inside, hosting concerts, debates, movies and much much more! To truly get involved with the locals, try to join one of "Studentersamfundet"s groups, as a bartender, barista, technician, event planner, music performer etc.

How much does it cost to live in Trondheim?

Approximately 500euros in accommodation. Both food and drinks are expensive. (A beer out is typically 8-11 euros). Trondheim is expensive - let that be clear.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Trondheim? Is there any advice you can give?

No, there is both a solid offering through the student association (sit) and privately. Try hybel.no or finn.no if you want to find a private room.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is not great... I would recommend the "Salma" salmon, with potatoes and cucumber salad - but be sure not to overcook it!

What places would you recommend visiting in Trondheim?

Nidarosdomen - Norway's only cathedral
Bakklandet - Old timey area, very cozy
Take a walk from Solsiden to Skansen, (crossing the train tracks) getting a pretty view of the fjord.

Is it good to eat out in Trondheim? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Una pizzeria e bar / Grano - Best italian
Bror burger - Best burger
Cafe Løkka - Cozy place to grab a beer and a burger
Credo - Michelin restaurant. Of course, excellent, but you can also go next door to "Jossa" which is more laid back and also cheaper, or "Edoramen" - very good ramen restaurant, driven by the same people.
Kalas og canasta - high end restaurant
Sabrura - All you can eat sushi buffet, loved among the locals

Is the nightlife good in Trondheim? Where is good to go?

Studentersamfundet - if you want to meet other students. Within the house: "Daglighallen" beer bar with lots of interesting beers on tap, "Edgar" talk-friendly, laidback bar, cafe by day. "Klubben", concert scene, and serves a club with lots of throwback hits when there's not a concert. Drinks at "Selskapssiden". "Bodegaen" - True meat market with stripping poles, techo and grinding.

Otherwise: Studio 26 or Downtown - Best known clubs. In the same street you will encounter many other options as well.

Bars: "Lokal", "Tyven" - music-interested environment, my favorite bars for meeting friends. "Circus" - quite casual. "Moskus" - more brown, great beers.

Daytime drinking: Antikvariatet

What advice would you give future students heading to Trondheim?

Get involved! Either at your study programme, at samfundet, the international studentfestival or any other initiative that you are interested in. But Trondheim is very much defined by the volunteer student groups, and if you truly want to get a taste of student life in Trondheim, you should join one of them!