Accommodation

Accommodation Support

Find a safe, comfortable home in Norway—student housing, shared flats, or private rentals—without the stress. Study Norway’s Accommodation Support covers search strategy, applications, lease checks, deposits, and move‑in/out steps tailored to your city, budget, and timeline.

Why choose Study Norway Accommodation Support

End‑to‑end help: From shortlist and viewings to deposits and key handover.

Student‑first planning: Locations and contracts that suit your timetable and budget.

Local know‑how: Understand seasons, commute options, and campus areas.

Safer rentals: Guidance aligned with Norwegian tenancy rules and common practices.

Who it’s for

International and EU/EEA students (undergraduate, master’s, PhD, exchange).

Students arriving from abroad who need housing before or just after landing.

Couples/families, and students seeking accessible or quiet/lively options.

Students changing cities or extending studies who need a smooth move.

What we do

Housing strategy: Area mapping, commute planning, and shortlist by budget and preferences.

Student housing (samskipnad): Application guidance, timelines, and eligibility.

Private rental support: Search tactics, inquiry messages, and viewing scripts (in‑person/virtual).

Application pack: Templates for introductions, references, and proof of study/funding.

Lease review guidance (non‑legal): Key clauses, notice periods, and what to clarify before you sign.

Deposits & guarantees: How depositumskonto works, typical deposit sizes, and alternatives.

Housemate fit: Etiquette, chores, and conflict‑prevention tips.

Move‑in/out checklists: Inventory, photos, meter readings, cleaning, and deposit return steps.

Issue support: Communication templates for repairs, moisture/mould, and noise.

Housing types

Student welfare housing (studentsamskipnad): Typically furnished or semi‑furnished rooms/apartments near campus, student‑friendly rents, clear rules.

Shared flats (kollektiv) & rooms (hybel): Budget‑friendly, shared kitchen/bathroom; check house rules.

Studios & apartments (leilighet): More privacy and cost; review heating and building fees.

Family units: Larger flats in student housing or private market; apply early.

Short‑stay/temporary: Hostels or short lets while you search on arrival.

Where to search Student welfare housing

Oslo: SiO

Trondheim/Gjøvik/Ålesund: Sit

Bergen/Haugesund/Sogndal: Sammen

Agder/Telemark/Vestfold/Viken (SE Norway): SSN

Tromsø/Finnmark: Samskipnaden

Stavanger: SiS

Private market

Search portals: FINN.no · Hybel.no

Agencies and local Facebook groups (use caution; verify identities and contracts).

Applications & timelines

Apply early: Peak months are May–August for autumn, November–January for spring (varies by city/provider).

Documents: Admission letter, photo ID, brief introduction, references, and funding info if requested.

Viewings: Attend or request video tours; clarify what’s included (furniture, storage, bike room).

Signing: Many leases are digital; ask for English summaries if needed before signing.

Budget & costs

Upfront: First month’s rent + deposit (commonly 2–3 months; by law deposits may not exceed six months’ rent).

Ongoing: Rent, electricity (strøm), heating (if separate), internet, and shared building costs (felleskostnader) where applicable.

Furniture & basics: Many student rooms are furnished; private rentals vary—budget for essentials.

Insurance: Contents and personal liability cover are strongly recommended.

Utilities & internet

Check what is included in the rent: electricity, water, heating (fjernvarme), and waste fees.

Record meter readings on move‑in; choose an electricity supplier if required.

Confirm broadband options and contract length; some buildings offer shared Wi‑Fi.

Lease & legal basics (Norway)

Tenancy Act: Norwegian Husleieloven sets key rights/obligations; always read your contract.

Depositumskonto: Deposits should be placed in a dedicated bank account (not a personal account). You should receive written confirmation.

Fixed‑term vs. open‑ended: Understand duration, notice periods, subletting rules, and penalty clauses.

Inspections & repairs: Report defects in writing; keep dated photos and correspondence.

Move‑in & move‑out

Move‑in: Inventory checklist, photos of every room, meter readings, keys/locks, smoke detectors.

During stay: Ventilation and moisture prevention; clarify responsibilities for minor maintenance.

Move‑out: Cleaning standard, repair responsibilities, final inspection, forwarding address, and deposit return timeline.

Accessibility & families

Ask about step‑free access, lifts, doorway widths, bathroom layout, and quiet hours.

Family housing options exist in many student welfare organisations; apply early.

Pets usually require landlord permission; check building rules.

Scams & safety

Red flags: landlord abroad, pressure to pay before viewing, requests for cash/crypto/wire to personal accounts, no verifiable address or ID.

Never transfer deposit/rent to private accounts without a signed lease and confirmed depositumskonto.

Use trusted portals and insist on receipts and written agreements.

Official resources & guidance

Tenancy Act (Husleieloven): lovdata.no

Consumer Council (housing rights): forbrukerradet.no

Norwegian Tenants’ Association: lbf.no

Address registration (move within Norway): skatteetaten.no

Student housing providers: SiO · Sit · Sammen · SSN · Samskipnaden · SiS

Frequently asked questions Can I rent without a Norwegian personal number?

Yes, student housing usually allows it. Some private landlords may ask for extra documentation or a higher deposit—have your admission letter and ID ready.

How much deposit is normal?

Commonly 2–3 months’ rent; by law deposits cannot exceed six months’ rent. Deposits should be kept in a dedicated deposit account (depositumskonto).

Are utilities included?

Varies. Confirm what’s included (electricity, heating, internet) and ask for typical monthly costs if billed separately.

Can I end my lease early?

It depends on the contract (fixed‑term vs. open‑ended) and notice rules. Check your lease and the Tenancy Act; subletting may require permission.

Are pets allowed?

Only with landlord permission and building rules permitting; get approval in writing.

Do I need insurance?

Contents and personal liability insurance are strongly recommended for tenants. See our Insurance Solutions page for guidance.

Ready to find your place?

Share your budget, city, move‑in date, and preferences. We’ll build a shortlist, prep your applications, and guide you from viewing to key handover.

Get accommodation support

Contact Accommodation Support

Use the enquiry form on this page or your student portal. Our advisors typically reply within 1–2 business days.

Important notes

Study Norway provides guidance and coordination. We are not a landlord, agent, or law firm and do not provide legal advice.

Housing availability, rents, and rules vary by city and season—always verify details in your contract and with official sources.

Never send money without a signed lease and verified payment instructions. Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.