Survival Guide

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SURVIVAL GUIDE

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 2019/2020 CONTENT

PRE-ARRIVAL Study permit 4 Bank transfer to BI 4 Health- and travel insurance 5 Housing 6 Pre-Arrival Checklist 7

ON ARRIVAL Student ID Card 8 EU/EEA citizens: Registration scheme 8 Non-EU/EEA citizens: Police appointment 8 National registry 9 Work permit and tax deduction card 9 Bank account 10 Norwegian SIM card 10 On Arrival Checklist 11

PRACTICALITIES Getting there and around 12 Shopping 13 Post packages to Norway 14 National Holidays 14

STUDENT LIFE AT BI Academics 15 Norwegian Language Course 16 Student welfare 17 On-campus facilities 18 Get involved 20

DESTINATION NORWAY Explore Norway 22 Discover Oslo 23 Language 25 Cultural Advice 26 Climate 27

CONTACT INFORMATION Who to contact at BI 28 In case of emergency 28

2 WELCOME TO BI

Congratulations on your decision to study at BI Norwegian Business School!

Whether you are coming to Oslo for one semester or several years, we sincerely hope you will enjoy your stay. We will be here to support you along the way, but we leave it to you to make the most of it. Besides your studies, we encourage you to be active – participate in student associations, get to know Oslo and explore the rest of Norway as well.

In this Survival Guide you will find practical information about studying at BI, as well as advice and guidelines for living in Norway.

The International Office, the Bachelor Department and the MSc Department

3 STUDY PERMIT

PRE-ARRIVAL A study permit is required for all non-EU/EEA NON-EU/EEA CITIZENS students who intend to stay in Norway for more Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA area than three months. Different rules and procedu- should apply for a study permit before arriving res apply. Consult your Admission Letter/Study in Norway. It is your responsibility to obtain the Contract for detailed information. correct study permit. Case processing time is up to two months, so you are advised to apply as EU/EEA AND SWISS CITIZENS soon as possible after receiving your Admission Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland Letter/Study Contract from BI. can enter Norway on the basis of their Passport or EU Identity Card. They do not need to apply Visit udi.no/en for information about the ap- for a permit in advance, but must register online plication process for your country. Follow the when they arrive in Norway. See p. 8 for further link “Want to apply” on UDI’s website to find information about the EU Registration Scheme. out what applies to you, and follow all the steps carefully.

BANK TRANSFER TO BI

Degree seeking students from non-EU/EEA Please mark the payment with your full name countries must deposit a given amount: and BI study programme (MSc, BBA or double (tuition fee + living costs required by UDI) into degree) the BI bank account for immigration purposes. Exchange students do not need to transfer Your bank must confirm that the funds: money. • are personal, including your name on the transfer documents The deposit transferred to BI will be available to • are to cover expenses related to your study you upon arrival in Norway, and can be with- period at BI Norwegian Business School. drawn by contacting your programme administration, or transferred to a Norwegian bank The Swift and IBAN codes can be used for elec- account. tronic transfers. Contact your local bank for details. BANK TRANSFER DETAILS: BI Norwegian Business School Nydalsveien 37, 0442 Oslo, Norway Account number 8200.01.39838 Swift-/BIC code: DNBANOKKXXX IBAN: NO1182000139838. Bank address: DNB Bank ASA, 0021 Oslo, Norway

4 HEALTH- AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

you are only covered in Norway by the EHIC – PRE-ARRIVAL not while travelling to or from Norway, or during travels abroad. We therefore advise you to have additional valid travel insurance from your home country covering the period you will be living in Norway.

The European Health Insurance Card entitles you to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare under the same conditions and at All students are responsible for having valid the same cost as Norwegian citizens. insurance covering the whole duration of their stay, including travel to and from Norway. Dental care and medicines or treatment of illnesses contracted before arrival in Norway are IN NORWAY FOR LESS THAN 12 MONTHS not covered. If you are staying in Norway for less than twelve months, you must obtain health- and travel insurance from your home country for the total duration of your stay.

IN NORWAY FOR MORE THAN 12 MONTHS If you are staying in Norway for more than one year you will automatically become member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, when you have registered your move to Nor- way and received a Norwegian identity number (fødselsnummer).

Please note that you are only covered in Nor- way – not while travelling to and from Norway, or on travels abroad. The membership entitles you to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare under the same conditions and at the same cost as Norwegian citizens. Dental care and medicines or treatment of illnesses contracted before arrival in Norway are not covered.

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) Most EU/EEA citizens can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Please note that

5 HOUSING

PRE-ARRIVAL BI offers a housing guarantee for exchange Find more information about housing options at students, double degree students and first year bi.edu/housing. Further questions can be direc- international BBA and MSc students moving to ted to BI’s housing office by e-mail Norway for the first time. [email protected].

