Studvest Exchange Edition 2017

CH EC

Exchange edition:

? PA ST E VE TH UD OF ST E IN AG JO K P TO AC T EB AN H W TT U O K PE R.

STUDVEST

WEDNESDAY 7TH AUGUST studvest.no

Photo: TORIL SUNDE APELTHUN

Welcome to Bergen!

All you need to know to make the most of your stay: • "Cheap" beer

• Norwegian nature

• Student organizations

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Studvest was founded in 1945 and is a politically independent newspaper by and for the students of Bergen.

Studvest is issued every other Wednesday throughout the semester with a circulation of 4000 papers. It is published by the Western Welfare Parliament, which has no influence on the content of the paper.

STUDVEST

Editor in Chief: Martin Sorge Folkvord News Editor: Adrian Brudvik Culture Editor: Siren Gunnarshaug Photo- and Layout Editor: Toril Sunde Apelthun Contact us at redaksjonen@studvest.no

Studvest is bound by the Code of Ethics of the Norwegian Press. Anyone who feel wrongfully treated by the paper are encouraged to contact the editor in chief.

Editorial. There are more things to life than curriculum. Especially when you are

Recommendations.

Photo: ADRIAN BRUDVIK

on exchange.

– Get to know Bergen by joining a student organization! Bergen offers a range of student organizations from sports to music and politics.

Photo: TORIL S. APELTHUN

The director for the Student Welfare Organization in Western Norway, Per Kristian Knutsen, thinks student organizations are a great way to get to know your fellow students, the vibrant culture and the breathtaking nature surrounding the city.

– There are an incredible number of all kinds of different student groups at NHH and in Bergen. Use this opportunity to join in on the fun!

The rector at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), Øystein Thøgersen, also thinks the student organizations are your best bet as an exchange student. He underlines that it is the perfect way to get to know Norwegians.

The Number One Tip for Your Exchange We at Studvest, Bergen’s student newspaper, wish you the warmest of welcomes to Bergen!

sary to pass your exams. And if a class is super interesting, you should of course indulge yourself in that subject.

You are probably starting to grow tired of advice on how to make the most of your stay in Bergen. But stay with us, as we think that our advice might just differ from what you have heard from headmasters, professors and coordinators thus far.

But chances are that this is the semester of your university life with the greatest freedom. As an exchange student you have few obligations and few people binding you to one place. Your primary concern should be to make sure you have the best time in Bergen you possibly can.

We strongly encourage you to not take your studies too seriously during the semester or year that you are here. There are more important things in life than grades. Especially when you are on exchange.

We are not saying that you should ditch every class or actively try to flunk your ­ exams – you are here on an academical exchange, after all. So by all means, put some effort into it, participate in the discussions when you are in class, do what is neces-

Remember this every time you are unsure as to whether you should go on a trip, take a long lunch one of those few days when the sun is actually shining, or join a student organization that has nothing to do with the subject you study. Whether you get a good grade or a slightly worse grade won’t be what you remember ten years from now. The magnificent sunset you admired with your friends on Stoltzekleiven’s top, however, might just be.

If you fear that your not-soperfect grades or making less academical headway this semester might lead to you not getting the job you want in the future, we wouldn’t worry too much. Many ­ employers are more impressed by the fact that you have been on exchange than they are by a marginally better grade point average. And once you get a job, the things you learn on exchange – social skills, understanding different cultures, adapting to new surroundings – are more important than whether you remember that one thing from that one class.

Google can tell you that in a flash anyway.

Those of us at Studvest who have been on exchange all

agree that we learnt more during those semesters than any other at uni. But that learning took place outside the library, not in it. Chances are this will be the case for you, as well.

So, that is our best advice on how to make the most of your time in Bergen. Our second best would be to join a student organization. Preferably Studvest, of course (we need both photographers and English journalists), but any organization that gets you in touch with new people is a good thing.

For many people, their exchange semester is the best one of their life. We hope you reach the same conclusion after your stay in Bergen.

The exchange edition of Studvest is sponsored by the Board of Cultural Affairs.

Photo: LENE R. THORBJØRNSEN

242 days of rain in an average year. Feels like 364.

Dag Rune Olsen, rector at the University of Bergen, emphasizes the importance of meeting new people and learning about new cultures when on exchange.

Illustration: VICTORIA GRACE ANDERSEN

– Get in touch with as many of your fellow students and others as possible during your stay here in Bergen! For example you can try to say “hello” to everyone you meet in the mountains and see what happens.

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Some advice from a past exchange student on how to make the most of your time in Bergen.

Surviving Bergen From a Past Exchange Student’s Perspective JOSEPH BALLARD Journalist

TRINE LOUISE WEEN Illustrator

Joe Ballard spent the fall semester of 2015 and the spring semester of 2016 on exchange in Bergen.

Congratulations! If you’ve taken the leap of faith in ­accepting an offer to study in Bergen, you’ve just made the best decision of your life. My year abroad in Bergen was truly awesome, but there still are some things I would have liked to have known before arriving rather than having to figure them out as I went.

The first few months in a new place can feel pretty lonely (I know I certainly spent too much time alone in my room eating pizza). It’s especially important in the first weeks in a new place to put yourself out there and get to know people.

The people in my flat found that hiking in the beautiful mountains was a great way to get to know each other. You could also cook a nice meal for your housemates, organise a film night, or discover some of the bars together.

I’d definitely advise joining a student organisation sooner rather than later so you make the most out of your stay and meet some Norwegian students. I waited one semester before doing so, and if I could tell my past self one thing, it would be to get the stick out of his ass and join an ­organisation upon arrival. The best way to get to know Norwegians is probably by joining a university organisation such as a sports team, student media outlet, or even a political party.

Another thing you’ll probably notice upon arriving in Norway are the prices. Food is expensive and alcohol especially so. Good ways of cutting costs include making group meals with your flatmates, brew-

can buy anything you want, but remember there are strict rules on public drinking and you cannot drive with any ­alcohol in your system.

ing, running and camping on them. By the end of the year I was well acquainted with the most beautiful trails and I felt confident navigating a bit ­ further from home. That being said, you can’t be too careful. A friend of mine was rescued by helicopter from one of the mountains after getting stranded in the dark (not something I would advise). Buying a map is always a good idea, but also make sure to tell your friends if you’re planning to go out alone. Most importantly, ALWAYS respect the mountains.

The first thing you’ll notice about Bergen are the seven mountains which surround the city. They’re beautiful and I couldn’t wait to get out hik-

A few trivial things helpful to know before arriving in Bergen, include cultural practices.­Norwegians are pretty reserved, but it’s ­always

Concerning alcohol, you’d do well to read up on some of the law. If you’re between 18 and 20, you’re allowed to drink cider, beer and wine, but it is illegal to purchase anything over 22%. Over 20 and you

Also remember to take your shoes off at Norwegian house parties, I always made a fool out of myself by forgetting to do so. ing your own booze and, if you’re feeling more adventurous, going dumpster diving­ .

If you’re like me, though, and don’t fancy the idea of trawling through bins for your next meal, shop around. The cheapest supermarket is probably Rema 1000, although Coop Extra and Kiwi aren’t too bad.

Keep yourself updated on student life in Bergen Read student news at www.studvest.no/english and follow us on social media.

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/studvestenglish

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worth trying just a little harder to “win them over”. A Norwegian friend is a friend for life.

Some ways of making a good impression include speaking the language (although this isn’t essential), getting involved in extracurricular activities, and going the extra mile to spark up conversation.

Also remember to take your shoes off at Norwegian house parties, I always made a fool out of myself by forgetting to do so.

Most of all, enjoy yourself!

While my grades might have been a bit better if I stayed at home, what I gained from studying in Bergen has been immeasurable.

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The Student Orga Your best memories are not going to be from the lectures or the cramming at reading halls. When you are finished as a student, it is the life outside the books that will stay with you the most. We give you a selection of possible organizations to spend your spare time with.

STUDENT MEDIA AND JOURNALS Studvest is the largest student paper by and for students in Bergen, and covers both høys­ kolene (the university colleges) and the university. About 50 journalists, photographers and layout employees work here at any given time.

Studentradioen i Bergen (SRiB) is the oldest local radio sta­ tion in Bergen, and had its first broadcast in 1982. They want to be an alternative to the nat­ ional medias and present local culture, music and politics, amongst other topics. About 140 employe­ es give you an abun­ dance of programs every day.

