Focus on the seasons
INN University is located in southeastern Norway, surrounded by mountains and deep valleys. Consequently, temperatures can differ from 30ºC in the summer to -25ºC on the coldest winter days. Differences in temperatures can also be measured from campus to campus.
Winter temperatures below 0ºC usually begin in November/December and last until March/April. Remember to pack according to the semester(s) you will be staying in Norway. You will need different clothes and equipment for the different seasons.
Check the statistics of temperatures and precipitation for your campus city on the YR webpage to plan what to bring (external link).
Packing list
Please check the Customs webpage for the limits on what you can bring to Norway, such as alcohol, tobacco, and medicine (external link).
The International Office will provide detailed information if you need to bring additional items for your stay.
Clothes and shoes
For clothes in general, you must be prepared for warm and cold weather, which can occur during the fall and spring semesters.
- A pair of shoes with good support and a great grip (preferably waterproof) for hiking. Sneakers, sandals, and other shoes based on your needs.
- A wind and preferably waterproof jacket. A warm and thick jacket is essential during wintertime.
- For outdoor sports and other activities, it is recommended that you bring thermal or woollen underwear (top and pants) and general workout clothes.
Dress like a Norwegian in winter
Having warm clothes in winter is essential. The best tip is not to dress in several layers of cotton or similar fabrics. Instead, wear a layer of woollen and/or thermal clothing underneath your regular clothes.
We recommend you bring the following for your stay at INN University:
- Woollen and/or thermal underwear for the upper and lower body.
- A wind- and waterproof outer layer;
- Ski pants or something else to wear on your lower half when staying outside for a more extended period.
- A warm winter jacket, preferably covering your thighs.
- Woollen socks, a warm hat covering your ears, gloves, and a thick scarf.
- Winter shoes with a rubber sole and an inner layer of fur or another fabric. If possible, exchange the inner sole with a woollen/thermal sole. The soles on Dr Martens's shoes can be very slippery in the winter conditions in Norway.
- Crampons to put on the sole.
It is possible to purchase winter clothes and accessories after arrival, but store offerings vary from city to city. In addition, most clothes and equipment in Norway may be more expensive than in your home country.
Equipment and other
- Skiing/snowboard equipment for the winter season (late November/December-March/April) or other equipment relevant to your level of activities/what type of activities you may want to do.
- If you do not have this equipment or do not wish to bring it, you can rent it for a fee at an Alpine Resort or purchase it in the city centre.
- A PC or Mac. Tablets or PC-like variants cannot be used for digital examinations. You will then have to borrow from a friend. INN University does not rent out PCs or Macs.
- If you rent through SINN, then the following are not in your dorm upon arrival:
- Hand soap, toilet paper, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.
- Towels and a hairdryer.
- Kitchen equipment. Some stuff may be left in the kitchen's common areas, but it is not guaranteed.
- SINN Housing on some campuses offers a "Bedding set". Detailed information will be provided to accepted students.
- Further information on accommodation at an INN University campus is provided on our webpage.
- If you play an instrument, contact the International Office for information on what is offered at your campus of study. You may need to bring your instrument to Norway.
Exchanging currency and cash
Currency exchange is impossible in INN University's campus cities. Therefore, remember to exchange currency before or at the airport upon arrival.
Norway is a society where cash is used less and less. We do not recommend bringing large amounts of cash, as many stores in Norway may not accept cash. You will manage very well with a debit/credit card.
Important documents
- A credit/debit card such as VISA and/or MasterCard. Maestro and American Express can be used, but some stores may not accept these cards.
- Try to obtain a card from your bank with no fees per use or for paying in a different currency. Remember to check the fees if you wish to withdraw cash at ATMs.
- Check with your bank that your card(s) are not blocked for use in Scandinavia.
- Be aware that your debit and/or credit card must have a CVV, CVC, or CID number (3–4-digit code) to be used in all types of apps in Norway. If you are unsure whether your card has this code, check with your bank.
- Visa uses CVV (Card Verification Value).
- Mastercard uses CVC (Card Verification Code).
- American Express uses CID (Card Identification).
- Documentation of your health insurance (and other insurance if necessary) in English. E.g., the European Health Insurance Card (EU/EEA citizens).
- If you need any medication, bring valid documentation (in English) for your travel and prescriptions valid to use in Norway. Bring enough medication for the first month(s).
- Passport / ID card (EU/EEA citizens) that shows your gender.
- The Admission Letter from INN University.
- Use the student ID from your home institution until you get the student ID (through an app) at INN University.
- Medications (if needed).
- If you need to acquire medications in Norway during your stay, contact the International Office. It is not guaranteed that all types of medications can be acquired. Make sure to bring prescriptions in English. Check the Norwegian Medicines Agency's webpage (external link) for more information on travelling with medications.
Sending parcels to Norway
It is possible to send parcels with clothes or similar items to your dorm or have your family bring extra clothes when they visit. However, sending parcels to INN University before arrival is impossible.
You must address the parcel(s) to your dorm/apartment address and be in your campus city to pick it up. The parcel must be labelled according to the Norwegian customs requirements.
More information about receiving parcels/letters can be found on Posten’s webpage (external link).