A more sustainable student life – without the pressure to perform

Being a student is often demanding enough on its own. That’s why a sustainable everyday life shouldn’t be about doing everything right, but about making a few choices that actually work in practice – for you, your finances, and the city you live in.There are many ways to contribute to a greener student experience. Choose what suits you and your daily life best.

Eat smart – and affordably

Sustainability often starts in the kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Got leftover food? Freeze it instead of throwing it away – then you’ll have a quick lunch or evening meal ready for a busy study day. And if you want to try something new, you could go vegetarian or vegan one day a week. Small changes are more than enough.

Think reuse before buying new

Much of what you need as a student already exists. Clothes, furniture, kitchenware, and textbooks can often be bought second-hand – cheaper and more sustainable.Check Finn.no, Tise, or local buy-and-sell Facebook groups. You might even find your course literature there. You can also find clothes in thrift stores, arrange a clothing swap with friends – or keep an eye on SiO’s event calendar for the biannual clothing swap market we organize.

Repair, borrow, and share more

Before buying something new, it can be worth pausing for a moment. Can it be repaired? Borrowed? Fixed in another way?Repairing clothes instead of buying new ones saves both money and resources. A bit of creativity can often go further than a bank card.Sharing kitchen equipment, tools, or small items with others also makes everyday life both easier and more social.Did you know that at Athletica Kringsjå you can rent outdoor equipment at an affordable price? This is a service that gives more people the opportunity to enjoy outdoor life without investing in lots of expensive gear.

Small everyday choices matter

A sustainable student life is also about habits you may not always think about. Together we are many – and we can make a small difference.

• Do you use a takeaway coffee cup? Many cafés offer a discount if you bring your own reusable cup. In fact, allSiO food outlets give you a coffee discount when you use your own cup.
• When buying hygiene products or makeup, it can be wise to take a quick look at both the ingredients and the producer. What goes down the shower drain doesn’t just disappear – it ends up in nature. Being green is about more than just packaging.
• In Oslo, we sort our waste, and there should be facilities for waste sorting where you live. It may be a bit different here than where you’re from, so it’s worth checking how you can best contribute. 
• Are the lights on when you’re not at home, is the heater running regardless of the weather, or is a long, hot shower always a must? Conscious energy use is also part of sustainability.
• Walk, cycle, or use public transport? With Oslo’s excellent public transport system, a car is rarely necessary in everyday life.

In short

You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to be perfect. A sustainable student life is about making it a little easier to make good choices – on your own terms. Thank you for contributing!