semester startup autumn 2015

AUTUMN 2015

SEMESTER STARTUP UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN

A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Get in touch with us

E-mail· Exchange/short-term students: [email protected]· Self-financing master students: [email protected]· Quota students: [email protected]· Norwegian language courses: [email protected]

Online · uib.no/education· uib.no/en/student· uib.no/en/checklist

Visit· Faculty Information Centres· Semester Startup Help Desk up to 4 September

Important! Please keep this brochure with you throughout the semester startup!

CONTENTS

1. Welcome to the University of Bergen! 4Facts and Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2. Introductory Programme 63. Checklist 111. Register for the Semester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122. Pay the Semester Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133. Open a User Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144. Obtain a Student Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145. Student ID App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166. EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens: Register and

Visit the Police Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167. Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens: Apply for a

Residence Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178. Apply for a Norwegian ID number . . . . . . . 179. Sign up for TB Testing: Chest X-ray . . . . . . . 1810. SiB Student Deposit Account

(for visa purposes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1911. Open a Norwegian Bank Account

(optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1912. Sign up for Tandem Language Learning

(optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

4. Important Documents 21Letter of Acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Student Confirmations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

5. Internet Access 22

6. Cultural and Social Activities 24Mentor Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24International Student Organisations . . . . . . .24Study Bergen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Det Akademiske Kvarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Tandem Language Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Meet Our International Student Blogger . . . .26

7. Information Services 27Student Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27My Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Semester Startup Help Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28The Student Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Faculty Information Centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

8. Getting Around In Bergen 329. The Student Welfare Organisation (SiB) 34Health care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Cafeteria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Counselling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Career Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Child Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

10. The University Of Bergen Library 3611. Useful Contact Information 38Emergency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Information about Norway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Religious Communities in Bergen . . . . . . . . . .39

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This semester we are happy to welcome almost 900 international students to UiB! Some of you will stay for a one semester exchange period and some will do a full degree. We are confident that you will all gain new knowledge about yourself and the world through this stay, and we hope it will be a great experience!

UiB is a truly international university with students from more than 100 countries all over the world. Our campus is located in the heart of Bergen and influences the city life in a visible and positive way. You will find that student life in Bergen is both vibrant and diverse with a range of student organizations and a great amount of cultural happenings throughout the year. Bergen is called the Gateway to the fjords, and you should spend some time exploring both the historic city and it’s beautiful surroundings.

Before the real adventure starts, all new international students must complete some compulsory registrations and other formalities. We have made a checklist you can find both in this brochure and online, and the opening session will provide you with the basic information you need to make the start of the semester as easy as possible. Remember – we are here to help you!

We encourage you to make the most of your stay in Bergen (and do not fear the rain)!

Best wishes Jorunn, Ida, Karine, Ana Veronica and Catrine

Division of Student Affairs

1. WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN!

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Education• 71 bachelor’s degree programmes• 94 master’s and professional study programmes• More than 1,900 courses• 6 PhD programmes• Approx. 250 doctorates are conferred every year• 30 research schools at PhD level

Facts and Figures

Students by genderNorway is considered to be one of the world’s most gender equal countries. This is also reflected in higher education. In 2014 more than 60 per cent of our student population were women.

Students per facultyFaculty of Social Sciences 3,203

Faculty of Psychology 1,738

Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry 1,917

Faculty of Humanities

3,365

Faculty of Law 2,125

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

2,925

Total 15,273

60% 40%

Students:

Bachelor’s Degree 5,784

Master’s Degree 4,939

Professional Degree 1,448

International Students

1,724

1. Germany (157)

2. Sweden (72)

3. France (71)

4. Spain (71)

5. Poland (49)

6. Denmark (45)

7. Italy (44)

8. Russia (41)

9. USA (40)

10. China (36)

Top 10 nationalities

1. WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BERGEN!

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THURSDAY 6 AUGUST

OPENING SESSION FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Place: The Faculty of Law (campus map index no. 44)

Opening session GROUP 1: - All full-degree students

(whole degree at UiB)

- Exchange students, joint degree students and other short-term students (1–2 semesters) with family names starting with A–J

09:00 Welcome Information EnvelopeHand out of your welcome envelope

09:30–09:45 Welcome By Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Anne Christine Johannessen

09:45–11:00 Compulsory Information and Practicalities 11:00–11:30 Complimentary Lunch11:30–15:00 Information Stands

Opening session GROUP 2:- Exchange students, joint degree

students and other short-term students (1–2 semesters) with family names starting with K–Z/Å

