Erasmus Semester at the University of Oslo – Spring 2024 (January-June)
by Tobias Unterhofer
I spent my Erasmus semester at the University of Oslo during the Spring of 2024. There are a few things prospective students should know, so I’ve broken this report into several categories.
Preparation:
The application process might seem daunting when you hear about it from students who have already studied abroad, but don’t be alarmed. As long as you attend all the meetings and webinars and keep an eye on your OLAT (online learning platform), it will be manageable. Take it step by step, and if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the Erasmus coordinators at UIBK—they’re very helpful.
Housing:
Once you're accepted by the University of Oslo, they will keep you updated on the next steps. One of the most important tasks is securing accommodation, and here’s where the website SiO becomes invaluable. As an international student, you get priority and are almost guaranteed a room. SiO manages most of the student housing in Oslo, and it’s your best bet for finding a place. The prices are also more reasonable than you might expect for Scandinavia—I paid €410-430 per month at Ullevål Student Village, which is quite affordable, even compared to Innsbruck. (SiO homepage: SiO Housing).
Most students live in Kringsjå Student Village, located at the edge of the city near a beautiful lake and forests. I’d recommend it, especially because there’s a metro station right in front of the village, making travel easy.
If you prefer to be closer to the university, I’d recommend Ullevål, which is also the cheapest option. Sogn is a nice middle ground between these two, located next to the stadium. However, this advice only applies if you’re studying at the main campus.
University:
I was pleasantly surprised by how courses are structured in Oslo. I’m studying English and American Studies, and I’m used to receiving 2.5 or 5 credits per course in Innsbruck. However, in Oslo, most courses are worth 10 credits, meaning you only need to take three courses to complete the required 30 credits for the semester.
While the courses were more demanding in terms of homework and weekly preparation, they were manageable. The exams were also not overly difficult—if you stay engaged during the semester, good grades are achievable. Two of my seminars ended with a 3-day take-home exam, where we received an essay question on Monday and had until Thursday to submit a 7-9 page essay with 4-5 secondary sources. Essentially, you have three days to write a paper. My other course required a 5,000-word seminar paper, which was similar to what I was used to in Innsbruck.
There are gyms at various university locations. You don’t need to be a gym buff to find the €24 monthly subscription useful, as it allows you to participate in various sports (football, floorball, tennis, etc.), and you can even rent equipment like tents and skis.
Social Life:
Moving to a new city and university can be challenging, especially when you don’t know anyone. It’s important to attend as many welcome week activities as possible to meet people and start forming friendships. Be open-minded and step out of your comfort zone. Once you make friends—whether through your courses, accommodation, or the welcome events—you’ll have a great time in Oslo.
The city offers a variety of experiences. You can enjoy outdoor sports like cross-country skiing and sledding, or explore the trendy and modern vibe of neighborhoods like Grünerløkka. Oslo’s location by the fjord, with its surrounding hills and forests, makes for a stunning backdrop no matter where you are in the city.
Although alcohol is expensive, student pubs often host events like pub quizzes or themed nights. Beer costs around €5 for 0.5 liters, which is relatively affordable by local standards.
When I first set foot on Norwegian soil in mid-January, the temperature was a freezing –25°C. Make sure to pack wool socks, winter shoes, gloves, and a good winter jacket! Also, the ground gets incredibly slippery, as the streets are frozen from January well into late February, so walk with caution.
All in all, those five months up north were the most interesting and fun time of my life. 10/10, would highly recommend it to anyone!