To benefit from BI’s housing guarantee, you HOW IS MY ROOM EQUIPPED? must submit a pre-application for housing at You will have to bring your own duvet, pillow, bi.edu/housing. Please make sure to follow the bed sheets and towels. In addition, you will have application guidelines. to buy pots, pans and cutlery. Sometimes there are leftover kitchen utilities etc. from previous Student accommodation is usually the cheapest students in your room. See p. 13 for information housing option in Oslo. It is also a good way on where to purchase necessary items for your to meet other students. Units are spread out room. across the city – some are situated close to campus; others are closer to the city center, or offer PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION direct access to the nature areas surrounding Private accommodation is usually more expen- Oslo. Prices and facilities vary. BI cooperates sive than student housing. Be aware that it can with three student housing providers: be very hard to find a place around semester start as the market is pressed in Oslo. We highly BSN recommend that you apply for housing through Offers housing to BI students only, and is loca- BI to secure an affordable place. ted only a few minutes walk from campus. You can search for private accommodation on- SIO - THE FOUNDATION FOR STUDENT line at hybel.no or finn.no/eiendom (information WELFARE IN OSLO in Norwegian only). Provides affordable student housing for students in Oslo, at many different locations. The standard varies according to price.

DIAKONHJEMMET Has several different units located in the area between Majorstua and Vindern in Oslo West. BI is easily reach by metro.

Please note that BI's housing guarantee only applies to single furnished rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom.

6 PRE-ARRIVAL

PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

I HAVE… ▪ checked that my personal information is correct in the Admission Letter (as written in my passport) ▪ signed and returned my Study Contract (degree seeking students) ▪ deposited money into the BI bank account (non-EU/EEA degree seeking students) (p. 4) ▪ applied for a study permit (if applicable) (p. 4) ▪ submitted the Pre-Application for Housing (p. 6) ▪ signed and returned my housing contract to BSN/SiO/Diakonhjemmet ▪ registered for courses (exchange students) (p. 15) ▪ booked a flight to Oslo! ▪ valid health- and travel insurance (p. 5) ▪ notified BI of my late arrival (if applicable) ▪ started practicing my Norwegian (p. 25)

7 STUDENT ID CARD

Your personal BI student ID card is used for only valid with the correct semester tag. Please identification at exams and with the BI adminis- note that the student ID card is not valid as tration. You also use it to borrow books at the identification outside of BI. Have your picture library on campus and for printing and copying. taken for your student ID card at the Student Service Centre in U1 on your first day at BI. The student ID card makes you eligible for student discounts on public transport. The card is EU/EEA CITIZENS: ON ARRIVAL ON REGISTRATION SCHEME

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland • Private or European Health Insurance card must register online at selfservice.udi.no when that is valid for your entire stay in Norway they arrive in Norway. You can submit your do- (both sides, in English language) cuments to the Student Service Center at BI in • Printout from UDI’s self-service web page that the beginning of the semester, and we will take proves you have registered it to the immigration authorities for you. • Personal declaration stating that you have sufficient funds for the period of stay in Nor- Please submit the following documents within way (Form is available when you submit your the given deadline: documents) • Copy of valid passport or national ID card (both sides) You will be notified when your Registration • Admission Letter from BI Norwegian Business Certificate can be picked up from the Student School Service Center in U1. NON-EU/EEA CITIZENS: POLICE APPOINTMENT

The Police will be present at BI on a given day in If you arrive late, you need to book an appoint- the Orientation Week to help you book an ap- ment yourself. If you applied for a study permit pointment for this. Your residence card will then online, you can book an appointment by logging be sent to BI, where you can pick it up. When into your application again. If not, you must call you arrive in Norway, you must register with the the police to make an appointment (see contact Police in person and have your picture and fin- info p. 9) gerprints taken for your Residence Card.

8 NATIONAL REGISTRY

Students staying in Norway for more than 6 • Residence Card (non-EU/EEA) or Registration months must register with the National Registry Certificate (EU/EEA) (Folkeregisteret) once they have received their • Housing contract Residence Card (non-EU/EEA) or Registration • BI Admission Letter Certificate (EU/EEA). You need to book an apointment in advance You need to fill out the form “Notification of before going to Skatt Øst by visiting their web- move to Norway from abroad” (available online), page: https://www.skatteetaten.no/en/person/. and bring this form with the following docu- After registering at Skatt Øst, you will receive a ments to Skatt Øst (see address below): letter by post, stating your Norwegian identity number (fødselsnummer). You need this num- ON ARRIVAL ON • Passport or European national ID card ber to open a bank account, or apply for a tax deduction card if you get a part time job. WORK PERMIT AND TAX CARD

As a non-EU/EEA student your study permit bringing your work contract and your Residence is also a part-time work permit. As a full time card/Registration certificate to their office. student you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full time during SKATT ØST – SERVICE CENTRE FOR holidays. EU/EEA students are entitled to work FOREIGN WORKERS freely in accordance to Norwegian labour law. If Visiting address: you do not know any Norwegian, your best chan- Schweigaards gate 17, 0191 Oslo ces of finding a job is in the service sector (hotels, Opening hours: restaurants, bars, cafes and tourist shops). Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 15:00

