🏠 Student accommodation vs hybel: pros and cons
🏘️ Student accommodation (SiO, Sammen, Sit)
Halls of residence from Samskipradaur are a popular option for international students.
Pros:
● 💰 Below market price (4500–6500 NOK/month).
● 🎓 Priority for first-year students and international students.
● 🛠️ Maintenance and repairs are included in the price.
● 🤝 Easy to meet other students.
Cons:
● ❌ Limited choice of rooms.
● ❌ Often shared kitchen/bathroom.
● ❌ Queues in summer, especially in Oslo and Bergen.
🏡 Hybel
Hybel is renting a separate room in an apartment or house from a private owner.
Pros:
● 🛏️ More privacy than in a hostel.
● 📍 Often closer to the city centre.
● 🔑 You can choose accommodation to suit your taste.
Cons:
● 💸 More expensive (6000–9000 NOK/month).
● 📑 You need to sign a private contract.
● ⚡ Risk of fraud when renting.
👥 Kollektiv
Kollektiv — several students living together in a rented flat.
Pros:
● 👫 Friendly atmosphere and shared expenses.
● 💸 Lower price than a separate flat.
● 🍳 Shared kitchen and appliances.
Cons:
● ❌ Less personal space.
● ❌ Conflicts over household matters (cleaning, noise).
● ❌ The rental agreement may be complicated for foreigners.
📊 Housing formats: Pros & Cons
| Format | ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory (SiO/Sammen/Sit) | Low cost, student priority, services, new friends | Waiting list, shared kitchen/bathroom, limited options |
| Hybel (studio/room) | Privacy, flexibility, close to city centre | More expensive, risk of scams, requires contract |
| Kollektiv (shared flat) | Cheaper, social atmosphere, shared expenses | Less personal space, potential conflicts |
The great news is that, whatever your budget, personality or expectations, there is the perfect place for you! A dormitory, hybel or kollektiv – whatever you choose, you'll be in the perfect place! A dormitory offers savings and new acquaintances, a hybel offers privacy, and a kollektiv offers a fantastic balance between price and social life.
📌 Tip: Get excited about your upcoming adventure by finding your perfect place to stay 3–5 months before you arrive. Take the time to read all your contracts so you can avoid any surprises and make sure you're getting the best deal.
FAQ
A student residence is almost always cheaper. A hybel costs 1000–2000 NOK/month more, especially in large cities.
Through the Samskipnaða (SiO, Sammen, Sit) website. You need to pay the semesteravgift in advance.
Rarely. Sometimes Samskipnad offers "specials" at the beginning of the semester, but demand is huge in the summer.
Ask for a written contract and a bank deposit account. Never transfer money to private cards.
A hybel or small kollektiv will give you more personal space.
Yes, but you will have to look for a new room. You can apply for an exchange in Samskipnad, but there is no guarantee.
Usually, residents choose their neighbours based on interviews or recommendations.
