Until recently I didn’t think so many people in Bergen could handle its weather.

RAIN. Ever since i moved to Bergen in the summer of 2021 I've wondered: How do we as humans cope with such constantly bad weather?


When I’m at home, there is usually a very short period between the moment I realize that I have a lecture in the city center and the moment I have to leave to get there on time. We’re talking about five minutes. Just enough time to grab my keys, fill up my water bottle and storm out of my apartment. … Read More

Juan Arturo Álvarez’s time as a student in Bergen has made him wonder about the differences between studying in a developed country and a developing one.

THE FUTURE. Even though Arturo seems sceptical about the future of Mexico, he still finds hope.


It is not very common to find Mexican students in Norway, let alone Bergen. However, Juan Arturo Álvarezs, a physics student from Mexico City, chose to come because he has family here.  – I met them when I was younger, and I was fascinated by Norway because I love nature.  Also, he thinks it’s a privilege to do research in … Read More

Weekend drinking is a given. But have you seen the prices? It seems to be a reflection of a culture where alcohol is a key social factor.

ALCOHOL PRICES. «What is going on with alcohol in Norway?»


It was my first Saturday night in Norway. Around 9 p.m. while walking home, down the stairs of Johanneskirken, I noticed a drunk girl lying curled up on the side of the road. While trying in vain to help her, two Norwegian guys walked by. The first one said, «leave it, it’s normal» and the second one «don’t worry, she’s … Read More

REFLECTIONS. Ismay Bax talks about the challenges of trying to make more sustainable choices as a student.


When Ismay Bax came to Bergen last August she came by car. She is doing a two-year masters degree in System Dynamics and moved with her boyfriend and sister, who also studies in Bergen. – The overall footprint is smaller when you go by car than if three people go by plane, Bax says. While they bought the car to … Read More

Despite uncertainty, coronavirus restrictions and winter conditions, Moka Nakazawa and Marcela Kinclová are optimistic about their upcoming exchange semester.

RELAXED. The people in Bergen seem less busy, says Moka Nakazawa an exchange student from Japan. PHOTO: Peter Apolinario.


A new country, a new language, new people and new classes. Going on exchange is an exciting time with so much to plan, do, see and experience. Along with the uncertainty from changing travel restrictions, digital orientation meetings and the dark, gloomy Norwegian winter it is an especially nerve-wracking time for incoming students. In the center of this ambiguity, Moka … Read More

During the month of December, Sammen organizes many activities for all the students who are spending the Christmas holidays alone in Bergen.

INVOLVED. The whole Sammen team is involved during Christmas to gather students and prevent isolation.


This year, some students will not spend the Christmas celebrations in their hometown nor with their family. The student organization Sammen wants to prevent students from isolating themselves. For that, they offer to all students the possibility to socialize through many events and activities almost every day in December and early January. – It is very important for us to … Read More

You don’t have Facebook? Are you German? While I do have Facebook, it’s popularity in Norway still took me by surprise.

POPULAR. Facebook is used for everything in Norway. Foto: Peter Apolinario


When I first moved to Norway, I had already marked Facebook off as a dead platform. For years my account sat idle, only kept around for that one friend that used messenger that you talked to every few months (before moving the conversation to Instagram). It was good for the occasional search for events but even that died down when … Read More

I wanted to go dancing in a famous club in Bergen, but the dream soon turned into a nightmare.

ZOO. That famous club did not feel like a dance place, but more like a Zoo full of rare Norwegian species. Illustration: Silje Ratcharanarin Khuanroodee


Apropos

As exchange students, we all want to get the most out of all the social and festive events that come in our way. Some say university is nothing but a good excuse for us. Some say our real motivation is to party. Well, maybe it is not entirely wrong. Thus, you can imagine our joy on the 25th of September … Read More

Adult friendship is difficult, but why?

FRIENDS. You might not make friends like they do in the movies, but you will find some. Illustration: Anna Jakobsen


Apropos

When you are a kid, making friends is easy. Do you have something, literally anything, in common? Perfect, now you’re friends. It doesn’t matter if it’s a game, a color, a food or a character from a TV-show. And once school starts, most of your time is spent surrounded by people in your age group. Yet, making friends as an … Read More

I believe that this unprecedented uncertainty is also a blessing.

UNCERTAINTY. Many of us have had our lives turned upside down more than once during this pandemic. Illustration: Anna Jakobsen


Apropos

«Love you! See you in a week – hopefully» is how many phone calls end lately. Many are looking forward to seeing their friends and families again during the holidays. For months we believed that we would be able to, but a new wave of Covid is here to drown our plans. The uncertainty that this pandemic has brought upon … Read More