Survival tips for new students
Starting university in a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Moving to Norway means adjusting to a new culture, climate, language, and daily routine. This guide has been created with advice from former and current students to help you prepare for life at UiT and settle in as smoothly as possible.
📋 Quick checklist
- ✅ Bring your passport or national ID card
- ✅ Bring your Letter of Admission
- ✅ Arrange housing before arrival
- ✅ Pack suitable clothing for Arctic weather
- ✅ Bring a power adaptor if needed
- ✅ Save important emergency numbers
- ✅ Prepare sufficient funds for your first weeks in Norway
Use the resources below to find your campus, student housing, and other important locations.
Keep both digital and printed copies of important documents with you.
- Passport or national ID card
- Letter of Admission (degree students) or Letter of Acceptance (exchange students)
- Academic transcripts and certificates for verification (bachelor's and master's degree students)
- Health insurance documents
- Student housing contract
- Visa or residence permit documents (if applicable)
- Confirmation of arrival (Erasmus+ exchange students)
Weather conditions in Northern Norway can change quickly. Warm and waterproof clothing is essential, particularly during autumn and winter.
Recommended clothing
- Wool underwear (base layers)
- Warm jumper or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat, scarf, and gloves
- Wool socks
- Waterproof shoes or winter boots
- Ice spikes for walking on icy roads and pavements
⚠️ If you cannot bring winter clothing from home, make sure you have enough money to purchase suitable clothing after arrival.
The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
- Bring approximately NOK 2000 for your first days in Norway.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
- Most shops, restaurants, and services accept card payments.
- Cash is rarely used.
Having a Norwegian phone number makes it easier to stay connected and receive important information from UiT.
- If you are from Europe, your mobile phone will normally work in Norway.
- If you are travelling from outside Europe, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with European mobile networks before arrival.
- You can purchase a Norwegian SIM card from supermarkets, convenience stores, electronics stores, and mobile provider shops.
- A prepaid SIM card (kontantkort) is usually the easiest option for short-term students and does not require a Norwegian identity number.
- A mobile subscription normally requires a Norwegian National Identity Number or D-number.
- Major mobile providers include Telenor, Telia, Ice, OneCall, and
- Remember to update your Norwegian phone number in Studentweb to receive important messages about classes, exams, and student services.
📱 Tip: If you are staying for one semester only, a prepaid SIM card is often the simplest and most flexible solution.
Norway uses:
- 230 V voltage
- 50 Hz frequency
- Type C and Type F plugs
Bring a travel adaptor if your home country uses a different plug type.
Norwegian tap water is clean, safe, and of excellent quality.
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Norway.
- You do not need to buy bottled water.
- Let the water run until it becomes cold for the freshest drinking water.
🚨 Emergency phone number: 113
Emergency medical centres (Legevakt)
- Tromsø: 116 117, Sykehusveien 30
- Alta: 116 117, Dr. Kvammes vei 21
- Narvik: 116 117, Sykehusveien 1
- Harstad: 116 117, St. Olavs gate 70
Pharmacies ("Apotek") are widely available in city centres and shopping centres.
you can read more about health services and insurance on this website: 🩺 Health & Insurance Essentials for International Students at UiT | UiT
Safety is everyone's responsibility. Follow local instructions and always comply with laboratory and classroom safety procedures.
During Orientation Week (Debut Week), students often participate in international and cultural events.
You are encouraged to bring:
- Traditional clothing
- National flags
- Small souvenirs
- Photographs
- Music or cultural items
- Traditional snacks (where permitted)
These activities are a great way to meet students from around the world and share your culture.
Parking at UiT campuses is managed by APCOA Parking.
- Use the APCOA Flow app to register and pay for parking.
- Always check local parking regulations before leaving your vehicle.
Questions about parking at Campus Tromsø:
📧 parkering@uit.no
💡 Final advice
Your first weeks in Norway may feel busy and unfamiliar, but thousands of students successfully make the transition every year.
Take time to explore your campus, meet new people, attend orientation activities, and ask for help whenever you need it.
Welcome to UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. We wish you a great start to your studies and student life in Northern Norway!
Last changed: 29.07.2026 12.10