Hello everyone, my name is Ruben Oosterwijk, and I am a third-year MSci Marine Biology student at the University of Southampton. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the semester abroad program, which took me to the University of Bergen for five months. From early August to late December, this experience marked an exciting new chapter in my university journey.
Through this reflection, I hope to share my experiences and provide insight for students considering a semester abroad.
Arrival
As my flight approached Bergen, I caught sight of coastal sea cages, likely filled with salmonâmy first introduction to Norwayâs renowned salmon aquaculture industry, a topic I would explore further in my studies.
After landing, I took the tram straight to my accommodationâFantoft Student Village, one of several student housing options in Bergen. Securing a room was straightforward, with guaranteed accommodation for those who applied in time. Checking in was seamless; I collected my keys at reception without hassle.
Fantoft is about a 20-minute tram ride from the city center, surrounded by a hilly, forested suburban landscape, offering a quieter environment than central Bergen. The student village boasts excellent facilities, including a rock climbing wall, gymnasium, and a well-equipped gym, all housed within the reception building. Additionally, a common room building featured a lounge area and a game room where I spent many hours playing pool and table tennis with fellow students.
I was assigned a shared room with a bunk bed and a small kitchen area, rather than the communal kitchen setup typical of university accommodation in Southampton. Having a roommate for the first time was something I had been apprehensive about, but I was fortunateâmy roommate from New Zealand and I got along well, sharing many experiences outside our accommodation.
Fantoft had a diverse student population, with a roughly even split between Norwegian and exchange students. This was reassuring, as many others were in the same position as me, making it easier to connect and form friendships.
Academics
Transitioning into academics was smooth, thanks to a buddy group system that facilitated social interaction and orientation through games and activities. This helped me get to know both the campus and my peers, many of whom also lived in Fantoft.
The online module selection system was intuitive, allowing me to choose my courses before arriving in Norway. To meet the 30-credit semester requirement, I selected three 10-credit modules, including an introduction to aquaculture. This course focused on cold-water species and offered valuable insights into Norwayâs significant fisheries industry, which directly related to my field of study.
All my lectures were conducted in English due to the presence of exchange students, even though most of my classmates were Norwegian. I quickly discovered that nearly all Norwegians speak English fluently, making communication effortless. Getting to class was easyâthe tram running through Fantoft took only 15 minutes to reach my university campus, with trams arriving every 20 minutes, making public transport in Bergen highly reliable.
Extracurricular Activities
Beyond academics, I immersed myself in various extracurricular activities. One of my first priorities was joining the gym, conveniently located next to my housing block. The gym offered a well-priced five-month membership for exchange students, making it an excellent way to stay active.
I also took advantage of university-organized activities. One memorable experience was trying fjord fishing for the first time, which turned out to be a unique and enjoyable adventure.
Additionally, I played badminton regularly. The badminton hall, located in the same building as the gym, hosted weekly sessions that I attended with friends from Fantoft. We even participated in a tournamentâalthough we didnât win a single game, it was a funny and humbling experience that became a fond memory.
The games room at Fantoft also became a social hub, where I spent time playing pool and table tennis, unwinding between studies.
One of the most striking aspects of life in Bergen was its strong outdoor culture. Within my first two weeks, I had walked more than I ever had in the UK. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen offers stunning hiking opportunities. Exploring the local trails was a fantastic way to step out of my comfort zone and appreciate Norwayâs breathtaking natural beauty.
Tips/ Advice:
Weather & Clothing
- Rain is your best friend (or worst enemy). It rains a lotâbring waterproof everything (jackets, shoes, backpacks).
- Layer up. The weather can change quickly, so wear layers, especially in winter.
- Embrace the darkness. Winters are dark, so a good vitamin D supplement or a daylight lamp can help.
Getting Around
- Public transport is solid. Skyss (the local bus/tram system) is reliable but expensiveâget a monthly pass if you use it often.
- Once within the city center most places are within walking distance.
Cost of Living & Shopping
- Sunday closures. Most stores are closed on Sundays, except for small convenience stores (Bunnpris, some Kiwis).
- Buy alcohol early. Vinmonopolet (the only place to buy strong alcohol) closes earlyâ6 PM on weekdays, 3 PM on Saturdays. No alcohol sales on Sundays.
- Groceries are expensive, plan wisely. Rema 1000, Kiwi, and Extra are cheaper supermarkets. Avoid convenience stores like Narvesen and Joker.
Cultural Awareness
- Norwegians are friendly but reserved. They wonât start conversations with strangers but will warm up over time.
- Outdoor life is huge. Embrace hiking (Fløyen, Ulriken, and Løvstakken are great spots).
- Norwegian is quite a difficult language for non-natives, luckily everyone speaks English
Final thoughts
Spending a semester in Bergen was an unforgettable experience, blending academic enrichment, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventure. For anyone considering a semester abroad, I highly recommend itâespecially if you love nature, new experiences, and meeting people from all over the world.