University of Stavanger

Samuel Burtscher, SS 2026

I wasn't sure what to expect when I landed in snowy Stavanger in January, but six months later it's easily one of the highlights of my whole degree. Between the coursework, the people I met, and everything I got to see around the country, it ended up being a semester I'll keep coming back to.

The University of Stavanger (UiS) has a modern, welcoming campus with a great library and it was easy to get in touch with lecturers whenever I had questions. If you are used to the way lectures are organized in Innsbruck, you won’t have issues getting used to Norwegian ones. Classes in Stavanger were often discussion-based, with presentations, group work, and smaller assignments spread across the semester.

SIS, the student organization, is worth getting involved with from day one - they organize a huge number of events throughout the semester, and there's often free food when you go, which helps a lot given how expensive Norway can be. The gym is another highlight: it's great and cheap, with climbing, bouldering, and group classes, so it's an easy way to stay active and meet people outside of class.

SIS also manages student housing, which I would strongly recommend. It's by far the best way to meet other students and private housing is far more expensive. Everything around applying for accommodation is well organized but still apply early!

Just like Innsbruck, Stavanger itself is compact and easy to get around, right by the sea and surrounded by incredible landscapes. Beaches, fjords, and mountains are basically at your doorstep. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and a boat tour in Lysefjord (use the public ferry, it’s much cheaper!) are must-dos, and I'd also really recommend making time for trips to Bergen and Oslo (the museums alone are worth the trip). If you can, get a DNT membership and use the cabins as much and as often as possible. It's one of the best and cheapest ways to experience the Norwegian outdoors. My personal highlight was the week we spent hiking in Lofoten, but this means taking the plane or a very, very long drive with a car.

Norwegian students can seem a bit reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they're friendly and open. Stavanger isn't a big party city, but there are lots of cafes, student events, and bars, and the balance between studying and free time here is genuinely healthy. If you need clothes, there are some great second-hand stores in the city with Thrift being my favourite as they usually offer free coffee. Another good place to stop by is SportsOutlet, where you can find everything related to sports and the outdoors for a great price.

Looking back, my semester in Stavanger helped me grow more independent and confident, gave me a truly international circle of friends, and let me experience some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. I would absolutely choose Stavanger again and can highly recommend it to anyone considering it!

University of Stavanger

Anna Hofer, WS 2025/26

Spending my Erasmus semester in Stavanger was one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of my studies so far. Moving to Norway alone felt like a big step at first, but it turned out to be the perfect mix of academic growth, personal development, and unforgettable nature experiences.

Stavanger is a relatively small city, which I really appreciated. Everything is easy to reach, and after a short time, it truly starts to feel like home. The city is right by the sea and surrounded by incredible landscapes. Beaches, fjords, and mountains are basically at your doorstep. If you enjoy nature even a little bit, you will love it here. Some of the most famous hikes like Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag are close by, and there are plenty of smaller trails for spontaneous weekend adventures. SIS and other student organizations often organize trips, which makes exploring even easier.

I lived in student housing, which I would strongly recommend. It’s the best way to meet other students from all over the world right from the start. My accommodation was furnished, practical, and within easy distance of the university. In general, housing in Norway is well organized, but you should definitely apply early.

The University of Stavanger (UiS) offers a modern and welcoming campus. The buildings are well equipped, and there are many good places to study. It was easy to talk to lecturers, and classes were often discussion-based. Many courses included presentations, group work, and smaller assignments throughout the semester instead of only one big final exam. This continuous assessment helped me stay engaged with the material.

The international office and student organizations did a great job supporting exchange students. The buddy week at the beginning of the semester made settling in much easier and was also where I met many of my first friends. Norwegian students can seem a bit reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they are very friendly and open.

One thing I especially appreciated was the balance between studying and free time. Norwegians value time outdoors and an active lifestyle, which is contagious. Even just walking along the harbor or watching the sunset by the sea became small highlights of everyday life. Stavanger may not be a big party city, but there are cozy cafés, student events, and bars.

Looking back, my semester in Stavanger helped me grow more independent and confident. I experienced a new culture, improved my English, met amazing people, and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. I would absolutely choose Stavanger again and can highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature, a calm but lively student environment, and a high quality of life.

My favourite spots in and around Stavanger:

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Kjerag

Hellestø Beach

Dalsnuten