Details

• Norway
• MASozÖk-10
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Concerning the application I just recommend people who are unsure about it to go to the WU Career Center. They checked my CV and motivational letter and it made me feel a lot better.

2. Accommodation

The accommodation search was very easy since NHH offers guaranteed student housing to all exchange students. There are different student residences throughout the city. The closest to university is Hatleberg (10 min walk), where I also stayed. I had to share my room like most people who just stay for a semester. You can request to share it with someone you know already or they will randomly allocate you. The whole block was newly renovated when we moved in so that was nice. The student residence has a couple of common rooms, a laundry facility and the kitchen was shared among 24 students. Bathroom is inside the room and is only shared with 1 person though. The location of the student residence is great (not only for the beautiful views ;)) but also because it is super close to grocery stores, the gym and the university. I personally loved the proximity to good hiking trails as well. I always felt safe in the area too, but all of Bergen is safe.

3. Academic life at host university

The university campus is modern and small, which makes for a good learning environment. Professors are very approachable and have good expertise. I didn't like the teaching style so much, since it is mostly lectures without interactive parts or group work. Compared to WU I found my classes at NHH easier, but it was harder to meet people in that kind of class setting. After lectures are over the exams start. During the exam season study spaces are very limited. If you want a quiet study spot at uni you have to be there before 7:30 during that period.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is very good for a city the size of Bergen. Buses run regularly and all night through on weekends. There are also two tramlines, with one going to the airport. I have never felt unsafe in Bergen or Norway in general. NHH has a very active student association and they host a lot of events throughout the semester (Oktoberfest, concerts, parties,...). There are also a lot of clubs and social groups at the university. One week at the beginning of the semester has the purpose of clubs recruiting new members. While some groups are very open-minded, a lot of them are quite exclusive and exchange students rarely get in. NHHI Pilates, the climbing group and the Langrenn people are groups my friends enjoyed a lot. I personally loved being part NHH's open running group and it was were I got to know the most locals as well as other people, I now call my friends. I definitely recommend joining a sports group!

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Bergen was even better than I imagined. I felt at home from the very first day, largely thanks to the amazing people I met along the way. I also completely fell in love with Norwegian nature. During the summer and autumn, I spent countless hours hiking and camping in the stunning mountains and fjords. Bergen itself has so much to offer too, making it easy to enjoy a really good study–life balance. And over time, even the typical Scandinavian reserve faded, and I got to experience everyday student life in Norway more closely.