You are required to have a tax deduction card OSLO POLICE, when you work in Norway. It will show how DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION much your employer should deduct from your Visiting address: salary. You can request a tax card from Skatt Øst Schweigaards gate 15 B, 0191 Oslo (Oslo Tax Office) once you have a job offer, by Phone: +47 22 34 21 00 (09:00 – 14:00)

9 BANK ACCOUNT

Students taking a full degree at BI, need to IN NORWAY FOR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS open a Norwegian bank account. This is not Most banks require a Norwegian Identity Num- necessary, and often not possible, for exchange ber to open a bank account. Since you will not students. receive this number if you are in Norway for less than six months, it is not very likely that IN NORWAY FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS any bank will open an account for you. Thus, To open a bank account, you must wait until we recommend all exchange students to bring you have your National Identity Number (fød- a credit card from home. Make sure you check selsnummer). You will only obtain this number the conditions for using your card abroad, and if you are staying in Norway for more than six especially in Norway, before you leave. months. Remember to bring your passport, Na- ON ARRIVAL ON tional Identity Number, and residence permit/ Registration certificate to the bank.

NORWEGIAN SIM CARD

If you have an unlocked mobile phone, you can Please remember to register your Norwegian purchase a pre-paid card at kiosks and conve- phone number in the Student Portal, as the nience stores like 7-eleven and Narvesen. A administration sometimes sends SMS to inform monthly subscription requires that you have a you of cancelled lecturers etc. Norwegian ID-number (you’re staying in Nor- way for more than six months).

10 ON ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

I HAVE… ON ARRIVAL ON ▪ had my picture taken for the student ID card (p. 8) ▪ registered with the immigration authorities (p. 8) ▪ attended the information meeting and orientation week ▪ gotten a Norwegian SIM card and updated my phone number in the Student Portal (p. 10) ▪ registered with the National Registry and obtained a Norwegian identity number (if staying for more than six months) (p. 9) ▪ opened a bank account (if staying for more than six months) (p. 10) ▪ logged on to the Student Portal to check my schedule and to access itslearning (p. 15) ▪ signed up for the Norwegian Language course (if applicable) (p. 16) ▪ purchased a monthly student travel pass for public transport (if applicable) (p. 12)

11 GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Oslo can be reached by car, ferry, train, bus or forget to validate your ticket at the beginning of plane. The main international airport is Oslo your journey. Airport Gardermoen (OSL). All trains (including the Airport Express Train) arrive at Oslo Central A monthly student travel pass is usually the Station (Oslo S), while buses arrive at Oslo Bus economic option. It costs NOK 450, and lasts Terminal. Ferries from Germany, Sweden and for 30 days from validation. It is only valid to- Denmark arrive close to the city center. gether with your valid student ID card from BI. The age limit is 30. Students below 20 can buy PUBLIC TRANSPORT a monthly youth ticket for NOK 375. The extensive public transport system is mana- ged by “Ruter”, and is the most convenient way Be aware of regular ticket controls on all public to travel within Oslo. It includes buses, trams transport! If you are caught without a valid tic- (trikk), metro (T-bane), trains and ferries. With a ket, the fine is NOK 950–1150. valid ticket, you can switch between the means of transport as you please within a given period HOW TO GET TO BI of time. The whole metro network is located BI campus is located in Nydalen, north of the within zone 1. See ruter.no/en to plan your city centre. It is easily reached by metro, bus and journey. tram. The address is Nydalsveien 37, 0484 Oslo.

Metro is the easiest way to reach BI from the city centre. Lines 4 Vestli and 5 Ringen take you to Nydalen in approx. 12 minutes. Cross the

PRACTICALITIES street, and you will find yourself in front of the main entrance of BI.

Busses number 30 and 37 also stop right outside BI, taking different traces to and from the city centre.

Tram lines 11, 12 and 13 take you to Storo, a five minute walk from BI.

BIKING In spring, summer and autumn bicycle is a good option to get around Oslo. For a seasonal fee of TICKETS AND RATES NOK 399, the blue Oslo City Bikes (bysykkel) are Buy your ticket in advance to avoid an additional available to you at 300 locations in and around fee. Tickets are available from ticket machines, the city centre. You can use any bike for up to kiosks and convenience stores or at Ruter’s 45 minutes between 06:00-24:00 every day. customer service center. You can also purchase Pick it up at one location and return it at another tickets with your smart phone if you download as you please. To buy a used bike you can check the app “RuterBillett”. A single ticket valid for finn.no. one hour within zone 1, costs NOK 35. Don’t

