Practical tips for new international students

Wondering how to settle into your new life in Norway? Here are some tips to make your transition smoother and help you feel at home.

Photo: Colourbox

How to travel to Southern Norway and local transport 

There are several ways you can get to Southern Norway, whether you choose to travel by air, ferry, or road or rail. 

Learn more about how to get here

There are also different means of transport you can use to get around in Kristiansand and Grimstad:

Getting around in Kristiansand

Getting around in Grimstad

Norwegian ID-number or D-number

In Norway, we use identification numbers to identify persons who have a connection to our country. Many public and private enterprises require that you have a Norwegian identification number to get access to their services (bank account, part time work, some medical services). 

The number is issued by the Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) to foreign nationals with a residence permit in Norway.

  • The ID-number is permanent, usually issued to student staying 12 months or more. 

Report your move to Norway to apply for ID-number

  • The D-number is temporary, usually issued to students staying for 6 months or less

Book an appointment for ID-check to apply for D-number

Norwegian bank account 

International students staying in Norway for longer than six months can open a bank account when they have received their Norwegian ID number.

How to open a bank account in Norway

Part-time work 

How much can you work, where can you find a job, tax information and tips on how to apply for jobs in Norway:

Part-time work for international students

Norwegian phone number 

Many students from the EU/EEA have the "Roam like home" service from your providers, which enables you to use your phone the same way you do in your home country. Some students will want to order a Norwegian sim-card. Review options online and find the package that best suits your needs. 

If you have a Norwegian bank account and a Norwegian phone number, you can also use the popular instant money transfer app "Vipps"

Health services

Learn more about the Norwegian welfare system, how to contact a doctor and other welfare services. 

Health and welfare

What to pack

Check out our packing guide for international students

Packing guide

Living costs and food guide 

Moving to a new country can be challenging and exciting.  

To assist with the planning of your living expenses during your stay in Norway, we have provided some examples to give you an idea of the living expenses for a student in Norway.  

We have also created a simple Norwegian food guide.

Living costs and food guide

Useful apps and student discounts

Here a list of essential and nice-to-have apps we recommend to you as a student in Norway.

Useful apps and student discounts

See also

 

Published Mar. 15, 2024 - Last modified Nov. 27, 2025