Arriving in Norway

Good to know upon arrival at your study destination.

Planning a trip to Nord in 2020?

In autum 2020, international students should also consider the special circumstances associated with Covid-19.

This page provides useful, general information for travellers to Norway and Nord University's study locations.

>> For information about what to consider in relation to Covid-19 see our webpage on "How Coronavirus measures and restrictions can affect you".

​​​​​​​Arrivi​ng in Bodø and getting around

The airport, train station and quay are all located within walking distance of the city centre. The university is located approximately 9 kilometers from the city centre.  Nord University has student accommodation located in the city centre as well as within walking distance of the university. 


The easiest way to get around Bodø is by bus. Buses run every 10-15 minutes between the city and the university on week days.

>>Read more about transport to and around Bodø here.

Arriving in Levanger

Once you have landed at Trondheim airport Vaernes (Værnes), you can take the train to Levanger station. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes. You may also arrive by train or bus from Oslo; then your first destination will be Trondheim S (central station). From Trondheim S you go on to Levanger station by train (approximately 90 minutes) View train times and fares on NSB. Buy tickets from the machine on the platform (cheapest) or on board the train. Remember to bring your student card to get a student discount.

You will receive information about how/where to register your time of arrival from your study advisor/ faculty international coordinator. Student hosts will pick up the key for your residence, collect you upon arrival at Levanger train station and take you to your accommodation.

Housing

Most international students apply for student housing through the student welfare organisation, Studentinord, prior to arrival. Studentinord's furnished accommodation includes bedding and cooking equipment. If you have any questions about your student accommodation, get in touch with Studentinord.​

>> Let Studentinord know when you will be arriving so that they can have your​ apartment key ready.​

Groceries

Normal trading hours for grocery stores in Norway are Monday to Saturday between approx. 8am - 11pm. If you arrive on a Sunday, you will be able to purchase groceries at smaller kiosks or fuel stations.

Bodø
For students in Bodø, Joker in Reinsletta is the closest kiosk to Flatvold student accommodation. Joker at Mørkved is the closest kiosk to the other student houses at Mørkved.

Levanger
For students in Levanger, Coop Prix Levangernesset in Staupslia is the closest grocery store to Byborg student home. Kiwi Moan at Moafjæra is the closest grocery store to Moan student home.

Sim cards

You can purchase a SIM card at "Narvesen" (news agency​). Ask about which packages the different operators offer. Many offer deals on international calls. The amount of available mobile data, and the quality of reception also varies.

Banking and currency

Currency exchange

The Norwegian currency is Norwegian Kroner, NOK, but the main payment method is by using credit or debit card. If you are planning on exchanging currencies we strongly recommend that you do this upon arrival in Norway or at Oslo International Airport. Only some Norwegian banks exchange money and this is not possible to do at every study location.

Preferred payment method​​
The preferred payment method in Norway is credit/debit card. Note that some services do not accept cash as a payment method. This includes the public buses, which accept card, travel card or payment via an app. 


Opening a Norwegian bank account
Non-EU/EEA students are required to transfer subsistence money to a Norwegian bank account as a condition of their residency permit. More information about sufficient financial means here. 

If you wish to open a Norwegian bank account upon your arrival, you will first need to obtain your National Identity Number. More information about national ID numbers is available from the Norwegian tax authority. It may take several weeks to open a Norwegian bank account.

Using a personal credit card
If you choose to use your personal credit card from your home bank, be aware that you will probably be charged fees for transactions and cash withdrawals, as well as be subject to varying exchange rates.

Charge cards
You may purchase a charge card at "7 Eleven" or "Narvesen", which is valid for between 200 - 2000 kroner. You can use these charge cards at shops and for online purchases. These cards cannot be recharged.

Contacting immigration authorities

Both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA residents are required to declare entry into Norway to the immigration authorities within two (2) weeks of arrival. Read more about notifying the immigration authorities of your arrival here. Residents of the Nordic countries are not required to declare entry, but may need to register a move to Norway if staying for longer than six (6) months.

Things to see and do

Once you have settled into your student accommodation, or private housing, you will probably want to explore your new surroundings. 

Whether you are located in Bodø, Steinkjer, Levanger or Namsos, regional Norway has plenty to offer in terms of cultural experiences, spectacular nature, sightseeing and adventure sports. 

​More information about things to see and do is available on each of the study location pages under Student Life.


Published:07. July 2020 kl. 14:06