12 SHOPPING

BUSINESS HOURS THINGS FOR YOUR ROOM Supermarkets are normally open from 08.00 to IKEA is the largest and cheapest place to buy 22.00 on weekdays and until 20.00 on Satur- furniture, bedlinen, kitchenware and everything days. Most shops in major shopping areas (Karl else you might need. There are two Ikea stores Johans gate and Bogstadveien) are open until in the Oslo area, Furuset and Slependen. A free 18.00 or 19.00, some with extended opening shuttle bus leaves every half hour from a stop hours on Thursdays. Shopping malls generally nearby the Central station. have longer opening hours. Banks are normally open from 09:00-15:00 Monday-Friday. BEER, WINE AND SPIRITS A state-owned monopoly chain, called Vin- Shops are generally closed on Sundays and monopolet, controls the sale of wine and hard public holidays, but some smaller grocery stores liquors. Beer can be bought in food stores until and convenience stores are open. 20:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturdays. It is not allowed to purchase alcohol in shops on GROCERIES Sundays. Among the least expensive grocery stores are Rema 1000 and Kiwi. Head for Grønland, east The age limit for buying beer and wine is 18. For of the city centre, to find Turkish, Pakistani and buying hard liquors the age limit is 20. If you are south-east Asian grocery stores with good sele- under 25, you are expected to show your ID ctions of vegetables, fruit and international food without being asked when buying alcohol. at a low price. PRACTICALITIES

13 POST PACKAGES TO NORWAY

Packages sent to Norway must have your ac- We do not recommend using express mail curate address with your street name, house services for this purpose, as there are rather number, flat/room number and preferably steep charges for clearing it through customs. a phone number where you can be reached Medication, cigarettes or alcohol should under written on it. Make sure you have your name on no circumstances be sent by post. the mail box or you will not receive mail. If you live together with someone the address must Please note that Norway is not part of the EU include c/o and this person’s name as indicated and goods bought online from any country and on the mailbox. shipped to Norway can be subject to custom charges and 25% tax on top of the purchase For declaration purposes through customs, be price. Goods with a value under NOK 350 inclu- sure to list contents as “used personal belon- ding shipping costs, and books of any value are gings” when sending clothing, textbooks etc. exempt from tax and customs.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Norwegian national holidays may differ slightly commercial businesses are closed, and you can

PRACTICALITIES from what you are used to. On these days most expect irregular public transport schedules.

2019/2020 Christmas Day 25 December Boxing Day 26 December New Year’s Day 1 January Palm Sunday 5 April Maundy Thursday 9 April Good Friday 10 April Easter Sunday 12 April Easter Monday 13 April Labour Day 1 May Constitution Day 17 May Ascension Day 21 May Whit Sunday 31 May Whit Monday 1 June

14 ACADEMICS

At BI, each course will normally have one or teaching and assessment; and exam support two lectures per week. A lecture is 2 or 3 x 45 materials. minute long. Students will experience varying degrees of interaction between the Professor Exchange students are required to read the (who is commonly addressed by their first course descriptions for each course, and make name) and the students during the lectures. sure they fulfil the prerequisites before signing Classes vary in size. up for a course.

A full semester workload at BI is 30 ECTS cre- Course descriptions for all courses can be found dits. Most master level courses account for 6 in the Student Portal. Short versions of the ECTS, and most bachelor level courses account course descriptions are also available on the for 7.5 ECTS. open web, bi.edu.

Faculty is encouraged to implement digitaliza- COURSE REGISTRATION tion and innovative methods in their teaching. Exchange students can choose freely from the Interactive classrooms on itslearning supple- list of courses offered to exchange students ment the lectures and seminars. (available online), as long as you fulfill the prerequisites. You register for courses online before ONLINE STUDENT PORTAL the semester starts. Detailed information will The Student Portal is your main source of infor- be sent to you by email when the registration mation as a student at BI. You will receive a per- opens. sonal username and password. Log in to access: • your BI student e-mail For degree seeking students all courses are • your personal course list mandatory in the first year of the programme • your schedule (Bachelor/Master), and students are registered • exam enrolment, dates and status for courses automatically. • your grades • important information from the administration COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS • your interactive classrooms (itslearning) The right to take an examination depends on fulfilled coursework requirements. You will lose Please note that all students are required to stay the right to take an exam if the required course- updated on information concerning their cour- work has not been completed and submitted by ses at itslearning. the set deadline, or if the papers handed in are not approved. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BI AT LIFE STUDENT You are expected to read the course descrip- You are responsible for submitting the course- tions carefully, as they serve as a “contract” work requirement within the given deadline, between the student, the lecturer and the ad- and in the right interactive classroom on itsle- ministration at BI. For each course, it describes arning. For information about obligatory cour- what the three parties can expect from each sework, consult the course descriptions. other: course outline; learning outcome; required course material; prerequisites; methods of

15 EXAMINATIONS GRADING SCALE The exam periods are November/December BI uses the ECTS grading system. The grade (autumn semester) and May/June (spring se- scale is A (highest) through F(fail), with E as the mester). You will automatically be registered for lowest passing grade. Some examinations are the exams of the courses you are enrolled in. The graded with Pass/Fail. The evaluation terms exam schedule for the autumn semester will be used for the grading scale are as follows: available online in September, and for the spring semester in January. Your personal exam sche- A Excellent dule will be available in the Student Portal as well. B Very good C Good Degree-seeking students can withdraw from, D Satisfactory or change examinations in the Student Portal. E Sufficient The deadline for making changes is 1 October in F Fail the autumn semester and 1 March in the spring semester. ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2018 –2019 The academic year at BI is divided into two Exchange students should notify the Internatio- semesters. nal Office as early as possible to withdraw from Autumn semester: 19 August to 20 December a course or an exam. Spring semester: 6 January to 19 June