Atrium addresses a large reader base, but also publishes sub­ ject-related material, related to the Faculty of Humanities.

The magazine conveys student culture, and aims to present a counterweight to most com­ mercial monthly magazines.

There is room for creative ex­ perimentation with form and content.

Replikk is an interdisciplinary journal for academic articles.

They focus on young writers, but also publish articles from estab­ lished authors. The journal is run by former and present students from the social sciences,­human­ ities and art, music and design faculties at the University.

Bergen Student-TV (BSTV) start­ ed as a local TV station in 2003, but eventually became webbased only. BSTV focuses on news, sport, culture and enter­ tainment, and counts between 70 and 80 employees.

Samviten has a thematic part in every publication, where ­issues are raised from a social science viewpoint. Samviten is also pre­ senting news from the Faculty of Social Sciences that might not be brought to light by other media.

K7 Bulletin (“Bulle”) is giving the students at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) a voice. The paper consists of news aimed at NHH students, some academic articles, and some not so academic articles.

Stoff is a student magazine, and was started primarily by former members of the NHH-paper K7 Bulletin in 2015. It comes out both on paper and online, and is published every three weeks throughout the semester.

STUDENT-DRIVEN CLUBS Once a shelter, Hulen was in 1968 rebuilt as a culture scene for students. Just as back then, Hulen is today managed by around 80 students who ar­ range concerts, play music and serve beer every week.

Det Akademiske Kvarter (Kvarteret) is the student culture house in Bergen. Kvarteret has around 400 volunteers. Inside the house you will find pubs, a café, concert halls, theater halls and several smaller rooms for culture events. Kvarteret par­ ticipates in the preparation and conduct of events, as well as ­arranging events of their own.

The five organizations that ­operate at Kvarteret are Bergen Realistforening (RF), A ­ ktive Studenters Forening (ASF), Studentersamfunnet i Bergen, ­ Bergen Film Club and the stu­ dent theater Immaturus.

Aktive Studenters Forening (ASF) was founded in 1940, and is the largest student driven concert organizer in Bergen. It is also the second oldest student organization, after Studenters­ amfunnet. They primarily orga­ nize concerts at Kvarteret, but

also at USF Verftet, and have between 80 and 100 members.

Realistforeningen (RF) was founded in 1959 as an associa­ tion for the Faculty of Mathe­ matics and Natural Sciences at UiB, but is now open to every­ body. They mostly offer con­ certs, but also occasionally or­ ganize events such as debates and movie nights.

Studentersamfunnet organizes meetings several times a week, mainly at Kvarteret. They gather students for free debate, and to discuss scientific, cultural and political questions. The meet­ ings are open to everyone.

The student theater, Immaturus, has since its beginnings in 1990 grown to be the largest amateur theater in Northern ­Europe. It has between 70 and 100 memebers.

Bergen film club (Bergen Filmklubb) is an interest organization that organizes film screenings in the room called “Tivoli” at Kvar­ teret. Every ­ semester they put up a new program with movies from a multitude of time periods­ and genres.

OTHER STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Skeive Studenter is a student group, social forum and meet­ ing point for homosexual and bisexual students in Bergen.

They organize meetings and social gatherings, normally at Kvarteret. Skeive studenter has several functions. The most important is probably being a ­ social arena and an organization that educates their members in matters concerning the LGBT society.

Bergen Studentidrettslag (BSI) is a student sports team that offers wide, varied and cheap workout for students in Ber­ gen. You are welcome to come train with BSI even if you are not a student, and they offer both serious and not so serious alternatives.

NHHS is the student associa­ tion at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). They ­organize concerts, debates, par­ ties, festivals and conferences.

The NHH Symposium draws business leaders from all over the country to Bergen. NHHS has 30 subcommittees, which organize ­ everything from the festival UKEN to their own stu­

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anization Jungle Translation from Norwegian: Siri Flatlandsmo, Adrian Broch Jensen and Martin Sorge Folkvord

The women’s choir “Sirenene”is the official women’s choir at the University of Bergen. The choir does everything from jazz to pop and classical music.

The men’s choir “Arme Riddere” is the official men’s choir at the University of Bergen. The choir consists of 24 men, whose mission statement is “to charm women with our exquisite men’s voices and consume our beer in festive camaraderie”.

Revues: The Faculty of Social Sciences (SV), Faculty of Humanities (HF), The Faculty of Law, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and The Faculty of Psychology at UiB all have their own revues. The same goes for HVL, and NHH sets up a revue as part of its UKEN-program, that’s held every second year.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Amongst others, the following organizations have local ­offices in Bergen: Amnesty, LAG-Bergen (Latin American group), SAIH (Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International As-

sistance Fund), Internasjonale sosialister (International Socialists), Attac, Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth), StudentPRESS. STUDENT WELFARE AND POLITICS The Student Welfare Organization in Western Norway (abbreviated Sammen)’s main task is to offer welfare to students, which supplement public welfare. In Bergen, Sammen houses about 4000 students, runs seven gyms, two climbing centers, the Career Centre, 17 cafés and has 250 spots in kindergartens reserved for students with children. Students who are in Sammen are also entitled to a partial refund of medical expenses and free psychologist and counseling (read more about the refunds on page seven).

If you are on exchange at one of the following academical institutions, you can use every service Sammen provides: University of Bergen (UiB), Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Norwegian Business School (BI), Bergen School of Architecture (BAS), Høgskolen Betanien,

Haraldsplass Diakonale Høyskole, NLA University College and Skrivekunstakademiet.

The Welfare Parliament (Velferdstinget) is a cooperation ­between the student democracies at all educational institutions that are connected to Sammen. The goal is to give students in Western Norway a common voice facing Sammen and other agents on issues concerning student welfare.

The Welfare Parliament decides the distribution of the part of the semester fee that primarily goes to student culture, student media and student sports.

STUDENT DEMOCRACY Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norwegian School of Economics and the University of Bergen all have their own organs to take care of students’ interests.

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) The Student Parliament is the highest student organ at the school. It has 28 student representatives from all departments and campuses at the university college, chosen by students themselves at the end of the fall semester.

The parliament at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences works with issues concerning the students in general, both locally and internationally, in addition to helping each student. HVL is also a part of the National Union of Students in Norway (NSO), the national student organization that works on behalf of around 200 000 students.

The student representatives in the parliament are chosen directly by all students, in an ­ online election.

Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) All students at NHH are members of NHHS, the student ­association at NHH. The student association’s task is to manage the students’ interest in professional and social issues. “Kjernestyret”, that consists of eight people who lead NHHS, are chosen every year in October. All members can run for election here or in the many subgroups.

During the days before the election, there can be intense campaigns. NHH is also a part of NSO. University of Bergen (UiB) The Student Parliament is UiB’s highest student organ, and has

31 members who are elected for a one-year period. There is an election every spring, and all students at UiB have a right to vote. The representatives are elected from lists that different political groups at the university set up.

Arbeidsutvalget (AU) is the Student Parliament’s executive organ. AU functions as the students’ main union representative and works daily with exerting admitted policies and administers the Student Parliament’s work on a daily basis.

AU consists of four students, who are elected every year at the Student Parliament’s constituent meeting. AU works fulltime with promoting student’s interests according to a work program decided upon by the Student Parliament.

Archive photo: JARLE HOVDA MOE

dent paper and TV. UKEN is organized every other year, next in the spring of 2018.

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Big Integrators or Only for Norwegians?

THINK BIG. Lars Petter Klem explains how BSI is the biggest fish in terms of outdoors organizations.

From chilled out chitchat to hardcore hiking, student organizations offer limitless options to international students. Or do they?

Text: LEONIDAS VYZAS

lv@studvest.no

Photo: JASMIN HOHMANN

jh@studvest.no

– Try everything for the first week, see what you like, get off the beaten track.

This is how Natalie Unger, President of Erasmus Student Network Bergen (ESN), sees the student organizations’ exper­ ience in Bergen. She knows this better than most: she’s been on exchange here before, and is now here on a permanent basis for her second bachelor degree.

And what do internationals choose to do? Numbers speak for themselves. Out of the 100 plus student organizations Bergen offers, those that primarily offer opportunity to socialize are the ones most of the exchange students choose to ­ join (see fact box).

At the opposite end of the scale, organizations that focus on giving members working experiences rather than just a social ­ environment, have very low numbers of international students.

Language Barriers One of the organizations where the internationals are few and far between, is Bergen Student TV. This semester, their total amount of non-Norwegians is one.

