Louisa Huber

Application Process:

The preparation process for an exchange semester in Bergen turned out to be very smooth with a comparatively low organizational and time effort. The University of Bergen (UiB) provided all necessary information beforehand. To complete the application all incoming students were required to register and upload passport/national ID cards as well as transcripts of record until 15 th October to the university’s application website, called ‘Søknadsweb’. Nearly one month later I received my Letter of Acceptance, which officially enrolled me at UiB.

Courses andAcademic Life:

On 15 th December we received access to UiB’s Studentweb, the university’s online registration services for students. On this website we were able to sign up for classes, the registration deadline was February 1st. The courses at UiB range between 5 to 15 ECTS, what should be considered when choosing the courses. After consulting with the ZU International Office and being admitted to the courses, I entered them in my Online Learning Agreement (OLA). However, the OLA can also be adjusted at any time. Further, if any questions arose, coordinators of the International Office at UiB were always available as well.

The University organized a Welcome program for international students, which took place on campus on January 4th and 5th. During the Welcome program, we were provided with all the relevant information. The date of the first lecture varies strongly depending on which courses you are planning to take. This can result in the Welcome Days taking place much earlier than the start of the courses. The course structure is divided into regular lectures and additional seminars, both of which typically take place once a week. Attendance may be compulsory in individual courses and seminars. In general, the quality and standard of the courses at UiB are comparable to those at ZU.

Housing:

With the admission by UiB as an Erasmus student, accommodation in a dorm provided by SAMMEN – the student welfare organization – was automatically guaranteed. Nonetheless, students still had to officially apply for housing within the deadline November 1st. During the application process, several preferences can be expressed, with the majority of internationals being allocated a place in Fantoft. You can get a bachelor apartment as well as a single or double room in a shared flat (up to 16 people). As soon as the allocation process is complete, you will receive the contract by e-mail. The advantages of SAMMEN dorms compared to private shared flats are the simple procedure as well as the guaranteed space, but also the connection to other internationals as well as the price, which is comparatively cheap by Norwegian standards and comparable to the prices in Friedrichshafen.

Arrival&Entry:

As Norway is part of the Schengen area, entry is possible with a national ID. No further Visa requirements are necessary. I arrived by plane, although there is also the option of traveling by train or ship. From Bergen Airport, the light rail called ‘Bybanen’ takes you directly to Fantoft dormitory as well as the city center. For departure times and tickets, I would recommend downloading the Skyss Travel and Skyss Ticket apps. A six-month ticket for students costs 2265 NOK (190 €). It is also necessary to register with the police within the first two weeks.

The UiB has organized a joint appointment for all Erasmus students for this purpose. If you are unable to attend, it is your own responsibility to organize an appointment. All information about the process and the necessarydocuments can be found on the UiB website and will also be presented again during the Welcome days.

Prices& Financials:

The cost of living in Norway is significantly higher than in Germany. However, Erasmus students receive support in the form of a maximum rate of 600 €. I did not open a Norwegian bank account, but a credit card is recommended, as card payments are the norm and payment services such as PayPal are not widely used.

Student Life at UiB:

The university’s student center as well as the different faculties are located in the city center. Additionally, several libraries are scattered throughout the city. All locations are easily accessible with the Bybanen and a short walk in the city center. There is also a canteen located at the student center, which offers tasty and fresh food, however prices are relatively high. The student café can provide a good alternative. A variety of clubs and student initiatives are represented at the university, which can also constitute a good option to get to know Norwegian students.

Bergen&it’s Activities:

Bergen is no exception to Norway’s reputation for beautiful natural landscapes. If you are into outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, skiing and more, Bergen is the place for you. In reference to its name, Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, Fløyen and Ulriken representing the most popular ones. All the mountains are manageable even for beginners. A one- and half-hour train ride away from Bergen you’ll also be able to find a beautiful ski resort, called Voss. A lot of equipment necessary for certain outdoor activities can be rented for free at BUA, a national charitable organization, which has multiple locations around the city. In general, many Norwegians follow a very active lifestyle, which is underlined by the multitude of gyms scattered around the city. You’ll also find one at Fantoft, which can resemble a great option, especially in the dark winter months.

Bergen is characterized by its large number of beautiful cafés, among which ‘Det Lille Kaffekompaniet’, ‘Vågal’ as well as ‘Albatrossen Café’ are particularly recommended. The city further offers a variety of museums and shopping malls. To gain a deeper insight into Norway's fjord landscape, a fjord tour is worthwhile despite the higher price (starts at 60 €). A part of Norwegian culture that no visitor to Bergen should miss is ice bathing and sauna. I can especially recommend ‘Heit Sauna’. What most people in Bergen are looking out for, of course, are the Northern Lights. For this, it is worth downloading the app "Polarlicht". In the winter months, there will most likely be an opportunity to see the Northern Lights in Bergen. However, what should be taken into account is that the strength of the Northern Lights in Bergen will be significantly lower than in the far north. So, if you want to get a better view of them, a short trip to the north of Norway can be worthwhile, personally I can recommend Tromsø. Finally, as the rainiest city in Europe, it will rain in Bergen on many days. This is something to keep in mind.

Text and Picture: Louisa Huber