Please make sure you are well informed about TUITION FEES examination rules and regulations. Note that Degree seeking students will receive an invoice electronic submissions of exams are done for the autumn semester in August/September. through BI’s electronic solution, DigiEx. A BI-ap- The invoice for the spring semester is issued proved calculator is permitted as supporting in December. Exchange students do not pay material for certain exams. Only some specific tuition fees to BI. types are allowed. In the Student PortalI you will find all the information you need about exams. NORWEGIAN LANGUAGE COURSE

STUDENT LIFE AT BI AT LIFE STUDENT Learning the Norwegian language is the key NOK 2000 (subject to change). Exact dates for to success in Norway. BI offers Norwegian lan- registration are announced in semester start. guage courses to international students each There are limited seats available. Teaching time semester. The course is not part of BI’s curricu- is 2 hours and 45 minutes twice a week for ten lum, and does not give any credits. weeks. The course is usually concluded with a test, and the students who pass will receive a Registration is done online at the beginning of course certificate. More information will be avail- the semester, and requires online payment of able in the Student Portal.

16 STUDENT WELFARE

Being a student is not only about your studies. As a student at BI, you have access to support BI-NNER and services that can help to improve your stu- The international dinner at BI has grown into a dent life in Oslo. successful tradition. Once a month we offer a free meal for up to 200 BI students, with the SIO – THE FOUNDATION FOR STUDENT help of volunteers. We invite you to like the WELFARE IN OSLO page "Studentprest BI" on Facebook to receive BI students are automatically members of SiO. updates about upcoming BI-nner events. Their services include student health care, sports and fitness centres, and student housing. SUNDAY IN THE CITY For more information about what they can offer A cultural tour once a month to explore sights you, visit sio.no/en. in the city. It’s free, all you need to do is sign up. Examples of places we have visited are Holmen- STUDENT COUNSELLING kollen, the Opera House, The Norwegian Folk BI offers counselling for students. You do not Museum and the Munch Museum. need to have a severe problem to use these services. Student life is an exciting period of COFFEE HOUR your life, but it can also feel challenging at times. For ten weeks during each semester, students You might need some guidance on how to be- meet up to listen to different speakers and come even better at being a student, or how to discuss a variety of topics. Free coffee and buns get more out of your social life at BI. are always served.

Contact them at [email protected] or stop by their office in C3.

SPECIAL NEEDS Do you have a disability, illness or injury that requires special on-campus adaptations? Please contact Student Counselling as early as possible, and they will help you find the best solution to cover your needs.

UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN The university chaplain is here for you if you need someone to talk to, regardless of your BI AT LIFE STUDENT religious background. The chaplain also knows about the different faith communities in Oslo and can help you find yours while you are here.

Contact the student chaplain at [email protected] or stop by the office in C3.

17 ON-CAMPUS FACILITIES

The purpose-built building from 2005 provides IT SERVICES an exciting and inspiring learning and teaching IT support is located next to the Student Service environment. At BI you will have all you need as Centre in U1 and in the Library. They can also a student in one place. The building is covered be contacted through the Facebook group “BI by a glass ceiling and consists of four blocks on IT-Support”. seven levels. There are 200 workstations located in hallways To locate your destination, the first letter (A, B, and PC labs across campus, in addition to 350 C or D) and the following number (0-7) will help workstations in the library. All workstations are you: For example, Student Counselling can be connected to printers. Wireless network connec- found in C3 – meaning C-block, 3rd floor. tion is also available.

THE STUDENT SERVICE CENTRE (SSS) THE LIBRARY Located in U1 (in Oasen), the SSS can help you BI’s library occupies 6500 square meters on the with: 5th and 6th floor of the BI building. The 1400 • Student ID card study places include group rooms with AV equ- • Information about SiO (The Foundation for ipment, as well as comfortable chairs where you Student Welfare in Oslo) can relax and admire the view over Oslo. • Preliminary transcripts of grades The Library offers: • Submissions of term papers, projects and • Books, periodicals, papers and databases thesis • 480 individual reading places • Password and username • 320 open plan group workplaces for students • General student information • 46 group rooms and 8 AV rooms • 350 PC workplaces • Social zones with 250 seats • Courses and guidance Read more on bi.edu/library STUDENT LIFE AT BI AT LIFE STUDENT

