Student housing in Norway

Housing through the student organisation

Norwegian universities and university colleges that receive state funding are associated with a student welfare organisation. The purpose of a student welfare organisation is to look after students’ welfare needs at each educational establishment. The student welfare organisations have housing that is only rented to students. The student housing is often situated close to the place of study, and is cheaper than housing on the private rental market.

There is generally housing for singles, couples, families and for people with disabilities. Many student welfare organisations also have a certain number of properties reserved for students on international programmes or students coming through an exchange agreement. 

It is a good idea to apply for student housing in good time. Many of the student welfare organisations have an annual deadline for applications for the main allocation of student accommodation at the start of programmes/courses, so it is worth finding out about the application procedure in good time. You can do this through the websites of the student welfare organisations.

Housing through the private rental market

You can also rent housing on the private rental market. You can find housing advertisements on various websites, on notice boards at the educational establishment, or by checking with people you know. 

How to finance student housing

Most students receive student finance from their home countries when they are studying, and use it to pay for their housing. Many students also have part-time jobs alongside their studies. As a foreign student, you can apply for student finance from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) if you satisfy certain requirements. More about this on the website of the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.