🎓 Exchange programme in the land of fjords: study, part-time work and a budget without breaking the bank

Disclaimer: This is an overview and not legal advice on visa/working conditions. Check the current rules with your university and official authorities.

A semester exchange plan involves logistics, money, and time slots for work. Below, we explain how to choose a campus and accommodation, fit part-time work into your schedule, and build a community of friends. Related topics: Student budget, Campus coworking spaces, Student accommodation vs private rentals.

🏫 Choosing a host

🏫 Campus and libraries

Check out library hours, the number of quiet areas, and the availability of group rooms that can be reserved. Find out if there is evening access with a student ID and if there are co-working spaces near the buildings.

🏠 Dormitory or private rental

Dormitories are easier in terms of price/access, but have fixed move-in dates. Private rentals are more flexible, but more complicated with deposits and furniture. For a one-semester ‘exchange,’ choose a studio/room closer to the campus and public transport.

🏋️ Sports and recreation

Sports centres run by student organisations are a lifesaver during the dark season: showers, swimming pools, saunas, inexpensive memberships. They are also a place for networking.

💼 Study + part-time work

Permitted formats and ‘windows’

Work options include evenings/weekends, campus services (library, sports centre, cafeteria), city shifts (retail, events), and online work (tutoring, support). Plan for 8–15 hours during the academic week and more during holidays.

Schedule without overload

• Put together a schedule of your availability: 2–3 evenings on weekdays + part of Saturday.
• Set a ‘quiet period’ before exam season (no shifts for 7–10 days).
• Agree on fixed breaks with your manager and avoid working nights in a row.

💰 Financial plan

Scholarships and discounts

Check when your scholarship payments are due and keep a 4–6 week cushion. Use student discounts for transport, sports and museums.

Transport and food

A travel pass pays for itself if you travel ≥3 times a week. Weekly meal plans, discount stores and evening discounts on ready meals can help with food costs.

Small habits — big impact

One home-cooked meal a day, a thermos/bottle with you, a shopping list by category. Adjust your ‘economy/balance/comfort’ balance for the semester, not ‘forever.’

👥 Community

Clubs and tandems

Language tandems, interest clubs, sports leagues, volunteer activities. This is free language practice and a quick way to make friends.

How not to get lost in a new group

Say hello — suggest a quick coffee before class or a trip to the gym together. Plan evening meetups near public transport so you can get home without any hassle.

📚 End of semester

Transferring credits

Check that your courses match your Learning Agreement, deadlines for assignments and appeal windows. Save your syllabuses and confirmation letters — they will come in handy when transferring.

How to package your experience

Update your CV: ‘what you did → result’ (2–3 lines per course/project). Add a mini-portfolio: poster, code, short demo. Mention clubs/volunteering and your role.

🗓️ Quick semester planner

At the start (weeks 1–2): campus map, schedule, libraries/co-working spaces, sports, transport, accommodation.

Middle (weeks 3–8): light part-time work, clubs/tandems, project deadlines.

Finish (last 3–4 weeks): quiet period, credit transfer, packing cases.

✅ Mini exchange checklist

• Accommodation and travel confirmed, campus access set up
• Availability schedule for part-time work and the ‘quiet period’ before the exam period
• Budget for 4–6 weeks and a list of discounts
• 2 clubs/tandems and one volunteer activity ‘for fun’
• Credit transfer plan + folder with syllabi