Isobel – BI Norwegian Business School
Semester 1, 2024
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business
Winter
When I got off the plane in Oslo at the beginning of my six-months exchange it was -25 degrees. This was a significant difference to the 35 degrees in Australia that I had left. I had to drag my suitcase through the snow to my accommodation, which had me simultaneously sweating and freezing, and then carry it up four flights of stairs (my apartment did not have a lift). At this stage it was 3pm and the sun had already set, one of the joys of a Norwegian winter. Despite the rough start, I couldn’t stop smiling—Norway is truly magical in winter!
While I have lost track of the number of times I slipped on a patch of ice while walking, or forgot my gloves when leaving the house, I still heavily romanticise my first winter months of Oslo. I made a snowman for the first time, ice skated on the lake near my accommodation, had cozy days inside with my roommates and Norwegian hot chocolates. I also tried tobogganing and skiing for the first time with only minor injuries, and then recovered with the Norwegian tradition of a floating sauna and a dip in the frozen fjord. The Norwegian word “koselig” perfectly encapsulates the country’s approach to the cold and dark winter days. “Koselig” is all about creating warmth and comfort by making your home inviting, spending time with friends, and connecting with nature.
Spring
The Spring arrived late in Oslo, with snow lingering until April. During these months, I settled into my university routine and travelled on weekends with friends I made during the exchange. Copenhagen and Stockholm were just a bus or train ride away, making for perfect weekend getaways.
University life at BI Norwegian Business School was similar to what I was used to at QUT, though I found there was much less face-to-face interaction. Each of my four classes had only a two-hour lecture per week, and many courses were graded solely by a final exam, meaning fewer assignments throughout the semester. I also took advantage of a free introductory Norwegian language course offered by the university and attended six hours of lessons a week. While it was nice to pick up the basics of Norwegian, essentially everyone in Oslo spoke perfect English, so the language barrier did not present a challenge while living there.
May 17th, Norway’s National Day, was an unforgettable lesson in Norwegian culture. Everyone dresses up, enjoys a big breakfast with friends and family, and then heads to the city centre to watch the parade. We even managed to catch a glimpse of the Norwegian Royal Family at the palace, where the King addressed the crowd after the parade. Spring also brought the Northern Lights to Oslo, and I was lucky enough to witness them from my balcony!
Summer
Summer in Norway feels surprisingly warm, even though the temperature is similar to a Brisbane winter. The moment the sun emerged, and temperatures climbed above 15°C, the entire city went out to the city parks for picnics or to the fjords and lakes for a swim.
One of the reasons I chose Oslo for my exchange was the student accommodation guarantee offered by the university. I stayed in Krinsjå, the largest student village in Oslo, which had its own grocery store, gym, and was close to the metro line. Situated on the outskirts of Oslo, Krinsjå backs onto the northern forest, providing the perfect balance of city and nature. Although it was a bit further from my university, I could still reach the city centre and university in around 20 minutes by public transport. The best part of living in Krinsjå was being only a 10-minute walk from Sognsvann Lake and the surrounding forest trails.
With classes ending in late April and exams running from May to mid-June, I had plenty of free time in my final month. I hiked many of the trails around Oslo and enjoyed almost daily swims in the lake. With the sun setting as late as 11 p.m. or even midnight during summer, there were endless opportunities for late-night barbecues and swims. If I was studying for an exam, my friends and I would often meet up in a café to enjoy a “Kanelbolle” (cinnamon bun) or a traditional Norwegian waffle with jam and “brunost” (brown cheese).
Saying goodbye at the end of June was an emotional experience. I had to part ways with friends from all over the world and leave behind a country where I had built a life. I would recommend an exchange to anyone who loves to travel and wants to experience a different way of life. My time in Oslo was unforgettable, and I would return in a heartbeat. So thank you, and goodbye, Oslo—I will be back!
Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange website.