11:00 Welcome Information EnvelopeHand out of your welcome envelope

11:30–11:45 Welcome By Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Anne Christine Johannessen

11:45–13:00 Compulsory Information and Practicalities13:00–13:30 Complimentary Lunch13:30–15:00 Information Stands

FRIDAY 7 AUGUST

08:30–12:30 Semester RegistrationAssistance with semester registration and how to open a user account, and registration for TB testing. Place: Social Sciences Library (campus map index no. 18)

08:30–10:00 GROUP 1Students at the faculties of: Humanities and Social Sciences

2. INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMME

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10:30–12:30 GROUP 2Students at the faculties of: Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry, Law and Psychology

13:00 Mentor Week InformationPlace: Meet at ‘Muséplassen Square’ (campus map index no. 27)

MONDAY 10 AUGUST

09:00–12:00 Placement TestFor Norwegian language course applicants at level 2 or higher only Place: Sydneshaugen School,(campus map index no. 41), see Welcome Envelope for details

Lectures and Student CardPlace: The Student Centre (campus map index no. 14)

GROUP 1:Students at the faculties of: Social Sciences and Humanities09:00–09:45 Meeting the LocalsStudent counsellors Berit Christine Nestås and Marianne Hauge, from the Student Welfare Organisation (SiB)

10:00–10:45 Academic and cultural norms in higher education in Norway By Associate Professor Knut Martin Tande from the Faculty of Law

11:00–11:45 Understanding Norway (and Bergen): a Historical PerspectiveBy PhD candidate Eyvind York from the Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion

12:00–14:45 Acquiring a Student Card At the Card Centre

14:45 Start of the Mentor WeekAppointment of groups

GROUP 2:Students at the faculties of: Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry, Law and Psychology09:00–13:15 Acquiring a Student CardAt the Card CentreNB! There will be long queues, so meet up at 9:00 to be ready in time for the lectures later. The lectures will start on time and the doors will be closed during the lectures.

12:15–13:00 Meeting the LocalsStudent counsellors Berit Christine Nestås and Marianne Hauge, from the Student Welfare Organisation (SiB)

13:15–14:00 Understanding Norway (and Bergen): a Historical PerspectiveBy PhD candidate Eyvind York from the Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion

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14:15–15:00 Academic and cultural norms in higher education in NorwayBy Associate Professor Knut Martin Tande from the Faculty of Law

15:00 Start of the Mentor WeekAppointment of groups

TUESDAY 11 AUGUST

08:30–09:30 Orientation Meeting – Norwegian Language CourseFor students with granted admission to beginner’s level courses (NOR-U01, NOR-U1, NOR-U1/2) only Place: Sydneshaugen School, Auditorium A (campus map index no. 41)

09:00–13.30 Student Organisations on Stands Around 100 student organisations - ranging from political and idealistic organisations to choirs, bands, sporting associations and student media, are here to meet you! Place: The Student Centre (campus map index no. 14)

09:50 Visits to the Faculties and Departments with Orientation Meetings Meet at ‘Muséplassen square’ (campus map index no. 27)

14:00–15:00 Welcome Ceremony for all New StudentsOfficial opening of the academic year. Rector Dag Rune Olsen will welcome you. The leader of the Student Parliament will say a few words, followed by the Norwegian Prime Minister, Erna Solberg. Place: Nygårdsparken, close to the Student Centre

WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST

13:30–15:00 Get a good start-meetingPractical information on student life and welfare in Bergen.Place: Auditorium Egget, The Student Centre

PLEASE NOTE: Only for students at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry 09:30 Pick-up by bus at Fantoft student hostel outside ‘Meny’ for students at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry who live at Fantoft student hostel 10:00 Orientation Meeting Place: Auditorium 2, Building for Basic Biological Research (campus map index B, campus Haukeland/Årstadvollen)

sib.no/karriere | [email protected] Tlf. 55 54 52 90 | Studentsenteret, 3. etg.




INVITATION: GET A GOOD START! The Student Welfare Organization in Bergen and

University of Bergen:

Practical information on student life in Bergen Thursday 26th of August, 13.30-15.00 Egget, Studentsenteret







INVITATION: GET A GOOD START!