– We have a very demanding workload. Exchange students are more burdened than us: they have to both study and shape their everyday life in a new country, chief editor Stian Grunstad says when asked to explain the low numbers.

One obvious obstacle that might repel an international apart from the workload, is the assumed language barrier in an organization that mostly produces Norwegian content. ­According to Grunstad, however,­ that might sound like a bigger problem than it really is.

– Although the internationals might have to learn a few Norwegian words, we try our best to use English.

– Join an Organization!

In organizations with many ­international students, like Det Akademiske Kvarter (a place for food, drinks, debates and nightlife), language is less of a problem.

In Kvarteret’s most accesible volunteer position (waitressing), internationals even surpass the amount of Norwegians.

Their eagerness is not as high in ­­­­ more demanding and less communicative volunteer positions.

– There are cases where internationals speak neither ­ English nor Norwegian, and they still do just as fine, Knut Natskår Svihus, a former Kvarteret ­volunteer, says.

He would definitely ­encourage internationals to find a student organization to join.

He especially emphasizes the importance of finding a different social arena where you can meet Norwegians if you live a place where there are many ­internationals.

– If you really want to mingle with Norwegian people, especially when you live in Fantoft, student organizations offer an expansive variety, Svihus says.

Sweating Beyond Borders Groups that are more physical in their activities are also at an advantage when trying to lure international students into their fold: Sports are the same, no matter where you’re from and what language you speak.

One organization that combines this aspect with the international student’s wish to ­ experience Norwegian nature, is BSI outdoors. They are not able to produce exact numbers, but their leader Lars Petter Klem says inter­nationals make up a substantial part of the organization.

– First off, it’s a great way to meet Norwegians. And if you’re going to see Norway, why not do it with guidance and company of Norwegians who know what’s happening in the mountains? asks Klem.

He also thinks there is a safety argument for internationals to join his group. Not everyone is accustomed to ­ travelling in mountains where snow, early winter darkness and even storms may occur.

– It all depends on the trip and person, but we do see that some overestimate their

abilities when taking on the ­Norwegian nature, ­Klem says.

Once on Exchange...

It’s not just international students who want to make friends from other countries. ESNleader­Unger states that even though their events are mainly focused on internationals, Norwegians also attend.

– Many of them have recently­ returned from an ­ exchange themselves and want to re-engage with that internatio­nal atmosphere. It’s a lot to miss, she says.

This article was written in the spring semester of 2017.

PERCENTAGE OF INTERNATIONALS IN AN ASSORTMENT OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS: ●●

●● ●● ●● ●● ●●

●●

Erasmus Student Network Bergen: 71 % Studvest: 10 % Bergen Student Society: 6,4 % Bergen Student TV: 1,4 % Bergen Student Radio: 0 % Det Akademiske Kvarter: Numbers not available BSI outdoors: Numbers not available

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Archive foto: KATARINA PARTEKA AARSNES

EXCHANGE EDITION

MONEY SAVED. Surprising medical expenses can prove costly when on a student budget, but if you’re lucky, you will have to pay little of it.

Your Health Care Rights as a Student in Norway Not feeling too well and want a doctor to check it out for you?

Or maybe you need to talk to a psychologist?

Text: MARTIN SORGE FOLKVORD msf@studvest.no

Both of these scenarios happen to many students during a year, but some may choose not to seek help because of the economic implications. They might not need to worry, though.

As an international student in Bergen, you are automatically­ eligible for the services provided by the Student Welfare Organization in Western Nor­ way (abbreviated Sammen).

That means you don’t only get the health benefits of the Norwegian health care system, but also that you could get additional refunds for medical expenses. Quite a few requirements have to be met, though, so make

sure you pay attention throughout this text.

Inside the EU If you come from a country inside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are well off.

Provided you have a European Health Insurance Card, you have the same rights as any Norwegian.

That involves that your total medical expenses for doctors, psychologists, surgery and other health services in a year will not amount to more than 2205 NOK. Anything more than that will be ­covered by the Norwegian state. For this to kick in, however, the treatment you get has to be supported by The Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) – in other words be public, not private.

Always check whether a doctor or psychologists is supported by Helfo before you get treatment.

But be aware – there is often a long waiting line for the options that are covered by Helfo.

The same goes for physio therapy, where any cost above 1990 NOK in a year will be ­covered by the Norwegian state, as long as the physio therapist is supported by Helfo.

Outside EU If you are an exchange student from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you are less fortunate. You either have to have private insurance or you will have to pay the full cost of any treatment you get.

Additional Refunds for Students As a student being a part of the Student Welfare Organization in Western Norway (Sammen), even more ­refunds may kick in.

In the fall of 2017, you can get a refund for any health ­expense between 500 NOK and 2205 NOK (after this sum the

Norwegian state takes over if you’re from the EU, EEA or Switzerland). To be eligible for this refund, you need to make sure of two things: The institution where you get your treatment has to be supported by Helfo and you have to keep the receipts for when you’re applying for the refund. The same goes for physio therapists expenses between 500 NOK and 1990 NOK.

Any Sammen student is eligible for those refunds. Those from countries outside Europe are eligible as well, but have to remember that once they hit the maximum amount covered by Sammen, they can’t rely on the Norwegian state to start paying their bill.

2018 and onwards The rules change in January of 2018, though, as the Welfare Parliament wants to prioritize mental health over physical

health. There is already the possibility to go to the Sammen psychologists free of charge, but they don’t have the capacity to help all the students that contact them. To make sure that the economic aspect doesn’t stop a student from seeking help, all expenses up to 2205 NOK related to a psychologists will ­ be r­efunded by Sammen. Expenses higher than this will be covered by the Norwegian state if you are from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, whereas you have to pay them yourself or have private insurance if you are not.

The only thing you need to remember is to check that the psychologists is supported by Helfo and to keep your receipts.

This also means, however, that from January 2018, you can no longer get a refund from Sammen for expenses related to doctors, physio therapists or surgeons.

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Archive photo: JASMIN HOHMANN

Chasing the Northern Lights

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Many international students are determined to see the northern lights during their time in Norway.

While some succeed, others fail. Get the tips to help you find the aurora borealis yourself.

Text: ERIN GALLAGHER eg@studvest.no

It’s no secret that international students arrive in Bergen with high hopes of seeing the northern lights. Fantoft’s Facebook page is often brimming with ­rumours that the elusive lights can be spotted in Bergen that night, and frantic questions about where everyone should head.

So how do you find the lights? Many students rely on apps to tell them when their chances are best, but these are not always reliable.

– The Norway lights app is the embodiment of false hope, says Austrian exchange student Filipus Nemestothy.

He has tried to find the lights a few times in Bergen, by going up Fløyen at night, or going to

the Fantoft Park, but gotten “nothing but a freezing ass.” As a result, he now uses a different app called Aurora, which gives you the KP index.

The KP index is a scale of numbers that measure geomagnetic activity and therefore allow you to determine if you have a chance of seeing the northern lights where you are.

– I go when the index reaches­ five or six. If it’s any less than that you can only really see them through long-exposure camera pictures, says Nemestothy.

Beginners Luck Another exchange student, ­Jonathan Whiskey from Germany, also vouches for the Aurora app, which he says is surprisingly precise as he managed to spot the lights on his very first attempt, much to his surprise.

– The app even tells you the time, give or take ten minutes. I saw them near the aquarium at the end of February.

Franck Andersen, Chief Engineer of the Department of Geosci-

ence at the University of Bergen, comments that when it comes to these apps “who can say what is reliable, because when it comes to weather, what is?”

He states that the chances of seeing the lights in Bergen are small, but that there is some hope.

that’s maybe just here in Bergen.

Nemestothy, who did unexpectedly see the lights on a trip to Trolltunga, states that they are “far from what the pictures make you expect.”

– They didn’t fly above and over us, they didn’t flicker vividly or meander like wild ­

– The Norway lights app is the embodiment of false hope.

Filipus Nemestothy, exchange student

– It does not happen often, but you can see them in Bergen.

However, you need specific weather conditions. If you have the right atmosphere and clear weather you have a chance, but you do not see big lights across the sky like you can up north.

Not What You Expect Whiskey appears to have missed out on the full spectacle of the lights, as he feels they did not live up to the hype.

– They were actually kind of boring. They really don’t look at all like the pictures, but I guess

A Failed Venture And many internationals in Bergen do in fact go up North in pursuit of the lights. One of these students is Carles Fernandez, a Spanish exchange student who took a trip to the Lofoten islands to search for them.

