SURVIVAL GUIDE. Academic year

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SURVIVAL GUIDE

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Residence Permit and Registration with the Police 4

Health insurance 5 Tuberculosis test 5 Working in Norway 6 ‘New in Norway’ 6 Accommodation 7 Communication channels 8 Practical information 9

Courses and course registration 10

Services 11

Student Health Services 12

Student-run activities 12

Practical issues 13

Transportation 14

Attractions in Oslo 15

Oslo Public Library 15

Places for activities and recreation 15

Restaurants, bars and cinemas 16

Shopping 16

Nydalen and other urban areas 16

National holidays 17

Temperatures and climate 17

Rules and regulations 17

Emergency plan 18

Emergency phones 12

Useful websites 13

Contact information 18

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Welcome to Norway and

BI Norwegian School of Management!

This survival guide will assist you in getting started at BI Norwegian School of Management. It will provide you with practical information, both as a new student at BI and as a new resident in Norway.

We hope the survival guide will help make your stay at BI a happy and successful one. Please read through the booklet carefully and keep it for future reference during your stay. The Student Administration and the International Relations Office are responsible for the welfare of foreign students during their stay at BI. If you have any questions or enquiries during your time at BI, please call, email or stop by our offices.

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Residence Permit and

Registration with the Police

All foreign students must register at the police within 7 days of arrival. Students living in Oslo must register at the foreign police: Oslo Police, Foreign Section

Address: Storgata 33b, 0184 Oslo

(Take the subway to Jernbanetorget and walk from there.) Students who live outside Oslo must report to the Police in the community where they live.

On Saturday August 18 there is an open day at the Oslo Police for BI students from 08:30 – 12:00. We encourage all students to come on this day as this will save you a lot of time and effort! The foreign police recommend all exchange students to register on August 18, even if this is later than 7 days after your arrival. Students arriving in January will have to register during ordinary opening hours.

Remember to bring the following documents with you, both the original and a copy for the police to keep:

All EU/EEA students:

• Application form for residence permit • Copy of your letter of admission issued by BI • Copy of your passport/EU ID card

• Health Insurance papers for the whole study period • Two passport photos

Exchange students from outside Europe who

have not applied for a residence

permit before coming to Norway

• Application form for residence permit • Passport; copy of all pages, also blank pages • 2 passport photos

• Copy of Letter of Admission

• Proof of financial funding, NOK 8.140,- per month (copy of bank transcript or money transfer to BI)

• Receipt of payment NOK 1.100,-

Students who have received or applied for the

residence permit from their home country

• The residence permit from UDI (or a copy of the application if

you have not received the letter yet) • Passport

• Passport photo

This does NOT apply to Nordic citizens and students who have already registered with the Police in Norway.

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Health insurance

Students from EEA countries

Students from EU/EEA countries must have social security coverage from their home country. The social security card covers expenses for medical treatment in accordance with the National Insurance Scheme. For further information about the form please contact the nearest insurance office in your home country.

Students from countries outside the European

Economic Area (EEA)

If the duration of your stay in Norway is more than 3 months you should fill in a special form entitling you to health services in accordance with the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. If you send the form by post you must enclose a certified copy of your passport (can be done by the International Relations Office), or you can hand in the papers personally.

Students who do not fill in this form or students who stay in Norway less than three months should have social security coverage from their home country.

Addresses of the local Norwegian National

Insurance offices (trygdekontor):

For residents at Kringsjå, Sogn and BSN Nordre Aker Trygdekontor

Gullhaugveien 7, Oslo P.B. 320, Alnabru, 0614 Oslo Opening hours: 0830-1500 Tel: 810 20 613

For residents at Bjølsen Sagene Trygdekontor Sandakerveien 76, Oslo P.B. 305, Alnabru, 0614 Oslo Opening hours: 0900-1430 Tel: 810 20 603

For residents at Bjerke Bjerke Trygdekontor Veitvetveien 8, Oslo

P.B. 319, Alnabru, 0614 Oslo Opening time: 0900-1430 Tel: 810 20 612

Students who live elsewhere must contact their local Trygdekontor.

Tuberculosis test

Norwegian law requires that all foreign nationals who will be residing in Norway more than three months must have chest X-ray and a tuberculosis test within two weeks after arrival. This applies to all students, except students from Western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Call the Division of Lung Disease at Ullevål Hospital at (+47) 22 11 99 30 within two weeks of your arrival to make an

appointment.

The examination is done at Ullevål Hospital, Diagnose stasjon for Oslo og Akershus, House K, first floor. The examination is free of charge.

