University of Oslo University of Oslo Pre-Arrival Autumn 2013 Guide Welcome! The University of Oslo is among Europe’s leading universities, and the oldest and largest in Norway. We take great pride in upholding our traditions in academic excellence and research driven learning. As a student at our institution, this will be part of your academic experience. Academic excellence is impossible without the input of in- ternational students and researchers. The University of Oslo is proud to cooperate with the finest institutions across the world. Among our many study programmes taught in English there are attractive possibilities for international students on all levels. Studying in Oslo, the beautiful capital city of Norway, you will be able to explore both the rich cultural life a capital can offer and the great outdoors surrounding our city. You will belong to an active and vibrant student body which has a say on how the university is run. Our democratic vision Rector Ole Petter Ottersen. and Director of the University includes students as well as staff. Gunn-Elin Aa. Bjørneboe Knowledge is the key to making a difference and contributing to a better life for all. In fact, knowledge changes everything. By contributing to our international campus you will help us on our path to new knowledge. We therefore hope to welcome you as a new international student at the University of Oslo! 02 University of Oslo Table of contents Oslo - the unique choice ......................................................................................................................... 5 To do before arrival in Norway ................................................................................................................ 6 The first weeks ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Procedures to complete during the first weeks....................................................................................... 8 Housing .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Norwegian Language courses .............................................................................................................. 11 Facts about Norway .............................................................................................................................. 13 The International Student Advisors ....................................................................................................... 13 University of Oslo 03 University of Oslo The University of Oslo (UiO) is the highest ranked higher International students are found at all of the eight faculties; education institution in Norway and one of the highest ranked Theology, Law, Medicine, Humanities, Mathematics and Natu- universities in Scandinavia. Our main campus at Blindern is ral Sciences, Dentistry, Social Sciences, and Education. 12 minutes by metro from central Oslo. We pride ourselves on having a highly qualified and dedicated Each year around 1,700 new international students join the teaching staff. Our record for graduate employment is very University of Oslo. In total, around 10% of the almost 27,000 good, and you will find former UiO students in many leading strong student population are international students. positions. 04 University of Oslo OSLO - the unique choice Oslo is a bustling city, and no other Scandinavian city hosts as area around the Opera House is in full bloom and will eventu- many concerts as the Norwegian capital. From up-and-coming ally become the harbour seaside Oslo deserves. artists to the superstars of the world, they all visit Oslo when In your leisure time, you may check out a flea market or two, travelling around Europe. or visit one of the many galleries or museums around the city. The Norwegian music scene itself is very vibrant and lively, Most have free entrance. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is also and many of the music bars offer concerts from local bands a great way to take time out from your studies. most days of the week. The closeness to nature is one of many things that makes Oslo has become much more international in the last 10-15 Oslo unique. From the cafés in central Oslo it is only a 15 years. Trendy cafés, restaurants with cuisines from around the minute ride by metro before you are in the beautiful forest world to satisfy every taste, bars and pubs, and modern cin- area that surrounds Oslo. ema facilities are among the many things that the Norwegian If you prefer the sea and the fjord, you can use your monthly capital offers. travel card and take one of the many ferries that go to the The new Opera House has islands in the Oslo fjord. already won several awards Oslo has about 600,000 inhabitants and is host to 60,000 for its bold iceberg shape students altogether. It is a great student city with several col- architecture, and is a hugely leges in addition to the University of Oslo. A good transporta- attractive place to visit, even tion system takes you to most places where you want to go, just for a stroll. The and the student card will give you a discount on fares. History ... The University of Oslo dates back to 1811 when it was founded by royal decree by King Frederick VI, the King Oslo Opera House of Denmark and Norway. The Royal Frederick University opened in 1813 with a student body of 17 and a teaching staff of 6. Despite modest beginnings, the establishment of a Nor- wegian university was one of the most significant steps in Cannons at Hovedøya the building of the Norwegian nation, as the country at that time was still under Danish rule. University of Oslo 05 To do before arrival in Norway Go to SøknadsWeb and accept your place. Read the admission e-mail carefully. Request housing if needed at www.sio.no. Application dead- line for housing is 1 June. Remember to return the housing contract fully signed and to pay the deposit. Apply for a Residence permit and Visa if needed. Contact the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate for further ques- tions regarding this. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration www.udi.no may also assist you with questions in this regard. 06 University of Oslo The first weeks Monday 12 August Friday 16 August Sunday 1 September Meet your Buddy Group Buddy group activities and the Coffee Last day to pay the semester fee and Collect your Welcome Packet between Hour in the afternoon. register for courses. 10:00 and 15:00 in ‘Knutepunktet’ - the International Student Reception. Monday 19 August http://www.uio.no/english/studies/ Welcome Ceremony Special Events information meeting. new-student/ Tuesday 13 August Tuesday 20 August/ Wednesday Arriving late for the semester regis- Group Orientation Meeting 21 August tration and the start of your courses Activities with your Buddy group. EU-students can submit documentation may result in losing your place of required for registration with the Police. study. Wednesday 14 August More information will be given upon Norwegian language courses -Informa- arrival. If you cannot collect your Welcome tion meeting. Packet on Monday 12 August, it can Group Orientation meetings. Friday 23 August be collected at ‘Knutepunktet’ , Lucy Information Meeting about part-time Smith’s Hus during regular opening Thursday 15 August work with the tax office and the Career hours (Monday - Friday between 10:00 Information meetings at the faculties and Center. and 15:00). registration help sessions. University of Oslo 07 Procedures to complete during the first weeks Semester Registration the semester fee, will find the semester as to whether your coverage applies to Registration for courses and examina- card in the Welcome Packet provided Norway, and for your entire stay. tions takes place at the very beginning that you have registered The Interna- of each semester. Exchange students tional Education Office as your address. Registration with the Police for can register online before the start of the Non-EU/EEA citizens semester (from 4th June). Registration You MUST register your Norwegian ad- All Non-EU/EEA students must report to is done online in the StudentWeb: dress in the StudentWeb once this has the Police within 7 days after arrival. https://studweb.uio.no been confirmed by your landlord. If you are staying for more than 90 days, All students must register and pay the Registration with the Police for you need a residence permit. This you semester fee (if applicable) by 1 Sep- EU/EEA-citizens should apply for from your home country tember. You will receive more informa- You must register with the Police if stay- as soon as possible, following the tion after arrival. ing in Norway for more than 3 months. instructions in the Welcome Letter. The Please register online: Norwegian Directorate of Immigration If you do not have a Norwegian address www.selfservice.udi.no. will not process the application before it by the time you register online, you On the 20 and 21 August, the Interna- is complete. MUST put this address in the address tional Education Office will collect the field in order to have your semester card required documents and bring them to Health Insurance for Non-EU/ printed: the Police for you. Remember to bring EEA-citizens copies of your passport and a valid You automatically become insured c/o The University of Oslo European Health Insurance card which under the National Insurance Scheme International Education Office covers the entire stay. More information ("Folketrygden")