Private room
Shared room
Studio
Entire place
Residence
Coliving
Hei! Are you looking for accommodation and considering living in a student residence in Oslo? In this article we tell you everything you need to know! From the pros and cons of choosing a residence hall to the differences between private and university-owned options. We also give you tips on finding affordable alternatives and answer students' FAQ’s. Let's get started! Or, as they say in the local language, la oss komme i gang!
If you’re considering student residences as housing, these are the most notable features of this type of accommodation in the Norwegian city:
In Norway's capital, private residences are generally located in neighbourhoods like Blindern, Grünerløkka, and the city centre, allowing easy access to universities and interesting places.
The accommodation options mainly include single rooms, studios and shared apartments.
Single rooms are one of the most common options for those who want privacy with access to the community atmosphere that characterizes student residences. They generally have basic furnishings, such as a bed, desk, wardrobe, and, in some cases, a private sink. Rooms often have access to common use bathrooms and kitchens with other students in the same building. For those who prefer a completely private space, studio apartments are available. These offer greater independence, as they include a small kitchen and private bathroom within the same unit. However, they tend to be more expensive. For their part, shared apartments are a mid-range option. Students have a private room in a shared apartment with one or more roommates. The flat's common areas, such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom, are shared between those who live in it.
The common facilities of student residences often include shared kitchens, laundry facilities, study rooms, and lounge areas, with some residences offering gyms, game rooms, and bicycle racks. It’s also common to find outdoor areas and gardens in residences located in neighbourhoods further from the centre. Additionally, some residences in Oslo are known for their emphasis on active student life, offering well-equipped social areas and organising regular events.
The services included in the rental price are usually water, internet, electricity, heating, cleaning of common areas, and maintenance. In some cases, you can also contract additional services like room cleaning, bicycle parking, or extra storage.
Keep in mind that you’ll also have the option of living in a “co-living”. These buildings are similar to residences, but they typically house not only students, but young professionals as well.
In this section, we'll cover the residences offered by universities in the Norwegian capital. We'd like to point out that many of these residences are managed by organizations such as SiO, which can accommodate students from different universities. They’re usually located in neighbourhoods like Kringsjå, Sogn, and Blindern, close to the University of Oslo and well connected to public transport. Living in these neighbourhoods allows quick access to university campuses, shopping areas, and leisure.
The accommodation options include single rooms, studio flats, and shared apartments. Single rooms offer privacy and access to shared common services, like kitchens and bathrooms, while the studio apartments are ideal for those who prefer a completely private space, which include bathroom and kitchen in the same unit. For those who enjoy cohabitation and are looking for a more economical option, shared apartments allow several students to live together, each in their own private room, but sharing the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
A very important issue to keep in mind is that some university residences offer furnished accommodation, while others are unfurnished. You have to pay close attention to this, so you can calculate all the expenses you'll have upon arrival. If the option you choose is unfurnished, you can go to SiO’s second-hand store. In it, you can find everything you need, like small furniture, kitchen utensils, electronics, clothing, among others, and some even for free!
The common facilities in university residence halls include study lounges, laundry facilities, bike racks, gyms, and, in some cases, outdoor areas. In addition, the residence halls feature common areas such as dining rooms and lounges, designed to create a community atmosphere.
In these residences you can enjoy basic services included in the rent, like internet access, heating, and water. Other services, such as additional furniture rentals or parking spaces, are often available for an additional fee.
This institution offers places in residences offered by SiO. However, due to high demand, they can’t guarantee that all students who apply for a place will get one. Also, keep in mind that their residences don’t provide bedding, pillows, or kitchen utensils.
If you want to know about accommodations near the University of Oslo, check out our full guide about it.
In our Erasmus Play search engine, you can compare residences and other types of verified accommodation that are available in Oslo. You'll be able to easily see the locations, prices, and features of each option, so you can find your ideal accommodation in the Norwegian capital quickly and easily!
Usually, you have to be enrolled in a local institution and submit a housing application, preferably before the established deadline. International students have priority if they apply in time. Also, you need to follow the house rules and sometimes show that you can afford the rent and other expenses.
In Oslo, SiO-run residences cost between NOK 3,500 and NOK 5,500 per month for single rooms, NOK 5,500 to NOK 7,500 for studios, and NOK 4,000 to NOK 6,000 per person for shared apartments. Private residences are generally more expensive, with single rooms costing between NOK 5,000 and NOK 8,000, studios between NOK 7,000 and NOK 10,000, and shared apartments between NOK 6,000 and NOK 9,000 per person.
University-owned residences are generally more affordable, but private residences usually have similar prices to private accommodations (but they include some services). Remember that prices depend on the location, facilities, and services offered.
We recommend booking a student residence in Oslo several months in advance, as soon as you’re accepted into the university. University residences, like those managed by SiO, are often in high demand, especially in the summer and early fall semester.
They usually include basic services such as heating, water, and internet access. They also have common facilities that include shared kitchens, laundry facilities, study rooms, and social areas. Some residences offer additional services as cleaning common areas, gym, and bicycle rentals, although they often have an extra cost.