UQ Program: Bachelor of Economics
Going to study at the University of Oslo was one of the best decisions that I have ever made, and to think that I nearly didn't make it. The idea of turning up in a foreign country and having to survive there for six months without my friends or family to rely on intimidated me initially. Especially doing so in the final semester of my degree, I thought the pressure would get the better of me. However my doubts couldn't have been further from the truth. I not only survived but had massive amounts of fun with people from all over the world. The university made sure that all international students had plenty of opportunity to meet new people so making friends was very easy. Right from the start of semester we were grouped into "buddy groups" of people who studied similar subjects. These groups were fantastic and within a few days of landing in Oslo I was part of a tight nit group, all before I had even started classes.
In my experience, classes occurred only during the space between having fun in Oslo. While the University is certainly good it was clear that most students were there to experience the country. Those who did come to Oslo to study had good reason as the University is ranked quite well in Europe for many subjects. There are a wide range of courses, many of which are taught in English, and readily available information so you know what you are getting into before heading to Norway. Most young Norwegians speak English so many attend English speaking courses provided the course has some academic merit. Personally, I had all electives to complete before graduating so I took only one such course. The others allowed me to discover the cultural offerings such as introductory Norwegian language and Norwegian Life and Society courses as part of my degree. Something to note is that tests account for one hundred percent of the mark in some courses. However, they are made easier so the pressure isn't so great provided that you at least review the coursework during the semester.
I found that this was an easy task to forget as I was having so much fun. My new found friends became like my family, accompanying my in everything from two week long trips through Continental Europe to grocery shopping. Due to the high cost of living in Oslo shopping is quite the social event. Prices were frequently checked and rumors of cheap alcohol or meat spread like wildfire through student villages. A friend with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of prices is particularly invaluable. While prices are certainly expensive it is still relatively easy to live cheaply in Oslo. The assigned student housing in Sogn and Kringsjaa boast some of the cheapest accommodation in all of Oslo and shopping at immigrant stores in Gronland can be cheaper than many Australian supermarkets. However there is still no way around the expensive alcohol. Students frequently drank Grans Premium and Bare, unanimously recognised as the worst beers in the world. Spirits or wine are so expensive that they were hardly even considered unless bought at duty free. Eating out is also expensive with the exception of the illegal cafe, Blitz. As it is run by squatters they pay no tax and offer the cheapest vegetarian food around. It is definitely worth a look at least once. It's known by reputation so ask around when you get there. Oslo is perhaps one of the most dull parts of the country when it comes to natural beauty. While it boasts large national parks within walking distance of the Sogn and Kringsjaa student villages as well as close ski slopes and jumps it is still a city. To see the best sights you need to escape Oslo. Due to the high cost of living buses, trains and domestic flights in Norway can be expensive unless booked early. We found it was better to get a small group together and travel in style with a rented car. This can make the whole trip cheaper if you join hiking clubs which allow you to use the many cabins scattered throughout the Norwegian Countryside for a small up front payment. Or even better bring a tent and camp anywhere for free, it is legal under Norwegian law provided you keep to a few small restrictions. Although it would be a bit to chilly in Winter.
Overall I am extremely happy with my UQ Abroad experience. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is even slightly interested. Just don't let any doubts you might have get the better of you, it is something which is defiantly worth doing.