– I had no luck, unfortunately. Every night was really cloudy, and when we did spot a clear sky, we only saw what looked like a normal cloud. On the camera, it had a green tinge to it.

Still, seeing the aurora borealis might not be the only factor that makes a trip up to the north of Norway worthwhile: – The trip wasn’t disappointing, though. The scenery was beautiful. It was like being in a fantasy book.

r­ivers. But still, it was completely mesmerizing… it’s quite ridiculous how joyful a sight can make you.

The western parts of Norway are not your best bet to see the lights, though. Geoscientist Andersen recommends going to places like Tromsø or Svalbard, as this is where most of the­ ­pictures people see are taken.

This article was written in the – It also matters when you spring semester of 2017. go. To maximise your chances of seeing the lights in their full glory, you should go during­ ­autumn or winter, says Andersen.

SP-UiB

Studentparliament at the University of Bergen

Do you want more english courses?

What do you think about the facilities at your student housing?

Do you want to improve your situation as a student at UiB?

JOIN

THE S

TUDE

NT PA

Make your voice heard. Make your opinion matter.

The Student Parlament is where you can be the change you want to see at UiB. Plant the seeds of democracy, and help UiB prosper as an institution that values the students opinions. emai on Facebook or just visit our Contact us by email, office at Studentsenteret (second floor above the entrance).

May democracy be with you!

RLIAM

ENT!

au@sp.uib.no /spuib @SPUiB @sp_uib

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Six Apps That Will Help You Make it Through the Semester

SURVIVAL. As a new international student in Bergen there are a few apps that you should download at once to enhance your experience here.

There are plenty of apps that can make your life in Bergen a little easier. Some you probably will have heard of. There are, however, a few less well known ones that are equally useful.

Text: ERIN GALLAGHER eg@studvest.no

Photo: TORIL SUNDE APELTHUN

r­ educe food waste by selling off leftover products at the end of the day which would otherwise be thrown away.

“If food waste was a country it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, whilst recovering just half of the food that is lost or wasted could feed the world alone”, according to the TGTG website.

It helps your wallet, while helping the environment. That is what I call a win-win situation.

tsa@studvest.no

Too good to go This app allows you to purchase bakery and café food in advance, for a reduced price. You can then go collect the food in store at a designated time, usually around closing time. Each bag you buy comes with a selection of baked goods. With prices starting from 30 NOK per bag and ten locations in Bergen, there is plenty to choose from.

Too Good to Go aims to

Aurora Alerts This is a forecast app for the northern lights. It is a three day forecast, but every day has an hour by hour breakdown of how high your chances are.

The app provides you with a KP index, which is a scale that measures geomagnetic activity.

This helps you determine how ­likely it is you will see the northern lights in different places.

The forecast ranges from the current hour, to several weeks in advance. You can even turn

on push notifications for when there will be high activity, and there are no in-app purchases.

Mattilbud Mattilbud can help those gett­ ing accustomed to their new Norwegian budget. This app lets you know about any deals going on in 15 of Bergen’s supermarkets that week, including Rema 1000, Kiwi and Meny. Although only available in Norwegian, it is simple and easy to navigate.

Additionally, the app has a feature that allows you to select a category of food and it displays any deals involving that food. This means you can figure out where it is cheapest to buy whatever product on any given week.

Bandsintown If you want to ensure you do not miss any great music that comes to Bergen, this app can help. It does exactly what it sounds like, and informs you of who is playing and when. You can buy tick­ ets on the app and track your favourite artists. It also takes ­ into consideration your music taste and location to recommend new artists to you.

Allrecipes When it is a Sunday and you are left with little in the fridge, and little motivation to hunt for an open shop, Allrecipes can help. You just type in what­ ­ingredients you do have and the

app produces recipes that will work. It even takes into account dietary requirements you might have, or how long you have to cook the dish. It is an easy way to get more creative in the ­kitchen, without a huge shopping list.

If you are really into cook­ ing, you can even create a profile with your favourite recipes and follow other chefs on the app. The “I Made it” feature all­ ows you to share anything particularly impressive you might make on social media.

Instagram The most important of all, ­because is there any point of living in Norway if you can’t make your friends jealous?

This article was written in the fall semester of 2016.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS VS.

Photo: MARIE-LUISE DEIKE

NORWEGIAN NATURE

12

HALLINGSKEID CABIN: A SNOWY ABYSS

LEONIDAS VYZAS Text

JASMIN HOHMANN Photo

lv@studvest.no

jh@studvest.no

A traditional Norwegian cabin buried deep in Hallingskeid’s snowy ­desert proves to be an adventure for the international students.

It’s midday, and the train has just stopped at the wooden­ Hallingskeid station. Vast whiteness meets the eyes of the international students as we all get off the train.

– Who would pack sunglasses for minus degrees? wonders a German student with no skiing precedent.

Her eyes are a tight crack as she opens the first door to go outside.

Once finding our way inside, we, the group of exchange students engaging in this adventure, start to navigate through the two-storey wooden building to find some spare beds with ethereal ease.

No Country for the Unprepared It turns out to be a challenge to survive the exterior Winter Wonderland with only hiking boots, though. The snow is several feet deep and soaks our boots, making it an adventure to merely walk. Our hopes for any aid in the form of a human being disappear along with the last pair of skis behind one of the impressive snowy dunes.

Every step, a surprise.

– Did I just step on a grassy mini-dune? cries a Greek student, trying to pull his foot off the snowy abyss.

Soaking wet, and yet too warmed up from enthusiasm to actually feel the cold, we head back to the cabin.

The group splits into three: one for the kitchen, the other for the bedroom, and the third for the WC. Adventures Even Inside Unexpectedly, the third one gets all the drama. The hydraulic system in the cabins used to be, well, pretty much nonexistent. All that jazz ended when, in around 2001, this specific cabin had pipes installed so that drinking water could actually run through its sinks and into our glasses. This is not the case with the toilets, however.

There’s little room left for lyricism on this topic. It all starts pretty normal, with the fact that it does look like an actual toilet seat.This escalates quickly to the snowy-white and brown pile that’s hidden within. Next to the toilet is a bucket filled with woodchips, pretty much implying what the sole anti-odorous protection from any visitor’s small souvenir left behind is.

Moving to the kitchen area, things are pretty ­modern. Prejudice for the hydraulics’ contemporaneity leads us to use snow instead of actual tap water, to produce some nutritious noodles with everything-in-lebackpack. For dessert, BIXITs might be offered a-plenty, but at a price that would even make the most stringent of MENYs customers shiver.

Norwegians: Adventure Unto Themselves So, after finishing the breakfast-lunch-dinner, we get some luck with approaching the fabric that knits this whole trip together: the Norwegians themselves.

Stereotypes half-confirmed, they are not the friendliest of people.

– Immediatly note your name in the ­guestbook, commands the Norwegian cabin leader in his unwelcoming strict teacher’s voice.

But we don’t let this example ­define our Norwegian encounters, and rightfully so. Because to sit with them around the fireplace and exchange nature experiences is

to truly get to know them.

– We voluntarily conduct ski courses every weekend for internationals. Would be a shame for them not to experience it, says one of the warm-hearted ski tutors sharing the cabin with us. His English is great, his voice willing, and his excursion proposals a-plenty.

The Norwegian system is unique. To pay for your ­accommodation and anything you’ve used, you settle your financials yourself. An envelope of cash or credit card information is all you’ll leave behind, inside a big unmanned box. And a warning not to wound the ­“honesty system”, that has been for years the Norwegian cabins’ beating heart, will be your only pointing finger towards the righteous path, which you are naturally advised, but not strictly forced to follow yourself.

A Proper Cabin’s Ingredients Over some hot train coffee, we conclude that Norwegian cabins are a tough cookie; uncomfortably priced, with 360 NOK for a non-member student, and you will need that extra blanket at night. But all we comment on, ­during our two-hours ride back home, is vacuumming with our experienced cabinmates at the end. Here, they are your shelter for the night, not the howling snowstorm, not the cosy hut.

And, oh, that view from the windows.

A cheaper alternative at Hallingskeid is the cabin of BSI Outdoors: 50 NOK a night for members, 150 for non-members.

UNEQUIPPED. A cup of coffee won’t make up for forgetting your snow shoes.

