Practical help with your residence

You can find the Lost and Found Center in the yellow brick building at Sognsveien 85 in Sogn Student Village.

The entrance is at the end of the building, uphill. Next to the garage door, you will find the doorbell for the Lost and Found Center (Hittegods).

Ring the bell during opening hours, and we will assist you!

Opening hours:

Tuesday and Thursday between 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM and between 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM. On holidays, it will be closed.

The cause of humidity could be many. Cooking, showering, wet clothes, cleaning, green plants and a crowded room can all cause humidity.

Warm air is more humid than cold air. When warm and cold air meet the warm air becomes humid when it becomes cooler. Imagine a cold beer on a hot summer day. The glass turns wet from the dew. The same process will take place on cold walls against warm rooms. If the air circulates against the wall, you will reduce the risk of condensation.

There are two principles of ventilation used in homes:

• Exhaust ventilation, where fresh air is drawn in through gaps or vents in windows or behind radiators. The air then circulates through the home and is exhausted through shared exhaust ducts connected to bathroom and kitchen fans.

• Balanced ventilation, where fresh air enters through a network of ducts in the walls. Outdoor air is filtered for pollen and particulate matter before being heated and distributed into the homes. Fresh air typically enters through vents in the living room/bedroom, and contaminated air is drawn out through bathroom and kitchen fans. This principle is more common in newer homes.

• Ensure that the air split in the window frame and other vents are open.

• Check if the canal for the kitchen ventilator is open and clean. Hold a sheet under the ventilator to see if there is draught in the canal. If the draught is sufficient, you can see that the sheet will be drawn against the ventilator.

• Set the window and doors wide open for 5-10 minutes. This is an efficient and energy saving way of airing.

Unfortunately, it's challenging to address dry air. The ventilation systems cannot add moisture to the air, and there is also a desire to limit moisture in homes. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health generally advises against the use of humidifiers because they can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi in these devices.

Remember! Dust and high indoor temperatures can exacerbate any discomfort associated with dry indoor air.

• Unplug the router's power, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

• If this doesn't help, try connecting your PC directly to the wall outlet with a cable. You can also try the other wall outlet if you have two.

• You can also try restarting your PC if it doesn't connect to the internet immediately.

If you have an old router, it can affect your network connection. Therefore, try to have your PC connected directly to the wall outlet with a cable when you call Telia for assistance.

If the router is causing network problems, you may need to get a different router that can handle the speed Telia provides.

Some routers require you to install updates manually. You can find instructions on the manufacturer’s website or in the user manual. An outdated router may cause internet connection issues.

In some SiO residences, there are multiple identical wall sockets, but only one of them is connected to Telia. Double-check that you are connected to the correct wall socket.

Note. You do not need a router to connect to the internet; all you need is an Ethernet cable between the wall socket and your computer.

If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, you need to contact Telia directly.

You can find their contact information here.

If you contact Telia, you need to let them know that you live in a SiO residence, and provide your room number.

You can find your room number on the door to your room or on My Page.

The stove guard automatically cuts off the power if the cooktop becomes too hot.

See this video to get to know the stove guard.

Often, you can find the stove guard near the stove or in the range hood. When you're cooking, the stove guard may start beeping; in that case, simply press the button to indicate your presence.

If you don't press the button while it's beeping, it will cut off the power. In that case, just press the button, and voila, the power is back!

Our kitchens are not equipped with an exhaust fan, but a kitchen hood. When you turn on the hood, it opens a vent that allows air to be sucked out. Therefore, you won't hear any noise when you turn the knob. If you find the extraction to be poor, it is recommended to remove the filter and clean it. The filter should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Follow these simple steps or watch this video:

• Remove the filter from the fan.

• Fill the sink with warm water and dish soap.

• Let the filter soak in the sink for a few minutes.

• Rinse it with clean water, dry it, and put it back in place.

In most cases, the fire alarm is triggered due to cooking in the kitchen.

Stay in the kitchen until the food is ready

Do not leave the stove unattended when cooking. When you turn on the stove, you are responsible until the food is finished and the stove is turned off. If you forget about the food, the fire alarm may go off.