You will need to return a few days after your initial examination. After you second appointment you will receive a card verifying that you have had your check-up.

How to get to get there?

Take subway 4 or 5 to Majorstua. Go to Mc Donalds and take bus 20 to Ullevål Sykehus (three stops). Alternatively you can take bus 37 from BI and walk five minutes.

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Working in Norway

Work permit and tax card

As a student you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week and full time during holidays.

You are required to have a tax card when working in Norway. You can obtain a tax card from the tax assessment office in your municipality. Students living in Oslo must go to the The Tax Assessment Office in Oslo:

Oslo Ligningskontor

Address: Hagegata 23, Tøyen Sentrum

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 0900-1500 and Thursdays 0900-1700

How to get there?

Take subway 4, 5 or 6 from BI to Tøyen.

Read more to find out what you need to do in order go get at tax card: www.skatteetaten.no, click International for information in English.

The tax card shows your employer how much to deduct from your pay check and this is done before you are paid. Most employers will transfer wages and salaries to your Norwegian bank account. It is customary to give your bank account number to your employer upon employment.

Population Registry and National

ID number

The application for a tax-card for foreign nationals acts as an application for a personal identification number if a national ID number has not been applied for. The ID numbers are called either P or D-numbers according to how long the expected stay in Norway is. A D-number is usually issued to those who are staying in Norway for less than six months, and the P-number to those who stay for a longer period. Your employer or your preferred bank should have the necessary application forms.

Career Services at BI

The Careers Services at BI is a liaison between the students at BI Norwegian School of Management and the business community. They assist students throughout the job search process and the work permit process. Careers Services are located next to the International Relations Office, building B, 3rd floor.

“New in Norway”

The website www.nyinorge.no provides information for several groups of newly arrived non-nationals. ‘New in Norway’ is a part of the Norwegian Directorate of

Immigration (UDI) information programme for newly arrived immigrants. You can find information on topics such as Norwegian tuition, the educational system, health services and work in Norway. The information has been translated into several different languages.

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Accommodation

Dormitories

There are several dormitories in Oslo where you can rent a room or a small apartment. This is usually the cheapest way to live in Oslo, and a good way to meet other students.

BI Norwegian School of Management assists exchange students and new degree seeking students with residence outside of Norway in finding accommodation. Other applicants and second and third year students can apply directly to the different dormitories. BSN Nydalen

BSN Nydalen is located a few minutes from campus. They offer a number of different rooms and facilities like squash courts, laundry room, roof terrace, broadband Internet and cable TV. Read more: www.bsn.no

SiO

The Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) provides affordable housing for students in Oslo. SiO has more than 6000 rooms and apartments at different rates around Oslo.

Read more: www.sio.no/english Anker Studenthousing

Anker Studenthousing is located in downtown Oslo. They have 1000 apartments of various sizes. All apartments have private toilet and shower, and some also have their own kitchen. Read more: www.ankerstudentbolig.no

Exchange students and students who have

been offered a dormitory before coming to BI

Questions regarding the accommodation allocated to you can be directed to our housing coordinator Ms Marthe Dirdal, by sending an email to housing@bi.no.

Internal moving - SiO

If you want to switch from one SiO dormitory to another you have to contact SiO directly. Information about procedures for internal moving is available on www.sio.no/english.

How are the rooms equipped?

You will have to bring your own duvet, pillow sheets and towels. In addition, you will have to buy pots, pans and cutlery.

Sometimes there will be leftovers from previous students.

Private accommodation

Private accommodation is usually more expensive than dormitories. The price for renting a one-bedroom apartment in Oslo is between NOK 5000-7000, or even more. Many students live in a commune (usually 2-4 people) where they share kitchen, bathroom and maybe a living room. Vacant rooms are usually advertised in local papers and on the Internet. Expect to pay NOK 3500 - 6000 for a room.

Advertisements for private accommodation can be found in newspapers and on the Internet. ‘Aften’ evening paper and the following websites are recommended sources.

www.finn.no www.hybel.no www.utleiemegleren.no

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Communication channels

Username and Password

For safety reasons, most of the communication channels used at BI requires a username and password. You have received your personal username and password to all electronic services at BI along with your admittance confirmation. If you should loose this information please contact the Student Service Centre at

studentservicesenter@bi.no.

Below you will find an overview of the different communication channels used at BI.

Student Information

www.bi.no/englishstudent

At this site you find all the relevant information you need as a student; all logon services, student services and relevant links to external and internal sites. You will also find news from the student union, information about various events held at BI and The Student House, and more.