18 FOOD AND DRINK access to the fitness centers and a variety of BI does not offer a meal plan, but on-campus group lessons at an affordable price. Seesio.no/ kiosks, coffee shops and a Cafeteria with fresh en/sports for more information. and healthy food all day long, will help battle your hunger and thirst. SIO HEALTH NYDALEN The doctor’s office at BI campus (D2), is open BOOKSHOP Monday to Friday 08:00 – 15:45. To make an There is a bookshop, Akademika, on Campus. appointment, call +47 22 85 33 00. They also Akademika stocks all books on the compulsory have services for mental health and counselling. literature lists in addition to fiction, stationary, gift articles and more. Please see sio.no/en/health-services for information about the full offer of the SiO Student KROA – STUDENT PUB Health services. Since October 2013 Kroa has been the hang out and meeting place of BI students. They arrange CAREER SERVICES events, quiz, stand up etc., and it is the perfect BI offers comprehensive career services to BI place for a break after a long day of studies. students, whether they are in the process of applying for jobs, or just curious about how to BI AT LIFE STUDENT ROOM OF FAITH AND REFLECTION meet the labour market at the end of their stu- BI students have access to the Room of Faith dies. Services include CV and application check, and Reflection. This is a quiet space for refle- job search course, career counseling, career fairs ction, meditation or prayer, located in D1. and more. Career Services are located in C3. More information can be found in the Student STUDENT GYM – ATHLETICA NYDALEN Portal. Located in D2, Athletica Nydalen is one of four student gyms in Oslo run by SiO. Unlimited

19 GET INVOLVED

The best way to get to know local students, is welcome the new students. Through concerts, by joining a student society. Norwegians tend to parties and other social events students will socialize through organized activities. Therefore, get to know campus, Oslo and each other. New you may not get to know people on the bus, but students will automatically be assigned a Buddy you will definitely get to know someone if you group at semester start. join a club or association. STUDENT SPORTS SBIO – THE BI STUDENT UNION BI Athletics offers a range of sports related SBIO is created for and by students, and con- activities for BI students. BI Athletics represents sists of a wide range of sub groups and asso- BI in various student championships and have ciations, including academic associations (one active teams in sports like lacrosse, rowing, for each study programme), interest societies soccer, basketball and tennis. OSI is an overall (sports, politics, business, finance, outdoor life, sports association for Oslo students. Whichever film), projects (career events, sports events, sports activity you are interested in, you will find Buddy programme for new students) and much a sub-group to join. more. Many associations are open for internati- See osi.no for further information. onal students. Read more online at sbio.no. INSA BUDDY SYSTEM – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION The BI Buddy system for new students is called InSA arranges various social activities for BI stu- Fadderullan. The first week of the semester dents. Join their excursions, movie nights, par- experienced students volunteer as Buddies to ties, sightseeing in Oslo and other events to get STUDENT LIFE AT BI AT LIFE STUDENT

20 to know your fellow students. Read more about CHATEAU NEUF InSA on their Facebook page, InSA BI. The large concrete buidling situated at Ma- jorstuen is home to the Norwegian Student GSS – GRADUATE STUDENTS’ SOCIETY Society (DNS). Chateau Neuf is open Monday GSS contributes to the social and academic through Saturday, and offers food and bevera- life of Master of Science students at BI. GSS ges as well as concerts, plays, parties, debates, arranges various social events and provide movies and much more at student friendly opportunities to meet the Norwegian business prices. Active members can join more than 20 community through business presentations etc. associations and subgroups. The MSc study programmes each have their See studentersamfundet.no own programme association as well. ESN – ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK BI AT LIFE STUDENT BBA – BACHELOR OF BUSINESS AND ESN is a non-profit international student organi- ADMINISTRATION zation. Their mission is to represent internatio- Bachelor of Business Administration students nal students, and thus provide opportunities for have their own student organisation called BBA. cultural understanding and self-development The organisation is a liason between the admi- under the principle of students helping stu- nistration and the students of the programme. dents. ESN also arranges trips and events. They organise trips, parties and activities. More info at oslo.esn.no

21 EXPLORE NORWAY

Friendly, down-to-earth people, unique scenery, summer nights bright as day and delightful snowy winters make Norway a very special country. Use this opportunity to explore this long stretched land of the North!

Norway has about 5 300 000 inhabitants. Shipping, oil and gas, and fishing are some of the most significant industries. Employment rates remain currently high, and the prospects for economic growth are encouraging. Oslo to Bergen is particularly beautiful, and well worth your time. Relax and enjoy the view along Norway is a very safe country to live in. Its crime the way, as the train takes you up and over rate is amongst the lowest in the world, and its the mountains and down through the narrow environment and air are amongst the cleanest. valleys. A healthy lifestyle is widely encouraged and promoted. For the cheapest tickets, plan ahead and look for “minipris” tickets at nsb.no/en. They are The spectacular Norwegian nature offers ex- non-refundable, but often cheaper than dis- citing opportunities for outdoor activities all counted student tickets. year round: hiking, mountain climbing, hunting, cycling, rafting, swimming, golf, sailing, skiing – AIRPLANE the choice is yours! Breathtaking views of fjords Stretching 1 800 km from the South to the and mountain landscapes are easily accessible North, it may not come as a surprise that Nor- at no cost. Each season has its own special fea- way has one of the highest number of domestic tures and charm. flights in the world. Between the mountains and the fjords, many towns are served with a small Read more about Norway on visitnorway.com airport.