Use the exhaust fan or ventilate well

Use the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. If you are using appliances like waffle irons, toasters, rice cookers, etc., it's a good idea to place them under the exhaust fan. If you don't have an exhaust fan in your residence, you can ventilate through the window.

Keep the stovetop and oven clean

Burnt food residues can trigger the fire alarm. Therefore, wipe down the stovetop and oven after cooking. It also makes it more pleasant for the next person using the kitchen.

Do not dismantle the ceiling smoke detector

If the smoke detector is dismantled, it can cause malfunctions that render the system ineffective and put other residents at risk. We will be notified of system malfunctions and bill the responsible party for the reinstallation of the detector.

Our student housing has automatic fire alarms

All our student housing has fire alarm systems that automatically alert the entire building and notify the local fire department directly

When buying a new light bulb, you can take the old one to the store to ensure you purchase the correct type. You can dispose of the old light bulb at the store's recycling point, which is often located near the bottle return machine. You can also take a photo of the light bulb instead of bringing it to the store.

In our buildings, we have many different lamps. Therefore, there are various ways to change the light bulb, depending on the lamp. You can follow these basic steps to replace a light bulb yourself, but be aware of individual differences:

• Make sure the light switch is turned off to disconnect the power from the light bulb.

• Loosen the shade or cover on the lamp if it has one.

• Unscrew the old light bulb and screw in the new one.

• Secure the shade or cover back in place and turn on the light switch.

When you need to replace a fluorescent tube, you must first check whether it has starters or not. If the fluorescent tube has starters, these also need to be replaced for the tube to work. Bring the fluorescent tube and, if applicable, the starters with you to the store or take a picture to ensure that you purchase the correct type.

Follow these steps:

First, remember to switch off the light for the fixture and disconnect it from the power source, if possible.

Remove the old fluorescent tube:

• If you have a fixture with a cover, you can remove it by squeezing the back of the cover together or by sliding the side cover to release the front cover.

• Carefully twist the old fluorescent tube counterclockwise (unless otherwise indicated on the tube) to release it from the socket on both ends.

• Gently pull the old tube out of the sockets.

Check if the fluorescent tube has starters and replace them if necessary:

• Lamps with T8 fluorescent tubes have starters. Lamps with T5 fluorescent tubes have starters built into the tube and do not need replacement.

• The starter looks like a small cylindrical device with a diameter of about 2 cm. There are many different types, and not all of them work in all lamps. You can see what it looks like here.

• To remove the starter, twist it around its own axis. Take a picture of it or bring it to the store to ensure you get the right type.

• Insert the new starter.

Insert the new fluorescent tube:

• Ensure that the new fluorescent tube is the correct type and size for the fixture.

• Slide the ends of the new tube into the sockets on both sides, and twist it clockwise (if necessary) until it securely fits in place.

Test the fluorescent tube:

• Turn the light switch on again and check if the new fluorescent tube is working properly. If it doesn't work, ensure that it is properly seated in the sockets.

Replace the cover (if necessary):

• If you removed a cover earlier, reattach it.

It's important to note that some fluorescent tubes may contain mercury, so if you break a fluorescent tube, be careful to avoid contact with the glass or its contents.

If you have lost your access card, you can buy a new one from SiO SiO Customer Service for 40 NOK.

If you have lost the metal key to your residence, contact SiO Customer Service

If you have lost your mailbox key, you can order a new one from SiO Customer Service. A replacement mailbox key costs NOK 200. If the lock cylinder needs to be changed, you must cover the cost.

If you lose your key or access card outside of opening hours, you can call 22 85 32 00 to be locked in by Securitas. Read more about being locked in here.

If you are unable to collect the keys yourself, and someone else will pick them up on your behalf, you must send us an authorisation.

Red more about authorisation here.

Many of our kitchens are equipped with a water leak stopper. You’ll often find it in the cabinet under the sink, with a sensor wire connected. When the sensor gets wet, the leak stopper will beep and shut off the cold water supply.

If there is a water leak, please send a message to the caretaker. If it’s just water spillage, follow these steps:

• Dry off any water and moisture from the sensor

• Press the reset button

Repeat the process multiple times if necessary. The sensor is very sensitive and might not reset on the first try.

If the filter is clogged, it may cause the machine not to start. Check and, if necessary, clean the garbage filter by following the simple steps below:

• Remove the dishes: First and foremost, ensure that the dishwasher is empty and free of dishes.

