Table of Contents Table of Contents................................................................................................................. 1 Welcome to the University of Stavanger.................................................................... 3 The city of Stavanger......................................................................................................... 4 The University of Stavanger............................................................................................ 5 CHAPTER 1. Travel to Stavanger................................................................................... 6

1A. Getting Here .............................................................................................................. 6 1B. Pick-up Service......................................................................................................... 7 1C. Departure Check-lists ............................................................................................ 8

CHAPTER 2. Registration with the Authorities ....................................................... 10 2A. Residence Permit and Visa................................................................................. 10 2B. Additional Registration Procedures................................................................. 11

CHAPTER 3. The Student Welfare Service ............................................................... 12 3A. Accommodation...................................................................................................... 12 3B. Kindergarten............................................................................................................ 13 3C. Health Service......................................................................................................... 13 3D. Cafeterias ................................................................................................................. 13 3E. Bookstore .................................................................................................................. 13

CHAPTER 4. Student Organisations and Activities ............................................... 14 4A. Student Organisations ......................................................................................... 14 4B. Student Activities .................................................................................................. 14

CHAPTER 5. Staying Here .............................................................................................. 15 5A. Language .................................................................................................................. 15 5B. The Country and Its People ............................................................................... 15 5C. Food ............................................................................................................................ 16 5D. Climate ...................................................................................................................... 16 5E. Transportation......................................................................................................... 16 5F. Religion ...................................................................................................................... 17 5G Sports and Leisure ................................................................................................. 17 5H. Culture and Entertainment ................................................................................ 18

CHAPTER 6. Financial Matters ...................................................................................... 20 6A. Cost of Living .......................................................................................................... 20 6B. How to Save Your Money ................................................................................... 20 6C. Banks.......................................................................................................................... 21 6D. Part-time Employment ........................................................................................ 21

CHAPTER 7. Health Matters ........................................................................................... 22 7A.Medical Insurance ................................................................................................... 22 7B. Additional Insurance ............................................................................................ 22

CHAPTER 8. Practicalities ............................................................................................... 23 8B. Weights and Measures ........................................................................................ 23 8C. International Country Calling Codes .............................................................. 23

CHAPTER 9. Useful Contact Information .................................................................. 24 NORWAY............................................................................................................................ 24 STAVANGER ..................................................................................................................... 24 THE UNIVERSITY OF STAVANGER .......................................................................... 25 STUDENT WELFARE ...................................................................................................... 25

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION .............................................................................. 26 TRAVEL .............................................................................................................................. 26 SPORTS AND LEISURE................................................................................................. 27 CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT ............................................................................. 27 MUSEUMS ......................................................................................................................... 28 HEALTH AND EMERGENCIES..................................................................................... 29

Your Own Notes............................................................... Feil! Bokmerke er ikke definert.

Welcome to the University of Stavanger The University of Stavanger congratulates you on your acceptance. We are pleased that you have chosen this university as your place of study in Norway, and we hope that studying and living in Stavanger will be an enjoyable experience for you. During the last few years, the influx of international students and researchers to the UiS has risen at a steady pace, enriching our community in academic, social and cultural terms. We now have students from more than 40 countries at UiS. UiS will always take account of the fact that we exist in a global world without forgetting our regional and national roots. This will shape our studies, our students, and our efforts in international co-operation and student exchanges. UiS has researchers, teachers and an administrative staff who do their best to ensure that our students leave the UiS with knowledge and experience beneficial to personal and academic growth. We also hope that this International Student Guide will help you prepare for your travelling to Stavanger and for your stay as a University of Stavanger student. Ultimately, it is your own responsibility to ensure that you have all the information relevant to your stay here. We invite you to make good use of the various information resources available to you, both prior to your arrival and during your stay. Once again, welcome. Ivar Langen, Rector

The city of Stavanger Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway, with approximately 110 000 inhabitants. Stavanger is situated on the southern coast and it was once the centre of Norway’s canning industry. Today, Stavanger serves as the capital of the Norwegian oil sector. In other words, marine resources have always provided the economic basis for the city and the surrounding Rogaland County. Despite the solid basis for economic growth created by the local oil industry, Stavanger has not lost its special flavour. It remains a pleasant community, combining the intimacy of a small town with the facilities of a much larger city – along with easy access to some of Norway’s finest countryside.