Banner Student Web

www.bi.no/banner

At Banner Student Web you can update your address, telephone number and e-mail. You can access to your personal schedule, and register and withdraw for exams. You will also find various student services such as your examination results and the

preliminary examination protocol. Remember to always keep your contact information updated!

Blackboard

http://blackboard.bi.no

BI uses Blackboard as a publication tool for lecture notes and information from the student administration. Blackboard also serves as a student portal with access to electronic services and information about IT services, library resources, student associations etc. Most of the administrative and academic information for students is only accessible via Blackboard.

SMS messages

SMS messages are used for giving important information on short notice, for instance if a lecture has been cancelled. The service is free of charge. Please register your Norwegian mobile phone number on Banner Student Web.

E-mail

http://webmail.student.bi.no

As a student you will be given a personal e-mail address.

Important student information will be sent to this address and you are obliged to check it regularly. You can forward e-mails to your chosen e-mail address by registering this at Banner Student Web.

Online Student Handbook

www.bi.no/studenthandbook

The Student Handbook contains syllabuses, course descriptions, literature lists, regulations, exam information and other important student information.

Previous Examination Papers

You will find previous examination papers in the Student Handbook at www.bi.no/studenthandbook or on http://blackboard.bi.no

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Practical information

Semester Fees

In August/September degree seeking students will receive a bank giro for payment of the autumn semester fee. The giro for the spring semester is sent out in December. This does not apply to exchange students.

ID card

All BI students get a personal student card at the start of the semester. Please contact the Student Service Centre in U1 to have your picture taken and to have the card processed. The card is used as proof of identity, library card, on vending machines, at the document centre and for copying and printing.

The card is replenished by transferring money from your bank account at a terminal in the Student Service Centre, or by using cash at a terminal at the International Relations Office. If you loose your card a fee for the replacement of the card will be charged.

For the student identification card to be valid the tuition fee for the relevant semester must have been paid (do not apply to exchange students), documented by a receipt tag attached to the back of the card. The receipt tag can be obtained at the Student Service Centre.

ID number

Your ID number is affixed the student card. It is beneficial to memorise the number, as you need it often in different contexts.

Examinations

Examinations are held in November/December (autumn semester) and in May/June (spring semester). You will automatically be enrolled for the exams that apply to your study programme, or the courses you are taking. The examination plan for the autumn semester is posted in the Student Handbook in September. The plan for the spring semester is normally available in December/ January.

You can withdraw from, or change your examination via Banner Studentweb. The deadline for making changes is week 40 in the autumn semester and week 10 in the spring semester.

Calculator

The only accepted advanced calculator used for examinations at BI is the Texas Instruments (TI) model, BAII Plus. It can be bought at Akademika Bookshop on Campus and will cost about NOK 400.

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Courses and course

registration

Exchange Students

Deadline for course registration is August 10 for the autumn semester and December 10 for the spring semester. If you wish to change courses after this date you must use the add/drop form. Final deadline for making changes is August 24 for the autumn semester and January 11 for the spring semester. Registration forms are available on the web.

Bachelor Students

All courses are mandatory in the first and second year of the programme. In the third year some courses are mandatory, but students may choose between marketing or finance as their specialisation.

Master Students

Autumn 2007

1st year students: Will be automatically registered for mandatory courses. Until August 24 it will be possible to register for elective courses by sending an e-mail to msc@bi.no.

2nd year students: Will be automatically registered for mandatory courses. Online registration of electives until August 10.

Exchange Students: Online registration until August 10. Until August 24 it will be possible to change registrations by using an add/drop form.

Spring 2008

1st year students: Will be automatically registered for mandatory courses. Online registration of electives until December 10. 2nd year students: Will be automatically registered for mandatory courses. Online registration of electives until December 10. Exchange Students: Online registration until December 10. Until January 11 it will be possible to change registrations by using an add/drop form

Registrations will not be accepted after the deadline. Please note that MSc students who want to retake exams must sign up for the course at the beginning of the semester, by August 24 in the autumn semester, and December 10 in the spring semester.

Norwegian Course

In order to give international students at BI an opportunity to learn Norwegian and hence a better grasp of the Norwegian Culture, BI offers Norwegian language courses.

Norwegian course offering autumn 2007

Beginner course will be offered starting Monday September 3. The course consists of two lectures per week; Monday and Wednesday, from 1800-2030.

The price is NOK 1000 for exchange students, and NOK 1500 for BBA and MSc students. The course must be paid in advance to the International Relations office. Please note that registration is based on first-come-first-served basis. Course registration form is available on web.

