Study abroad in Oslo
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Oslo.
Country
NorwayStudent Budget
NOK 11,000 – 16,000/month
Transport Card
Ruter (Student Monthly Ticket)
Population
710,000 (City) / 1,580,000 (Metro)
Study abroad in Oslo: student life
Study abroad in Oslo for a capital that feels compact, green and unusually close to nature. The student rhythm is not cheap or chaotic; it is organised, outdoorsy and strongest around Blindern, Grunerlokka, Majorstuen and the SiO student villages.
Who loves this city?
Nature lovers, skiers, coffee enthusiasts, and those who prefer a laid-back, highly organized capital.
What makes it special
You can take the metro from the bustling city center directly to a ski slope or a hiking trail in 20 minutes.
Newcomer shocks
- The prices! Alcohol and eating out are incredibly expensive.
- The darkness in November and December can be draining.
- Norwegians can seem reserved at first, but are extremely friendly once you get to know them.
Map
Weather in Oslo & what to pack
Oslo weather shapes the semester more than students expect. Winters are cold and dark but practical if you prepare for snow and short daylight, while spring and summer make the fjord, parks and forest trails feel like part of the campus.
| Month | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January -1° / -6° | ❄️ SnowSnow, cold | Shortest days, 6-7 hours of light |
| February 0° / -5° | ❄️ SnowSnow, cold | Getting brighter, great for skiing |
| March 4° / -2° | 🌤️ MixMix, cold | Spring starts slowly |
| April 10° / 2° | 🌧️ RainRain, cool | Noticeably longer days |
| May 16° / 7° | ☀️ ClearClear, mild | Beautiful spring, very bright |
| June 20° / 11° | 🌧️ Occasional rainOccasional rain, warm | Midnight sun effect, never truly dark |
| July 22° / 13° | 🌤️ WarmWarm, warm | Peak summer, locals leave for cabins |
| August 21° / 12° | 🌤️ WarmWarm, warm | Late summer, semester starts |
| September 16° / 8° | 🌧️ Autumn rainAutumn rain, mild | Crisp autumn air |
| October 10° / 4° | 🌧️ Rain/WindRain/Wind, cool | Darkness creeping in |
| November 4° / 0° | ❄️ Sleet/SnowSleet/Snow, cold | Very dark and grey |
| December 0° / -4° | ❄️ SnowSnow, cold | Cozy but dark, Christmas markets |
Winters can be icy and snowy. Studded shoes are sometimes necessary, and cross-country skis can be taken directly onto the metro.
Cost of living for students in Oslo
Cost of Living Index
94.3 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
The budget is the main pressure point in Oslo, with rent, groceries and bars all sitting high. Student housing, Ruter discounts, SiO services and campus canteens are not small perks here; they are the difference between a stressful month and a workable one.
| Category | Range / mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Student Village) | ||
| Groceries | ||
| Transport |
Going out & dining
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Student housing in Oslo
Housing is the main bottleneck when you study abroad in Oslo. Start with SiO and university-backed routes, then keep Finn/Hybel private backups ready; the safest plan is a verified contract, realistic commute and deposit account before you arrive.
Blindern / Ulleval / Majorstuen
Medium-HighUiO access, metro/tram links and a classic student routine.
Kringsja / Sogn
MediumSiO student villages, lower-cost rooms and social exchange life.
Pilestredet / St. Hanshaugen
HighOsloMet students who want central daily life.
Grunerlokka / Toyen
HighCafes, nightlife and city energy with metro/tram backup.
Official contacts
SiO Housing
Official student housing provider for Oslo; applications can be submitted year-round and offers are sent continuously.
University of Oslo housing guidance
UiO route for exchange/international students using SiO and arrival guidance.
OsloMet housing information
Useful for OsloMet students planning SiO/private backups near Pilestredet.
Student residences
Kringsja Student Village
Large SiO student village with social exchange rhythm and forest/lake access.
Sogn Student Village
SiO option popular with UiO students; good first search route if eligible.
Nordberg Student Village
Newer SiO village between city and forest; check availability by intake.
Private platforms
Student groups
ESN Oslo / international student community
Use for peer tips and area reality checks; do not treat peer posts as verified listings.
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission / exchange confirmation
Proof of student status for SiO or university housing
Deposit budget and first rent
Residence registration / police appointment documents if required
Timing
Apply for SiO as soon as your host route opens; SiO accepts applications year-round and sends offers continuously.
Keep Finn/Hybel backups ready before arrival, especially for August and January intakes.
For private rooms, confirm move-in date, deposit account and whether registration at the address is possible.
Deposit & contract notes
For private rentals, ask for a standard Norwegian deposit account, not a direct transfer to a private account.
Never sign a vague sublet without written permission and a clear end date.
Red flags
Landlord asks for cash, crypto or international transfer before contract/address verification.
Room is far below normal Oslo prices but cannot be viewed by video or in person.
No registration possible at the address, or the person advertising cannot prove they can sublet.
Is Oslo safe for students?
Safety Index
65.7 / 100
Generally safe
Crime Index
34.3 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Oslo is very safe for a capital, and the city centre usually feels calm even at night. Student risks are more practical than dramatic: winter ice, high prices, bike theft and the occasional pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas.
Exceptionally safe. The city center is calm even at night. Pickpocketing in very touristy areas is the only common issue.
Things to do in Oslo as a student
The city is not loud every night, but the student calendar has enough structure: buddy week, student society events, concerts, museum nights and seasonal outdoor plans. Summer and early autumn are especially good for exploring before winter routines settle in.
See The Scream and other iconic works in the new waterfront museum.
Take the metro directly to the slopes at Oslo Vinterpark.
Rent a sauna with friends and jump into the icy water.
Endless trails starting right from the edge of the city.
Free outdoor ice rink right on Karl Johan street.
Explore the medieval castle guarding the harbor.
The world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist.
Use your regular Ruter transport ticket to take ferries between the islands.
A must-do architectural experience.
Explore secondhand shops, independent boutiques, and cafes.
Student discounts & perks in Oslo
Student perks in Oslo are practical savings, not just nice extras. Transport discounts, SiO food and fitness services, and a few museum or culture offers help soften a city where everyday costs can otherwise run ahead of your plan.
Museums & Culture
Student culture offers
Check museum and venue student prices before paying full fare; discounts vary by institution and exhibition.
VisitFood Savings
Ruter offers a student ticket for eligible students, which is usually the core monthly saving in Oslo. Fares & passes
Universities in Oslo for exchange students
The University of Oslo anchors the research-university exchange experience around Blindern and SiO services, while OsloMet adds a more applied, central-city option around Pilestredet. Study abroad in Oslo now has both routes in the cluster: UiO for broad research depth, and OsloMet for health, education, social sciences and professional programmes.
Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet)
Norway's largest applied-sciences university, based in central Oslo on Pilestredet, with 160+ English-taught courses across health, education, social sciences and technology.
University of Oslo
Norway's oldest university, offering an excellent academic environment and a vibrant campus life at Blindern.
Student social life in Oslo
Social life in Oslo often starts through organised settings rather than spontaneous street energy. ESN, UiO buddy groups, sports clubs, SiO Athletica and student societies are the fastest way to turn a reserved city into a familiar one.
Student Associations
Meeting Places 3
Public Groups 2
New in Oslo
UiO Exchange Students
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Student community