April – Oslo Metropolitan University – Norway
Semester 1, 2023
Bachelor of Design
My experience on exchange 2023 has been a life changing chapter in my life. I chose to attend OsloMet university for a semester in Oslo, Norway which offered a multitude of experiences and emotions. Beginning my exchange in winter was very different to anything I had experienced, however it allowed me to adventure outside my comfort zone and live through the change in seasons. There were of course the challenges of moving abroad and settling into a foreign environment, particularly preparing to live in a country that is not native to English. The adjustment to winter conditions and the lifestyle of commuting to uni and home in the snow was a shock at first but I continued to remind myself how rewarding these moments were to experience a ‘proper’ winter as opposed to Australian seasons. Despite this, the summer in Oslo was my favourite time of the exchange semester as the city began to shine. Living next to a lake had its perks as we could see the northern lights during winter and swim during summer.
In my experience, I feel that the people I have met on exchange shaped my exchange in Norway. These individuals originating from all parts of the world allowed me to enjoy so many aspects of exchange both in Oslo and outside of Norway. The ability to travel together to other places in Europe and experience other cultures was one of the best parts about being on exchange in Oslo.
I found that at the end of the semester, when many of my friends had returned home, it was noticeable that it was more the people than the place that made my exchange so memorable. I have learnt from my exchange experience to step into the unknown and embrace discomfort in all situations. Moving to a new country so far from Australia was the biggest step I have taken, but I have grown so much as a person because of this chapter in my life. I will always feel privileged and grateful to have had the opportunity to attend exchange in Oslo and both the city and the people will always hold a place in my heart.
Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange website.