The University of Stavanger The University has about 8,000 students and 900 administration, faculty and service staff. The University is organized in three Faculties and also includes two national centres of expertise. Faculties, departments and centres at the University of Stavanger: Faculty of Arts and Education Department of Education Department of Early Childhood Education Department of Cultural Studies and Languages Department of Music and Dance Centre for Behavioural Research National Centre for Reading Education and Research Faculty of Social Sciences Department of Media, Culture and Social Sciences Department of Social Studies Department of Health Studies Norwegian School of Hotel Management – Department of Business Administration Faculty of Science and Technology Department of Petroleum Engineering Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of Mathematics and Natural Science Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering and Materials Science Department of Industrial Economics, Risk Management and Planning The University of Stavanger currently includes more than 100 professors, and more than 150 of the academic staff hold doctoral degrees. The various faculties are committed to inspiring and supporting the ambitions of faculty members by offering more doctoral studies, professorships and associate professorships. A very fruitful partnership has been established with local industry, public administration and multinational companies. The University of Stavanger is dedicated to maintain and expand this cooperation, in part by recruiting more affiliate teachers and guest lecturers and tutors from industry in addition to research as such. The aim of such collaboration is to offer Norwegian and international students the best possible education and overall experience at the university.

CHAPTER 1. Travel to Stavanger 1A. Getting Here Most international students travel to Stavanger by air. It is also possible to reach Stavanger by train, ferry or bus. By air - Sola International Airport The airport of Stavanger, Sola, is situated 15 km from downtown Stavanger. The airport offers daily connections to various airports in Europe, such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Copenhagen. In addition, there are frequent, domestic departures to Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Kristiansand, with possibility of further domestic and international connections. Holders of student identity cards are entitled to discount fares on domestic flights. By rail – Stavanger Railway Station Stavanger Railway station is situated downtown Stavanger. The railway station offers regular service between Stavanger and Oslo. The journey takes approximately eight hours. In addition, there are frequent departures to Kristiansand, a journey of approximately three hours. Holders of student identity cards are entitled to discount fares on selected departures. More information and schedules are available on: www.nsb.no By ferry – Ferries serving Stavanger Color Line offers frequent departures between Bergen-Stavanger and Hirtshals, Denmark. Fjordline offers frequent departures between Bergen-Haugesund-Stavanger and Newcastle, UK. More information and schedules are available on: www.colorline.no and www.fjordline.no By bus – Buses serving Stavanger Nor-Way Bussekspress offers frequent departures between Bergen and Stavanger and Oslo and Stavanger. There are also services between Stavanger and Hamburg, Germany. More information and schedules are available on: www.nor-way.no and www.hamburgekspressen.no

1B. Pick-up Service No matter how you arrive in Stavanger, you have the option to be met by the Student Welfare Service’s Pick-up service. This service includes pick-up at the airport, railway-station or dock and transportation to your accommodation. Your room will be available from the first available pick-up date. Please note that in order to use the pick-up service, you must return the appropriate form by the deadline listed on the form and you must arrive within the available dates listed on the form. We strongly recommend that you book your travel ticket with scheduled arrival during the pick-up period. If you chose to arrive later than the available pick-up period, you must be prepared to make your own transportation arrangements. You must also pick up your room key at the Student Welfare Service (Studentsamskipnaden in Stavanger — SiS) housing office, located on campus, during opening hours. If you chose to arrive earlier than the available pick-up period, you must be prepared to make your own transportation arrangements. You must also book your own temporary accommodation. For suggestions on reasonably priced, temporary accommodations, please see chapter 9.

1C. Departure Check-lists Use these lists to help you remember important matters as you prepare to depart. THINGS TO DO WELL IN ADVANCE OF LEAVING � Read the information in this International Student Guide carefully � Submit your Student Dormitory Reservation Form if you plan to live in SiS Housing. � Make your travel arrangement, preferably arriving within the pick-up period. � Submit your Pick-Up Service Form � Check the following web page for continuously updated information for international students, including the programme for the mandatory International Student Orientation:

www.uis.no/international ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU TO NORWAY � Valid passport � Copies of passport � Travel tickets/reservation documents � Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of emergency contacts at home � Visa granted by UDI (if necessary) � Your admission letter from University of Stavanger � Original diplomas and transcripts of previous education, including English translation (not necessary if you are an exchange student) � VISA/Master Card/ACCESS and/or traveller’s cheques � Citizens of the EEA/EU must bring the European Health Insurance Card � An English translation of your medical history and documents/prescriptions � Prescriptions for medications you take and a fresh supply of prescription medicines. Please note that the exact prescription may not be available to you in Norway � This International Student Guide

OTHER ITEMS TO PACK � Necessary items for the kitchen and bedroom, if not purchased upon arrival (See chapter 3 for more information) � Clothes and shoes that are suitable for cold weather in the winter and for wet autumns � Adapters for electrical appliances, if necessary (Norwegian standard outlets use 220 volts) � Favourite recipes and items for sharing your culture with others: music, photographs etc.