The Student Welfare Organization in Bergen and



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Checklist overview Applies to1. Register for the Semester All students

2. Pay the Semester Fee All students

3. Open a User Account All students

4. Obtain a Student Card All students

5. Download Student ID App All students

6. EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens: Register at the Police Station

Students from EU/EEA/EFTA

7. Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens: Apply for a Residence Card

All students from countries outside the EU/EEA/EFTA

8. Apply for a Norwegian ID Number Students staying for more than six months

9. Sign up for TB Testing: Chest X-ray Students from certain countries, see p. 18

10. SiB Student Deposit Account Students who have deposited money to SiB’s student deposit account

11. Open a Norwegian Bank Account (optional) All students staying for 6 months or longer who need or want a Norwegian bank account

12. Sign up for Tandem Language Learning (optional)

All students

3. CHECKLIST

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You will find a detailed checklist at uib.no/checklist.

1. Register for the SemesterYou must register for classes and exams each semester on StudentWeb. Students who are not following classes must still register on StudentWeb.

Student Category: All studentsWhere: studentweb.uib.noWhen: Deadline 1 September. For exceptions, see below. Documentation: Welcome letter

Important deadlines

Semester registration 1 September

Norwegian Language Courses – beginner’s level: NOR-U01, NOR-U1, NOR-U1/2* 17 August

Norwegian Language Courses – level 2 or higher: NOR-U2, NOR-U2/3, NOR-U3* Individual deadline

All courses at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences 13 August

*For students with granted admission only.

Address in NorwayMake sure that you provide your correct address in Norway when you register at UiB. If you live at Fantoft Student Hostel your correct address is:[Your name]Fantoft Student HostelP.O. Box [no.]5075 Bergen

Emergency contact person / next of kinYou can register name and contact information (phone number, email and/or address) for your Emergency Contact Person/ Next of Kin. This will be used in case of emergencies only.

If you have not completed the semester registration and paid the semester fee (if applicable) by 1 September, your user account will be automatically closed.

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StudentWebStudentWeb is the students’ online registration service. You log on with your UiB registration number (or Norwegian ID number) and your PIN, both found in your Welcome Letter. StudentWeb is available at studentweb.uib.no.

Semester registration on StudentWeb services include:• Register for classes and exams • Confirm your individual education plan, change or cancel exam registrations• Semester fee payment information (if applicable)• Updateyour semester address • Register your contact person (emergency contact) • Check exam results • Order transcript of records

2. Pay the Semester FeeStudent Category: Some of you also have to pay a semester fee, currently NOK 590 per semester. If this applies to you, you will find an invoice in your welcome envelope.Where: Any bank or post officeWhen: Deadline 1 SeptemberUiB does not charge tuition fees, but all students (with exeption of exchange students) have to pay a semester fee. The students will then automatically become members of the Student Welfare Organisation (SiB) and can benefit for all of SiB’s services

Assistance 7 AugustIf you need assistance with registering, university staff will be available at the Social Sciences and Music Library Friday 7 August (see programme for details). After this you will get help at the Semester Startup Help Desk or at the Faculty Information Centre.

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3. Open a User AccountStudent Category: All studentsWhere: sebra.uib.noWhen: As soon as possible after completing semester registrationDocumentation: Welcome letter, with UiB registration number, student number and PIN

Your user account will provide you with: • My Space; your personal pages with access to online learning resources and relevant

academic information • Your personal e-mail address • Access to computer rooms, printing and photocopying services • Access to UiB’s computer system from your own computer• Access to the Internet at your student hostel

Please note that after you have opened your user account, you must allow one day for the user account and Internet access to be activated.

When you open a user account, you are assigned your own personal e-mail address: [email protected]. You can read and send e-mail from any browser at webmail.uib.no.

4. Obtain a Student CardStudent Category: All studentsWhere: The Card Centre at the Student Centre, 1. floorWhen: Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00 You can visit the Card Centre to obtain a student card 24 hours after you have completed your semester registration and opened a user account.Documentation: ID card/passport

Remember to write down your user name and password when you open your account!

The Student Centre with the Botanical Garden in front

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All students at UiB must have a student ID cardstudent card issued by the Card Centre. To obtain a card, you must have completed your semester registration and opened a user account the day before. Remember to bring a valid ID card or passport .

The card serves the following purposes:• ID card • Key card • Library card • Charge card for printing and copying/PullPrint• Access card to SiB’s sports halls

5. Student ID AppStudent Category: All studentsWhere: App Store or Google PlayWhen: any time

When you have paid the semester fee (if applicable) and completed the semester registration, the app is valid proof that you are student at UiB this semester. The app will show the picture from your Student card.

The app is currently only available for IOS and Android phones. If you do not have such a phone, you may choose to receive a semester receipt by post instead when you register on StudentWeb. You can find more information about the app on the Student Pages.

6. EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens: Register and Visit the Police StationStudent Category: Students from EU/EEA/EFTA countries. Citizens from Nordic countries are exemptedWhere: ‘Politiet’/SUA Bergen Sentrum Police Station, Nonnesetergaten 4, 5050 Bergen. You must register at udi.no (‘Want to Apply’) before you visit the police. Select ‘Bergen Sentrum’ Police Station.

PullPrintAll students are required to pay for their prints and copies. You can access your prints from any of the student printers by swiping your student card. For more information on PullPrint, see under ICT Services on Student Pages (uib.no/en/student).

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When: Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September from 09:00–15:00. These dates are reserved for UiB students only.Documentation: Passport, Letter of Acceptance, European Health Insurance Card/other health insurance documentation

7. Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens: Apply for a Residence CardA residence card is a plastic card that proves that you have been granted a permanent residence permit in Norway.

Student Category: All students from countries outside the EU/EEA/EFTAWhere: ‘Politiet’/UTLE Bergen sør Police Station, Nesttunbrekka 95, 5221 Nesttun When: 18 August and 25 August from 09:00–13:00Fee: NOK 3,200 to be paid when you apply online.Documentation: Applied before departure: Passport Applying after arrival: Passport, Letter of Acceptance and documentation of finances

8. Apply for a Norwegian ID numberThe Norwegian national ID number is an 11-digit personal identifier, issued by the Norwegian National Registry (Folkeregisteret).

Student Category: All students staying in Norway for more than six months must register a move to Norway at the tax office in Bergen. The needed form, ‘Report a move to Norway from abroad’ (RF-1401), can be downloaded at www.skatteetaten.no/en/FormsWhere: Skatteetaten/Tax office, Nonnesetergaten 4When: Open Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00Documentation: Passport, Valid residence registration certificate (EU/EEA/EFTA citizens) or residence card (NON-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens)and tenancy agreement with your address in Bergen.

Please note that a national ID card can only replace a passport when including information about gender.

It usually takes up to four to six weeks to obtain a Norwegian ID number.

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9. Sign up for TB Testing: Chest X-rayStudents from certain countries must be tested for tuberculosis by getting a chest X-ray at Betanien Hospital. Residence permits are not valid until final clearance from the health authorities has been given. Persons exempt from TB testing must still be tested if they have been a resident in one of the countries listed above for more than 3 months and if they will be working within health care.

TB-testing is compulsory for citizens from:

Europe: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greenland, Romania and all the countries in the former Soviet Union: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

America: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Surinam

Oceania: Guam, Kiribati, Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, North-Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Yemen.

Africa: All countries except Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritius, Comoros and Seychelles.

Where: on uib.no/en/checklistDeadline to sign up: 20 AugustYou will then receive a confirmation e-mail. Remember to print the confirmation and bring it to your TB-appointment. Registration help will be provided on Friday 7 August at the Social Sciences Library. Fee: NoneDocumentation: Health documents and appointment confirmationThe TB-test will take place on 8 September at Betanien Hospital.

If you do not attend your UiB scheduled appointment on 8 September, you must make your own appointment and pay the required consultation fee by contacting the Office of Infection Control (Smittevernkontoret) directly at phone no. 55 56 58 80.

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10. SiB Student Deposit Account (for visa purposes)Student category: Students that have transferred money to SiB’s deposit account, for visa/study permit purposes.Where: The Student Centre (Campus Map Index no. 14). E-mail: [email protected]

Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00When: As soon as possible

Before you have acquired a Norwegian bank account, SiB can issue a cash card to cover your living expenses. You can get up to NOK 19,800 deposited to the cash card, NOK 9,500 at a time. Make sure that the amount is sufficient to cover your expenses until you get your own bank account.

The cash card can be ordered by sending an e-mail to SiB with your name and the amount required, or you can visit the office in person. The cash card will be ready to be picked up the following day. SiB will also have a stand on Thursday 6 August and hand out cash cards.

SiB will transfer the money to you as soon as you notify them of your Norwegian bank account number.

11. Open a Norwegian Bank Account (optional)Student Category: Students staying in Norway for 6 months or longer (optional) Where: Any bank When: When you have received your Norwegian ID number

Remember to bring these documents to the bank: Passport, residence registration certificate (EU/ EEA/EFTA citizens) or residence card (non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens), Letter of Acceptance, documentation of your Norwegian ID number

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12. Sign up for Tandem Language Learning (optional)UiB offers a language learning concept called Tandem, based on language exchange through communication and interaction between two students speaking different languages.

The programme is coordinated by UiB, and we will seek Tandem partners that match in their preferred languages. If we find a partner, we will contact you.

