Mobility specification

Country:Norway

Institution:University of South-Eastern Norway

City:Kongsberg

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Sports Studies

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?no

Does the university offer enough courses in English?it's alright

Are your credits converted?no

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?Our teaching was mainly outdoors, in the woods, in an outdoor classroom, most of the lessons and classes were practical and translated to real life. Unlike MUNI, we didn't have a fixed schedule, each week was completely different, so we had to keep a lot of track of what was coming the next days. I was fine with that, but for someone who likes more order and routine, you have to get used to it.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?We had countless student events, there was also a coffee hour every second Wednesday, where the university offered free coffee and some goodies and we had the opportunity to meet and get to know new people or chat with teachers.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Psychological counseling
Barrier-free access to classrooms and dormitories
Special examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)
Crisis intervention
Support for LGBTQ+ students (e.g., safe spaces, counseling services)

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:25000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?yes

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?You have to take into account that if you're going there to enjoy it and travel the country as well, it will cost a lot of money, but it will be worth it. The key is to try to save even on the little things, not to spend completely unnecessarily. But I don't think I was surprised by anything.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?In most stores there are 50% off sections, there are groceries and various other things that are about to expire or are no longer sold. It's also convenient to find second hand shops not only for clothes but also for dishes if something is missing.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?perfectly

How does public transport work in the city?neutral

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?For trains and buses I used the VY app the most, then also the Nor.Way website, especially for buses to Oslo, as they were often cheaper than VY. Both work perfectly, no problem with ticket returns or exchanges, everything is clear and I haven't had a single problem with searching.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Heddal stave church, Notodden church, Eikeskartopppen, Notodden ski jump, Lake Tinemmyra.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Oslo, Drammen, Bø, Kongsberg, waterfalls nearby, Gaustatoppen.

Share your best experience:I think the best experience I had was the long trips to Bergen and Stavanger. Even though it's some 8 hours away, it's worth it, plus if it's a night connection, you don't even think it's that far and you save on accommodation;). I also recommend grabbing every opportunity that comes up, whether it's just "come jump in the lake with us" or "come to Oslo with us". Don't overthink it, live a little YOLO. You won't regret it!

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?Be sure to find out how to get from the airport to your accommodation, it will make your arrival quicker and easier. Also, I know some people have had it happen that they arrived at night or later in the evening and there was no connection, so they had to wait until morning at the airport.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?As far as my field is concerned, definitely a compass, things that you can possibly tear, get dirty... Definitely a big loom (60-80l) and a small backpack for smaller trips.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?Just don't worry about it. Forget about all the worries, difficulties and live there to the fullest!! It was the best six months I'll never forget.