How to get a student accommodation in Norway

Are you wondering how to fin student accommodation in Norway? Keep reading to get your answer.

Norway is one of the countries that enjoy a high standard of living. This means that it is one of the most expensive countries in the world.

However, when it comes to education, Norway is proud of the high-quality it provides, in addition to having some of the best universities, not only in Norway but in the whole of Europe.

Students do not have to pay tuition fees at any level, and especially for the bachelor’s degree. One important step to take if you are going to study in Norway is to get student accommodation in Norway. This is what we are going to highlight today.

Check our article about the top universities in Norway.

Get a Student Accommodation in Norway Through Universities’ Student Organizations (Studentsamskipnad)

This is the most common channel through which students get accommodation in Norway. Public universities and university colleges from major cities are generally affiliated with a Studentsamskipnad which takes care of students’ primary needs including their housing. These organizations usually rent out housing located in the proximity of the place of study at a price that is cheaper than any option from the private market. Moreover, some universities have a very interesting policy for international students, who oftentimes are prioritized. Like the University of Bergen (UiB), for example, where international students are guaranteed accommodation once they are enrolled to study.

Of course, to benefit from this option, you are advised to apply as early as possible to not miss your chance to get housing. Usually, any Studentsamskipnad offers an annual deadline for application at the start of the school year. So, when applying for admission in the university, make sure to get in touch with the student organization to secure a place of living once you set foot in Norway.

Check our article about how to register in a Norwegian university.

How to Get a Student Accommodation in Norway Through Private Channels?

The other option is to get in touch with your personal contacts in Norway if any, or to go through specific channels. You can even place and check out local newspapers or online housing advertisements.

Here are the other ways you can get your student housing:

Personal Contacts in Norway

If you have any personal contacts in Norway, relatives, or even acquaintances, ask them to help you find a suitable place to stay for a good price for you as an international student.

You will be more satisfied if they made a visit for you to the place before renting it. That way you will get a place through people you trust, without being exposed to fraud.

Temporary Rental

If you are afraid of being deceived by somebody after paying a large amount for your accommodation, you can temporarily rent the place. You can rent a place temporarily for three months.

After arriving in the country, you will spend three months in the place you chose. If you like it, you can continue staying at it. But, if you do not, you will have three months to find a new place.

Real Estate Agencies

You can find a place easily through online real estate agencies. If you contact a real estate agent, he/she might find you a suitable place as per your requirements.

They will get you a beautiful place to live in and near your university as well, but you will have to pay them at least one-month rental as a commission.

These were some ways and pieces of advice to get student accommodation in Norway. Here you are some available options

Housing Options for Students in Norway

Student Villages

This is a special area for student housing supervised by university officials. It is called the student village.

It consists of buildings that have several rooms for students. To get a place there or in any other accommodation offered by the university, you have to apply to the university, Each room costs around EUR 400 per month. The room includes a TV, internet, and another facility, such as the laundry.

Greek Houses

Every big university has Greek houses in their campuses.

These are usually the students’ private accommodation on the campus, or at least near it. The Greek houses are managed by the house members. If you want to live there, you have to be a member of the house. Students can live there only if they were full-timers.

Host Families

Many families host students as renters. They offer them a furnished room with all the utilities, including food.

Students live in the house as normal guests, but with paying for the stay. The family usually conducts an interview with the students before accepting them as renters.

How Much is Student Accommodation in Norway?

Through the student organization of your university, you surely get a more affordable accommodation in Norway. Housing from these organizations usually are provided at 3000 – 5000 NOK, including electricity and other facilities. Usually, you’ll get a system of co-rental where the kitchen is shared with other guests, but each room has its own bathroom.

Studentskipnaden’s housing options include accommodation for singles, couples, families and people with disabilities. Due to the fact that it is the commonest choice, the disadvantage of this system is that there is a long waiting list ahead, so make sure to plan way in advance if you choose this option.

For those who choose to rent a private apartment, they will have to spend around 10,000 NOK per month. Electricity fees are not included, but there is a chance for Wi-Fi and cable TV to be included.

Student accommodation costs in Norway also vary by region, as you would pay a bigger rent in bigger cities like Oslo and lesser in other cities. The price of the room also can depend on its size, its location and the facilities in it, as well as if the room is fully or partially furnished. A two-bedroom apartment in bigger cities costs from 12,000 to 14,000 NOK per month, while it drops to 7,000 to 10,000 NOK in smaller towns.