Student category: All interested studentsWhere: Sign up at uib.no/en/checklistWhen: Deadline 1 September

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Letter of AcceptanceYour Letter of Acceptance confirms your admission to the university. You received the letter electronically before arrival in Bergen and it states your period of study and the faculty, courses or programme you are admitted to.

Welcome LetterThis letter is included in your welcome information envelope. The letter contains all the numbers required to complete your compulsory UiB registrations.

Note that all the numbers are useful throughout your entire stay at UiB.

UiB Registration number: Required to log on to StudentWeb and to open a user account.

Student number: Required to open a user account, and also serves as a candidate number when sitting for examinations.

PIN: Required to log on to the StudentWeb and to open a user account.

Student ConfirmationsLearning Agreement for Erasmus+ studentsLearning Agreements from home universities can be submitted at your faculty information centre for signatures. Signed Learning Agreements usually take one week to issue.

Confirmation of arrival and departureArrival and departure forms that need signatures can be handed in at your faculty information centre. We can only include our official semester dates and the end date can be no later than 20 June.

Confirmation of student statusAll confirmations of student status / study period, for renewal of visa applications and for home university and home country authorities can be ordered online at Student Pages. The documents will be issued within two weeks or less, depending on your student category.

4. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

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Access Internet before semester startup• If you have a Norwegian mobile number,

you can access the Internet by using “uib-guest”. Enter your Norwegian mobile number, and a password will be sent to you.

• If you are using Eduroam at your home university, you will also have Internet access through Eduroam at the UiB campus.

• You can connect to the wireless Internet at Club Fantoft, the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen), or at one of the many cafés in the city centre that offers free wireless Internet.

• The public library next to the bus station has stationary computers with Internet access.

Internet on campus• Your own device: Eduroam is UiB’s wireless

Internet. To log on, you can use your UiB user account

• UiB computer: All faculties and libraries have computer rooms.

Internet at your student hostelYou must have a user account at UiB before you can access computers on campus and wireless Internet at the student hostels. After you have opened your user account, you must allow one day for the Internet access to be activated.

At your SiB student hostel you can use the UiB Internet access on your own laptop, read more at: sib.no.

If you have questions about Internet access at your student hostel, you can ask SiB on Facebook: facebook.com/SiB.Bergen

5. INTERNET ACCESS

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Bergen has a vibrant student life with more than 160 student organisations, societies, clubs and associations covering all fields of interest, from politics to underwater rugby.

A number of social and cultural activities will be arranged for all new university students throughout the semester.

Mentor WeekThe students at each faculty arrange their own Mentor Week Programme for all new Norwegian and international students. Current students volunteer to mentor a group of new students on their first week on campus. The activities vary from group activities to bigger, joint events. These activities are organised to make it easier for you to become familiar with the social aspects of university life.

Join in!The Mentor Week representatives will arrange information meetings on Friday 7 August. So if you are interested in hearing a bit more about the concept and what to expect, you should meet at Muséplass Square at 13:00. Monday 10 August is the start of the Mentor week and Students

are divided into groups. Representatives from each faculty will meet with the new international students after the lectures at the Student Centre on Monday 11 August (see programme for details)

Mentor Week programme can be found at: uib.no/en/new-student.

International Student Organisations International Student’s Union (ISU-UiB)ISU is an organisation run for and by international students, committed to improving international students’ stay in Bergen through social and cultural activities.

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) BergenESN is an international students’ organisation that arranges social events for students.

Buddy BergenThe objective of Buddy Bergen is to provide you with your own ‘buddy’, a friendly Norwegian student who will try to make your stay easier and more fun. For six weeks, you will have a buddy who will introduce you to the typical Norwegian way of life.

6. CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

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Follow the student organisations on Facebook to find out more about the upcoming activities and find their web pages at uib.no/en/student-organisations.

Study BergenStudy Bergen is a collaboration between eleven organisations, including UiB. During the semester Study Bergen arranges exciting trips including ski days, boat trips, hikes and a number of other events. All the events are subsidised for students attending UiB, and in addition to new experiences, you will meet students from academic fields other than your own.

Follow Study Bergen on Facebook or check out studybergen.com to find an overview of student organisations and activities in Bergen.

Det Akademiske KvarterDet Akademiske Kvarter, or “Kvarteret”, is the epicentre of student culture in Bergen, hosting over 2,200 events every year. Kvarteret functions as a meeting space, cinema, concert venue, debate scene, theatre, bar, gallery and much more. Everything is organised and run by students for students. At any given time about 400 students work as volunteers at Kvarteret.

