Moving to Norway solo

Hi Cheryl,

I moved here solo over 10 years ago, and I'm not going to lie, it was a real struggle. I had one major advantage in that I had a Norwegian girlfriend who let me move in with her, but aside from having a roof over my head it was still a difficult journey. Norwegian women will not put up with an out of work  man at home for very long, and will also not be a replacement mother, just a heads up for mummy's boys

Let me start by saying that when people start to consider moving to Norway, they should really think long and hard about their motive for wanting to move here. I see that the motive for many people is because they have heard that we get large salaries in Norway, and to <some> extent that might be true, but you have to remember that the cost of living here is absolutely astronomical, bordering on legalised theft, so any alleged high salary is offset by your high bills (which come in thick and fast) so many Norwegians struggle to make ends meet just like anyone else does, so what I'm saying is that it would be a big mistake to move here if your only motivation is money, because if you do, you'll find yourself in a situation that most likely will not have a fairytale ending.

To rent an average apartment here can cost between 10,000 and 15,000 kroners per month in city areas (depending where in the country you are it can be somewhat less or in other cases higer).

If you are aged under 35 and a first time buyer, a mortgage deposit will be 15% or if you are over 35 years old, a 25% deposit (yes, I know it's grossly urealistic).

Norway is a an extremely materialistic country with a very money oriented mindset so unless you are fully prepared to give it your all for at least the first 5 years then it's better to not come here as the system will suck you in and spit you out (sorry to be so blunt, just being truthful).

I guess I'm sounding quite negative, but it's certainly not all negative, but after what I went through, being treated like I was a leper just because I didn't speak fluent Norwegian by some of the most pig-ignorant people in the history of man, I just want anyone considering moving here to get an accurate picture of what it's like as a newcomer here.  Of course, I think it's slightly better these days, as new, more open minded people are moving into management positions who don't pretend that being an English speaker is a disability.

Is Norway suitable for solo women, yes, of course. For the most part, it's quite peaceful here with the exception of Oslo which is quickly becoming something of a hybrid city, which many Norwegians no longer consider to be part of Norway, but if you like that sort of thing, no problem, but if you want some peace and quiet and safety, then maybe sidestep Oslo as you may just jump from the frying pan into the fire.

The best way to make friends here is to be helpful and polite and let people gradually get to know you, much like applying for jobs in Norway, it's no good just sending your CV (especially written in English) it's much better to actually go visit the employer and have a chat, let them see who you are and if they think you would fit in. Another thing to understand about Norway is there is something of an unwritten law which influences most Norwegians, it's called Janteloven or in English Jante's law, I won't go into all the details, but just know this. If you are good at something, tell me you are good at it without telling me (or anyone else) that you are good at it. It seems a bit counterproductive, but in Norway you shouldn't say that you are good at something, as that is frowned upon, so modesty is the key.

To make it here you have to be pretty thick skinned and determined whilst being modest, polite and helpful in as many situations as possible.

Hope this insight, based upon 10 years as an insider helps.