Details

• Norway
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

I would prepare particularly thoroughly for the interview. It can be very helpful to speak with fellow students who have already had their interview and can share their experiences. Once you have been accepted by the partner university, you should check your emails regularly in order to respond promptly to any requirements and avoid missing deadlines. Planning your courses is also very important. In this regard, it is useful to consult the Excel recognition list published on the WU homepage. There you can see which courses have been credited in the past for specific subjects.

2. Accommodation

NHH sends out a great deal of information on this topic. The student housing provider recommended by NHH—and the one most students choose—is Sammen. Through Sammen, you can apply for different student residences and, in most cases, you are allocated to the one you applied for. Many exchange students, including myself, lived in Hatleberg. I can definitely recommend it, as there is a newly built block exclusively for exchange students. The view from the rooms overlooks the fjord directly, and it is only a five-minute walk to NHH. The city center can be reached in approximately 15 minutes by bus. One important point to note is that if you go in the winter semester, demand is so high that in Hatleberg you will always have a roommate. Single rooms are converted into shared double rooms with bunk beds, and you also share the bathroom with only your roommate. If you already know someone you would like to share a room with, you can indicate their name on your application and it will be taken into consideration. Although the room is relatively small, it is very nice and functional. The kitchen is shared with the entire floor, which usually consists of around 20–24 people. However, this makes it very easy to meet people and make friends quickly. In addition, there are two common areas available for students.

3. Academic life at host university

The teaching style is quite different from that at WU. The interaction with professors is much more on equal footing and generally more informal. Continuous assessments (LVPs) are less common. Instead, in most bachelor-level courses, there is typically a term paper worth around 30–40% of the final grade, followed by a final exam at the end of the semester. Group assignments are included in almost every course. However, attendance is usually not mandatory. The university itself is much smaller than WU, with around 3,000 students, but it is very modern and aesthetically pleasing. Many of your classes will be attended by other exchange students, as relatively few Norwegian students enroll in the English-taught courses. If you are unable to find enough suitable bachelor-level courses, you can also select courses from the master’s program. They are credited in the same way and are generally not significantly more difficult. If you are interested in marketing, I can definitely recommend Consumer Behaviour (Master level).

5. Every day life in the host country

Public Transport: Public transportation in Bergen is relatively efficient and reliable. I would recommend purchasing a monthly ticket via the Skyss Billett app for Zone A. With this ticket, you can use both buses and the light rail (Bybanen), including connections to the airport. Safety Situation: Norway is a very safe country. At no point did I feel uncomfortable, not even when traveling home alone late at night after going out. Social and Leisure Activities: At the beginning of the semester, NHH organizes several social events, which I would strongly recommend attending. They provide an excellent opportunity to meet new people quickly. In addition, there is the “Basement” located underneath the university, where parties are held regularly. I would also highly recommend going hiking in the nature surrounding Bergen. The area offers outstanding scenery and numerous trails. In the city center, there are also several clubs and bars where it gets quite lively on weekends. Sports Activities: Besides hiking, you can purchase a gym membership through Sammen at a relatively low cost. This membership allows access to all Sammen gyms, including one located directly at NHH. It also grants access to the public swimming pool in the city.

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Bergen was an unforgettable experience that combined academic growth with incredible natural surroundings. Studying at NHH gave me a new perspective on teaching and learning, with a more interactive and informal atmosphere. What made the experience truly special were the friendships with other exchange students and the breathtaking hikes through Norway’s fjords and mountains. It was the perfect mix of personal growth, international community, and adventure.