The textbook "Norsk 1-2-3" can be bought at Akademika bookstore at approx. NOK 305.

The course is not a part of BIs curriculum and does not give any credits. Students can take a test at the end of the course and receive a certificate.

Norwegian course offering spring 2008

Beginner course will be offered starting mid January. Advanced course will be offered based on demand.

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Services

In cooperation with the Student Union at BI in Oslo (SBIO) and the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo (SiO) BI is continuously working to develop and improve our services. In the information booklet “Everything you need to know about student life at BI in Oslo” you can read more about BI, the Student Union and SiO.

Student Service Center

The Student Service Center is centrally located in U1 (ground floor by the canteen). They will help you with the following: ID cards, information about SiO, student housing, preliminary transcripts of grades, various confirmations, submission of term papers, projects and thesis, various forms, password and username and general information.

The Library

BI’s library is located on the 5th and 6th floor. Here you will find facilities for research, teaching and learning through effective access to relevant information resources, user-adapted services and various workplaces.

The Library offers information resources in printed and electronic format;

• books, periodicals, papers and databases • open group workplaces for 325 persons • 46 group rooms and 4 AV rooms • 350 PC workplaces

• 264 individual reading places

• 225 social places, 9 special workplaces • language laboratory an places for disabled

IT services

There are 200 workstations located in hallways and in special PC labs, and 350 workstations in the library, all connected to laser printers. Most areas have wireless network connections and you will find it useful to bring your own laptop.

You can connect your laptop to BI`s network by wireless connection or a normal Ethernet card. The connection and use of BI`s network is free of charge for all students studying at BI. Contact the IT instructors located at U1, next to the Student Service Centre.

To use BI’s IT services you must be a registered user with a user-identity provided by BI. When logging onto the IT systems, you

must always use your own identity and password. The user-identity and password are strictly confidential, and must not be shared with others. Should you nonetheless become aware of, or suspect that, a password has been made available to others, please contact the IT department immediately. Use of other users’ identities and/or passwords is forbidden.

Bookshop

There is an Akademika book shop on Campus. Here you will find the books on your literature list, fiction, periodicals, magazines and more.

Student canteen and coffee bars

The canteen serves everything from sandwiches and pizza to noodles and more traditional Norwegian dinners. There are also two coffee bars and a kiosk on Campus.

Nydalen Athletica

On the second floor of building D, you will find a large fitness centre. The price for a one-semester membership is NOK 975. Students who wish to use other SiO sports facilities need to pay another NOK 225 extra.

University Chaplain

You are welcome to visit our student Chaplain whenever you think life is challenging or difficult. You can contact him whatever religion you belong to. Appointment can be made by sending an email or SMS to:

Nils Jøran Riedl

Email: studentprest@bi.no SMS: 934 61 922

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Student Health Services

Student Health Services provide general health care, including student social counseling, in block D, 2nd floor on Campus. Clinical psychology/psychiatry and basic dental care are available to BI students at the University of Oslo, Blindern.

You can use the Student Health Services if you have paid the semester fee to SiO (the semester fee is waived for exchange students). Students can also use the Student Health Services as their General Physisian (Fastlege) provided that they have a P or D-number. More information about Student Health Services can be found on www.sio.no/english.

Opening hours Student Health Services at BI Monday to Friday 08.00 – 11.00 and 12.00 – 16.00

Tel: (+47) 23 21 53 80 (Closed for lunch between 11.00 –12.00) Emergency tel: (+47) 23 21 53 90, 08.00 – 16.00

Outside office hours

The Emergency Service in Oslo Telephone 22 93 22 93

Address: Legevakten, Storgata 40

If you need to see a dentist urgently you can call Oslo Tannlegevakt, telephone 22 65 33 88 / 22 93 22 93 www.oslotannlegevakt.no (In Norwegian only)

Medical History Form

If you suffer from any diseases including any contagious diseases, it is useful for the doctors at the Student Health Service to have information on what medicine you are taking, to be able to find substitutes if required, and what treatment you have had. It is extremely important that you give information about former allergic reactions against specific medicine(s) or other substances. Please also bring your Vaccination Card to doctor appointments. Each year some students fall seriously ill. Therefore we ask you to give us information about how we can reach your family or relatives. They will never be contacted without your consent. Please fill out the Medical History Form (enclosed in the welcome pack) and send it to:

Studenthelsetjenesten P.O. Box 94, Blindern N-0314 Oslo, Norway

Student-run activities

The student union, SBIO, is there for you to make the most out of your stay, and to enable you to meet fellow Norwegian students. They have a range of activities ranging from various sports to business groups. Below is a brief description of some of the groups you might be most likely to join. You will receive more

information about SBIO in a separate booklet.