CHAPTER 2. Registration with the Authorities 2A. Residence Permit and Visa Most students need a residence permit if they intend to stay in Norway. Often, the residence permit should be applied for and granted before leaving home, irrespective of whether visa is needed to enter Norway. If you are in doubt regarding the application for a residence permit and/or visa, you are advised to contact the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate. Applying for at residence permit before leaving home Students from non EU/EEA countries need a visa and/or residence permit before leaving home. Students are advised to contact the nearest Norwegian Embassy or Consulate General immediately after receiving the Letter of Acceptance for information on procedures. Visa application forms, entitled First Time Residence Permit, Educational Purposes, are also available through your local Norwegian Embassy or Consulate. Please note that the UDI (Norwegian Directorate of Immigration) also require documentation showing how the stay is to be financed for the year being applied for. Minimum requirement is NOK 80 000 (approximately EURO 10 000) per year. Scholarship holders will have this information outlined in the letter of admission. Self-financing students will receive guidance on the Deposit Scheme for self-financing international students at the University of Stavanger with the letter of admission. Applying for a residence permit after arriving in Norway The following categories of students may apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Norway:

• Students from EU/EEA countries • Students participating in exchange programmes within Europe, such as Socrates-

Erasmus and Leonardo • Students participating in the NORAD Fellowship Programme • Students from non-visa countries coming to Stavanger on exchange programmes • Students from non-visa countries coming to Stavanger on a bilateral exchange

programme between University of Stavanger and a foreign institution Exempt from applying for a residence permit. The following categories of students are exempt from applying for a residence permit:

• Students from Nordic countries • Students from EU/EEA countries who plan to stay in Norway for a period of less

than 90 days.

2B. Additional Registration Procedures Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, there are several registration procedures you must go through when you arrive in Norway. Students staying for more than six months Present yourself for control of residence permit at local police within 7 days of arrival or application of residence permit within 7 days (EU/EEA countries: 3 months). Present yourself for tuberculin skin test and Chest X-ray for TB control at City of Stavanger Health Office within 14 days of arrival. Mandatory for students from Central and South America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia (except Japan) and students who have stayed in any of these areas. Please be advised that failure to present oneself for TB control may be detrimental to the application of residence permit. Register your local address and apply for Norwegian ID-number with the National Registry. The application for ID-number can be made only after the residence permit has been granted. (Optional): Apply for permanent general practitioner. Students staying for more than 90 days Present yourself for control of residence permit at local police within 7 days of arrival or application of residence permit within 7 days (EU/EEA countries: 90 days). Present yourself for tuberculin skin test and Chest X-ray for TB control at City of Stavanger Health Office within 14 days of arrival. Mandatory for students from Central and South America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia (except Japan) and students who have stayed in any of these areas. Please be advised that failure to present oneself for TB control may be detrimental to the application of residence permit. All students All students are required to participate in the International Student Orientation, in order to receive the necessary information and participate in the necessary, practical procedures with the university. These procedures include: Registration online, via StudentWeb Payment of the semester fee online, via StudentWeb (not necessary for students participating in Socrates-Erasmus exchange programmes) Confirmation of study plan online, via Student Web (only full degree students)

