The official language in Norway is Norwegian, and there are two official variants (bokmål and nynorsk) as well as many different dialects spoken around the country.

However, you will find that most Norwegian citizens speak English well.

NHH offers Norwegian language courses for international students in order to give an insight into the language, the society and the culture of Norway.

One course counts for 7.5 ECTS credits. There are two courses on bachelor level and one course on master level. The course on master level can be included in the master degree.

Knowledge of Norwegian is a major advantage if you are thinking about taking a part time job while you are in Norway, and it will enrich your student experience.

Clothing

Bring the clothes you will need in order to dress appropriately for the weather. You need to bring both summer and winter clothes. It will rain in Bergen, so bring rain clothes as well. If you are staying during winter, you might consider bringing ski or snowboard gear since skiing is possible close to Bergen. If you like to go hiking, bring your hiking shoes as well.

Pillow and Bed dressing

In the housing arrangements, several items are not included. Therefore, you need to bring or buy: quilt, comforter, blanket, pillow, sheets and towels.

PAYMENT CARD VALID IN NORWAY

It may take a while before you are able to open a Norwegian bank account, so we advise you to bring a credit card with sufficient funds for the first semester or so.

TELEPHONE

Most students use mobile phones as their main communication method. You have to bring your passport to activate your Norwegian sim card.

INTERNET AND COMPUTERS

Sammen Housing offers free broadband from “Get” in all of their student houses. Wi-Fi access is available on the NHH campus.

COMPUTER ROOMS

There are some PC-facilities at NHH, and students have access to the computer rooms 24 hours a day.

MAIL BOX

Students may receive physical mail to their student home address. Make sure to locate the mailbox where you live, and make sure to mark it clearly with your full name, to ensure that you are set to receive physical mail.  

MEDICAL EXPENSES 

Medical care in Norway is affordable for students. Small fees are charged for doctor consultations and as a contribution towards the cost of medicines.

The student welfare organisation in Bergen, Sammen, has a Health Fund for students. You can apply for a refund for expenses for psychologists, expenses related to accidents or dental damages, and expenses for transportation. Read more about this on Sammens’s website.

NB! For dentist treatment refunds are only given to injuries caused by a fall or an accident.

Coverage for medical expenses differs for citizens from EU/EEA and non EU/EEA citizens.

EU/ EEA CITIZENS

Emergency medical treatment is free in Norway for EU and EEA citizens.

For all other medical treatments you are strongly advised to obtain the European Health Insurance Card before travelling. Students from EU/ EEA countries are entitled to the refund of certain medical expenses from Sammen as described above.

NON-EU/ EEA CITIZENS

Citizens from outside the EU/EEA are not normally entitled to free medical treatment in Norway. Non-European students are, however, covered by the Sammen medical expenses refund scheme as described above

INFORMATION ON GENERAL PRACTITIONER (GP) IN NORWAY 

GROCERIES 

Close to campus, there are several locations where groceries and other convenience items can be bought. The main grocery stores nearby are REMA 1000 and SPAR.

Other shops may be more convenient if you are staying at other student houses. The majority of the shops are closed on Sundays. To get an idea of the living expenses for students in Norway, please see Visit Norway’s website. 

FURNITURE/HOUSEHOLD ARTICLES

IKEA is located a fifteen-minute bus ride in the direction of Åsane. Some of the buses (Skyss) passing by NHH from downtown will take you there. IKEA also runs a free shuttle bus between IKEA and downtown Bergen.

The domestic electricity supply is distributed at 230 volts and 50 Hertz. 

You may need a voltage converter and/or a plug adapter if you bring electronic equipment from your home country.

You need a Norwegian ID number (fødselsnummer) in order to open a Norwegian bank account.

It could be a good idea to shop around for the best student rates. If you do not open a bank account, you will pay higher fees for bill payment.

It is a good idea to bring a reference letter from your home bank as this will make it easier to open an account.

Once your residence permit is granted, a work permit enabling you to work up to 20 hours per week is automatically granted as well.

There is parttime work available in Bergen. The key to getting the best jobs is a good command of the Norwegian language. Potential employers may be kiosks, the fish market, shops, restaurants and bars.

Please note that everyone who works in Norway must have a tax deduction card.