Experience in Trondheim, Norway by Kristian

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

I've been to a few cities in Europe and Asia, but few of them can match the charm of Trondheim. It is a small city, and as such the air is relatively fresh, and it is easy to get around on foot, or especially on a bike. Scattered around the city you will find small parks and also a river twisting its way through the city to the fjord, "Nidelven". If you like running or going for walks, I can recommend the gravel paths following the fjord out from the city docks. When it comes to public transport, you won't find any metro system, but the buses can get you just about anywhere in the centre of town and the outskirts. Usually, the bus stops will have screens with a live feed of when the next bus arrives and it's destination. Around the the city there are small hillsides, and as such you are never far away from a decent view of the town.

What is the student lifestyle like in Trondheim?

Trondheim is one of Norway's biggest student cities, hosting around 20000 students, amounting to a considerable percentage of it's total population. It is also known to have one of Norway's most active student communities. Every other year students set up the international 'UKA'-festival, and the student's community house hosts weekly events. Most of the fraternities have their own party locals, and the students' sports organization 'NTNUi' boasts a wide range of different activities and sport clubs.

How much does it cost to live in Trondheim?

By most international measures, Trondheim, and indeed Norway in general, is a fairly expensive place to live, and can be compared to Swiss costs of living. The normal rent for a single room, in a shared apartment is around 4000-5000 NOK, but you can get lucky and find something cheaper. Some people like to use the price of kebabs as a measure of cost of eating out, and well, the cost of a döner kebab is usually around 95 NOK, give or take 10 NOK.

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

From friends I know that finding suitable accommodation can be a little bit difficult, though lately there has been an increase in available places for rent, and one now says that the market is switching to a renters market. In any case my advice would be to start at least a month ahead to look for a place to live. Preferably by physically attending showings. Get a map, and plan ahead where you would find it acceptable to live, in terms of transit times and cost, and start your search there. Also, get in touch with the Student Association in Trondheim, 'SIT'. They can help you well on the way, and have their own student apartments out for rent.

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

Traditional Norwegian food consists of a good deal of naturally fatty food and meat. Potatoes, dairy and grain are also among the typical Norwegian ingredients. Fish you can get in abundance, especially salmon. The normal modern diet tends to consists of a lot of bread with various toppings for breakfast and lunch. You can get a lot of good, dark and nutritious bread and müesli mixes. Milk and dairy products are also popular, and unlike in some European countries like Italy, dairy products are always stored chilled in stores. Fruits and vegetables are also quite popular and though rarely locally grown, the variety and access in local supermarkets are generally good. As a student, you can get various hot dishes in the university cantinas or cafes/restaurants, but this is usually considered expensive and most Norwegian people tend to prepare lunch sandwiches at home and bring with them to work/study.

What places would you recommend visiting in Trondheim?

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Largely depending on what you want to do, but some popular sightseeing areas are "Nidarosdomen", situated downtown near the river. For a good view you should visit the park and fortress at "Kristianstens Festning". If you like to go swimming there is a indoor 'aqua-land' and swimming pool down by the docks called "Pirbadet". Insiders tip here is to visit the sauna and the outdoor hot tub overlooking the fjord and the docks. For some cultural insight and Norwegian rock music, you should visit the rock museum at "Rockheim". A great interactive modern museum.

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In the summertime, 'Korsvika', just outside the city centre in the area of 'Lade' is a great place to relax, play games on the grass, go have a cold swim in the fjord, barbecue, rock-climb, drink and doing other forms of merriment. Also there is "Bymarka" for cross-country skiing, biking, and trail running, easily accessible by the city tram or bus. Also, soak in the view of the river from the wooden bridge at "Gamle Bybro", and get your coffee at one of the many cafes at "Bakklandet". Have a look at the webpages of Trondheim for more info.

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

For sushi, there is "Sushi Bar". For steak and barbecue dishes there is "Graffi" at "Solsiden" or at the city centre. For a nice coffee and some good traditional stews there is the cosy book-cafe called "Antikvariatet". For Mexican oriented food, try "Frida". And if money isn't at all tight, try the gourmet restaurant "Credo". Generally most restaurants are good, but a dish will cost you anything from 250 to 500 NOK or more.

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

Young students like to go out a the large "Studentersamfundet", close to university. The slightly elder students go downtown or to Solsiden at various bars and pubs. For good beer, and a nice chatty locale, try the microbreweries "Mikrobryggeriet" or "Brygghus 9". For a disco feel and the occasional good concert, I like "Brukbar/blæst" at Solsiden. In general, Norwegians going partying in weekends tend to get more on the drunk end, and the night-life is good, if you can handle the cold outside in winter.

What advice would you give future students heading to Trondheim?

Norwegians may seem shy and closed at first glance compared to, well most other cultures. Meet people in class, sporting, or perhaps preferably at the bar to get them to open up. Also, Norway's and Trondheim's biggest attraction I think is the outdoors and the nature, so go out and explore, and if you really want to make friends and have an adventure, go on a cabin trip or head to the mountains with a tent and a group of people.

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