Miriam Max

Taking a semester abroad in Alta was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I applied and planned the exchange, I expected it to be a nice, exciting and interesting experience in northern Norway.

What I did not expect was that it would become so fulfilling, so rich in experiences, and a time when I consistently felt that I was exactly where I was meant to be. New people quickly became friends, one surprising activity after another — whether organised by the university or simply arranged with classmates in our free time — kept appearing, and I realised how much I value being close to untouched nature. I tried many new things, enjoyed both action-filled days and a slower daily rhythm than at home.

For me, Alta was the perfect place. As the saying goes, “Next to nothing. Close to everything.” I truly felt I had everything I needed. Living close to the town centre — with all the essential shops, a lovely café, and a familiar, cosy university with great spaces for studying and socialising — made it easy to feel at home very quickly. Beautiful trails and outdoor opportunities were always nearby, both in summer and winter.

It is definitely not the place to be if you want a semester abroad filled with parties every day. But the few parties that do take place, combined with the wide range of activities you can enjoy with other young people, make the experience even better.