WHITE. For the lucky ones with sunglasses, this scenery is one to be stared at for hours.

Photo: LEONIDAS VYZAS

13

BONFIRE BBQ. Vegetables in aliminum foil are a delicacy not to be snubbed.

BSI STRANDCAMPING: IS “BEACH TRIP” A THING IN NORWAY? A tricky night spent under the stars in sleeping bags, and on the grass of a beach an hour outside of Bergen.

”Come to help us build and sleep in a big tent and have a feast by the bonfire”, wrote Bergen Studentidrettslag (a student sport and outdoors activity organization, ­abbreviated BSI) in the invitation to their Strandcamping event.

In a country filled with dramatic mountains and bipolar weather conditions, sometimes a beach trip ­ is just what you need. However, little does the average reader’s mental image of sandy shores in the Cyclades or Australian postcards have to do with the ten-minute walk through a muddy enchanted forest one endures before arriving to the grassy beach of Io, just one hour outside of Bergen by bus.

Reaching through Rossland towards the beach is an experience in itself: Small fjords surrounding you, the sun of Bergenese May, children’s laughter coming from the green front yards of the rural houses. Everything is a little better with a bit of sun, but sun just goes so much better with Norwegian nature.

Doubts Take Over Once reaching our destination, expectations are tested.

The utopian «beach» seems to be but a rocky swamp of shallow waters, and the excited BSI companionship consists of four people fighting with sticks and rocks to light the fire.

– We are to sleep beneath the stars, promises a German­ BSI guy, and Fantoft seems like a fading memory, or maybe even a dream, if we ever manage to get any sleep.­ Boy scout chit-chatting while drying our feet by the flame, it becomes inescapably apparent that this BSI Outdoors trip is an attempt to escape from frenetic university obligations, the everlasting hope of man that getting lost into the wild offers you something that even the night wind cannot blow away.

Things to do Amidst Nowhere This place is an isolated island, both literally and figuratively, and any bus taking you back to everyday reality isn’t accessible up until 9.01 of the next day. How does one hop back into civilization? Hitchhike in the middle of the night, the way any horror movie opening that ­respects itself is made, or maybe spend the rest of the night with heartbeats, counting seconds and stars until

finally falling asleep in glad oblivion of a potential emergency, until the next bus operates?

In places like Io, the answer is always one: Enjoy the 22.00 sunset. Engage in the most simple-minded discussion. Set cucumbers with feta on fire as a midnight snack. Rest.

Everything at a Price Now the sun has given its place to a yellow line in the horizon, and it is time for us to fall asleep. But vagueness has its price too, not counted in NOK, but in how many land patches haven’t been turned into a swampy disaster to lay our sleeping bag on.

– I just set up my hammock over here so I’ll probably stay, says a BSI guy. This is the decisive moment when we part ways with the fellowship. And, barefoot, our subjourney to return through the haunted forest begins.

If your morning-after night visitor list too only contains a confused cat, you can officially call it a successful roofless night’s sleep, even if we had to lay down our backs on a small cement square for the night. Camper geeks won’t mind.

– If it wasn’t for my woolen sweater and waterproof jacket, I would still be here as an ice sculpture, observes, and indirectly warns, one Greek student.

Smile Turned to Beam Better directions, clearer organization, consistent food, and warm Alpine clothing seem to be all you need to call it a successful BSI trip, we conclude upon catching the morning bus.

– Credit cards are not accepted on board, I’m sorry but you should find an ATM kids, says the austere-looking bus driver (WTF, Skyss? Even Lofoten buses accept them by now).

But after the stops have passed one after the other like a majestic nature slideshow on our windows, he lets us out the door on our designated station only to wink us goodbye and tell us to be more cautious next time.

Thus, we finally add, it is the Norwegian travelerfriendly soul that makes these experiences what they are to their core. Not that breathtaking scenery does not count as a potent enough reason already.

14

VIDDEN: COMPETING WITH NORWEGIAN ATHLETES

PAULINE NOLL Text

MARIE-LUISE DEIKE Photo

pn@studvest.no

md@studvest.no

NORWEGIAN STYLE. There is nothing more Norwegian than hiking, and it is indeed the best way to explore the nature around Bergen.

Hiking 18 kilometers up and down, while jumping over mud puddles, does take some time and energy.

It is Monday, the 1st of May. Bergen is indulging in the longest period of sun and relatively high temperatures since our arrival in January. Nice weather and a public holiday – perfect for a longer hike without wasting a single thought on those snow shoes. Today’s choice is Vidden, a 18 kilometer hike starting from Ulriken, passing over Rundemannen and down to Fløyen. Three of Bergen’s most popular mountains in just one trip.

Steep and Challenging Start When we, the internationals, leave the bus at Montana, right where the path up to Ulriken begins, some already realize that we have brought too many clothes – if the sun makes one of its rare appearances, you better bring sunscreen instead of a woollen jumper.

We decide to take the shortcut up Ulriken, which turns out to be quite challenging for some of us.

However the view of beautiful Bergen when we turn ­ around makes up for the hard work.

The path is steep and gives us the possibility to display our climbing skills. Proper hiking shoes are beneficial, though some internationals just come with their sneakers.

Mountain Essentials Along the way we realize that as a Norwegian you don’t

only bring proper clothes, food and water, but your yoga mat as well. A challenging hike for internationals might be a stroll for Norwegians. But if you do not feel exhausted by the walk up Ulriken, why not participate in one of the yoga classes on top of the mountain?

We decide not to work on our flexibility, as we still have most of our trip ahead of us. After passing the ­visitors’ center, you need to hike all the way up to the highest part of Ulriken. Then you’ll see a line of metallic poles and piles of stone winding up and down at the horizon – your way to go for the next five hours.

Here we find a few remaining bits of snow, which have the perfect texture for a huge snowball fight.

Hiking around Bergen during public holidays and sunny weekends means meeting lots and lots of people on the way. If you rather enjoy nature in silence it is better to choose a weekday or a more cloudy day.

Slow Progress Walking 18 kilometers straight might not sound that long, but hiking 18 kilometers up and down, while jumping over mud puddles, does take some time and energy.

– Oh, we just made the first 600 meters, great!

A sarcastic tone begins to spread among the group as we reach the first sign pointing to Fløyen. But the nice

view and the sunshine on our faces makes up for the disappointing signs.

As we walk, some sporty looking people run past us.

We can see them keeping up the pace as they make their way further and further along the way to Fløyen.

– Those Norwegians are crazy, exclaims a student from Germany.

Wet Feet and Sunburned Faces Though the weather is really nice, snow and heavy rain leave their marks. The ground is soaking wet and so are our shoes – most of all the sneakers.

– Maybe I should have brought hiking shoes, admits a student from Australia.

As we finish the last few hundred meters of Vidden, Rundemannen appears in front of us – the last hurdle before reaching Fløyen.

Don’t Take it Easy – Which way is Ulriken, and how much time does it take to get there? asks a foreign couple at the bottom of ­Rundemannen. It’s already past 7 p.m., and they do not look like experienced hikers, wearing chelsea boots and not even carrying a backpack. We advise them not to go.

At around 8 p.m. we finally reach Fløyen with our legs and feet very tired, our bodies soaked in Vitamin D, and big smiles of relief on our faces. Proud of ourselves, we are ready to finish the day with a well-deserved barbecue.­

15

SOGNEFJORD IN A NUTSHELL: ALL ABOUT THAT VIEW

COLORFUL. The diverse nature along Sognefjord offers views of vivid white snow, bright green grass and deep blue water.

Exploring the world-famous Sognefjord turned out to be a pricey yet beautiful experience.

Saturday morning, 7 am, and we’re on our way to the city center to board the express ferry, which takes us to Flåm, along the beautiful Sognefjord.

through the picturesque fjord landscape. With clear blue sky, sunshine and a sea like a mirror, it seems like we have won some sort of first prize.

A Comfy Fjord Cruise The five hour boat trip is the first part of the “Sogne­ fjord in a nutshell” tour we booked. 1610 NOK, quite an amount for an international student in Norway. There­ fore our fellow travellers are mostly families and Asian tourists.

– My friends are all sleeping, says an international student from China.

Whether you want to spend the whole cruise inside­ and just snuggle into the comfy seats, or instead enjoy the fresh airflow outside, is up to you. And by fresh I re­ ally mean fresh, because even though Bergen is facing its first day with temperatures over 25 degrees celsius, it is freezing cold on deck.