CHAPTER 3. The Student Welfare Service The Student Welfare Service - SiS - offers accommodation, kindergarten, health services, cafeterias, bookshop and gives financial grants to several cultural student organizations, including the International Student Union (ISU). 3A. Accommodation SiS Housing is owned and operated by the Student Welfare Service (SiS). SiS operates several student residences with both single rooms and family flats. The rent varies according to size and standard. If you choose to live in SiS Housing, you will be asked to sign a housing contract upon arrival. The contract is a binding document which outlines rules and regulations that you are expected to follow. Read the contract carefully. Make sure that you understand and accept the conditions outlined in the contract before signing it. All rooms are fully furnished and have ISDN telephone line and free broadband Internet connection. Your phone can receive incoming calls only from other SiS Housing telephones. Should you wish to open your phone to be able to make and receive external calls, you will need to make a deposit. You must have access to a Norwegian bank account in order to make a deposit. You must bring your own PC if you would like computer access in your room. If you have a PC and would like to get connected to the Internet, you need a network interface card that you may buy in Stavanger. You can choose to bring your own kitchen and cooking utensils (dishes, pots/pans, silverware, etc.), duvet (comforter), pillow, bedding and towels. You can also choose to purchase a kitchen package and/or a bedroom package from SiS upon arrival. If you prefer to purchase the kitchen package and/or the bedroom package, please mark the appropriate section of the Student Dormitory Reservation Form. The kitchen package includes all basic equipment you need for your kitchen. The bedroom package includes duvet/comforter, pillow, linens + set of towels Please refer to the Student Dormitory Reservation Form for the price of one or both packages. The cost of the kitchen package and bedroom package will be added to your first rent. You are responsible for paying for your rent. An invoice will be sent to your accommodation 15 days prior to term of payment. Please note that the rent must be paid from the first day of the contract, regardless of whether you move in at a later date. The rent can be paid by taking the invoice and payment to a bank or post office. The bank or post office will charge a fee for their services. The rent can also be paid by using Internet banking, if you have established this opportunity with a bank in your home country. Please note that the SiS office does not accept direct payment of the rent in cash or by credit card.

3B. Kindergarten SiS owns and operates a student kindergarten for children from 0-6 years old– “SiS barnehage”, which is located in beautiful surroundings adjacent to the campus. It has six different sections with highly qualified staff. The kindergarten specializes in outdoors activities, which means that the children spend most of the time outdoors. 3C. Health Service SiS offers help from two professional therapists: a social worker and a psychotherapist. Students consulting a medical doctor, a dentist, physiotherapist or having to pay for special drugs (medicine) will get a portion of their expenses refunded by SiS. For information details or appointment contact SiS. For further information regarding health services, please see chapter 7. 3D. Cafeterias SiS runs several student cafeterias on campus. Healthy menus, including vegetarian alternatives, are available, bearing in mind that most students live on tight budgets. The main cafeteria is open from 08:00 in the morning until 19:30 in the evening, Monday to Thursday and from 08:00 until 15:00 on Friday. Please note that the cafeterias are closed Saturday and Sunday. 3E. Bookstore SiS bok is the college bookshop and is owned by SiS. It is located in the middle of the campus and here you can get all the books on your syllabus, in addition to study materials and literature.

CHAPTER 4. Student Organisations and Activities 4A. Student Organisations StOr The Student Union (StOr) represents all the 8000 students at the University of Stavanger. Its focus is on students’ welfare and rights, culture and political issues as well as the overall quality of education. It is organised on different levels according to the different schools at the University. The highest level is the student parliament that represents all school levels with a total of 36 student members. At the beginning of the semester in August, StOr arranges a pre-session introductory week for new students. During these days new students attend various briefing meetings and register for classes. As a great deal of information vital to the international students is given during this week, it is essential that new students arrive in time to participate in the entire programme. International Student Union ISU-Stavanger is a branch of ISU Norway, a non-profit organisation run by and for international students. On a national level, ISU works in co-operation with the Norwegian Students’ Union (NSU). The ISU is a democratic organisation. Every international student who has a student ID and a valid semester card is qualified to be a member or a supporter of ISU. Those studying at PhD programs are also included. All members have the right to run for office and to vote. The main aim of the ISU is to ensure that the rights and interests of all international students are suitably represented and protected. ISU identifies the problems faced by international students and tries to find solutions. The second important aim of ISU is to provide and organise international students’ social life. 4B. Student Activities There is a wide range of activities available to all visiting students. Sports enthusiasts can choose from swimming, aerobics, handball, indoor bandy, basketball, volleyball, sailing, football, squash and weight training. Other opportunities exist for students interested in music, dance, photography, radio broadcasting and scuba diving. In addition, there are student groups for various academic subjects and also faith-based groups.

