Baraa Abousamra

My exchange experience at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Campus Narvik, was a unique and memorable experience, both academically and personally. I joined the Department of Building, Energy and Material Technology, where I had the opportunity to work in well-equipped laboratories and develop my research skills in a supportive academic environment. Everyone at the university was very friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help, which made it much easier to adapt to a new country.

Coming from the Middle East, the extremely cold weather in Northern Norway was definitely a new challenge for me, but it was also part of what made the experience so special. Living in Narvik gave me the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Arctic nature and, most memorably, to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

One practical recommendation for future exchange students is to plan your arrival carefully. If possible, try to arrive in Narvik before around 8 PM, when bus connections are more readily available, and check the bus schedule through the local transport app in advance. Narvik has quite hilly terrain, so walking to your accommodation with luggage on your first day can be challenging, particularly during winter.

Overall, my time at UiT Campus Narvik was an experience I will always remember, and I would definitely recommend it to future exchange students looking for a strong academic environment combined with a unique cultural and Arctic experience.