Do you want to volunteer at Kvarteret? Try one of the following: • Working in one of the bars• Working as a security guard• Join the PR-group• Take part in the concert technician group

You will get work experience, new friends and a good opportunity to learn Norwegian!

Come by for a chat, e-mail [email protected] or visit kvarteret.no.

Other organisationsYou can also volunteer at the student venue Hulen (The Cave), the Student Radio, Student TV or participate in one of the other student organisations.

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Tandem Language LearningDo you want to practice Norwegian or another foreign language in a fun, informal way? Sign up for UiB’s language exchange programme Tandem and improve your language skills through communication and interaction with a fellow student who speaks another language. There are no strict rules or grammar tests – you and your Tandem partner decide where you want to meet and what you want to talk about. Go for a walk, discuss a book you’ve read, tell stories from your home country, or just have a cup of coffee!

The Tandem programme is available for all international students and other UiB students. After you have signed up, we will seek Tandem partners who match in their preferred languages.

Sign up before 1 September!

Read more at uib.no/en/tandem

Meet Our International Student BloggerHei hei! Welcome to the University of Bergen, I’m Stand, the international blogger. I’m from Seattle in the United States, yes, it is the one you’re thinking of from… Grey’s Anatomy… Nirvana… Starbucks… Microsoft (sorry about some of those). Yes, the weather is rainy there, too, but not quite as rainy as it is here. I’m studying a masters of Health Promotion here at the UiB.

I’ve been writing the International Blog since late last year, and I’m loving it. I’m thrilled to share my various student adventures, my love of Bergen and its mountains, and any tips and tricks I can find to make international student life easier. Feel free to take a look at the blog at internationalstudentblog.b.uib.no for vicarious “thrills”, tips on university-related events, and all things having to do with international student life.

Hope to hear from you!

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Student PagesOn the Student Pages you will find useful information on

Manage Your Studies• Semester registration• Semester and Examination Dates• User Account• Student Card• Order Student Confirmation • Special Arrangements in Examination

Public Services• TB Testing• Norwegian ID Number• Visit the Police• Open Bank Account

Student Life• Student Organisations• Student Activities• Student Economy• International Student Blog• News and Activities

UiB Facilities• University of Bergen Library• Computer Labs• Student with Special Needs

Where to get help• Semester Startup Help Desk• Faculty Information Centres• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

uib.no/en/student

7. INFORMATION SERVICES

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My SpaceWhen you log on to myspace.uib.no, your personal pages give access to relevant academic and administrative resources, a calendar with information about your timetable, your reading list, subject information, e-mail services, discussion groups, etc. You need a user account to log on to My Space.

Semester Startup Help DeskThe Semester Startup Help Desk for international students at the Student Centre (Campus Map Index No. 14) will give you guidance during semester startup as a new international student at UiB. Our Help Desk is located on the first floor (street level), next to the SiB Information Centre.

Opening hours – during semester startup only:Monday–Friday7–21 August: 10:00–15:00 24 August–4 September: 10:00–14:00

Services available at the Semester Startup Help Desk:• General campus guidance• Assistance on using online services• Welcoming new students and handing out

information• Semester registration guidance• ICT user account• Sign up for TB-testing

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The Student CentreParkveien 1 (campus map index no. 14)

Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 07:00–23:00 Saturday: 09:00–18:00 Sunday: 10:00–20:00

Receptions with separate opening hours:• UiB’s Semester Startup Help Desk• UiB’s Card Centre

Monday - Friday: 09:00–15:00 (14:00 from 31 August)

• SiB Information Centre (Housing and all other services

SiB services located at the Student Centre:• Gym studios and swimming pool• Career Centre• SiB Counselling• SiB Cafeteria • SiB Mental Health Care Centre (SPH)Other organisations and services located at the Student Centre:• Egget – lecture hall• Akademika Studentsenteret – student

book shop• Student organisations and student media• Bergen Student Chaplaincy

Faculty Information CentresThe information centre at your faculty offers a variety of services for students and will provide further information and help regarding your studies at the faculty. You can also visit your faculty information centre to have your Learning Agreement and confirmation of arrival/departure signed.