As the sun rises more and more, we make our way

Photo Competition This trip is all about travelling, just enjoying the land­ scape. People sit together, have a chat, a few beers or the typical Norwegian waffle. They go out on deck from time to time to enjoy the sunshine and the wind.

– Look here, you have to see this!

When someone spots a very beautiful mountain range, a tiny lighthouse or a solitary island with that ­typical wooden house on top, suddenly all passengers run outside and the competition for the best photogra­ pher begins. Super professional high quality cameras, simple digital cameras, iPads and smartphones are al­ lowed, and they compete in the necessary selfie, por­ trait and landscape shot.

Not Worth the Hype When we arrive in Flåm, the first thing we see is some kids swimming in the fjord beside an actual sand beach.

It might resemble a Mediterranean atmosphere, were it not for the snowy glaciers on the horizon, closing in on the small village.

– I would love to go kayaking now, admits a student from Germany, who is already missing some action.

Besides the view, we would conclude that Flåm is not really worth a visit. A stroll through the center only takes five minutes, and it is hard to believe that there are actually people living here who don’t deal with tourism at all – there are souvenir shops everywhere.

As we had to wake up quite early, I am craving a coffee. We are prepared for the regular super high Nor­ wegian prices, so when we enter the local bakery, we are quite surprised: only 25 NOK for a coffee! They even have vegan bread and tasty, affordable cinnamon buns.

A Nostalgic Train Ride After a 45 minute break, we board the Flåm railway to go all the way to Myrdal. Within an hour the railway takes you from sea level up to 867 meter above sea level. Na­ tional Geographic Traveler Magazine named this trip one of the ten best train journeys in Europe. And rightly so.

The old train with its wooden panels and leather seats creates an atmosphere of travelling back in the days where the train was the only means of transporta­ tion. We lean back and listen to the rattling sound of the wheels while enjoying the diverse nature of Norway, with passing waterfalls, courtyards and cliffs.

– The 20 tunnels along this route have all been built by hand, says a really informative, but annoying voice in Norwegian, English and German.

After passing the last one of the 20 tunnels we can­ not believe our eyes: tons of radiant snow awaits us. We have arrived in the Norwegian high mountains.

What’s it Worth?

In Myrdal we board an NSB train to go back to Bergen and after more than ten hours of travelling, we conclude that the trip has indeed been breathtaking, and offered a perfect overview of the Norwegian nature. But it is not worth paying 1610 NOK for, at least not for international students.

GLIMMER. As the sun rises, the water of the Sognefjord begins to shine in all different shades of blue and green.

16

Norway

KIM ARNE HAMMERSTAD Quizmaster

1

Let’s start where you’ve just arrived: How many people live in Bergen? Give or take 50 000!

2

Now you’ve got 500 000 +-. How many people live in Norway?

3

And what are the three biggest cities in Norway called? One point for each correct city!

4

This club is called “the Pride of Bergen” – what’s the actual name of the biggest football club in Bergen?

5

Now it’s getting tricky. What is one of the main rivals of this club called, that did extremely well in the Champions League in the 90’s and has won the Norwegian league the last few years?

6

In what century was Bergen founded?

9

Quiz

A bit more tricky: What is the prime minster of Norway called?

What is the name of the airport in Bergen?

8

As you probably know, Norway is a monarchy. What are the king and queen called? One point for each correct answer!

On what date is Norway’s national day?

23

From what country did Norway get its independence in 1905?

10

17

24

11

18

25

12

19

26

13

20

27

What is the name of the Norwegian musician who has several international hits, and recently did a colab with Selena Gomez?

Five years wiggle room now.

When was the University of Bergen founded? I’ll even give you a hint: It recently celebrated an anniversary.

What is the boat ride that covers more or less the whole western coast of Norway on its route from Bergen to Kirkenes called?

I’m sure you know this one: What is the name of the Norwegian TV-series where you are introduced to the characters Noora, Sana, Isak and Even at the school Hartvig Nissen?

14 7

16

What musician from the Bergen area released the album “All my demons greeting me as a friend” in 2016?

15

Norway has won the Eurovision Song Contest three times. In what years was it, and what are the name of the winning artists?

I’ll be mightily impressed if you get more than two of the six points that are up for grabs here!

What is the name of the Scandinavian airline that was established by the Norwegian, Swedish and Danish states in 1951?

Named after a a German trade community that had an office in Bergen from the 14th century until the 18th century, what is the most famous beer brand from Bergen called?

What eccentric Norwegian discoverer used the raft Kon Tiki to cover 6900 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean in 1947?

He is from Bergen and made the hits “Alone”, “Faded” and “Sing Me to Sleep”. The name, if you please!

21

Who painted the iconic painting “Skrik” (“the Scream”)?

22

What is the name of the University of Bergen alumnus who has written the internationally recognized novel series “My Struggle”?

Which of these artists has not played in Bergen: Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Rihanna or Madonna?

What is the name of the female boxer from Bergen who has won more or less anything she could possibly win?

What are the names of the two brothers from Bergen who annoyed the world with the song “What Does the Fox Say” in 2013?

What is another word for Aurora Borealis?

28

Bergen is famous for its seven mountains. What is the highest one called, and how high is it?

You get 20 meters wiggle room, with two points up for grabs!

29

Now find your umbrella!

How many days per year, on average does Bergen have either rain or snow? Give or take ten days!

30

What Norwegian writer wrote the plays “A Doll’s House” and “The Wild Duck”?

Answers: 1: Bergen had 278 000 inhabitants as per the 1st of January 2017.

2: Norway had 5 265 000 inhabitants as per the 1st of January 2017.

3: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim.

4: Brann.

5: Rosenborg.

6: Bergen was founded in the 11th century (1070).

7: Flesland.

8: Harald and Sonja.

9: Erna Solberg.

10: Kygo.

11: UiB was founded in 1946.

12: Hurtigruten.

13: “SKAM”.

14: Aurora Aksnes.

15: 1985 (Bobbysocks), 1995 (Secret Garden) og 2009 (Alexander Rybak).

16: The national day is on the 17th of May. 17: Scandinavian Airline System (SAS).

18: Hansa.

19: Thor Heyerdahl.

20: Alan Walker.

21: Edvard Munch.

22: Karl Ove Knausgård.

23: Sweden.

24: Madonna.

25: Cecilia Brækhus.

26: Ylvis.

27: Northern Lights.

28: Ulriken, 643 meters above sea level.

29: 242 days of rain or snow in an average year.

30: Henrik Ibsen.

17

EXPOSED

MARIE-LUISE DEIKE Photographer

In every edition Studvest’s photo journalists present one of their own photos that either tells a story or is just simply fascinating.

Bergen; for all people of all races, colours, beliefs and orientations.

18

7th of August 2017

STUDVEST

EXCHANGE EDITION

Your Guide to “Cheap” Beer in Bergen

Archivephoto: JONAS J. EIAN

To go out for a beer in Bergen can prove a costly affair for most international students. This guide to some of the cheapest places to get a beer can guide you relatively safely through the small nightlife jungle of this city.

Text: NANNA SKRAM skram@studvest.no

This article was written in the spring semester of 2017. Beer prices may have changed since then.

Translation from Norwegian: Live Vedeler Nilsen.

The different university faculties and other educational ­institutions in Bergen also have their own bars with ­ relatively cheap beer. Check out these places: ●●

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●●

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Photo: JASMIN HOHMANN

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Straffbar (Faculty of Law): 35 NOK for 0,4 litres of beer Integrerbar (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences): 39 NOK for 0,4 litres of beer Kurerbar (Faculty of Psychology): 39 NOK for 0,4 litres of beer Ad fontes (Faculty of Humanities): 50 NOK for 0,5 litres of beer (40 NOK on Fridays) Klubben (Norwegian School of Economics): 30 NOK for 0,4 litres of beer Kronbar (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences): 44 NOK for 0,4 litres of beer Overlegen (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry): 30 NOK for 0,33 litres of beer Rederiet (Norwegian Business School): 35 NOK for 0,4 litres of beer

Det Akademiske Kvarter Price per 0.4 litres of beer: 47 NOK for students.

The student house, which name translates to “The Academical Quarter”, offers good prices for students who want to go out for a beer. They also offer affordable concerts, old movie screenings and occasional theme parties. You can also grab a bite to go with your beer after an ­exhausting lecture.

Hectors Hybel Price per 0.4 litres of beer: 42 NOK for students before 10 pm, 58 NOK after.