CHAPTER 5. Staying Here 5A. Language The native language in Norway is Norwegian. English is a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools and most Norwegians, especially the younger ones, have a reasonably good command of the language. German and French are other common "third languages" at school. While staying here, you should take the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the Norwegian language. University of Stavanger offers an elementary language course in Norwegian for international students. This course is an introduction to Norwegian language and culture. You will gradually build up your competence and confidence speaking, reading and writing Norwegian. More information about this opportunity will be given during the mandatory International Student Orientation. A foreigner may often face the problem that most Norwegians want to speak English with arriving international students. Thus, to acquire a good grasp of Norwegian, a lot of initiative is required! 5B. The Country and Its People Norway is a land of contrasts. There are four seasons that each offer changing landscapes, new outdoor activities, a different way of living and new experiences. You may even find that the people change with the season! Norwegians are probably easier to get to know on a sunny summer day than when we hurry past each other in the winter. To come to Norway from a completely different culture is in itself a challenge, and it can be difficult to understand the Norwegian code of behaviour. Norwegians are, however, usually very good at answering direct questions. So it is up to you to make sure that you ask questions, not only about the language but also about any cultural situation which may puzzle or confuse you. At the beginning, most of you will be on the lookout to establish and expand your social network. The best way is to be outgoing and find opportunities of meeting people and participate in as many extra-curricular activities as you can. Foreigners often wonder about the relationship between men and women in Norway, and their current codes of conducts. Norwegian women are brought up in a society where there is a strong sense of equality and equal rights. They are also brought up to take responsibility for their actions, and to draw the lines themselves. In Norway both sexes are accustomed to being together from early childhood. Friendly relationships between men and women are very common, and it is therefore quite natural for Norwegian students of both sexes to live in mixed flats.

5C. Food The Norwegian diet is, on the whole, a healthy one. Breakfast (frokost) usually consists of sandwiches or cereal and coffee, milk or juice. Lunch (lunsj) is traditionally a matpakke (packed lunch) taken to work or school. A matpakke often contains sandwiches and fruit. Dinner (middag) is normally the only warm meal of the day. Traditionally, dinner consisted of fish or meat with potatoes. Nowadays, a variety of both traditional and non-traditional dishes are common. 5D. Climate Norway's climate is less severe than might be expected from its geographical location. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, most of Norway falls within the temperate region. However the climate varies considerably from coastal to inland areas. The coastal regions have a climate with relatively mild winters (7 to -4 degrees centigrade) and cool summers (12 to 20 degrees centigrade). Inland areas have a continental climate with cold winters (-10 to -15 degrees centigrade) and warm summers (15 to 25 degrees centigrade). Stavanger is situated by the coast and has a climate with relatively mild winters (1 to –4 degrees centigrade) and cool summers (12 to 20 degrees centigrade). An interesting phenomenon in Norway is the seasonal change in the length of day and night. In midwinter, daylight lasts less than six hours in the southern part of the country, while in the far north darkness prevails. In midsummer, daylight takes over and there is no "real" night during June and July, even as far south as Trondheim. 5E. Transportation Bus: The bus is a common way of transportation for students in Stavanger. Most SiS Student Housing complexes are located within walking distance of a bus stop. A monthly bus card gives the right to travel on local buses, within a designated area. Students qualify for a discount on the monthly bus card. A valid student ID and a photo are required to obtain a student discount. Driver’s licence: Students who stay in Norway less than one year, do not need a special driving licence. For those who intend to stay longer, an International driving licence is required. It is best to get this International Driver's Licence in your home country before you leave. Ask your local motoring association, or the authorities that issued your original driver's licence, for further information.

5F. Religion Almost 88 per cent of the Norwegians are members of the Norwegian State Lutheran Church. The two other religious groups are: Roman Catholics (1%) and Muslims (1%). In addition there are a Humanist organisation and a small Jewish community. Although the majority are members of the State Church, this does not necessarily mean that all are practising their religion. Most Norwegians are nominal members, only occasionally attending church services. There is full freedom to practice the religion of one's choice. However, many Norwegians consider religion a strictly private matter, and are thus not always prepared to discuss religion. Christian belief is nevertheless the basis of Norwegian law, Norwegian education and the standards of Norwegian public morality. It is mainly in the large cities that you will find synagogues, temples, catholic churches and mosques. 5G Sports and Leisure In Norway, many people stay outdoors as much as possible and this is reflected in their hobbies and interests. Outdoor activities are popular among people of all ages. Stavanger and the surrounding region offer many opportunities for various activities. There are opportunities for cycling, fishing, hiking, skating, swimming, bowling, golfing and more. Wintry weather and snow are uncommon in Stavanger, but just an hour's journey from the city you can enjoy both down hill and cross-country skiing. STIL is the University of Stavanger student sports club. Students who join STIL can participate in various activities, such as aerobics, badminton, basketball, a variety of dance sessions, soccer, golf and volleyball – to name a few! If you prefer being a spectator, Stavanger has several top-ranking teams in different sports: Soccer, handball, volleyball, ice hockey – to mention a few. In addition, there are opportunities to watch trotting at the Forus Travbane. When it comes to leisure, you can wander the beautiful beaches of Jæren and see and feel the white sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. The twenty-five kilometres of sandy beaches and the luminous skies are well worth the journey. You can experience Fjord Norway - the Lysefjord, the Pulpit Rock and Kjerag. Or you can go island hopping to beautiful Rennesøy and Finnøy, to the large petroglyph field on Austre Åmøy or the fascinating, windswept island of Kvitsøy far out towards the ocean.

