University Life in Norway: My Scandinavian Study Adventure

I spent a long time thinking about where I wanted to go for my Erasmus semester, weighing all the options and dreaming about different places. But in the end, the choice was clear – it had to be Scandinavia or nowhere.

It was clear to me that I wanted to go further north, where there is a lot of untouched nature and beautiful forests, fjords, and lakes – the Scandinavian countries are among the top 10 happiest countries in the world! Living in a country known for its slow, quiet life made me all too curious. And with Norway (Oslo), my destination was decided. From then on, I kept reading up on the culture and the country, and slowly I realized that studying there could be a completely different experience than before – and that’s exactly how it is! Studying in Norway is a completely different feeling, and that’s what I want to write about in today’s entry in my Study Abroad diary.

Close and Informal Relations Between Lecturers and Students

One of the most noticeable aspects of Norwegian university culture is the informal relationship between lecturers and students. In Germany, it is common to address professors by title and surname, but in Norway, you are often encouraged to use first names, regardless of academic status. This approach not only breaks down barriers but also supports an environment where it feels much more natural to ask questions and actively participate in class. I remember one of my first lectures where the professor entered the room, greeted everyone with a friendly “Hei hei!” and began by introducing not only the course but also themselves, and wanted us to do so. Also, when working in groups, the lecturer often gave us five minutes to get to know each other within the group before we then concentrated on working together. Something I haven’t experienced myself but have heard about from local students is that professors in Norway sometimes invite their students over for a dinner at their homes. It seems to be a typical part of the close-knit, informal relationship that characterizes the academic culture here.

Project-based learning 

An important reason for my decision to go to Norway was the country’s reputation as a leader in almost all areas of education and social culture. Just like the other Scandinavian countries, Norway is known for its highly regarded education system. The teaching style here focuses on personalized learning, often in smaller groups, so that students can progress at their own pace in a supportive environment. This approach aims to reduce pressure and support independent learning, which helps students build confidence and develop skills that go beyond passing exams. Another significant difference is the focus on project-based learning. Instead of focusing only on exams and theoretical knowledge, Norwegian universities encourage practical projects, group work, and presentations. This method not only makes learning more dynamic, but also reflects the real working world.

In one of my courses, for example, we had the task of creating a media product, presenting it, and having a small individual oral exam at the end. It wasn’t just about reading theories, but rather applying what we had learned to a practical challenge, working together, and presenting our solutions to the class. This hands-on approach ensures that students are motivated and better prepared.

Work-Life Balance and Student Associations

One of the things I appreciate most about studying in Norway is the balance between academic commitments and personal well-being. Unlike in many other countries where student life can be overwhelmingly stressful, Norway puts great value on a healthy work-life balance. This attitude is reflected in the numerous student associations and clubs that provide opportunities to relax, socialize, and grow outside of the lecture halls and seminar rooms. Whether it’s drinking coffee or brewing beer, discussing literature in a book club or playing sports, there is an association for everyone, and therefore always the opportunity to participate in something that provides a balance to the stressful studies. In my case, joining a student book club was a fantastic way to socialize with full-time students and even some locals and get a taste of real student life here. But I also tried dancing, because at the association fair at the beginning of the semester, you could get trial sessions to try it out.

Conclusion

In my experience, studying in Norway is more than just attending lectures and writing exams – it’s about experiencing a truly student-centered approach to learning. The close relationships with professors, the practical projects, and the focus on balance and well-being create an environment where you feel truly comfortable. Of course, every student’s experience is different, and what may be inspiring for one may be challenging for another. But that’s what makes studying abroad so special – it forces you to step out of your comfort zone and discover a new way of learning and living.

So if you’ve already studied abroad or are planning to do so, what was the most surprising thing about the experience for you, or what do you expect? See you in the next chapter of my „Study Abroad Diary“ and greetings from Oslo! :)