This place has a cosy atmosphere­ with candles in every corner and red leather sofas. It’s not a place for dancing, but perfect for a couple of beers in relaxed surroundings with your friends.

They also have a very good Aloe Vera-drink that is worth trying if you can afford it.

19

7th of August 2017

EXCHANGE EDITION

Photo: JASMIN HOHMANN

Fincken Price per 0.4 litres of beer: 42 NOK before 10 pm, 58 NOK after.

Known as the only queer bar in Bergen, Fincken offers ­relatively cheap beer in colourful surroundings. The place is nicely furnished and is a fun alter­native to the more standard types of bars in this city.

Garage Price per 0.4 litres of beer: 51 NOK for students.

If you have a free Tuesday evening, this old rock club is the place to go. If you go with your friends on a Tuesday, you can share a bottle of wine for 119 NOK. They also house several concerts, both big and small, and offer a stage for young upand-coming artists.

Hulen Price per 0.4 litres of beer: 42 NOK The name “Hulen” can be translated to “The Cave”. And that’s just what it is - a cave behind Studentsenteret (the Student Center) with little or no phone connection. It’s usually lighted with tall candles in old wine bottles, and has a unique atmosphere. A concert in these surroundings is an experience not to be missed.

Photo: JASMIN HOHMANN

Photo: JASMIN HOHMANN

Kaos Price per 0.4 litres of beer: 49 NOK. With three floors, this place has plenty of space for large groups of people. It’s not the cosiest of places, but the beer is quite cheap, and they have a back yard where they offer free barbecue for students every friday.

They also have occasional live music, usually on Wednesdays.

Photo: TORIL SUNDE APELTHUN

STUDVEST

20

7th of August 2017

STUDVEST

EXCHANGE EDITION

Good Times Despite of Bergen’s Pouring Rain

BRAVE THE RAIN. Charlotte Marie Towers and Charlotte Marie Paule enjoy ice skating on the artificial ice rink at Bergenshallen.

Six indoor activities that will make you forget about the bad weather.

Text: PAULINE NOLL pn@studvest.no

Photo: TORIL SUNDE APELTHUN

tsa@studvest.no

Bergen is known as one of the world’s rainiest cities and if we are lucky enough to have a long period of sunshine, it is common knowledge that we must pay for it. But instead of being annoyed by the rain, distract yourself from the weather by spending time at one of the following indoor activities in Bergen:

BERGEN FILMKLUBB

Become a member of Bergen Filmklubb and go to the movies as often as you want to during the semester. You pay a lot less than at Bergen Kino (the public cinema), too.

Location: Det Akademiske Kvarter (Olav Kyrres Gt. 49, 5015 Bergen)

Price: 50 NOK for each movie, after having paid a one time fee of 50 NOK for the membership

AQUARIUM

Bergen is a city dominated by the power of nature and the sea plays a major role. So why not pay the Bergen Aquarium a visit? It is situated on the peninsula Nordnes, just a ten-minute walk from the city center. At Norway’s biggest Aquarium you get the possibility to learn more about the sea’s inhabitants – fish, turtles, penguins, croco­ diles and sea lions. But you can also get in touch with spiders and even monkeys.

Location: Nordnesbakken 4, 5005 Bergen Price: 160 NOK with a valid student ID (180 NOK on the weekends) Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm, Thursday 10 am - 6 pm, Friday 10 am - 4 pm, Weekend 10 am - 6 pm

ESCAPE THE ROOM

You and your friends, trapped in a creepy hotel, the dressing room of an opera-diva or in a wizard’s room with only an hour left to make your way out by solving all the given riddles. Sounds like fun to you? Then you should check out Escape The Room Bergen or Escape Bryggen. The game can be played in a variety of different languages and turns every rainy day into a memorable, fun one.

In addition, students get 20 % discount with a valid student ID. To get the adventure started, just book an appointment online.

Location: Strandgaten 7, 5013 Bergen / Bryggen 35, 5003 Bergen and Skuteviksbodene 13, 5035 Bergen Price: 200 NOK (for students) in a group of up to 4 players / 236 NOK (for students) in a group of 5+

ICE SKATING

Another fun and cheap indoor activity is ice skating, located at Bergenshallen. Take the bybane

to Sletten to go there, which only takes 3 minutes from Fantoft and 15 minutes from Byparken.

Location: Bergenshallen (Vilhem Bjerknes’ Vei 24, 5081 Bergen) Price: 50 NOK Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 2 pm, Saturday 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm

HULEN

Enjoy a concert at the oldest rock club of Northern Europe.

The venue is literally a cave, which creates an enjoyable and exclusive atmosphere.

Location: Hulen (Olaf Ryes Vei 48, 5006 Bergen) Price: Varies between 100 NOK and 250 NOK

INSIDER’S TIP: IKEA FOR BREAKFAST

Food is expensive in Norway and going out for breakfast becomes a luxury international students have to abstain from.

But have you ever thought of going to Ikea for breakfast? Their breakfast-buffet offers you a variety of sweet and salty things to fill up with. Just take the free bus to Ikea Åsane, which leaves every hour from Bergen Busstasjon (Monday – Friday, 10 am – 9 pm and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm) to get there.

Location: Ikea Åsane Price: 59 NOK Opening Hours:Monday - Saturday until 11 am This article was written in the spring semester of 2017.

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EXCHANGE EDITION

Archive photo: ANDERS HELGERUD

... and Outdoor Gems for a Sunny Day

UP FOR A SWIM?. Although the water temperature is mostly doubtful, there are a couple of places in Bergen for those brave enough to take a dip.

Text: ERIN GALLAGHER eg@studvest.no

As you will no doubt realise, sunny days in Bergen are rare, and certainly not to be wasted.

Be sure to drop all responsibilities immediately and head into the warm bliss. But wait - you are so used to the rain you realise you don’t know how to spend these precious days.

What exactly is there to do other than head to Nygårdsparken or take to Ulriken for a hike?

LYDERHORN

Perhaps the least well-known of the seven mountains, but an ­excellent hike nonetheless (or maybe because of it). Be sure not to skip this one out. The best way to reach the trail is by taking the number 17 bus from the city centre to the last stop, Gravdal.

FJELLHYTTEN

If you’re not in the mood for a longer hike, but want to escape the crowded Fløyen, Fjellhytten is the place to aim for. It’s a ­ relatively short hike from

Fløyen along small forest trails.

It’s not so easy to find, which means you’ll probably have the trails all to yourself. Once you get there, Fjellhytten offers a magnificent view in complete silence.

Archive photo: LENE RISHOLT THORBJØRNSEN

The best ways to soak up those rare rays.

A SWEET SPOT

Hallaisen is an Ice Cream Parlour and Cocktail Bar, located at Skostredet 5. This place is perfect for those of you who would rather put your feet up and relax instead of climbing another hill.

With a whole range of flavours and drinks, there is something to suit everyone.

OLDTOWN. The old Bergen museum not only offers a throwback to yore – it also has a nice picnic area and a hidden

TAKING A DIP

GAMLEHAUGEN

A truly “hidden” gem is a swimming spot at Kleppesto. You can get there by taking the ferry from Strandkaien to Kleppesto.

Bonus: if you have a Skyss 30 day youth ticket, the journey is covered.

Once arriving on the island, it’s a short walk to the perfect place to enjoy the weather.

There is even a diving board for those brave enough to face the temperature of the water.

diving board right next to it.

One of the most chilled out ways to spend a warm day is at Gamlehaugen; the King’s House. The grounds are beautiful and the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, or watch the sunset, and again, the water is there waiting to be jumped into.

GAMLE BERGEN

Literally meaning ‘Old Bergen’, this museum allows you to take a peek at what Bergen was once like. It’s an open air museum, so

no sunshine is wasted. You can have lunch at the restaurant, and visit the park without purchasing a ticket, although a student ticket is only 50 NOK. You can find the museum ­entrance at Nyhavnsveien 4, 5042 Bergen.

FLØYEN ACTIVITIES

There’s more to Fløyen than the creepy trolls and play parks. You are able to rent mountain bikes so you can explore nature in a different way. The prices range

from 400 NOK for 3 hours, to 500 NOK for the day.

For anyone who prefers to paddle rather than peddle, ­canoeing on Fløyen is also possible. Unfortunately, this can only be done in the summer months, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.

This article was written in the spring semester of 2017.