BI Athletics

BI Athletics offers students a range of experiences in the world of sports. They offer sport activities on a hobby-basis as well as elite sports. BI Athletics represents BI in championships and series in lacrosse, rowing, football and basketball. They also offer courses in activities like dance, kiting and scuba diving.

The Student House

The Student House (Studentenes Hus) is located close to BI next to the idyllic Akerselva river. It is primarily run by students, but is connected to BI. The Student House is a place where students can meet. Pub evenings are arranged on Thursdays, and parties and festivals according to seasons. The building can house as many as 1000 people for concerts.

InSA - International Student Association

On a yearly basis BI has around 350 exchange students, in addition to other international students. InSA’s goal is to help integrate the international students into the Norwegian student

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environment. InSA are responsible for the “buddy” programme. The buddies pick up exchange students at the Central Station and help them with practical information concerning living in Norway. They arrange visits to museums, sightseeing, parties and

international dinners.

GSS – Graduate Student Society

GSS is the student association for all Master of Science students at BI.

BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration

The students on the Bachelor of Business Programme have their own student organization.

Each one of you will receive an e-mail from the students association you “belong” to, but on many events these associations cooperate and invite each others members.

Student cabins for rent

The Student Unions at BI and the University of Oslo own many cabins, in and outside Oslo, which students can rent. Read more: www.studenthyttene.no (In Norwegian only).

Practical issues

Bank Account

Students staying in Norway for more than one semester are recommended to open a bank account. This is an inexpensive solution compared to using your VISA or credit card.

To open an account in Norway you need a social security number or a D-number. The bank can apply for a D-number for students staying less than 6 months. It normally takes three to four weeks from the time the bank sends in a requisition form until your bank account can be activated.

The Sparebank1 bank is located on Campus. They offer good terms for BI students who opens a bank account with a VISA card. To open a bank account, please contact Sparebank1 in building D, 1st floor. Remember to bring you passport.

Mobile Phone

In Norway most people have a mobile phone. If you have brought your own mobile phone to Norway, you can buy a pre-paid card or a Norwegian subscription. Pre-paid cards are easily available in kiosks like 7Eleven and Narvesen. To buy a pre-paid card you need an ID card. A monthly subscription requires that you have a Norwegian D-number.

Basic phones with a subscription or a pre-paid card are readily available for a fair price. Mobile phones can be bought in stores that sell electrical equipment or in telecommunication stores. Remember to switch off your mobile phone during lectures, at the library and when entering public building such as cinemas and theatres.

Sending packages to Norway

Packages sent to Norway must have your detailed address with your room number and preferably a phone number where you can be reached written on it.

For clearing purposes through customs, be sure to list contents as “used personal belongings” when sending clothing, textbooks etc. We do not recommend using express mail services for this purpose, as there are rather steep, unexpected charges for clearing through customs. You must under NO circumstances send medication, cigarettes or alcohol by post.

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Transportation

Public transportation

Public transportation is the most convenient way to travel to and within Oslo. There is an extensive transportation system consisting of trains, buses, ferries, trams and subway. Oslo can be easily reached by car, ferry, train, bus or plane. All trains arrive at Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), while buses arrive at Oslo Bus Terminal.

How to get to and from BI

The easiest way to get to BI is by using public transportation.

Subway

Line 4 Ringen, line 5 Storo and line 6 Ringen takes you to Nydalen Subway Station, which is located right next to BI. It takes about 12 minutes from downtown Oslo to Nydalen.

Bus

Bus number 37 stops at BI`s main entrance and bus number 30 makes a stop at the eastern entrance. Both busses run to and from the city centre.

Trams

Tram number 11, 12 and 13 takes you to and from Storo, a 5 minute walk from the BI.

Tickets and rates

Tickets are bought from special ticket machines or from the driver on busses and trams (not on trains or subway). A single ticket, valid for one hour, is NOK 22 if you buy it from a machine and NOK 30 if you buy it from the driver. A 24 hour ticket is NOK 60 and a weekly pass is NOK 210. Prices are subject to change. You can buy a monthly student travel pass for NOK 430. The first time you buy the pass you must go to Trafikanten (next to the Oslo Central Station) to get a card with your personal information and photo. Remember to bring you student ID, passport and a passport photo. Student who have this card can buy monthly

passes at Akademika Bookshop, Narvesen kiosks etc. The travel pass can be used on all public transportation within the city borders of Oslo.