• Open the machine: Open the door of the dishwasher and pull out the lower rack. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the lower rack.

• Remove the filter: Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. It may be screw-locked, or it may have a simple locking mechanism that you can twist to remove. Follow the instructions in the user manual for your specific dishwasher if you're unsure how to remove it.

• Rinse the filter: Take out the filter and rinse it thoroughly under hot running water. Use a brush or sponge if necessary to remove stuck food debris and dirt. You can also use mild dish soap to clean the filter if it's very dirty.

• Replace the filter: Once the filter is completely dry, put it back in place in the dishwasher. Make sure it's securely attached in the correct manner.

• Run an empty cycle: After reinserting the filter, run an empty dishwasher cycle with a wash program to ensure that everything is properly assembled, and there are no residues left from cleaning the filter.

If the drain in the kitchen sink is clogged, it can prevent the dishwasher from starting or from draining water properly. In that case, it may be necessary to use a liquid drain opener, and you can do it yourself.

Follow these quick steps or watch this video:

• You can buy liquid drain opener at the store. We recommend Mudin Avløpsrens and Plumbo Rørvask. Note: It's important that you buy a liquid drain opener and not powder. Powder can worsen the issue and clog the drain further.

• Put on rubber gloves and make sure the drain opener is on a stable surface when you open it.

• Pour about half the bottle into the sink and let it work for 20 to 30 minutes.

• Boil water and pour it down the sink after a minimum of 20 minutes have passed.

Maintenance and regular care of the dishwasher help avoid problems and saves you both time and effort!

Here are some tips:

• Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle every month or every other month. You can buy dishwasher cleaning tablets at the grocery store.

• Remove heavy dirt from the inside of the dishwasher with a damp cloth.

• Clean and empty the garbage filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. Instructions on how to do this can be found in the "food residues in the filter" section above.

As a resident, you are responsible for:

• Regular cleaning of your residence

• Regular cleaning of your shared kitchen and bathroom (see schedule in your kitchen), as well as cleaning of corridors in areas connected to a shared kitchen

• Cleaning before you move out of your residence

SiO is responsible for:

• Regular cleaning of corridors (which are common and not connected with a shared kitchen), staircases, lifts, and other common areas in the building

• Ventilating often and well is important to ensure a healthy indoor environment and to prevent bad smell

• Use a duster or dry microfiber cloth to remove dust

• Use a damp cloth to remove stains or grease

• Use a dry microfiber mop or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the floor

• If you have cleaned the floor with a damp mop, you should use a dry mop afterwards

• Spills should be removed immediately

• Remember to clean the cabinet under the sink and other places you keep waste thoroughly

• Clean the fridge often and thoroughly

• The freezer must be defrosted if it has a lot of ice on the inside

• Clean the cook top after each use. If you have spilled anything inside the oven you should clean it immediately, otherwise it may burn and be harder to clean

• It is important to clean grease off the filter in the kitchen ventilator

• Wash the dishes with warm water and a little soap to dissolve grease and food residue

• Change the dish brush every 4-5 months. You can also clean the dish brush in the dishwasher if you have one

• It is important to clean the bathroom regularly

• Except for on and in the toilet, you only need warm water and a microfiber cloth to clean the bathroom

• If there is a lot of soap, shampoo, etc. in use, you can also use a detergent meant for cleaning bathrooms

• It is important to prevent the growth of mold and fungi. Clean up after yourself when you have showered, as water can lead to mold and fungi, particularly in older bathrooms

• You can clean the shower curtain according to instructions, and hang it back up while it is wet

The regular cleaning should be performed as dry as possible. Always use a dry cloth to wipe dry surfaces, and a damp cloth to dry damp surfaces. This means that you wipe dust with a dry cloth and remove sticky soap spills in the sink with a damp cloth.

If you are cleaning with water, make sure to not use too much of it. The area you are cleaning should not be wet afterwards, this is not good for the surface or the result. You should also be mindful about the amount of detergent you use, to prevent any residue on the surface you have just cleaned.

It's easy to clean the drain in the shower. Follow the steps in this video or see below:

All you need is rubber gloves, a garbage bag, and a sharp object (like a pen).