Faculty of HumanitiesContact the student counsellors:E-mail: [email protected]: +47 55 58 93 70Location: The Information Centre,Sydnesplassen 9Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–15:00

Faculty of LawContact the student counsellors:E-mail: [email protected]: +47 55 58 95 00Location: The Information Centre,Law Building, Magnus Lagabøtes plass 1Opening hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00

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Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesContact the student counsellors:E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +47 55 58 30 30 Location: The Information Centre, Science Building (Realfagbygget), Allégaten 41 Main opening hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–15:00

Faculty of Medicine and DentistryContact the student counsellors:E-mail: [email protected]: +47 55 58 64 00 Location: The Information Centre in Armauer Hansens hus, Haukelandsveien 28 (Medical and Dentistry campus)Opening hours: Mon–Fri 12:00–14:00 (extended opening hours 10 Aug–1 Sept 10:00–15:00)

Centre for International HealthE-mail: [email protected]: +47 55 58 61 00Location: Overlege Danielsens hus, Årstadveien 21, 5th floor

Faculty of PsychologyContact the student counsellors:E-mail: [email protected]: +47 55 58 27 10Location: The Information Centre,Christies gate 13Opening hours: Mon–Fri 09:30–14:30

Faculty of Social SciencesContact the student counsellors:E-mail: [email protected]: +47 55 58 98 50Location: The Information Centre, Fosswinckels gate 6Faculty of Social Sciences Building, 3rd floorOpening hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–15:00

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Many students will use buses or the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen) on a daily basis to get around in Bergen. Bybanen has several stops close to the main UiB campus.

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is located outside the city centre. Catch bus no. 2 or 3 from Småstrandgaten in the city centre to get there. These buses also take you to Alrek Student Hostel (get off at the bus stop called Statsarkivet) and Haukeland University Hospital.

Time tables are available at skyss.no.

Tickets and Travel CardsSingle tickets for buses and Bybanen can be purchased beforehand: • On one of the ticket machines at many of

the bus stops or Bybanen stops. • In certain shops in the city centre

(e.g. 7-Eleven, Deli de Luca, Narvesen)• By using the Skyss’ ticket app or visiting

one of Skyss’ Customer Centres.

A single ticket costs NOK 35 (as of June 2015). It is also possible to buy a single ticket on the bus (not on Bybanen), but that is more expensive with a cost of NOK 50 (as of June 2015).

Students get a 40% discount on the ordinary adult fare for a season ticket. This ticket entitles you to unlimited travel for 7, 30 or 180 days on city buses and Bybanen. The season ticket is available for both the Skyss Travelcard or Skyss Mobile ticket app.

Before you have obtained the student ID app or received a semester receipt by post, you can use your Letter of Acceptance when buying a travel card. You must also bring a passport.

The Skyss Travelcard can be ordered on Day 1 of the Introductory Programme at the Skyss stand, or at Skyss’ Customer Centres in the city centre. You may also order one online at skyss.no.

Valid Student IDAlways remember to bring valid student ID for inspections if you travel with a student discount card or ticket. Before you have obtained the student ID app or received a semester receipt by post, you can use your Letter of Acceptance to prove that you are a student at UiB.

8. GET TING AROUND IN BERGEN

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SiB Information Centre for housing and other services is located at the Student Centre.

Opening hours 10–14 August: 08:00–15:00 From 17 August, Monday to Friday: 08:00–15:45

Website: sib.no/en

As a student at UiB, you automatically become a member of SiB. SiB’s main task is to contribute to your well-being as a student in Bergen. As a member of SiB, you have access to a broad range of free or subsidized welfare services, such as health care, counselling, child care, student housing and various sports activities.

Health careAll international students must have valid health insurance while in Norway. Find out if you should become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme or if you should have a social security coverage from your home country.

SiB has an agreement with two medical centres. They are general practitioners and also offer treatment to students who do not have a regular doctor in Bergen. If you are staying in Bergen for more than 6 months, you must apply for a General Practitioner (GP) after you have received your Norwegian ID number.

SiB Health includes:• Medical centre for students• Dental treatment • Free health care centre for sexual health and pregnancy• Mental Health Care Centre• Partly refund of health expenses

Find more information on sib.no/health

9. THE STUDENT WELFARE ORGANISATION (SiB)

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TrainingSiB operates several sports centres in Bergen. For a very low fee, you have access to a swimming pool, modern training equipment, climbing walls, bouldering rooms, spinning, various aerobic and dance lessons and changing rooms with saunas and solariums. The student sports club, Bergenstudentenes Idrettslag (BSI), offers activities like: scuba diving, dance, football, badminton, handball, sailing, basketball and fencing.

CafeteriaThere are several cafeterias on campus offering hot and cold meals. Some of them serve dinner. The SiB cafés offer student-friendly prices and a varied selection of menus, including vegetarian and healthy food on campus.

