Details

• Norway
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

One of the most important tips for the application process is to stay well organised and to closely monitor all deadlines, as the process involves several steps and documents. During the interview, I would strongly recommend being authentic and staying true to your own values! Even if your views or moral considerations differ from those of the interviewers, it is important to express your perspective honestly and respectfully. In my experience, openness and self-reflection were appreciated more than simply giving “expected” answers. When preparing for a semester in Norway, it is essential to think carefully about practical aspects of daily life. Weather conditions should not be underestimated, especially during the autumn semester, as it can be VERY rainy and dark. Bringing appropriate clothing and waterproof items makes everyday life much more comfortable. Financial preparation is another key aspect. Norway uses a different currency (NOK) and has a relatively high cost of living, so it is important to plan a realistic budget in advance and understand how you will manage your finances during the semester. Finally, future exchange students should be aware of the limited daylight during autumn and winter. Taking vitamin D supplements can be helpful in coping with the lack of sunlight and maintaining overall well-being.

2. Accommodation

BI Norwegian Business School offered several student residence options to incoming exchange students. I selected one of the accommodation options proposed by BI, which made the housing search process straightforward and stress-free. I lived in a Diakonhjemmet student housing. The accommodation is located in a very safe, quiet and pleasant residential area. The surroundings felt secure at all times. Public transport connections are excellent, with a nearby station providing easy access to the city centre. BI can be reached in approximately 20 minutes by public transport.

3. Academic life at host university

The BI Norwegian Business School campus is very modern, bright and pleasant, and it genuinely feels motivating to study there. The learning environment is comfortable and well designed, which makes spending long hours on campus enjoyable rather than exhausting. The academic culture at BI was one of the highlights of my exchange experience. It felt very inclusive and supportive: students are not anonymous, and staff genuinely care about how you are doing. Lecturers and professors are approachable, always open to questions, and willing to take time to discuss academic or practical matters. A particularly positive aspect is the informal atmosphere: students address lecturers by their first names, which makes communication feel natural and open. In comparison to WU Vienna, the assessment structure was different. In most of my courses, the final exam accounted for 100% of the final grade, and there was no mandatory lecture attendance or compulsory homework. However, despite this flexibility, I chose to attend all lectures, as I found them engaging, well structured, and genuinely interesting.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Oslo is excellent and very easy to use. I purchased a monthly student travel pass, which was affordable (approximately 40 EUR per month) and covered all main forms of public transport. The pass can even be used on ferries to nearby islands! Oslo felt extremely safe and clean at all times. Moving around the city, both during the day and in the evening, felt comfortable and secure. There is a wide range of cultural and leisure activities available, including concerts, festivals, museums and exhibitions throughout the semester. BI also offers a large number of student societies covering a broad variety of interests. At the beginning of the semester, a societies fair is organised, where students can meet representatives, ask questions and decide which communities they would like to join. I was actively involved as a photographer for BISO Media, which allowed me to participate in all main events and feel well integrated into local student life. In addition, there are many sports clubs that students can join at the start of the semester. Overall, Norwegians are a very active and sporty population, which creates a strong culture of outdoor activities and sports.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at BI Norwegian Business School was a truly meaningful experience and helped me discover my professional interest in the shipping business. I am actually filling out this report from the board of a ship in Bergen, which feels like a perfect full-circle moment. I met close friends, took part in major events and conferences, and discovered that once you learn how to be happy and productive despite the darkness and the weather, almost nothing can stop you.