Here's how you do it:

• Put on the rubber gloves and prepare the cleaning tools and a garbage bag.

• Lift the grate with a pointed object.

• Twist and lift the plastic cup inside the drain.

• Clean and rinse both the cup and the drain. Remember to dispose of the waste from the drain in a garbage bag and not in the toilet.

• Put the grate back in place.

Note: We have different types of drains in our homes. The cup inside the drain may, therefore, look different from the one in the video. Some cups may need to be twisted before they can be lifted out, while others can be lifted straight up.

When the sink in the bathroom or kitchen is clogged, it's usually because the trap under the sink needs to be cleaned.

See this video or follow these simple steps:

• You will need a bucket, a garbage bag, and a pair of rubber gloves.

• Locate the trap under the sink and place the bucket directly underneath.

• Unscrew the cap and let the contents drain into the bucket.

• Clean the cap from the trap in the sink.

• Screw the cap back on.

• Ensure everything is securely attached and sealed by turning on the faucet.

• Empty the contents from the bucket into the garbage bag - this should not be flushed down the toilet.

We always encourage trying to clean the sink trap first, but sometimes it may also be necessary to use liquid drain cleaner.

You can easily do this yourself. Just watch this video or follow these quick steps:

• You can buy liquid drain opener at the store. We recommend Mudin Avløpsrens and Plumbo Rørvask. Note: It's important that you buy a liquid drain opener and not powder. Powder can worsen the issue and clog the drain further.

• Put on rubber gloves and make sure the drain opener is on a stable surface when you open it.

• Pour about half the bottle into the sink and let it work for 20 to 30 minutes.

• Boil water and pour it down the sink after a minimum of 20 minutes have passed.

Clogged drains are often caused by items being thrown into the toilet that don't belong there.

Among other things, the following should not be flushed down the toilet:

• Cotton balls, wet wipes, and Q-tips

• Tampons and sanitary pads

• Hair

• Contact lenses

• Snus

• Medications

• Cooking grease. This should be set aside until it solidifies before disposing of it in the trash.

Radiators are controlled by a central heating system and adjust themselves based on the outdoor temperature. This means that as the outdoor temperature drops, the radiator will produce more heat. During transitional periods in spring and autumn when the outdoor temperature fluctuates significantly between day and night, it may take some time for the system to stabilize.

Underfloor heating in the bathroom floor

You should not place bath rugs on bathroom floors with underfloor heating. It may affect the thermostat and the heating cables may stop working.

Saving energy is good, both for the environment and for keeping the rent price down:

• Try to keep the indoor temperature at a maximum of 21 degrees.

• Turn down the temperature (but not completely off) when you are away.

• Turn down the temperature when the window is open.

• Turn off the light when you leave a room or the residence.

• Turn off the TV and other electrical appliances when you don’t use them.

It can easily happen and is something you can fix yourself - all you need to do is to flip a switch in the fuse box!

Here's how you do it:

1. You can find the fuse box either inside your home or in the hallway outside your residence. If you cannot locate it, you do not have access to it and you need to contact the caretaker.

2. When you open the fuse box, you will see many switches. If one of these switches is flipped down, opposite to all the others, simply flip it back up.

3. If the fuse won't stay up, disconnect all the outlets in the area where there's no power and try again. This way, you can also identify the appliance causing the fuse to trip.

If this doesn't help, you can contact the caretaker.

Why does the power go out?

Overloading the electrical system

The power typically goes out because more electricity is being used than the circuit is designed for. This means using too many electronic appliances simultaneously, such as a dishwasher, stove, and space heater.

Faulty appliance

Another common reason may be that there is something wrong with the electronic appliance you are using. If the power tends to go out when you use a particular appliance, the explanation may be that there is something wrong with the appliance. If you suspect that this applies to an appliance that comes with the property, you can contact the property manager. If it is your own appliance that you believe is faulty, it is your responsibility to fix it or stop using it.

In Oslo, it's easy to recycle all types of waste. Here you'll find all the information you need about where to dispose of different items.

Also, check out this video for a simple introduction to sorting food, plastic, cardboard, and residual waste.

... and this for glass, metal and other waste!

If you live in Lillestrøm, you can find all the information you need about recycling here.

Also, check out this video for a simple introduction.