Norway

[jenni_s_2005]

I'm studying in Moss, Norway next semester and I had a few questions concerning the country. First off, how's the weather from January through May? I'm curious to see what the climate difference is from where I live (North Dakota) and I also want to pack accordingly. Secondly, I heard it's really expensive and need help planning a budget. I don't plan on eating out a lot because it costs so much but I do want to travel around the country. I especially want to visit the western part. How's the public transportation? Does it cover most of the country and are the ticket prices reasonable? I'd also appreciate any other advice on Norway, particularly must-see places to visit. Thanks.

[wilson49332]

Ok first if you live in North Dakota the weather will be the same. Plan the same. Ive not been to Norway but know ppl who have and also have been close. Plan for the same things as you would in ND.

As to places to see hope others have help there, ive never been there. Same with the budget. That didnt help much but I tried!

[Atle]

Hey Jenni!

Unlike Wilson I know quite a bit about Norway (Norwegian). First of all Moss is not as cold as ND, not even close. So pack a little lighter. Yeah, you're absolutely right; Norway is expensive, but it sounds like you're aware of it and prepared for it. The public transportation is good. You can easily get from Moss to Oslo, either by train or bus. And once you're in Oslo you'll have a lot of choices. You'll find all the 'must sees' in any travel guide, like: Frognerparken, Slottet, Aker brygge,Holmenkollen...etc... And they're definitely worth checking out, but I'll leave it to them to elaborate on it. As for the west coast: Bergen and Stavanger are really nice! If you really want to see a lot I would take the bus from Oslo to Kristiansand (takes about 5 hours with the bus). Go from Kristiansand to Stavanger, spend a day there and then go to Bergen for a couple of days. If you really want to see the typical Norwegian mountains and fjords you should head north from Bergen to Sogn og Fjordane (county). I'm sure you'll like it. Another thing, and I'm sure you know this, but Moss is really close to Sweden - so you can take the train to Gothenburg or Stockholm, two great cities! Enjoy you're time in Norway and don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions.

Takk: Thank you
Ja: Yes
Nei: No
Stilig: Cool
Bensin: Gas
Toalett: Restroom
Hei: Hey
Jente: Girl
Gutt: Boy
Dame: Woman
Mann: Man
Hus: House

Have fun!

[jenni_s_2005]

Thanks for all the information, I really appreciate it. I now can better prepare myself and have some ideas on places I'd like to see.

[wise_rita]

Hi Jenni-
Your program sounds suspiciously like American College of Norway through UND. I did this program, and it was an excellent experience. You won't regret it!

First question: Weather. Southern Norway doesn't have the extremes that North Dakota does (both hot & cold - I grew up in ND so I'm qualified to answer this). I went out and bought cuddle-duds (long johns), which was a complete waste. Bring your jeans, winter jacket, sweaters and anything else that gets you through ND winters. Nothing spectacularly warm is required. A note about jackets: If you have a Columbia jacket you might as well wear an American flag on your back; it's a dead giveaway. If you have a peacoat or similar nice coat, you'll blend in much better with the locals in Norway & throughout Europe.

Next question: Prices. You're darn right it's expensive, but it's not like you're going to be living the life of luxury. You're a student and can survive like one. If you're a drinker (and if you're not, ACN will turn you into one), pre-gaming is a necessity. Beers at the bars are $7+, but if you buy them at the grocery store they're closer to $2-3.
Eating out is rare in Norway due to the price, but you can catch some decent deals on kebobs (they're like gyros and are sold street side when the bars close) and this awesome Asian place near the school, next to a pub called Dirty Nelly's. It's delish and surprisingly cheap for being Norway. Stick to dorm food and what you learn to love from the grocery store and you won't go broke from food.

Third question: Public transit. It's like nothing you've ever seen. You can get to the Moss train station, from the dorms, in about a half hours walk. Buy good walking shoes because you're going to wear them out. The train connects you to Oslo, the western side of Norway and all of Europe. It's really quite amazing. Be sure to use your student ID when taking the train anywhere, you'll save substantially.

Open ended question: Must-see places. My friends (the Americans I met there) & I utilized Ryan Air like it was our job. They flew out of Sandefjord (technically called Torp, the smaller 'Oslo airport') to various locations. Search for flights mid-week to get the good deals. Leave at goofy times and days, they'll be cheap, sometimes like $5 (of course there's $30+ in taxes added on)! There's also an airline called Norwegian that flies out of Gardemoen (the main airport in Oslo) which goes fun places, so be sure to check them out. Spring semester you get a week off for Winter Break & a week off for Easter so UTILIZE those weeks for travel!

I could talk my life away about Moss and Norway, so if you have more specific questions, ask! I'll check back on the board and offer anything I can.