Please be aware that there are periodic controls on all public transportation. If you are caught without a valid ticked the fine is NOK 750/950.

Check www.trafikanten.no for schedules and further information on public transportation.

Driving in Norway

EU citizens can use their original driving license while in Norway. Non-EU citizens are allowed to use the driver’s license obtained in their home country during the first year of their stay in Norway, as long as the license is in English, German or French. If not, an additional certified translation from the home country is required. If you bring your own car you need to get a driving permission from the customs.

Parking at BI

There are 280 free parking spaces for students on Campus. The first come, first served principle applies. When all free parking spaces are taken you will have to pay for parking your car. Students will need a special parking card to access the car park. The card can be obtained from Europark’s stand close to the Student Service Centre during the first two weeks of the semester. Europark operates the parking house and you need to observe their parking regulations.

Bicycle

Bicycles can be bought in all major sportswear stores and specialized bicycle stores. You can also check www.finn.no for used bikes. Outside BI there are bicycle racks where you can lock your bicycle during lectures. Make sure to always lock your bike carefully as theft is common.

Oslo Citybikes

Citybikes are bikes you can borrow for up to three hours by using a special Citybike card. The Citybikes are stationed at 66 different places downtown and are available between 06:00 and 24:00 every day. The yearly fee is NOK 60.

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Attractions in Oslo

Along with the world class art that you would expect of a European capital city, Oslo has sights that appeal to a broad range of interests, a vibrant city life, and fjords and lakes located in a wooded wilderness area that can be reached by public

transportation.

Oslo offers some 50 museums and many art galleries. Amongst the internationally known attractions are the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, Akershus Fortress, Holmenkollen and the Folk Museum. Many museums and art galleries are free of charge or they offer discounts for students. Useful websites:

www.visitoslo.no www.virtualoslo.com

Oslo Public Library

Oslo Public Library is Norway´s largest public library. The library is available for everyone and has many branches located across the city. There are several specialised departments, such as The Mulitilingual Library. Their collection includes both fiction and non-fiction in thirty-seven languages. At other branches you can choose among a large selection of books in Nordic and other European languages, especially English and German. The majority of branches also offer graphic novels, videos, DVD´s and audio books for circulation.

Places for activities and

recreation

Public parks

Oslo has many parks and outdoor areas open to the public. The parks are nice places to meet for barbeque, sports activities or just to relax. Some of the most popular parks are Frognerparken (Vigeland Sculpture Park), St. Hanshaugen, Tøyen, Birkelunden and Torshov. It is also very popular to walk along Akerselva river, which flows through the city in the north-south direction.

Islands

Just outside of Oslo harbour there are 40 small islands, most of which are open to the public for barbequing, sunbathing and swimming. The water temperature is normally between 18 and 22 degrees in summer. To visit the Islands you need to go by ferry. Rates are the same as for other public transportation and you can use your monthly student pass.

Sognsvann

Sognsvann is a freshwater lake located a 5 minute walk from Kringsjå Studenthouse. There is a nice walking path around the lake were you can take a walk or go for a run. The lake is also adjusted for bathing with a nice beach, grassy field and a small pier.

Nordmarka

The forest region north of Oslo city is called Nordmarka and has a size of 430 km2. There are several tour possibilities both in summer and winter. In the summer you can find nice, blue-marked tracks for hiking, biking routes and idyllic lakes for swimming. It is also possible to stay for overnight or have a break at one of the many charming cabins. For further information check

www.turistforeningen.no.

Skiing

Oslo boasts an exceptional ski experience within 30 minutes of the city centre by subway. Over 2,600 km of well prepared and red-marked cross-country ski trails run deep into the Oslo forest (Nordmarka). 124 km of these trails are floodlit until 23:00 hours each day, and winter cabins deep in the forest serve hot chocolate and freshly baked pastries. Holmenkollen and Sognsvann are often the starting points for cross country skiing.

Tryvann Winterpark (located in the Holmenkollen area) offers 14 slopes and Varingskollen Winterpark (located in Hakadal, only 30 minutes from Oslo) offers 6 slopes for alpine skiing. Both parks have floodlit night skiing with excellent snow conditions from December to April each year. For further information check www.tryvann.no and www.varingskollen.no.

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Nydalen and other urban areas

Nydalen

BI lies in the heart of Nydalen, which was originally an industrial area. The last twenty years the area has developed into to becoming an area of competence. Today, Nydalen consist of thriving businesses, numerous service offerings, a hotel and apartment buildings.