5H. Culture and Entertainment Events related to culture and entertainment are announced in the local newspaper Stavanger Aftenblad. Most events are listed under “Kultur” or “Underholdning” (Culture or Entertainment). Many cultural institutions offer discounts for students with a valid student ID card. Make sure you ask for a student discount when buying or ordering tickets. Stavanger Cultural Center Stavanger Cultural Center - Sølvberget - contains a wide range of cultural activities. The main contributors are Stavanger public library, one of the biggest public libraries in Norway, and Kino1, Stavanger’s movie theatre. Stavanger public library has reading rooms with foreign newspapers and magazines, a film and music department and a children’s department. Concerts and discos You will find that Stavanger offers a large variety of nightlife. “Folken” is the student house located downtown, well known for its great concerts. Thursday night is students’ night at “Folken”. In addition, there are numerous other opportunities for enjoying live music or dancing in one of the bars and clubs downtown. MaiJazz is an annual jazz festival taking place in May, featuring national and international artists. Classical music Various classical concerts are held at Stavanger Concert Hall. In additional to classical offerings, Stavanger Concert Hall also hosts a variety of other, cultural events. In addition, classical music may be played at churches and other venues throughout downtown Stavanger. The International Chamber Music Festival (ICMF) is an annual event, taking place each August, featuring both national and international artists. Theatres and cinemas Every year, Rogaland Theatre presents approximately 12 productions on four different venues: Hovedscenen, the main auditorium with 375 seats; Intimscenen, a black box studio with an average capacity of 70; Kjellerteatret, a small black box studio in the cellar and Turnhallen where the number of seats varies. Kino1 has 8 parlours and a total of 1076 seats. The movie theatre is the fourth largest in Norway and it shows 250 different movies each year.

Museums There are many great museums in Stavanger, the two newest being the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Children's Museum. Please see chapter 9 for a listing of museums. Festivals and tournaments During the summer months of June, July and August, there are numerous festivals and tournaments in and around Stavanger. Among the festivals is Glad Mat Festivalen, a celebration of food and drink that takes place annually in late July. For sporting enthusiasts, Stavanger hosts one of the world’s largest beach volleyball tournaments. The downtown is converted into a beach volleyball arena!

CHAPTER 6. Financial Matters 6A. Cost of Living Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. The cost of living is high and international students will find that prices are very high in comparison with prices in most other countries. Accommodation, food and transport are all expensive, and it is estimated that you should have at least approximately NOK 6.000 (EURO 800) per month in order to cover all your expenses. Recreation and entertainment are also expensive, but a student ID card entitles you to certain discounts on train fares, opera tickets, etc. 6B. How to Save Your Money In order to save money during your daily life, there are several things you should consider: Food and drink Buy your groceries at the cheapest grocery stores, such as Rema1000, Kiwi, Prix and Rimi. Avoid buying groceries at petrol stations, 7-11 or other kiosks. Bring a packed lunch instead of buying it at the cafeteria. Limit eating out at cafes or restaurants to special occasions. Limit the purchase of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. Clothes and shoes Buy your clothes at the most reasonable clothing stores, such as Hennes & Mauritz, Cubus and KappAhl. Buy your shoes at shoe stores such as Økonomi Sko and Din Sko. Miscellaneous Buy necessary household items at IKEA. Free bus service every Saturday from downtown Stavanger. Buy telephone cards at international grocery stores or international take-away shops. Use walking, bicycling or taking the bus as your modes of transport. Limit the use of taxi.

6C. Banks There are many banks in and around the city of Stavanger. Opening hours are usually 09:00 – 15:30 in the winter, and in the summer they usually close half an hour earlier. On Thursdays, banks may be open until 17:00. All banks are closed Saturday and Sunday. There are automatic teller machines in service 24 hours a day. Please note that banks charge for almost every transaction and service, including using automatic teller machines outside opening hours. In order to open a bank account in Norway you will need a Norwegian identity number. This should be applied for after arrival. Normally, only students staying 3 months or longer will be issued a Norwegian identity number. In order to avoid a cash-flow problem while staying in Norway, you are advised to bring some Norwegian currency with you in the form of traveller's cheques, or to have an international credit card. Banking services, including exchange of foreign currency, are also offered at the post offices. 6D. Part-time Employment Although international students may be granted work permits according to Norwegian Immigration Laws and University regulations, part-time work and holiday jobs is difficult to find. Therefore, students should not plan to partially fund their studies in Stavanger through paid part-time work. However, according to immigration legislation, international students may hold part-time positions of up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and full-time positions between university semesters. An approval from your faculty/department confirming your student status and study progress must accompany your application for a work permit. Please be advised that your faculty/department will assess your academic progress and decide whether to issue an approval of a fixed number of hours per week.

