Go to Trondheim, no doubts!

Why did you choose to go to Trondheim, Norway?

My goal was to improve my English. Although I'm not a perfect athlete, I enjoy nature in my free time (hiking, skiing, going for a bike ride... ). In Trondheim you can walk down the street, take pictures and see animals (I met a moose once! ). Furthermore, it was the first time that I was far away home, so I wanted to feel safe in a place where I was going to live for one year. Because of that I chose Norway, it it all :-)

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

I was studying at University of Alicante (Spain). They gave me a scholarship for ten months. Every month I received a little less than 400 €. On the other hand, I was very lucky since the Norwegian government gave to some students some extra money (because of an agreement with my University from Spain). I recommend you ask your College about that, Norwegian politics helps students very much.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Trondheim?

It's so fantastic! A big part of Trondheim is student population. During the first semester we arrived over 800 exchange students. Wherever you go you can see young people. Norwegians are very civilized and pleasant, I've never had any problem there. The city is focused on students, there are many bars and entertainment venues (especially Samfundet). You also can find a lot of discounts at several stores or services just because your are student at NTNU (for example, transport, ski centre... ).

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

Without a doubt whatsoever. Go, go, go!

What is the food like?

In my opinion... not very good. I mean, of course salmon and meat are delicious, but both are very expensive (students usually go to Sweden to buy cheaper, there is a weekly bus and free of Coop's supermarket, you should take the bus at Moholt Studentby). I disliked Norwegian culture for putting spices and sauces on food (too much... ). There is a kind of sour brown cheese. Anyway, you can survive. Take a look to white cheap brands (FirstPrice, Landlord... ).

How did you find accommodation?

I checked the website of Finn day after day during a couple of weeks. I highly recommend: try to find an accommodation before arriving in Trondheim, once there it is more difficult. There is a shelter for homeless students ("The roof over your head" it is called), but honestly it isn't very cozy. When I was in Trondheim, the last student was there for close to two months before finding other acommodation.

What are the accomodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

I estimate prices in Norway are like three three times higher than in Spain. The cheapest accommodation is provided by the company SiT (student's dormitories). A bedroom in Moholt or Steinan costs around 3, 000 NOK per month (plus bills). Every bedroom is part of a flat of four rooms, for four different students. Accommodation at the center will cost more for sure, but still you can find a very nice place around 4, 000 or 5, 000 NOK per month.

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

The official language is Norwegian: all signs, posters and flyers are in Norwegian, but don't worry, at the same time the whole population speaks English (from the youngest to the oldest! ). You will be able to communicate easily. I took a Norwegian course at NTNU for free. It was for one semester, so I have a beginner level (no so difficult).

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

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By plane. I always flew with norwegian airlines and I strongly recommend: nice services, nice offers and no problem with the luggage weight!

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

You will find quite a variety. You can go to a disco with pop music (for example: Gossip or Downtown), alternative music pubs (such as Circus bar), hang out at jazz concerts (Familien, my favourite! ) or at salsa clubs (like Riks). It's up to you :-)

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

A must is Egon Tower in Tyholt. You can have a different point of view of the city since it is a restaurant on the top of the tower! You can look at ever side, because it spins around. I recommend you to enjoy a pizza buffet for 99 nok and take a balloon as a souvenir!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are many tourist spots such as Nidaros Cathedral, museum of history or museum of rock (Rockheim), etc. Additionally, I recommend you to visit places close to the nature: fiords, forests, Bymarka, skiing during winter (from November till April! ). Even if you don't have too much free time, you will be happy just walking around the city. It's pretty cool!

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Trondheim?

Come with all your good vibrations and energy. You are a privileged person, don't forget it and enjoy it! Norway is an amazing place: people, flora, fauna, culture, downtown, university... You will live in a parallel world during your Erasmus, you won't be able to compare Trondheim with anthing you have seen before. It will change your way of seeing the world. You are going to learn about life as you will be living it. Don't waste any minute!

P. S And don't forget your coat! During winter there are -20°C!

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