The Akerselva river runs freely through the area and along the river you will find nice footpaths. These will take you into the wood surrounding Oslo if you head north or to the Oslo fjord if you walk southwards.

Behind BI, near the motorway, lies Storo Shoppingmall. Here you will find several clothing stores, a bookstore, a florist, a pharmacy, accessorizes, hairdressers, groceries, sports equipment, an electrical store and more.

The city centre around Karl Johans gate

The area is a pedestrian precinct with many clothing stores, restaurant, bars, hotels and cinemas. Larger shopping malls and department stores in the area are Oslo City, Byporten,

Glassmagasinet, Steen & Strøm, Paleet and Aker Brygge.

Grünerløkka

At Grünerløkka you will find more than 60 restaurants, cafés and bars serving all kinds of food. There are shops run by immigrants selling fruit, vegetables and low-priced food items. Grünerløkka is also the place to look for small, independent shops with clothes and handicrafts, as well as number of second hand shops.

Majorstua

In the streets of Bogstadveien and Hegdehaugsveien you will find a good mix of exclusive brands, mid-price clothing and value clothes. There are also a good selection of restaurants, cafés and bars, and once a month they have an outdoor market.

Grønland

Grønland has a wide variety of shops run by immigrants. They offer Oslo’s best selection of fruits and vegetables. In addition you can get a good bargain on exotic textiles and gold. The main streets are Grønlandsleiret and Smalgangen.

Restaurants, bars and cinemas

Restaurants

In Oslo you can choose from good, old-fashioned rustic food, delicious dishes of fish, moose and reindeer or stimulating culinary dishes from every corner of the world. You will find restaurants that serve dishes in every price category, and there are many good alternatives for student budgets. The many exotic restaurants are a good option in this regard, and you will find these in every part of the city.

Nightlife

Oslo’s nightlife is anything but boring. There are countless bars, cafés and nightclubs to choose from and the atmosphere is friendly and inviting. Oslo’s party animals quickly pick up new trends or make their own, and the places to go, to see and be seen, change from one week to the next.

Cinemas

Oslo Municipal Cinemas (Oslokino) operates eight movie theatres in the city of Oslo. Foreign films are normally screened in original versions with Norwegian subtitles. Please note that features for children may be dubbed! Norwegian films are generally not subtitled.

Shopping

You will find everything you need in Oslo - Shopping malls, department stores, small boutiques, shopping streets with hundreds of small shops and retailers, charming antique shops, flea markets, suppliers of exclusive international brand names and local handicraft shops.

The major shopping streets like Karl Johan and Bogstadveien, are open until around 18:00 on weekdays and 16:00 on Saturdays. The shopping malls are open to 20:00 - 21:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturdays. Shops are closed on Sundays and on public holidays, with the exception of some smaller food stores.

Where to shop for…

Groceries

The least expensive stores are Prix, Rimi, Rema 1000 and Kiwi. Here you will find a basic selection of groceries, toiletries, etc. At

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the east side of town (Sagene, Torshov, Günerløkka and Grønland) you will find Turkish, Pakistani and other Asian grocery stores with a selection of vegetables, fruit, and international food at a low-price.

Things for your room

IKEA is the largest and cheapest place to shop for furniture, bed linen, decoration, kitchenware, textiles and more. A free bus to IKEA departs from Jernbanetorget (Oslo S) every hour on the hour from 10:00-22:00 on weekdays and 10:00-20:00 on Saturday. The bus returns to Jernbanetorget every 40 minute past the hour. Notice that there are two IKEAs around Oslo; Furuset and Slependen. Buses go to both places.

Clothes

There are several shopping malls in downtown Oslo around Karl Johan, at Oslo S, Aker Brygge and Bogstadveien.

National holidays

Norwegian national holidays may differ slightly from what you are used to. On these days most commercial businesses are closed, no newspapers are printed and you can expect to contend with irregular public transport schedules.

2007

Christmas Day: December 25 Boxing Day: December 26

2008

New Years Day: January 1 Palm Sunday: March 16 Maundy Thursday: March 20 Good Friday: March 21 Easter Sunday: March 23 Easter Monday: March 24 Labour Day: May 1 Constitution Day: May 17 Ascension Day: May 1 Whit Sunday: May 11 Whit-Monday: May 12 Christmas Day: December 25 Boxing Day: December 26

Temperatures and climate

You will find summer temperatures in Oslo from May to September. The temperatures can vary from 10 degrees on a rainy day, to 30 degrees on a nice summer day. Sea temperatures in summer are normally between 18 and 22 degrees. From September it gets gradually colder, but the autumn can be nice with sunny days and clear, sharp air. By mid November we usually have winter, and snow usually arrives in time for Christmas. It is quite dark and cold in the months from November until the end of February. In March you will find milder temperature and sunny days. Spring arrives in March/April and continues until mid May.

