All you need for the start of your studies

Starting to study is a big transition. There's a lot to get used to, both practically, academically, and socially. Here's a checklist for you!

To studenter drikker kaffe sammen på et SiO spisested.

Here you will find the most important things you need to know: what you must do, what you should do – and what many forget.

Before starting your studies – get the most important things in place

Accept your study place – and register for courses and exams

Remember the deadline in Samordna opptak to accept your study place. If you do not respond, you will lose your place.In some places, you may also need to register for classes, courses, and exams. This is done in Studentweb, or in the system your educational institution uses.

PS: Are you entitled to adapted examinations or teaching? Then you should apply for this as early as possible.

Get housing

Apply for student housing early. Here you can apply for housing with SiO. If you rent privately: check the contract, deposit, and standard. See our tips from Husbanken.👉 Many start with temporary accommodation – that's completely normal.👉 Are you having serious trouble finding a place during your house hunt? SiO has some temporary solutions for you.

Student ID and semester registration

You must remember to:

Register for the semester*
Pay the semester fee
Activate your student ID (often in an app)
Register an account here on our website, so you can access all the student benefits from us at the student welfare organization SiO.

*Remember that you must register for the semester every single semester to retain your right to study, gain access to teaching, and for the student loan from Lånekassen to be paid out.

"Some students are surprised that small purchases like coffee, takeaway, and small items add up to a lot in the end."

(Berntsen, 2026)

Apply for loans and grants – and get an overview of your finances

Send your application to Lånekassen as early as possible. Payouts can take time.But at least as important: get an overview of your finances. As a student, money often goes faster than you think.What do you get in each month and what does the money typically go to?Some students are surprised by initial one-time costs such as deposits, equipment, and books, and that small purchases like coffee, takeaway, and trinkets add up to a lot in the end.

GP and exercise

Have you moved? Then you should change your GP to the city where you will be studying. Did you know that SiO Health has Norway's largest GP office? With a doctor at SiO, you get access to a unique reimbursement scheme, health centers near campus, and same-day urgent appointments.

Being a member of a gym or a student sports team is a good investment during your studies, for your body, mind, and sleep.SiO Athletica has 6 fitness centers in Oslo. Martial arts, yoga, swimming, bouldering, dance, strength training, squash, HYROX, or just studio training, to name a few, for a cheap price! Check out SiO Athletica's offerings here.

Insurance – what you should have

This is something many people underestimate. As a student, you should at least have:

Home contents insurance (covers your belongings)
Travel insurance (often necessary all year round)

👉 Parents' insurance does not always cover – check this before something happens.

The first few weeks – get off to a good start

Now is when you lay the foundation, both academically and socially.

Join in on what's happening

Orientation week and study start events are the easiest way to get to know others and find a sense of belonging. You don't have to say yes to everything – but try something.Tip! Follow @siostudentliv on Instagram and TikTok. There you'll get useful information, student humor, tips, and good advice about student life in Oslo. You can also participate in fun competitions and be invited to various events.

10 tips to make the start of your studies easier

Don't try to have full control from day one
Start studying early (even a little helps)
Create a simple weekly structure
Say yes to social opportunities at the start
Remember breaks – you learn better
Don't compare yourself too much to others
Ask when you're wondering about something
Actively use student benefits
Get an overview of your finances
Take one day at a time

Find your way and get acquainted

Small preparations make everyday life much easier. Take a look at Google Maps, check your school's website, and take a walk in the neighborhood. It's worth checking out:

Campus and reading rooms
Library – where you can get help with academic writing, literature search, and borrowing books
Public transport – in Oslo, we use Ruter
Restaurants, cafes, and eateries with student prices
The local area where you live – what's in your new neighborhood?
Grocery store – what's the closest one?
Gym – either at campus or near where you live

Get an overview of your studies

Get an overview of your timetable, subjects and syllabus, and assignments and deadlines. Make a simple plan early – it will save you stress later.Remember that you might have a lot more free time now than you did in high school. Check out the tips "Study techniques that actually work", so you don't fall behind.

Take social initiative

Everyone is new, not just you. Try some small things like saying hello, sitting next to someone, or asking to study together. You'll make friends 🫶🏻

What's happening in Oslo?

SiO's event calendar gives you a comprehensive overview of social activities, events and arrangements happening for students in Oslo – most often completely free or for a reasonable price. You can, of course, come alone!

Check out the event calendar

Things many students forget

Many students completely forget to do small, practical things, such as:

reporting a change of address
getting insurance
using student discounts on public transport, training, culture, and more. A good rule of thumb is to always ask, "Do you have a student discount?"
creating a simple budget – what are your expenses and how much money do you receive each month?
looking for a part-time job early
joining associations, activities, or student sports teams, and keeping an eye on the event calendar

Get a little ahead – and get more out of your student life by keeping these things in check 💚

Before starting your studies – get the most important things in place

Accept your study place – and register for courses and exams

The first few weeks – get off to a good start

Now is when you lay the foundation, both academically and socially.

Join in on what's happening

Things many students forget

Many students completely forget to do small, practical things, such as:

reporting a change of address

getting insurance

using student discounts on public transport, training, culture, and more. A good rule of thumb is to always ask, "Do you have a student discount?"

creating a simple budget – what are your expenses and how much money do you receive each month?

looking for a part-time job early

joining associations, activities, or student sports teams, and keeping an eye on the event calendar

Get a little ahead – and get more out of your student life by keeping these things in check 💚