Arrival Information

SiB's Housing Reception

Housing Reception's Opening Hours

The Student Welfare Organisation (SiB) is responsible for student accommodation, and SiB's Housing Reception for all student hostels is situated at the university campus in the city centre, at the Student Centre (campus map index no. 14). If you have been assigned a room at one of the student hostels, you must check in at the Housing Reception to pick up your room key.

It is important that you plan your arrival according to the Housing Reception's opening hours:

Arriving Outside the Housing Reception's Opening Hours

If you arrive outside the Housing Reception's opening hours, you will normally have to arrange for private accommodation in a hotel or hostel for the first night(s).

Internet Access

Access Internet before the Semester Starts

Many new students are eager to go online once they have arrived in Bergen to notify their friends and family at home that they arrived safely, and to access useful information about Bergen and UiB.

If you have your own lap top, you can use the wireless internet at Club Fantoft, the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen), or at one of the many cafés in the city centre which offers free wireless internet. At the public library next to the bus station you can also use one of their stationary computers to access the internet.

Internet Access On Campus and at the Student Hostels

UiB is a participating institution in the Eduroam network which means that if you use Eduroam at your home university, you will also have internet access through Eduroam when you arrive on campus in Bergen.

To access computers on campus and wireless internet at the student hostels, you must have a user account at UiB. To open a user account you must have your personal UiB codes, that are available in your personal welcome information envelope. This will be handed to you on day 1 of the Introductory Programme.

After you have opened your user account, you must allow one day for the internet access to be activated at your student hostel.

Arriving Before the Semester Starts

Tourist Activities

If you arrive early, we recommend that you enjoy yourself and spend your time visiting some of Bergen's many tourist attractions and get to know the city.

Not Possible to Register

It will not be possible to register as a student before the Introductory Programme starts. When you participate in the Introductory Programme, the Centre for Information and Student Services will provide you with your personal welcome information envelope and guide you through all the necessary formalities.

Confirmation of Arrival

Exchange students may need to have a Confirmation of Arrival form signed. Please visit the Centre for Information and Student Services (campus map index no. 30) during the opening hours for assistance. We can only confirm your arrival on the day you visit our office or on the official date that the semester starts.

Arriving After the Semester Starts

Contact the Centre for Information and Student Services

If you arrive in Bergen after the Introductory Programme and after the semester has started, please contact the Centre for Information and Student Services (campus map index no. 30) as soon as possible to get your personal welcome information envelope and assistance with the necessary registrations. The Semester startup brochure will also provide you with practical and compulsory information relevant to all new international students, as well as our website about Compulsory Formalities for new students.

Notify SiB

If you are staying at one of the student hostels, you must notify SiB of your arrival date if you will be arriving three weeks or more after your tenancy agreement starts at bolig@sib.no, otherwise they may cancel your tenancy agreement.

Public Transport in Bergen

Tickets for Buses and the Bergen Light Rail (Bybanen)

Upon arrival most students will use public transport to get to their student hostel or other accommodation. Single tickets for buses and Bybanen can be purchased beforehand on one of the ticket machines (only coins or credit cards accepted) or in certain shops in town (e.g. 7-eleven, Deli de Luca, Narvesen).

A single ticket costs NOK 29 (as of June 2013). It is also possible to buy a single ticket on the buses, but then it will cost NOK 40 (as of June 2013).

There are two different bus companies that will take you from the airport to the city centre, Flybussen SAS and FlybussBergen. These buses have different prices and arrangements than the city buses and Bybanen.

Skyss Travel card

Many students will need to use buses or Bybanen on a daily basis while in Bergen. As a student you will get 40% discount on the Periodic Travel card, which is a 7, 30 or 180 days travel card which entitles you to unlimitid travel on city buses and Bybanen. The Student Periodic Travel card can be ordered on Day 1 of the Introductory Programme, at Skyss' Customer Centres in town or at skyss.no.

When using the Skyss travel card, always remember to bring your ID card and documentation of student status (e.g. your Letter of Acceptance or semester card) for inspections.

Maps and Directions

How to get there:

• Airport buses: Flybussen SAS and FlybussBergen
• From the train and bus station to the Housing Reception (pdf)
• From the city centre to Fantoft Student Hostel (pdf)
• From Byparken to the Faculty of Law (pdf)
• From the bus station and the Student centre to the Centre for Information and Student Services (pdf)
• Campus map (pdf)
• City of Bergen