Living in Ås

• Apply for housing
• Information about student accommodation including prices (in Norwegian)
• SiÅS - NMBU's Student Welfare Association

There are numerous housing options available to NMBU students. As on-campus student housing is not guaranteed, we recommend applying as early as possible.

SiÅs is a non-profit organization that provides all student welfare services on campus, including housing close to campus. New international students can apply for housing as soon as admission is confirmed.

Types of student accommodation for NMBU students

• A) Single room with shared bathroom, shared kitchen
• B) Single room with private bathroom, shared kitchen
• C) Studio apartment with private bathroom and kitchen
• D) Couples flat with private bathroom and kitchen
• E) Family flat with private bathroom and kitchen

Type A is the most common type of accommodation, and international students will likely be assigned one of these. The other unit types are not always available as returning students are prioritized.

Furnishings and equipment

Some units are only partially furnished (without a bed). This information is included in the unit description. Otherwise, single rooms are furnished with a bed, desk and chair as indicated in the unit description. A pillow, duvet and bedsheets can be purchased from SiÅs Housing. Kitchen equipment can either be rented or purchased from SiÅs Housing.

Housing contracts

One-year contracts run from 1 July to 30 June. Semester contracts run from 1 July to 31 December or 1 January to 30 June.

Ås is a small university town where it is possible to find many great private housing options, both shared and individual. Public transportation is generally very good. There are some areas in Ås where there is limited bus access. If you arrange to live off-campus, you should research your commuting options, including the cost of a 30-day transport ticket (i.e. monthly pass). There are several websites which can be used in your search:

• Private accommodation on the SiÅs webpages: Local landlords who prefer to rent to students often use only this website to market single rooms, apartments or houses in the Ås area.
• Finn.no: This website is in Norwegian, but Google translate can help you to some extent. You can always email the landlord to request information. Be aware that there have been reports of swindlers in the housing market so never transfer money until you have seen the accommodation and signed a contract.
• Kjøp/salg/bytte ved NMBU (Facebook group): The group name translates to Buy/Sell/Exchange at NMBU. Locals use this group also to advertise available rooms or individuals can advertise that they are looking for a room. Although most posts are in Norwegian, it is possible to post in English.
• RUTER / VY: You can research your commute time, bus and train routes on these public transport websites. You can also find information and tickets from/to Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) on these webpages.

In Norwegian crowns (NOK):

Sample semester budget:

• Accommodation: 24,000
• Food: 15,000
• Books & supplies: 7,000
• Transportation: 3,500
• Other expenses: 14,000

Sample prices:

• 1 liter milk: 18
• 1 loaf of bread: 30
• 500g spaghetti: 18
• 1 beer (grocery store): 35
• 1 beer (bar/restaurant): 90
• One-way train ticket to Oslo: 66
• One-way train ticket Oslo Airport to NMBU: 144
• 1 cinema ticket: 120

Students sometimes wish to supplement their finances with part-time work. It can be challenging - though not impossible - to find part-time work in Norway without Norwegian language. We anyway recommend that students have sufficient financing from home as there is no guarantee of securing work.