Practical matters for new students

General Information

Being a brand new student is exciting, but it can also be filled with anxiety and confusion, especially in a new country. Being on your own for the first time gives you great freedom, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility, like finding your way to cobuying your own food, paying your rent, time management, and more.

Well, worry no more! We have compiled this list from our former and current students of the most important things a new student needs to buy or bring so that you can REALLY survive student life.

The following links offer simple procedures that each student must follow when on campus. In all cases, students must obey the instructions of the professor and the teaching assistant when in the laboratory.

Being a brand new student is exciting, but it can also be filled with anxiety and confusion, especially in a new country. Being on your own for the first time gives you great freedom, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility, like finding your way to correct addresses, buying your own food, paying your rent, time management, and more.

Well, worry no more! Here are some useful links:

The weather in Norway is generally very variable and can change dramatically within a few hours. Despite the high latitude (Alta, Harstad, Narvik and Tromsø are 60˚ N), the climate is quite “mild” with moderate temperatures both in winter and summer. The temperature is seldom lower than -20˚C in winter and seldom more than +20˚C in summer.

For any outdoor activities, here are some of the essential items to include:

  • Woolen underwear (long johns)
  • Woolen jersey
  • Fleece jacket
  • Wind- and waterproof trousers and jacket (waterproof ski pants and jacket will be fine)
  • Woolen socks
  • Gloves/mittens (preferably wind- and waterproof)
  • Woolen hat and scarf
  • Waterproof hiking shoes/boots
  • Spikes
If you are not able to bring warm clothes from your home country, it is important to have enough money to buy suitable clothing for the different seasons. 
 

Norwegian Kroner (NOK) is the only currency accepted in Norway.

Money can be exchanged at Oslo Airport Gardermoen. There is an automatic teller machine (ATM) at all airports. You need approximately NOK 500 to pay for your taxi from the airport and food for the first few days. You should bring this amount in cash or the equivalent in Euro from your home country in case your credit card does not work. All banks (except those at airports) are closed during weekends.

Please note that owing to bank fees it may be cheaper to use your credit card instead of exchanging money. Major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners, are widely accepted throughout Norway. Please be advised that Eurocard is not as widely accepted in Norway.

How to open a bank account

1- You will receive a confirmation when we have registered your immigration to Norway at the local police, together with your Norwegian Identification Number by letter. A letter will be sent to your new address as registered with the National Registry. Please remember to mark your post box with your name.

You will have to show up in person to sign the account agreement. Bring your passport, a passport photo and your Norwegian ID-/D-number. For some countries additional documentation may be required.

2- After receiving the account number, please give The Arctic Student Welfare Organization of Norway a written confirmation from your Norwegian bank as soon as possible. Read more here

There are a number of banks to choose from. Banks have different policies and the conditions for opening an account, and the cost, vary:

Banks with comprehensive, nationwide services:

DnB NOR

Danske Bank

Nordea

Other banks:

Sparebank1 - local savings bank

Skandiabanken - offers online services only (Norwegian) 

Norway runs on a 230 V system and a 50 Hz frequency. The power outlets take a C or F European standard plug with two round pins. Converters can be bought at most airports and luggage shops and are also available at certain stores, but you may wish to bring one from home just in case.

The tap water in Norway is very pure and clean and is often better than bottled water. It is safe to drink, but in the larger hotels we recommend letting the tap run a bit first until the water gets cold. Fluoride is not added to Norwegian tap water and only very small amounts occur naturally. Most pharmacies in the city sell fluoride tablets if you require these.

If you require urgent medical assistance, the emergency department at the University Hospital of Northern Norway is the best option.

Tromsø: Contact details for “Legevakten” in Tromsø: 116 117, Sykehusveien 30. For medical emergencies and life-threatening illnesses, call 113.

Harstad: Contact details for “Legevakt Harstad": 116 117, St. Olavs gate 70, 9406 Harstad. For medical emergencies and life-threatening illnesses, call 113.

Alta: Contact details for “Legevakt i Alta": 116 117, Dr. Kvammes vei 21, 9510 Alta. For medical emergencies and life-threatening illnesses, call 113.

Narvik: Contact details for “Legevakt i Narvik": 116 117, Sykehusveien 1, 8516 Narvik. For medical emergencies and life-threatening illnesses, call 113.

There are several pharmacies located around all Norwegian city centers and the shopping centers.

During the orientation programme, Debut WEEK International, students may be asked to make a cultural presentation of their country (or region of a country, if there is a large student group). Consider bringing something to display, show or use in a presentation to the other students.

Please make sure to bring various documents and forms of ID – make sure to double-check if you’re not sure. This includes things like:

  • Valid passport (all students) or ID card (only EU nationals)
  • Your acceptance Letter (Offer of Admission)
  • Your academic credentials (non-excahnge students only).
  • Health Insurance Card (EU nationals).
  • Private or public social security coverage from home country (exchange students studying in Norway for 3 MONTHS or LESS).
  • Your tenancy agreement for student housing.

These documents will ensure that you can get enrolled (semester registration) and settled in quickly. Students attending Debut WEEK International will be assisted with semester and police registration.

If you have an unlocked mobile phone, you can purchase a pre-paid card at convinient stores and kiosks like Mix, 7 Eleven and Narvesen. A monthly subscription requires that you have a Norwegian ID Number if you are staying in Norway for more than 6 months.

Please remember to register your Norwegian phone number on Studentweb, as the administration sometimes sends SMS to inform you of lectures, examinations, etc.

Apcoa Parking is the service provider for parking services at UiT. To pay for parking we encourage employees and students to download the smartphone app Apcoa Flow

Any questions about parking facilities at campus Tromsø in Breivika can be directed to: parkering@uit.no

More information about parking on campus

Page administrator: Mustta B. Malharunmi
Last changed: 03.09.2023 14.43
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