Norway
* Universitetet i Bergen, Bergen, Norway (Politics,
Sociology)
The first thing you notice when you arrive in Bergen is just how
stunningly beautiful it is. Nestled between 7 mountains, facing
onto the sea, the city is gifted with some stunning scenery and,
despite its relatively small population (around 250,000), manages
to feel like a big city with a small-town warmth. It is a city with
a rich history, with attractions such as the picturesque Bryggen
and the old fort at its end showcasing this fascinating past.
The University of Bergen, the main tertiary education, is situated
across a number of buildings in the heart of the city and is
Norway's third largest university. With a range of subjects across
all faculties in both English and Norwegian, it provides for a
broad range of study opportunities for international students, and
indeed has a large international student population. This, and the
large number of Norwegian students studying in Bergen, help create
a cosmopolitan and youthful feel to the city. The University has
excellent facilities, situated in a mix of modern and historic
buildings, with a very high standard of education.
For international and local students alike, there is a vast range
of activities available and things to do. Bergen, despite its small
size, has a huge array of places to go out to suit every event. For
relaxed evenings, bars such as the excellent Baran Café, Hector's
and Vamoose offer warm, laid-back places for socialising, while the
legendary Hulen, rock bar Garage and dance clubs like Metro and
Feliz provide ample opportunities for a more raucous night's
entertainment. The city also has a busy music and arts calendar,
hosting several international festivals during the year.
One of the most important things to realise in any discussion of
Norway as a destination is that everything you hear about Norwegian
prices is true; it can be a horrifically expensive place to live
and go out, and paying 8 euro for a beer is not unusual. However,
once this has been taken on board, one quickly becomes used to it,
and for a short-term stay such as an Erasmus semester, it becomes
much easier to justify the expense.
Most international students live in Fantoft, an area located some
15 minutes bus ride from the centre of town. Whilst the
accommodation is not especially cosy, the warmth and sense of
community that can be found with your fellow students quickly makes
up for any drawbacks in location and lack of modernity of the
buildings. Conveniently, Fantoft also has a gym and a supermarket
on site, and is within a short walk of the famous Fantoft Stave
Church (burnt down by black-metal 'superstar' Varg Vikernes and
since lovingly reconstructed) and the Norwegian Royal Family's
summer castle, Gamlehaugen. Transport into town is easily
negotiated by a regular bus service, with some students opting to
chance the weather and ride bikes.
Because of the somewhat segregated nature of most of the
international students' living quarters, it can prove difficult for
international students to meet and make friends with Norwegians,
with many preferring to stay with their Erasmus friends. While
understandable, this can be a great pity, as Norwegians are
generally lovely people, especially once they get to know you or
have had something to drink. However, it should be noted that
recent changes have been made to the housing policy which allow
international students to choose between living at Fantoft or at
one of the other student residences, which are mostly populated by
local students.
Bergen is, in short, a wonderful place. The weather may sometimes
be inclement (it is the rainiest city in Europe), but my memories
of a semester living there are all sun-soaked. It is a city that
suits both the outdoors lover - the hikes around Fløyen and Ulriken
are both exceptional - and the more relaxed. There is always
something happening, something to do, someone to see, and somewhere
to go. And all in a small, welcoming city, set in an absolutely
stunning location.