Rules and regulations

Smoking in Norway

In Norway, law restricts smoking. The law prohibits smoking in all public buildings like the BI Campus, cinemas, municipal offices, railway stations etc. Do not expect to be reminded by signs. As of the summer of 2004 it is also prohibited to smoke in restaurants, bars and cafés all over Norway.

Beer, wine and spirits

A state-owned monopoly chain, Vinmonopolet, controls the sale of wine and hard liquors. Beer can be bought in food stores. The age limit for buying beer and wine is 18. For buying hard liquors the minimum age requirement is 20.

Drugs

Please note that use of any kind of drugs/narcotics is illegal in Norway. Drug offences may result in jail sentence and deportation.

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Emergency plan

BI has a crisis emergency plan which covers all incoming exchange students. If you or one of your fellow students experience a serious accident or get hospitalized, or should you experience anything else we should be informed of. Please contact one of the following persons at BI’s International Relations Office for assistance:

Mr. Helge Jensen, telephone 46 41 02 20 Ms. Ellen Tobiasson, telephone 46 41 02 26

Emergency phones

FIRE 110 POLICE 112 AMBULANCE 113

Useful websites

www.visitoslo.no www.virtualoslo.com www.visitnorway.com www.ssb.no/english

Contact information

Degree students

Bachelor in Business Administration Responsible: Ms. Helle Simensen Email: bba@bi.no

Phone: +47 810 00 500 / +47 46 41 01 15 / +47 46 41 01 16

Fax: +47 23 26 47 94

Master of Science Responsible: Ms. Iveta Cechova Email: msc@bi.no Phone: +47 46 41 00 82

Fax: +47 46 41 00 59

Exchange students

International Relations Office Responsible: Ms. Ellen Tobiasson Ms. Eline Jensrud Ms. Benedicte Kaltenborn Email: international.office@bi.no Phone: +47 46 41 02 26 / +47 46 41 02 24 Fax: +47 46 41 02 29

Office hours

The Student administration for Bachelor and Master Students and the International Relations Office is open from Monday – Friday from 09:00 – 16:00.

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Important dates

Exchange Students

May 1 Application Deadline for Incoming Exchange

June 1 Housing Application Deadline

July 10 - August 10 Course registration period. On-line application form is available on the web August 1 Return the pick-up form with your arrival date, arrival time and flight number August 15 at 10:00 hrs Welcome Information Meeting at BI

August 16 Intercultural Workshop for Master Students August 17 Intercultural Workshop for Bachelor Students

August 20 Classes start

August 10 - 24 Use Add/Drop form

September 24 - October 7 Exam registration period /Application for special arrangements in connection with examinations Mid November - December 21 Final Exams

December 10 Deadline for course registration spring 2008

December 21 Last day of the semester. Do not book your return ticket until your exam dates have been announced!

January 7 Classes start

January 11 Final deadline for course registration changes, by using add/drop form.

February 18 – March 9 Exam registration period /Application for special arrangements in connection with examinations

May – June Final Exams

Mid June Last day of the semester. Do not book your return ticket until your exam dates have been announced!

BBA students

April 15 Application Deadline

June 1 Housing Application Deadline

August 15 Welcome Information Meeting at BI

August 17 Study Technique Course

August 20 Classes start

December 21 Last day of the semester. Do not make any travel arrangements before your exam dates have been announced!

February 1 Deadline for applying for an exchange semester/academic year 2008/2009 (applies to second year students) February 18 – March 9 Exam registration period /Application for special arrangements in connection with examinations

Master students

April 15 Admission Deadline. Admission on a rolling basis until semester start July 10 - August 10 Electronic Course registration for the autumn semester

August 15 - 14:30 hrs Matriculation Ceremony

August 15 - 17:00 hrs General Information Meeting for Master Students

August 15 -17 Information Meetings for the different Master programmes

August 24 Final deadline for course registration for 1st year students and exchange students

November 10 Electronic Course Registration for the spring semester 2008 starts

December 10 Electronic Course Registration ends (final deadline for 1st and 2nd year students)

December 21 Last day of the semester. Do not make any travel arrangements before your exam dates have been announced!

February 1 Deadline for applying for an exchange semester/academic year 2008/2009

February 18 – March 9 Exam registration period /Application for special arrangements in connection with examinations

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