Name: Alessandra Bottelli
Home Country: Italy
Previous Studies: B.Sc. in Economics and Management for Arts, Culture, and Communication
Previous University: Bocconi University (Milan, Italy)
Current Study Program at BI: M.Sc. in Leadership and Organizational Psychology
Hey there, fellow European student! Are you planning to embark on an exciting journey to Norway? Well, let me share some tips based on my own experiences as an Italian student who recently completed her master’s degree at BI Norwegian Business School. Trust me, it’s been quite a ride, and I’m here to help make your transition smooth and hassle-free. From registering your move to Norway to opening a bank account, finding a part-time job, and even getting a grant from Lånekassen, I’ve got you covered!
Step 1: Registering Your Move to Norway – Easy Peasy!
As a European student, moving to Norway is a breeze. Once you arrive, simply head to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration – UDI – portal (udi.no) and book a slot to register with the police. Just click on “Want to apply,” select your country, and follow the steps for “Residency according to the EU/EEA regulations” and then “Students who are EU/EEA nationals.” UDI will guide you through the entire process, providing a helpful checklist of documents you’ll need when you will have to go in person to the police station, such as your study contract and housing agreement.
Step 2: Opening a Bank Account – All About That Digital Identity
This is an essential step when moving to Norway. Everything, I mean everything, goes through BankID, your digital identity and basically all-access pass for a wide range of services in Norway!
Once you’ve registered with UDI, you’ll receive a Norwegian ID number within a couple of weeks. Armed with this number, you can visit your bank of choice, whether it’s Sparebank, DNB, or Nordea, to open a bank account and get your BankID.
My Pro Tip for you: after setting up your bank account, grab a Norwegian phone number (e.g., MyCall offers free SIM cards with no need for a data plan). With your new number and bank account, you can easily set up Vipps, the Norwegian version of PayPal. Trust me, you’ll be hearing “Can you Vipps me?” a lot, so it’s best to get on board early!
Step 3: Landing a Part-Time Job – Study Hard, Work Smart!
Worried about balancing work and studies? Fear not! I managed to maintain a high GPA throughout my master’s while working part-time (12-20 hours per week), and you can too! Yet, before diving into the job market, make sure you’ve completed Step 1 and 2. I’d say part-time jobs often offer flexible shifts, allowing you to tailor your work schedule to fit your studies. Check out BI’s career portal where many companies publish their job ads (for part-time but also internship and full-time positions sometimes). The best part? You don’t even need to speak Norwegian for some of these roles!
Step 4: Unlocking Grants from Lånekassen – A Financial Boost
Hold onto your seat because here’s some amazing news! Towards the end of my studies, I discovered the wonders of Lånekassen, a public administrative body that provides students with grants and loans.
Guess what? If you’re from an EU/EEA country and working part-time, you may be eligible for financial support, subject to certain conditions. Make sure to visit their website for detailed information about these conditions.
Personally, I applied for a grant by meeting the requirement of working a minimum of 10-12 hours per week while studying. The grant I received amounted to around €300 per month, which I won’t need to pay back if I complete my studies. Lånekassen also offers loans with zero interest, providing a fantastic opportunity to fund your education without solely relying on your family’s support.
To apply for the grants and loans visit Lånekassen’s application page.
So, dear European student, armed with these tips, you’re well on your way to conquering Norway! Wishing you an unforgettable experience at BI Norwegian Business School. Enjoy the journey, create lasting memories, and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
Here’s to an amazing future ahead!