CHAPTER 7. Health Matters 7A.Medical Insurance Students from EU/EEA countries All students from EU/EEA countries must bring a valid European Health Insurance Card, obtainable in their own home countries, which entitles them to medical care under the Norwegian National Health Scheme. Expenses related to dental care and illnesses contracted before arrival in Norway are not covered. Exception: Students from the other Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland) are entitled to the medical care under the Norwegian National Health Scheme without insurance documentation. Students from all other countries International students from other parts of the world may apply for voluntary enrolment in the Norwegian National Health Scheme after arrival. The minimum period of stay must be more than 3 months. For all students There is no health centre for the students at the University of Stavanger and the students may therefore consult any medical doctor they wish. Students staying for 6 months or longer are encouraged to apply for a permanent general practitioner (GP), thus being under the care of one GP during the stay. Make sure to bring your European Health Insurance Card and/or your student ID card with you each time you visit the doctor. The European Health Insurance Card, or enrolment in the Norwegian National Health Scheme, cover regular medical consultations, except for a nominal fee to be paid by the patient. Please note that private doctors/clinics are not part of this system and a visit to a private doctor/clinic may involve additional expenses. Dental care The dental system in Norway is made up of private and National Health dentists. The government sets the cost of treatment by National Health dentists and a price list is available from each dental office. Dentists in private practice set their own prices. In general, a visit to the dentist in Norway is expensive. It is recommended to have a dental check-up at home before you travel to Norway. 7B. Additional Insurance It is the student's own responsibility to make insurance arrangements for any accident, illness, injury, loss or damage to persons or property resulting from, or in any way connected with, the study period in Norway.

CHAPTER 8. Practicalities 8A. Public Holidays* New Year’s Day/Første Nyttårsdag 1 January Maundy Thursday/Skjærtorsdag Good Friday/Langfredag Easter Sunday/1. Påskedag Second day of Easter/2. Påskedag Labour Day/Første Mai 1 May Ascension Day/Kristi Himmelfartsdag Constitution Day/Grunnlovsdag 17 May Whit Sunday/1. Pinsedag Whit Monday/2. Pinsedag Christmas Day/1. Juledag 25 December Second Day of Christmas/2. Juledag 26 December * Holidays with no date listed are movable holidays 8B. Weights and Measures The metric system is used for all measurements Electricity is supplied at 230 volts AC, 50Hz Temperature is measured in Centigrade (Celsius) C. To calculate degrees from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius degree by 9, divide by 5 and add 32. 8C. International Country Calling Codes The international country calling code for Norway is 47, if you are calling from outside Norway If you want to make an international call from Norway, dial 00 and then the international country code of the country you are calling. (You will find the international country codes listed in the phone book.)

CHAPTER 9. Useful Contact Information NORWAY www.visitnorway.com Tourism information www.norway.no Public Sector information www.norwaypost.no Norwegian news www.study-norway.net Higher education in Norway www.stud.ntnu.no/groups/isu/norway/guide.pdf International student guide www.nokut.no The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education www.siu.no The Norwegian Centre for

International Cooperation in Higher Education

STAVANGER www.destinasjon-stavanger.no Tourism information www.stavanger.kommune.no Public sector information www.stavanger-web.com/ News and information

THE UNIVERSITY OF STAVANGER The University of Stavanger 4036 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 83 10 00 Fax: (47) 51 83 10 50 post@uis.no www.uis.no International Relations For questions concerning admission, housing and other practical issues, please contact the staff of International Relations. You find an updated list of the International Relations staff on www.uis.no/international International coordinators For questions concerning subjects and schedules, please contact the appropriate international coordinator. You find an updated list of the international coordinators on www.uis.no/international The Faculty of Arts and Education Phone: (47) 51 83 34 00 Fax: (47) 51 83 34 50 The Faculty of Science and Technology Phone: (47) 51 83 17 00 Fax: (47) 51 83 17 50 The Faculty of Social Sciences Phone: (47) 51 83 37 00 Fax: (47) 51 83 37 50 STUDENT WELFARE The Student Welfare Service - SiS Phone: (47) 51 83 33 00 Fax: (47) 51 83 30 41 sis@sis.uis.no www.sis.uis.no

