Details

• Norway
• MAWiPäd-15
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Read the websites of the international office. All important information and dates are available there.

2. Accommodation

The accommodation search was quite easy because all international students have guaranteed housing. You only need to check the Sammen website (the organization responsible for student housing) and apply on time. I stayed at Hatleberg Student Housing. I shared a room (including a bathroom; 14 sqm) with another student and a kitchen with 24 other people. Hatleberg is only a five-minute walk from the university and about 20 minutes by bus from the city center. My tip: Don’t apply for a single room—you most likely won’t get one! Instead, apply for a room at Hatleberg. It is very close to the university, and you will make a lot of amazing friends there.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus infrastructure at NHH is far smaller than that of WU Vienna, which contributes to a more personal and manageable atmosphere. The campus is not located in the city center but can be reached in about 20 minutes by bus, with a bus stop conveniently located directly in front of the university. On campus, there is one main cafeteria and a small café. While food options are limited compared to WU, a supermarket is located very close by, making it easy to eat at home. Many students prefer this option, as the cafeteria can be relatively expensive, although there are some special “all-you-can-eat” offers that are worth checking out. NHH also provides good study facilities. There are several study halls where students can usually find a free place to work, as well as a library with additional study spaces. Furthermore, students can book group rooms equipped with technical facilities such as beamers and smart boards, which are especially useful for group assignments and presentations. A gym is located nearby and is comparatively affordable for students. For approximately 100 euros per semester, students have access to gym equipment, group classes, and a swimming hall with a sauna located in the city center. The academic culture at NHH is very personal and easy-going. Due to the relatively small size of the university, interaction between students and professors is informal, and professors are usually addressed by their first name. In terms of teaching style, courses at NHH often require continuous work throughout the semester. Students are expected to complete online homework assignments, hand in papers, work on group projects, and hold presentations. Many courses are highly interactive, while others follow a more traditional lecture-based format. Most courses conclude with a final exam, which typically lasts around four hours, although exam durations can range from three to eight hours. While this may sound challenging at first, the time pressure is generally lower than at WU Vienna, allowing students enough time to think carefully and structure their answers. When comparing courses at NHH to those at WU Vienna, they are generally easier to pass but more difficult to achieve a very good grade. The grading system follows a normal distribution, meaning that individual grades depend on the overall performance of the cohort rather than a fixed pass mark. This system makes failing less likely but requires strong performance to stand out and obtain top grades.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Bergen is very easy to use, as everything is organized through a single app called Skyss. The network mainly consists of buses and two tram lines, but boats are also included in the ticket price, which makes traveling both convenient and flexible. For students who use public transport frequently, the monthly ticket is the most cost-effective option. Regarding safety, Bergen feels like a very safe city. I never felt unsafe at any time, not even when walking alone at night. In terms of social and leisure activities, there is a wide range of options available. Students can go clubbing in the city, enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, or travel around Norway to explore the country’s nature. Especially hiking is very popular, as Bergen is surrounded by mountains and offers many scenic trails. At the beginning of the semester, there are many social events and parties during the welcome week, which makes it easy to meet new people and make friends. In addition, there are numerous sports opportunities. A gym is located next to the university, and students can also take advantage of nearby hiking routes and swimming pools, making it easy to stay active throughout the semester.

6. Testimonial

My exchange experience was truly special, mainly because of the amazing people I met from so many different cultures. Living on a floor with 24 other students made it very easy to connect, and we spent a lot of time cooking and baking together, which created a real sense of community. We also went on many hikes as a group and explored the incredible Norwegian nature, which was one of the highlights of my stay. Despite its reputation, the weather in Bergenis not as bad as many people think—it definitely does not rain all the time and allowed us to enjoy the outdoors a lot.