Between the Oslofjord and the forests lies Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, with its vibrant social scene and special combination of nature experiences and city life.

Read more about Oslo at Visit Norway

How to apply for accommodation on campus

VID Oslo, through the Diakonhjemmet Housing Department, offers single rooms (not possible for a family/couple), for international exchange students and master's degree students under the age of 35, all located on the university college's campus in Oslo. It is not permitted to share rooms. Foreign students should be aware that student housing in Oslo, especially in August, is in high demand and pricey.

Students apply for housing on campus by using Diakonhjemmet's online service.

International students with admission to VID Oslo and with study-start in August, should apply for housing within May 1.
International students with study-start in January, should apply for housing within October 1.

The housing offer is the service of Diakonhjemmet housing agency, not the university. Please consult with the housing agency regarding prices and availability.

Facilities

Single room occupants share a kitchen and a bathroom with nine to eleven other students, and have access to a common laundry room with a dryer drum. Students are responsible for their own housekeeping and cleaning, and they will prepare their own food in a shared kitchen.

There is a basement storage room for each room. The rooms are located in park-like surroundings only a two-minute walk from the university college and about a twelve- to fifteen-minute walk from Majorstuen, which is one of Oslo's public transportation hubs.

Rent

There is a deposit on the room, refundable on departure if you have met all requirements in the room regulations, and subject to deduction if you haven't. You must pay your first month's rent at the time of signing the housing agreement, which you must do within one or two weeks after you receive the housing offer. Rooms are let on a monthly basis starting from the 1st of each month. You must pay housing rent for the whole month, even if you arrive late in the first month or leave early in the last month.

How to apply for accommodation outside of campus

SiO

SiO is the welfare organisation for students at 28 educational institutions in Oslo. SiO has more than 8000 housing units for students in Oslo. We have housing for singles, couples or families. SiO also offers accommodation to exchange students coming to VID for one semester. International program students should instead apply for housing on campus.

Read more and apply for housing at www.sio.no/en/housing.

Note that SiO also restricts the student housing for students under the age of 35.

Read more at Healthcare

In collaboration with the University of Oslo, VID Oslo has a very good offer with regard to training and athletic activities. You will find more information about the offer at Sport's facilities.

Three different places in Oslo offer students a training studio, an indoor swimming pool, and various group training programmes at a subsidised price. Activities include soccer, handball, and more.

VID Oslo has a small Music room, which, among other things, includes a full set of drums and a Public Address-system. There are also many instruments at the school (for example a piano, grand piano, and pipe organ).

Every semester there is a big party for students and staff at the school. Efforts are made to provide good entertainment from both visiting artists and in-house entertainers (a student revue and a student band). Students and faculty collaborate on the party, which helps promote fellowship and a pleasant social environment at the school.

In general, recreational activities and entertainment are expensive in Norway. In addition to discounts on public transportation, the student ID card in some cases entitles students to discounts on opera tickets, museum tickets, et cetera.

Opening hours

When living in Norway, you might notice that our opening hours differ from what you are used to in other countries. This is due to governmental restrictions.

Supermarkets

• Monday-Friday: 07.00–23.00
• Saturday: 08.00–21.00
• Sunday: Closed, only special Sunday stores are open (Kiwi)

Malls

• Monday-Friday: 09.00–21.00
• Saturday: 09.00–18.00
• Sunday: Closed
• Outdoor cafes and restaurants will be open on Sundays

Students organize several interest groups, such as the student run social hub, Sosialen, in a dedicated room, functioning as a lounge/cafeteria.