Tuberculosis examination is mandatory for some groups of international students. This includes, among others, persons from countries where tuberculosis is common who will be spending more than three months in Norway. The examination consists of a chest x-ray, and possibly a blood sample for persons over 15 years of age.

Students from the following regions and countries are exempt from taking the test: Western Europe, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

for an updated list of countries, please visit fhi.no

For students at Campus Oslo:

Contact the diagnosis station at Ullevål hospital, to a book an appointment for screening.

Telephone: 22 11 99 30 (open 9-15 on weekdays)
Address: Kirkeveien 166, 0407 Oslo (building 19 b)

For students at Campus Stavanger:

Book your appointment by telephone: 51 91 33 39 or email: smittevernkontoret@​stavanger.kommune.no

It is open Monday - Friday 08.00-15.00.

Many foreign students will find Norway an expensive place to live. Apart from the monthly housing rent, students at VID need to provide for their own subsistence. Depending on personal needs and spending patterns this will vary, but as a rough guideline, we suggest a modest budget of about NOK 7000–8000 per month on top of the housing expense.

Students should also be aware that the Norwegian climate, particularly the winters, may require additional one-time (with normal wear) purchases such as warm and waterproof footwear and outer clothing. Participation in outdoor winter activities are often considered a part of staying in Norway and may bring additional expenses, even though second-hand equipment is often available.

Sample prices

• One bread (750 kilograms): NOK 30–49
• Beer (4–5 dl) bought in a pub or a restaurant: NOK 60–110
• Ticket for a cinema: NOK 120–150
• Bottle of water from a grocery (5 dl): NOK 20–25

To get an idea of what to expect regarding living expenses in Norway, you can compare prices in your home country with the prices in Norway at the website Expatistan.

You can also look up the guide VisitNorway for more about prices and cost of living in Norway.

It is strongly recommended that students buy their own health insurance. As with all trips abroad, you should have a general travel and accident insurance for the duration of your stay in Norway.

Students from EU/EEA

All students from EU/EEA countries must possess a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medical care under the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.

Students who are staying in Norway between three and twelve months may apply for voluntary membership in the Norwegian National Insurance scheme. You can read more about the benefits and how you apply on this webpage.

Students who are planning to study in Norway for more than one year and who have a valid residence permit will be covered by the Norwegian National Insurance scheme. This means that long-term students may use the public health services under the same terms that Norwegian citizens do.

The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service (NAV) provides more information. Long-term students eligible for services from the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme may choose a general practitioner (physician/doctor) after obtaining a Norwegian social security ID (personnummer). You will find more information on NAV's website.

Dental health is not covered by the National Insurance scheme. Foreign students are therefore advised to purchase insurance that covers dental care before they arrive in Norway. The National Insurance does not cover any illness that is incurred before your arrival in Norway. Foreign students are strongly advised to insure valuables (camera, clothing, stereo, PCs, et cetera) against theft. If you do not have this kind of insurance before you arrive, you can purchase it in Norway.

All students are covered by VID's insurance scheme while in Norway. VID has a collective accident insurance, which also covers students on work placements in Norway when the placement is an integrated part of the study program. VID does not provide value-added insurance for students' property. Students are responsible for their own valuables on campus and during internships/placements.

International students are normally self-funding. A few students will receive financial support through certain scholarship programmes. Students from VID's international partner institutions may receive support from their home institutions through bilateral agreements associated with the Erasmus/Nordplus programmes.

You will find general student affairs information and links on the website For students.

You can get information about VID's general student services from the student affairs office or the Student service. The student affairs office will help you with various confirmations and documentation related to your status as a student at VID.

Studentweb is the college's digital communication and information platform for our students, where you will receive a wealth of information pertaining to your personal student status at the college, including grades on courses, invoices for tuition and semester fees, registration procedures, et cetera.

Canvas is the college's digital platform for pedagogic and academic content. Each student has a personal profile and access to Canvas and must use this tool actively in his or her studies. For questions you may contact the faculty administration

You can get your Transcript of Records from the student affairs office or the student service desk.

VID has well-equipped libraries and computer rooms in all campuses.

Digital facilities

All classrooms are equipped with digital blackboards and can be used for distance learning. VID makes use of the digital learning platform Canvas for all study programs. Students are required to use the digital learning platform for various coursework and assignments.

Library

The libraries have quiet zones with personal study facilities. All new students are offered courses in the use of Canvas and digital library services. Individual tutoring on how to use the digital and library services is also available. The library does not supply students with a full set of text books for their classes, but offers complimentary literature. All students with a valid student ID card may use the library facilities. The library does not sell literature.

Literature

Students normally purchase their own literature at their own expense. Minor handouts/copies are included in the tuition fee.

The college admits students with various physical disabilities, and wheel chair users have access to all necessary facilities.

Work is constantly underway to optimise the conditions for accessibility according to universal design principles. Inquire at the college for more information if you have questions regarding accessibility and specific needs.

If you plan for a period of study at VID and have special physical disabilities, please notify the International Office in advance of your stay.

Being an international student can be great! Making friends, going out, being free. At the same time, you should not forget that you are abroad to study. It is important that you are aware of the following:

Freedom and responsibility

Norwegian students enjoy great independence. Attendance in class is not always compulsory, but students do have to hand in their assessments/essays on time.

In addition to classes, seminars, and group work, students study at campus or at home and prepare independently for exams. They make use of learning resources such as the library, Canvas, et cetera. VID encourages students to start early and study regularly throughout the semester in order to be well prepared for exams.

Informality

VID believes in an informal study environment. Small seminars and working groups are essential parts of the study programs. Additionally, in Norway, people generally call each other by their first name. You should not be surprised to share lunch with a professor or a member of the staff. Norwegians are informal, easy going, transactional, and direct.

At VID, we emphasize mutual respect between students and staff. Ways of showing respect for each other include not disrupting the professors when they are lecturing, listening to fellow students when they talk, and always switching off mobile phones during lectures and in study rooms.

Active Participation

VID promotes and protects academic freedom, debate based on explanations and understanding, and academic values such as critical thinking, openness, and reflection. Students are encouraged to participate actively in scholarly and social debates. As a student, you should be well-organized and prepared for your lectures/tutorials.

Read all the necessary materials in advance in order to be able to participate in discussions with your teacher. Get involved and ask questions. Do not feel intimidated. Approach your advisors or teachers to discuss your concerns. They are there to help you.

The official Norwegian website Study in Norway has general information about education in Norway. It also offers information about aspects of Norwegian culture, which is relevant for international students in Norway.

Read more about residence permits and social security ID

Cellphones

Most Scandinavian phone retailers and companies have good deals if you need to use the phone in other countries in Scandinavia. Check with you own phone company and see what they can offer. The difference between Norwegian costs and your own will probably not be that big.

If you come from a country outside Scandinavia, the best thing will be to use your own phone, but get a Norwegian chip/card that allows you to add money to the card whenever you need. These cards can be bought in stores like Deli de Luca, 7eleven, Narvesen, et cetera that are open at most hours of the day.

Be aware that some cell phones (for example American) will not work in Norway.

Postal services

Should you need to use the postal service, you can simply go to certain supermarkets and you will find a separate counter where you can both receive and send mail and parcels. Stamps for normal postcards can also be bought at small stores and tourist shops.

Useful telephone numbers

• National Police: 112
• National Fire department: 110
• National Emergency: 113

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Norway sell prescription and non-prescription drugs, cosmetics, and products for children. They are available throughout the city, but have some restricted opening hours. Are you in need of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, it can be bought at big and small supermarkets.