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7th of August 2017

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EXCHANGE EDITION

Long Distance Love when on Exchange

FLEXIBLE. Vilma Jeskanen thinks that you should never force your partner to give something else up to have your daily chat, as days when there is simply no time are bound to occur.

Is having a partner waiting for you back home when you are on exchange a good or a bad thing? Different students have different opinions.

Text: PAULINE NOLL pn@studvest.no

Photo: MARIE-LUISE DEIKE md@studvest.no

Studying one semester abroad is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. It is all about meeting new people and stepping out of your comfort zone.

But to what extent is it possible to completely let yourself go while your partner at home is desperately waiting for your return?

The Strength of True Love Vilma Jeskanen is currently studying law at the Univer-

sity of Bergen. She had been in a relationship for nearly two and a half years before leaving her boyfriend back in Helsinki to spend the spring term in ­Norway.

– I did not expect it to be a problem and it really has not been, she says.

Vilma has never feared that they were going to break up, but she states that having a long-distance relationship does ­require an extra amount of dedication.

The Cost: Extra Effort and Time Vilma admits that she misses the physical part of a relationship. The silence and going to bed alone takes some getting used to.

– Usually I have Netflix on all the time just to have a little noise in the background, she says.

Even though she describes their relationship as strong, the

fear of not having enough time or drifting away from each other is still present. She says that the first weeks of January were the hardest, but then they found a new routine, which made the

She would not describe the first months in Bergen before she broke up with her boyfriend back home as a negative experience, but does have some regrets.

If you are together with someone who does not live in the same country as you, a huge part of you is still at home.

Charlotte, exchange student

situation easier to cope with.

– Communication does not cost a thing despite your time, she says.

Vilma and her boyfriend figured out that daily contact is the best way to stay close to each other.

Speeds up the inevitable Contrasting, Charlotte from Great Britain has very different experiences from her long distance relationship.

– First I thought that it would not be any different if I was single, but looking back it would have been a lot different.

Charlotte explains that the distance has been the main reason for their breakup, but it also speeded up the process of realiz­ing that they were not meant to be together.

– If you are together with someone who does not live in the same country as you, a huge part of you is still at home, even

if you do not realize it is.

Looking back, Charlotte states that after the breakup she feels a lot more settled in Bergen and free to do all the things she wants to do. In addition to that she enjoys the huge amount of extra time which she previously used to talk to her boyfriend on a regular basis.

Vilma, on the other side, looks forward to share her ­experiences with her boyfriend everyday. She is also convinced that she still gets the best out of her stay in Bergen, and that she even has learned to appreciate her relationship more.

This article was written in the spring semester of 2017.

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7th of August 2017

Humour.

Calling all “alkiser”!

I’m English and as an Englishman I actually need alcohol. It’s for health reasons, and if you don’t believe me I can explain it with a bit of the science.

A person from Britain is born with a certain level of alcohol swimming around their body, it’s a fundamental for life (passed on by the mother). As we grow older, our bodies become used to processing ethanol and without it we risk a complete shutdown.

Illustration: MARTE FREDRIKKE SKARSTEIN

Imagine then my horror, when I arrived in Norway (on a Sunday) to find absolutely no alcohol. I stumbled into a 7eleven and hopefully asked the cashier if she knew where I could buy a beer. “Nowhere” she said. “What do you mean nowhere” I responded, desperately. As she began to explain the situation, I remember my palms sweating, my legs turning to jelly, and my heart nearly stopping. There was literally nowhere in this whole fucking country where I could buy alcohol.

I’m pretty sure the Norwegian government is oppressing me. I did some research and I think article 7 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights states “everyone has the right to free and fair access to alcohol”.

As if this wasn’t bad enough, it turns out you’re not allowed to drink in public.

I discovered this rule as I stumbled drunkenly down Torgallmenningen at about 3:07am. I had a rather expensive beer in my hand and I was enjoying the feeling of not being able to feel my legs, when suddenly, I get a tap on the shoulder.

I turn around to find a short, fat policeman look­i ng at me and shaking his head. To my utter devastation, he seizes my beer and proceeds to pour it out in front of my eyes. I’m not ashamed to say that I actually cried.

The next morning, outraged at this injustice, I told my Norwegian flatmate of the abuse I had suffered. However, he just laughed in my face. Apparently, it was perfectly legal for the policeman to pour my beer away. He could have even fined me!

It comes as no surprise to my fellow alcoholics that I have had enough. It is time for a revolution. I, Joseph Ballard, hereby signal my intent to rise up against the Norwegian government. As citizens of this globe, we need unobstructed access

to alcohol at affordable prices. We need to seize the means of production (of alcohol).

Alcoholics of the world, unite!

your equivalent product in a different supermarket? What is it about any brand other than FirstPrice that requires your left kidney and a virgin’s sacrifice to enjoy their products? Guess I will never find out.

more “steaks” to go. And it’s Saturday night.

sauce in the offers’ counter is super cheap, that’s a fact, but that doesn’t mean you actually needed it in the first place).

Humour.

2001 NOK: A Supermarket Odyssey Norway must be the first country I have encountered in which an app that weekly updates the supermarkets’ product offers (Mattilbud) is a survival tool. No, for real, your climbing boots might ensure a fun weekend, but it will all be for nothing if you don’t know your supermarket drills.

My first supermarket trip in Bergen was a separate experience unto itself. Up until learning to convert NOK to EUR, the multitude of three-digit prices made me desperate and prepared to end up poor in my first week here. However, my algebra skills helped me get to the actual prices instantly... and still, I ended up desperate and prepared to end up poor in my first week here.

Why, Norwegian pork steak, why do you think you deserve to be valued 200 per cent more than your equivalent Greek product? Or even 100 per cent more than

Heavy despair aside, week three finds you way more experienced and decisive. You know your toilet-paper prices, you’ve found which supermarket has the cheap veggies, and you can now even afford a small cheat from your weekly budget and sneak in the shopping cart that super cheap package of 6 steaks you saw for the price of 13 euros!

Oh, the young and naive. No, you’re not the luckiest person alive, nope, the endless articles and travel blogs overfilled with warnings are not wrong. You just don’t know Norwegian. And when the ingredients say “60 prosent svin”, you have no idea that your precious meatlooking masterpiece is only partially meat and 100 per cent a sausage-like ­n ightmare. There goes your beautiful dinner. And now you’re stuck with five

So then comes week five and you’re sick and tired of taking the Bybane to refill your vegetable fridge section. And you’re in Fantoft, so Meny seems to be suggestively shaking its thigh at you, like a dirty prostitute. And you give in. To find out what? That the demonized, the damned, the laughed-at choice for international students, actually does have a Tilbud section with crazy good offers. Be it soon-to-expire or over-the-stock products, it is only from Meny that I have found a whole chicken scrumptiously baked from its deli for 44.59 NOK. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

And here we are, about two months in Bergen, and not many things have changed. Rema 1000’s iceberg salad will always break your heart, and Kiwi’s onekilo pasta will still be your 5/7 days lunch.

And yes, Meny is a funny detour every once in a while, but be careful not to be fooled Black Friday-style (that exotic pineapple

The Devil’s voice from “The Witch” echoes in your head while contemplating your Erasmus choice: “Wouldst thou like a family-size ice cream? Some tasty fish?

Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?”. But you’re enjoying your (actually pretty good!)

Rema oranges on top of Ulriken, watching a(nother) beautiful mountain sunset. And even your stomach takes a break from protesting to confirm that you’re just fine where you are.

STUDVEST Are you an aspiring journalist/ photographer/graphic designer?

Studvest is looking for new journalists for the English section of the second largest student newspaper in Norway. As a journalist you are required to have written English skills as well as an interest in journalism and news.

We are also looking for photographers for our photo section. As a photographer you should have a good eye and a basic understanding of photo techniques.

Having your own camera is a plus, but not a requirement.

For all positions experience is an advantage, but not a necessity.

We have information meetings for interested students in both the fall and spring semester.

Fall semester: Thursday the 24th of August at 6.00 pm (Application deadline on the 27th of August 2017) Spring semester: Thursday the 11th of January at 5.00 pm (Application deadline on the 21st of January 2018) The meeting will take place in Studvest’s office on the 3rd floor at the Student Centre, Parkveien 1.

Send your application with your resume and work samples if you have any to redaksjonen@studvest.no All questions about the posisitions are welcome and may be directed to the editor in chief: ansvarligredaktor@studvest.no

www.studvest.no