At the same time, the rest of Europe is never far away: if you need some new impulses during your stay, you can fly to Berlin in 1.5 hours; London in 2 hours; Rome in 4 hours… Low-fare airlines provide relatively cheap tickets.

DRIVING IN NORWAY EU citizens can use their original driving license while in Norway. Most non-EU citizens are allowed to use a foreign driving license for up to TRAIN three months before exchanging it for a Norwe- Trains are a comfortable way to travel in Nor- gian licence. Students who bring their own car way. They can take you as far north as Bodø, by must get a driving permission from the customs. the island group of Lofoten. The train ride from Read more at toll.no and vegvesen.no.

22 DESTINATION NORWAY DESTINATION DISCOVER OSLO

Situated between the forest and the fjord, Oslo offers a great variety of activities and scenery. You can start the day by the sea, enjoy the city life with cafés, restaurants, galleries and shopping facilities downtown during the day, and at night sit around a bonfire with your friends in the woods. Oslo is big enough for all this to happen, but still small enough for you to do it all in a day!

The capital of Norway has about 650 000 inha- ving businesses and possibilities for both shop- bitants, some 60 000 of them students. What- ping and leisure. Storo Shopping Centre, only a ever your passion, you can find other students few minutes walk from BI, has a range of shops with the same interests. Or maybe you want to to cover all your needs. take this opportunity to engage in something completely new and different?

If you enjoy live music, Oslo is definitely the city for you. With several different concert venues located across the city, any day of the week is a good day for a musical experience in this capital of music. Ticketmaster is a good site for tickets.

Learn more about Oslo and things to do on visitoslo.com.

A forty minute stroll along the mentioned Akerselva will take you through charming neighbourhoods down to the Oslo Fjord in the city centre, even passing a couple of waterfalls on the way. Within a forty minutes walk in the opposite direction lies the beautiful Nordmarka, the forest area surrounding Oslo to the North.

CITY CENTRE The main street, Karl Johans gate, runs east- west from the Central Station past the Parlia- NYDALEN ment and National Theatre to the Royal Palace. BI campus is located in Nydalen, an old industrial The area surrounding it is home to other sights area located next to the river Akerselva, North like the Akershus Fortress, the Cathedral and of the city centre. Today it is an up-and-coming the National Gallery. It is also a good area for part of the city with modern architecture, thri- shopping.

23 DESTINATION NORWAY DESTINATION house, you will end up at Sørenga. At the very end there is an artificial city beach and several piers, perfect for swimming and hanging out on sunny days.

NORDMARKA This is where the inhabitants of Oslo find their peace. Explore this vast forest area surrounding Oslo by foot, bike or on skis. Enjoy the view from Vettakollen or Frognerseteren, or have a picnic by Sognsvann or another one of the lakes. All easily accessible by metro. You are AKER BRYGGE AND TJUVHOLMEN even allowed to put up your tent and spend the Aker Brygge and adjacent Tjuvholmen are night in the forest if you want to. lovely for a stroll by the sea, people watching or a swim (there is a city beach at the very end!) The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Contemporary Art is located here, you will recognize it from the characteristic building. Go somewhere else for food and drinks though, to afford the rest of your stay. Or bring a picnic and enjoy Tjuv- holmen’s the best views for free, from the pier behind the museum.

GRÜNERLØKKA Hip Grünerløkka has lots of restaurants, bars and cafees and attracts a lot of students. Grü- nerløkka is also the place to look out for small PARKS independent shops, as well as secondhand As soon as the sun appears in spring, Norwegi- shops. Some of them are even open on Sun- ans flock to the many parks across the city. Nice days, including a flea market in Birkelunden ones include St.Hanshaugen (sometimes with park and a handicraft/design market at Blå in concerts on the open air stage), Frognerparken Brenneriveien. (with the sculptural park Vigelandsparken), Sofi- enbergparken and the Botanical garden. GRØNLAND Head to Grønland (east of the city centre) to ISLANDS find international shops with fresh fruits and ve- Your student transportation ticket is also valid getables at lower prices. These shops may also on public ferryboats, great for island hopping in have items from your home country, that may the summer season. Jump on and off charming not be available in the main grocery stores. little islands at your own pace. Water temperatures can actually reach 22 degrees in summer, SØRENGA so bring your bathing suit! Crossing a small walk bridge behind the Opera

24 DESTINATION NORWAY DESTINATION LANGUAGE

English is widely spoken in Norway and you Sign up for the Norwegian Language Course at can manage quite well in without proficiency in the beginning of the semester to learn more! Norwegian. However, knowing a few words and (p. 16) phrases may be useful.

