Moving to Oslo as a student requires careful planning to ensure a smooth transition. Housing, discounts, and the cost of living are key considerations for a rewarding experience in the Norwegian capital.
Student housing in Oslo
The Student Welfare Organisation of Oslo and Akershus (SiO) is a great starting point for finding housing in Norway's capital. It manages some of the largest student villages in Oslo. Simply sign up online and create a profile to begin your search.
Housing options include shared accommodation with communal facilities, individual rooms, and studios. Housing options are available to single students, couples, and even families.
Visit the SiO website's housing section to explore over 8,000 options across multiple student villages.
Finding housing in Oslo is highly competitive, so be prepared to list multiple preferences and expect to be placed on a waiting list.
Good to know:
Furnished apartments are more expensive.
Some student villages offer an IKEA shuttle service for convenient furniture shopping.
Facebook groups like "Bolig i Oslo" or Hybel.no are popular platforms where students share housing offers and sublets.
Cost of living for students in Oslo
Oslo's cost of living is significantly higher than the average, even compared to other European capitals. When budgeting, consider expenses for housing, food, and leisure activities.
In 2024, the average student housing cost in Oslo ranged between 5,500 and 7,500 NOK (approximately 470 to 640 euros) per month for a room, with higher costs for private apartments.
Expect to spend around 3,000 to 4,000 NOK (between 255 to 340 euros) on monthly groceries.
Good to know:
Take advantage of university-organized travel and leisure activities, which are often subsidized or free.
To save money upon arrival, use platforms like finn.no to find affordable or free second-hand items ("gis bort"). Great deals await you on everything from small household appliances to mattresses and laptops Popular apps like Tise, LetGo, and TooGoodToGo are also great for discounted food and other items.
Lastly, install the Vipps app for seamless payment at businesses and between individuals. Peer-to-peer car rental services like Getaround are also convenient for affordable transportation.
Leisure activities in Oslo
Oslo's range of leisure activities offers a vibrant mix of year-round as well as seasonal festivals and events. Students can enjoy these alongside student-specific attractions, such as city tours, student cabins, and university-organized vacations. Check your institution's website for more information on social activities.
Lately, the city has been hosting major events like the Øya Festival, the Oslo Jazz Festival, and Matstreif (a food festival), accessible to students with discounted tickets. Outdoor activities such as skiing in Holmenkollen during winter or hiking around the Oslo fjord are also very popular.
Student discounts in Oslo
As mentioned earlier, international students in Norway are entitled to discounts! The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers benefits and discounts worldwide on access to museums, dental services, and car rentals. This card costs 100 NOK (around 8.50 euros) per year.
Norwegian businesses also offer discounts to students. Ruter, for instance, provides a 40% discount on its 30-day transport pass for those under 30 (440 NOK instead of 770 NOK = 35 euros instead of 65). Airlines like SAS and Norwegian offer reduced fares for travelers under 26. The Vy railway company also provides discounts for young people and students.
In addition to public transport in Oslo, many popular restaurants and bars offer student prices, especially in areas close to university campuses like Grünerløkka. Supermarket chains like Kiwi and Rema 1000 also provide certain discounted items.
Good to know:
Use apps like Studentkortet for discounts on electronics, clothing, and digital services like Spotify or Apple Music.
For travel enthusiasts, the Interrail card offers substantial discounts for students looking to explore Europe from Norway.
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