Moving to a new country is both exciting and overwhelming. When I packed my bags and moved from Thailand to Norway in 2021, I thought I was prepared—but there were definitely a few surprises along the way!
Now, as a student at NTNU in Trondheim, I want to share some things I wish someone had told me before I arrived. If you’re an international student getting ready to start your journey in Norway, this is for you! 🎓
- Learning Norwegian Helps—But You Don’t Need to Be Fluent
Good news: Most Norwegians speak excellent English (seriously, it’s impressive). But learning a bit of Norwegian makes daily life easier—whether it’s reading signs, understanding official letters, or making small talk.💚
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Free language courses offered by universities.
- Apps like Duolingo for a fun and casual approach.
2. Networking Is Everything 👥
In Norway, the job market is all about who you know. Many positions aren’t even posted publicly, so building a network early is key.
How to start networking as a student:
- Attend university career days and industry events.
- Join student organizations related to your field.
- Connect on LinkedIn (and stay tuned for the Scisco professional group!).
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals. Most people are happy to chat if you approach them politely and show genuine curiosity.
3. Work-Life Balance is a Big Deal ⚖️🍃
Norwegians value work-life balance like no other. It’s normal for people to leave work at 4 PM 🕓 and spend weekends outdoors. This mindset applies to students too—while academics are important, so is enjoying life.
Some ways to embrace this balance:
- Explore Norway’s amazing nature (hiking and skiing are must-dos!). 🥾
- Prioritize your mental health—many universities offer counseling.
- Enjoy “koselig” moments (cozy times with friends over coffee or waffles).
4. Sunday Shopping Struggles 🛒
Most supermarkets in Norway are closed on Sundays. Plan ahead and do your grocery shopping on Saturdays to avoid those last-minute “I forgot milk!” moments. Small convenience stores (like Bunnpris) stay open, but they’re more expensive. 🧣
5. Take Advantage of Student Discounts & Events 🎉
Life in Norway is expensive—but there are tons of student discounts if you know where to look! 🎟️
How to save money and stay connected:
- 📲 Download apps like Studiekalender for exclusive student deals.
- Join student organizations for discounted activities and events.
- Attend student social events to meet new people. Getting involved in student groups is not just affordable—it also helps you feel less isolated and more at home in Norway.
Moving to Norway as an international student is a life-changing experience. There will be challenges, but there will also be incredible opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive.
Through Scisco, I’m building a community to make this journey easier for others. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, professional networking, or just a place to share your experiences, you’re not alone. 🤝