FOOD AND DRINKS USEFUL PHRASES Bread Brød Hello Hei Cheese Ost Goodbye Ha det bra Eggs Egg Yes Ja Full fat milk Helmelk No Nei Low fat milk Lettmelk Please Vær så snill Chicken Kylling Thanks (Tusen) takk Fish Fisk You are welcome Værsågod Salmon Laks How are you? Hvordan har du det? Fruit Frukt I’m fine Bra takk Vegetable Grønnsak My name is… Jeg heter… Coffee Kaffe Where is…? Hvor er…? Tea Te Sorry Unnskyld Beer Øl Excuse me Unnskyld meg Wine Vin Cheers Skål Soft drink Mineralvann (Brus) I’m a vegetarian Jeg er vegetarianer Water Vann How much is it? Hvor mye koster det? I don’t understand Jeg forstår ikke Do you speak English? Snakker du engelsk? Can you help me? Kan du hjelpe meg?

NUMBERS 1 En 50 Femti 2 To 100 Hundre 3 Tre 1000 Tusen 4 Fire 5 Fem 6 Seks  7 Syv 8 Åtte 9 Ni 10 Ti

25 DESTINATION NORWAY DESTINATION CULTURAL ADVICE

Norwegians are considered to be easy-going COMMON COURTESY and informal. The Norwegian society has a • It is always nice to hold the door for some- strong democratic tradition, and this is refle- one, regardless of whether they are men or cted as much in work life as in how people women. relate to each other in general. • Old people and pregnant women appreciate it if you let them have your seat on a crow- ADDRESSING PEOPLE ded bus. It is also appreciated if you help • First names are commonly used. Prefixes people with a baby carriage onto the bus or like Ms., Mr. and Mx. are generally not used, tram. only on very formal occasions. • Be discrete when looking at people and • You should shake hands in formal situations. don’t stare. • Among students and friends hand shaking • Do not cut in line. is not expected. However, when being in- • Do not litter on the floor or ground. You will troduced for the first time it is common to usually find a garbage can somewhere ne- shake hands and say your name. arby. • Do not chat with your friends during meet- BEING LATE ings and presentations etc, when the spea- • Be on time when going to work and school. ker is talking. Being late is considered impolite. • Switch your mobile phone to silent mode in • On social occasions Norwegians are more the library, cinemas and lecture halls. flexible. Being 5–10 minutes late is quite common. You might find that some Norwegians may not agree with or follow these guidelines. SOCIAL CONVENTION However, generally observing these will help • Norwegians are friendly, but you may find you integrate into Norwegian culture. them reserved. However, you will often get a positive response if you initiate contact. SERVICE CHARGE • Norwegians are also known for their direct- Service charge and tips are included in restau- ness. Some find this rude, but this is not in- rant bills and taxi fares. Tipping is not expec- tentional. Small talk is simply not their thing ted, but around 10% might be given if you are (unless it’s about the weather). pleased with the service given at a restaurant. • The egalitarian values at the root of the wel- In bars and cafes people will often leave some fare state also manifest themselves throug- change. hout Norwegian society in many ways – for instance in the field of gender equality. Women expect to be treated with a more gender neutral attitude than in many other parts of the world.

26 DESTINATION NORWAY DESTINATION CLIMATE

Oslo and Norway have four distinct seasons. darker), but the autumn can be nice with sunny The weather is constantly changing, but nor- days. By mid-November winter sets in, and mally winters (Dec – March) are cold, summers snow usually arrives in time for Christmas. It is (June – August) are considered warm (accor- quite dark and cold in the months from Novem- ding to Norwegian standards), while spring and ber until the end of February. Temperatures can autumn connect the two in between. Parallel get as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter to the seasons, the number of daylight hours so bring warm clothes and warm boots. January varies from 6 hours in mid-December to 20 and February are usually the best months for hours in mid-June. skiing and other winter activities.

Summer temperatures vary from 15 degrees In March, the days are already noticeably longer, Celsius on rainy days to 30 degrees Celsius on and you can feel the warmth of the sun on good nice summer days. Expect bathing temperatu- days. The first sign of spring is Norwegians tak- res of 17-22 degrees in the fjord and lakes. Long, ing to the streets, enjoying the sunshine. This light evenings and nights are best spent in a is the time when Oslo comes alive again after park together with friends, or at the beach. its “winter sleep”. Outdoor cafés will be packed with people as soon as the temperatures rise From September it gets gradually colder (and above the freezing point.

27 DESTINATION NORWAY DESTINATION WHO TO CONTACT AT BI IN CASE OF EMERGENCY BBA and Bachelor Double Degree students: Emergency medical assistance Bachelor administration Emergency ward (Legevakten) E-mail: [email protected] Address: Storgata 40 Phone: +47 46 10 00 19 Phone: 116 117

Master of Science and Master Double Degree Emergency numbers in Norway students: Ambulance: 113 Police: 112 Fire: 110 Master administration E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +47 46 41 00 02

Exchange students: International Office E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +47 46 41 02 27

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