Tips for getting started
The first semester at university offers many new experiences: The people, the books, campus and new digital tools. We have a few tips on how to get started as a new student.
1. Join the Buddy Program!
- On the first day of orientation week, you will be assigned to a buddy group.
- In your buddy group, you will meet your new fellow students and a buddy, who is an experienced student studying the same program as you.
- Through the buddy group, you will get to know everyone you will be studying with, Oslo, and the university. You will participate together in all the fun events that are planned throughout the week.
- After orientation week is over, you will already have someone to sit next to in class and maybe even a study group.
2. Everything in one place with My Studies
My Studies is a comprehensive platform that brings together your schedule, messages, and essential tools for your daily student life, all in one convenient place. The service is available as an app or can be accessed through a desktop version.
- Upon starting your studies, you will receive a checklist of important tasks to remember.
- The app sends you notifications if you receive messages about changes to your classes or other important announcements.
- You will find shortcuts to essential tools such as Studentweb, Canvas, Zoom, the Office suite, student email, and much more.
3. The basics
Schedule, syllabus and exams
- The courses you will be doing are linked on your study programme's "Programme structure" page.
- You can find your schedule, syllabus and examination date on the web page of each course.
You can access your syllabus in several ways
- Some texts will be available online and will be linked on your syllabus.
- You can purchase your books second hand, from other students, on Finn.no, Bookis or iBok.
- The Norli bookstore sells textbooks on campus.
Ensure that you buy the right edition of your textbooks when shopping second hand. Talk to your lecturer if questions arise.
5. Get to know people, join a student association
Joining a student association is one of the most significant things you can do at university, next to studying.
The University of Oslo has about 300 student associations where thousands of students get together to socialise, be creative, or play games and sports.
Questions?
- Get in touch, and we will guide you to the right place.