My Year Abroad in Bergen, Norway

Hi everyone!

My name is Kai and I’m a 3rd year student studying English Literature and History. I’ve just returned from a year abroad at the University of Bergen in Norway, and I wanted to share a bit about my experience. While there were challenges before and during my time abroad (hello, Bergen rain!), it was one of the most rewarding years of my life, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Let’s start with the basics. I knew Norway would be rainy (Bergen is known as the rainiest city in Europe), but no weather app could have prepared me for how constant it really is. Still, strangely enough, I ended up loving it. It became part of daily life, and over time, I stopped checking the forecast and just started carrying my raincoat everywhere.

Regarding settling in, I was lucky with my accommodation situation, but I know some students had trouble finding places, especially affordable options. I’d recommend sorting this out early if you plan a year abroad in Bergen, as student housing can fill quickly. Things ran smoothly academically, but the real learning happened outside the classroom. Bergen is quietly multicultural. It’s not immediately obvious, but once you’re there, you notice how diverse the city is, from international students at the university to the different languages spoken on public transport or in the local shops. It was my first time feeling like a “foreigner” in such a clear way, which made me reflect on my identity.

Being British abroad made me hyper-aware of the little things—my accent, my sense of humour, even the way I apologised too much (classic). But it also helped me appreciate British culture in ways I hadn’t before. I found myself talking about the NHS, missing BBC radio, and even craving things like Tesco meal deals and Marmite (which most people I met found baffling).

One of the biggest challenges was the language. Norwegian is beautiful, but hard. People appreciated it when I made the effort, even if it was just short phrases in shops or on the tram. And surprisingly, learning the language wasn’t just about communication; it made me feel more connected to the place. It was a small way of saying, “I belong here too.”

Socially, it took a bit of adjusting. Norwegians tend to be more reserved, and small talk isn’t a thing. At first, the quietness felt awkward, but I came to appreciate it after a while. When they happened, conversations felt meaningful, and there was something comforting about the calm. I also met other international students and made some great friends from all over the world, which was one of the highlights of my year.

Bergen itself is stunning. The colourful wooden houses, the mountains surrounding the city, and the boats in the harbour all look like postcards. I spent a lot of weekends hiking, exploring nearby islands, and getting cosy in cafés with hot drinks (and yes, candles, lots of candles). I also went on a few cabin trips, which are a big part of Norwegian culture, and those were some of my favourite moments: no Wi-Fi, just board games, snowy walks, and that amazing Norwegian air.

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad, especially in a place like Bergen, it would be to go in with an open mind. Things won’t always go to plan. You might get homesick. You’ll probably get drenched more than once. But you’ll also grow in ways you didn’t expect. You’ll learn about others, and more importantly, about yourself.

So yes, it rained—a lot. But I came home with more than just soggy shoes. I came home with new friends, new perspectives, and a genuine love for a place that now feels like a second home.

I recommend Bergen for a study abroad. Absolutely. Just don’t forget your waterproofs.