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION Tone’s Bed and Breakfast Peder Claussøpsgate 22 4008 Stavanger Phone/fax: +47 51 52 42 07 http://tone.ms11.net/ E-mail: ton-bour@online.no Stavanger Vandrehjem Mosvangen Henrik Ibsensgate 21 4021 Stavanger Phone: +47 51 54 36 36 Fax: +47 51 54 36 37 www.vandrehjem.no Mosvangen Camping Tjensvoll 1B 4021 Stavanger Phone: 51 53 29 71 www.mosvangencamping.no Stavanger Bed and Breakfast Vikedalsgt 1A 4012 Stavanger Phone: 51 56 25 00 www.stavangerbedandbreakfast.no E-mail: peck@online.no

TRAVEL Sola International Airport Information Desk Phone: (47) 51 65 80 50 Stavanger Railway Station Phone: (47) 51 56 96 00/ (47) 815 00 888 www.nsb.no Colorline Nygata 13 4006 Stavanger Phone: (47) 810 00 811 www.colorline.no Fjordline Phone: (47) 815 33 500 www.fjordline.com Nor-Way Bussekspress Phone: (47) 815 44 444 www.nor-way.no Hamburgekspressen Phone: (47) 38 06 24 www.hamburgekspressen.no Kolumbus Phone: 177 www.kolumbus.no Stavanger Taxi Phone: 51 90 90 90 www.rogaland-taxi.no

SPORTS AND LEISURE Viking football (soccer) www.viking-fk.no Stavanger handball (handball) www.stavanger-handball.no Stavanger Oilers (ice-hockey) www.stavanger-oilers.com Forus Travbane (trotting) www.forus-travbane.no Mississippi Friluftssenter (Outdoors recreation) www.mississippi.no Apeberget Klatresenter (Indoor climbing) www.klatresenter.no

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT Stavanger Cultural Center – Sølvberget Sølvberggata 2 4002 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 50 74 65 www.stavanger-kulturhus.no Folken Ny Olavskleiv 16 4008 Stavanger www.folken.no Stavanger Concert Hall Bjergsted 4007 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 53 70 00 www.stavanger-konserthus.no MaiJazz www.maijazz.no The International Chamber Music Festival (ICMF) www.icmf.no Rogaland Theatre Teaterveien 1 4005 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 91 90 00 www.rogaland-teater.no Kino1 Sølvberggata 2 4002 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 51 07 00 www2.filmweb.no/stavangerkino

MUSEUMS Archeological Museum Peder Klows gate 30 A 4002 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 84 60 04 www.ark.museum.no Breidablikk Mansion Eiganesveien 40a 4010 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 84 27 00 www.stavanger.museum.no Ledaal Mansion Eiganesveien 45 4010 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 84 27 00 www.stavanger.museum.no Norwegian Canning Museum Øvre Strandgate 88a 4005 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 84 27 00 www.stavanger.museum.no Norwegian Childrens Museum Stavanger Cultural Center – Sølvberget Sølvberggata 2 4002 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 91 23 93 www.norskbarne.museum.no

Norwegian Petroleum Museum Kjeringholmen 4013 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 93 93 00 www.norskolje.museum.no Norwegian Telecom Museum St. Svithuns gate 12 4008 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 76 32 49 www.norsktele.museum.no Stavanger Museum Musègata 16 4010 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 84 27 00 www.stavanger.museum.no Valberg Tower Phone: (47) 51 89 55 01 The Norwegian Maritime Museum Nedre Strandgate 17/19 4005 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 84 27 00

HEALTH AND EMERGENCIES Emergency outpatient clinic (Legevakten) Armauer Hansens vei 30 4011 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 51 02 02 (gives information regarding emergency dentist on duty) City of Stavanger Health Office Haakon VII`s gt. 11 4068 Stavanger Phone: 04005 (switchboard)

Permanent General Practitioner Service Phone Phone: 810 59 500 Pharmacy with extended hours: Vitusapotek Løven Olav V gate 11 5005 Stavanger Phone: (47) 51 91 08 80 Emergency Crisis Center for Women Phone: 51 53 06 23

Norwegian Emergency Numbers

Fire 110 Police 112

Ambulance 113