Greetings! I recently had the pleasure of studying abroad in Norway as a part of the UA Adventures in Literature class. It was by far one of the coolest experiences of my life and I am already trying to figure out how to get back! In this post, I will talk about a few things that I learned while on my trip; perhaps you might find these useful if you ever get the chance to travel there, too.
1. Norway has a quiet culture (at least, compared to the US).
Pretty quickly our class realized we were by far the loudest people out and about, especially on public transportation. While we would be chatting, laughing, etc., everyone else would be silent or speaking in hushed tones. When we asked our professor why that was the case, he explained that in Norwegian culture it is customary to be quiet on public transportation so that you can better focus on the beautiful scenery around you. Afterwards, we made an effort to be quieter on buses, trams, and trains. While there is nothing wrong with a small conversation or two, just keep in mind that the other people around you might prefer a quiet atmosphere!
2. Utilize Apple or Google maps for transportation.
Norway, especially Oslo, has a fantastic public transportation system. At first, it may seem a little intimidating to navigate, as there are multiple buses and trams with hundreds of stops to choose from. Personally, I was initially scared that I wouldn’t know which lines to ride or how many stops to pass; the maps listed on the sides of the bus/tram stops looked confusing and complicated to read. However, I soon learned that Google maps (or Apple maps for iPhone users) is a great way to determine which route would work best. It is very easy and straightforward, as well as compatible and up to date with the running lines: just type in your chosen destination and select the tram or bus line listed at the top! Once you hit start, it will notify you how many stops to ride through, and where to walk once you disembark. It even works for the ferries that run to the various islands in Oslo! I know this sounds like an obvious practice to use, but when you’re traveling in a different country it’s easy to get overwhelmed and be unsure what to do – once I realized that Google maps worked with the bus and tram lines, my experience was instantly better!
3. Food can be pricey.
There are lots of delicious options (both from restaurants and grocery stores) to choose from in Norway; however, it was much pricier than our class was anticipating. For the most part, meals were at least $15 USD, but prices easily reached over $20-30, especially at dinner; buying ingredients from the grocery store to make our meals ended up being about the same price-wise. My advice would be (1) take advantage of free breakfast if your hotel or hostel provides it and (2) check out convenience stores (such as 7Eleven) for cheaper, quick bites to eat, such as hotdogs or deli sandwiches.
4. Having a good raincoat is crucial.
It rains often in Norway, usually without a moment’s notice. There were more than a few times I wished I had a rain jacket or umbrella with me. I did bring a small, lightweight waterproof jacket with me, but after a few minutes of pouring rain, it was soaked through. Instead of packing one you already own (unless you have tested it thoroughly and know it will keep you dry), I would recommend finding a raincoat once you arrive there; Scandinavian Explorer is an excellent brand to look for! Plus, if you wait to purchase one until you’re there, not only will you have less things to pack on the way there, but you’ll also have an amazing souvenir that will last a long time!