CounsellingAs a student you may encounter different challenges in your everyday life. To be able to focus on your studies, you may need someone to talk to. SiB offers individual counselling for academic, financial and personal problems, and guidance on how the Norwegian health care system works. All counsellors have a duty of confidentiality, and the service is free of charge.

Career CentreInformation about career opportunities, further studies, job searching strategies or just a part-time job.

HousingSiB has more than 4,300 accommodation units. The housing is comfortable and conveniently located near the campus. It is usually less expensive to rent a unit from SiB than on the private market. The monthly rent for a room varies from NOK 2,000–4,700.

Child CareSiB runs several child care centres. Prices vary according to the parent’s income.

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The University of Bergen Library (UB) has a comprehensive collection of more than 1.8 million volumes of books and periodicals as well as newspapers, photographs, maps and other documents. The library subscribes to numerous information databases and nearly 19,000 full-text online journals. Most documents, both printed and digital, can be found via our online catalogue (BIBSYS) or the online library portal (Bibliotekportalen).

There are branch libraries at all the faculties where you can:

• Borrow books for study and research purposes

• Get access to periodicals, encyclopaedias and reference literature in printed and electronic form, as well as to information databases

• Take courses/access instructions on how to use the library’s collections and services, incl. courses in how to search for and use literature in your studies and papers (information literacy

• Find separate textbook collections at some of the branch libraries

• Find learning resource centres and study rooms for individuals and groups with access to computers with software and internet connection

• Chat with a librarian on uib.no/ub Your student card also serves as a library card.

Opening Hours for the Branch LibrariesArts Library Mon–Thu: 08:30–20:00 Fri: 08:30–19:00 Sat: 10:00–16:00

Law Library Mon–Wed + Fri: 08:30–19:00 Thu: 09:00–19:00

Science Library Mon–Fri: 08:30–19:00

Medical and Dental Library Mon–Fri: 08:30–19:00

Psychology, Education and Health Library Mon–Fri: 08:30–19:00

Social Sciences and Music Library Mon–Fri: 08:30–19:00

Libraries will have extended opening houres during the exam period.

Visit our website: uib.no/ub/en

10. THE UNIVERSIT Y OF BERGEN LIBRARY

There are study spaces at all the University Libraries

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When calling Norway from abroad, dial ‘+47’ (the national code for Norway) followed by the remaining digits of the subscriber’s phone number.

Emergency ServicesFire ServiceEmergency: 110 Non-emergency: (+47) 53 03 00 00

PoliceEmergency: 112 Non-emergency: (+47) 02800 politi.no

Medical AssistanceEmergency: 113 Non-emergency: (+47) 55 56 87 60

Accident and Emergency Clinic (‘Legevakten’)Vestre Strømkaien 19 (city map ref. E4) Open: 24 hours Emergency number: 113 Tel: (+47) 55 56 87 00

Emergency Dental Clinic (‘Tannlegevakten’)Vestre Strømkaien 19 (City map ref. E4) Open: Mon–Fri: 18:00–20:30 Sat/Sun: 15:30–20:30 Tel: (+47) 55 56 87 17

TransportBergen Airport FleslandTel: (+47) 67 03 15 55 avinor.no/en/airport/bergen

Skyss (local bus company) Tel: (+47) 55 55 90 70 skyss.no

Nor-way Bussekspress (national bus company) Tel: (+47) 815 44 444 nor-way.no

Bergen Taxi (taxi service)Tel: 07000 bergentaxi.no

Norgestaxi (taxi service)Tel: 08000 norgestaxi.no

11. USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION

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Information about Norway• Study in Norway: studyinnorway.no• Public Sector Information and Services:

norway.no• Visit Norway: visitnorway.com• Bergen Tourist Board: visitbergen.com• Fjord Norway (tourist and

travel information): fjordnorway.no

Religious Communities in BergenBergen Student [email protected] uib.no/presten/menigheten/english

Bergen International [email protected] bergenchurch.no

The Catholic [email protected] bergen.katolsk.no

Christian Inter-Cultural Work (‘KIA’)[email protected] kianorge.no

The Anglican Chaplaincy in Norwaybergenanglicans.net

Christian [email protected] kristentfellesskap.no

Bergen Islamic AssociationTel: (+47) 55 23 37 10

There are no registered organisations for the small Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu communities in Bergen.

Division of Student Affairs, University of BergenDivision of Communication, University of BergenEivind Senneset (cover, p. 23, 26, 29, 37) • Marianne Røsvik (p. 9, 15, 33) Bodoni, Bergen1,000G-Print (115 g/250 g)

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