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Bergen Summer Research School
BERGEN SUMMER RESEARCH SCHOOL

Practical information

Semester start
Photo:
Eivind Senneset

Main content

The University of Bergen is situated right in the city centre of Bergen. Our seven faculties help close to 20 000 students reach their goals. Around 2 000 of these are international students. We employ more than 4 200 faculty and staff. As an internationally renowned research university, academic diversity as well as high quality are fundamental for us.

We are proud to be the most cited university in Norway. PhD candidates are paid employees, making the doctoral degree at UiB particularly attractive for rising talents. About half of our graduating PhDs come from outside Norway.

The University of Bergen has three strategic areas: Ocean, Climate and energy transitions and Global challenges. Within these areas, UiB contributes to society with excellent research, education, interdisciplinary cooperation and dissemination of knowledge and innovation.

Where is Bergen?
Bergen faces the North Sea on the Western coast of Norway. With its 270 000 inhabitants, Bergen is the second largest city in Norway. Although it is often called the City of Rain, we certainly have our share of sunny days. Summer temperatures range from 12–25 degrees (Celsius), so be prepared for a chilly evening.

The city centre is pleasantly small and is partly located on a peninsula between seven mountains. Bergen is a lively city with more than 30 000 students—many from abroad. Bergen has a busy cultural scene with a pulsating night life.

The city is well connected to the rest of the world, with direct flights to several European cities, and by railway (via Oslo). For more information, see the City of Bergen Tourist Office.

The Bergen Summer Research School takes place at the University of Bergen’s Law Faculty (Dragefjellet) in the city centre. Address: Magnus Lagabøtes plass 1 (map).

Travel and insurance

You must organise your own travel to Bergen (whether you receive a stipend or not).

Visa and insurance
All applicants are responsible for obtaining and paying for obligatory travel insurance and a visa for Norway. You are also responsible for paying whatever airport taxes you may be charged.

Accommodation

All participants are welcome to stay at the Montana Student Hostel for a discounted price, ranging from NOK 3 200 – 4 000. You may make a reservation when completing the registration form. Payment is due upon receiving your letter of acceptance.

Accommodation at Montana Hostel is based on two participants sharing a room/bathroom. The rooms come with towels and linens. A common kitchen equipped with basic kitchen utensils is available for all residents. There are laundry facilities.

If you wish to book your own accommodation, check the list of hotels and guesthouses on the City of Bergen web pages or check Airbnb.com. Hotels in Bergen are generally fully booked in the summer, so make your reservation early!

Local travel

Bus/light rail
The airport is connected to the city centre by light rail and express busses. Check out the Skyss webpages for how to get from the Airport to Montana Hostel. You may buy tickets at the vending machine on the platform, or get the Skyss ticket app (same price for local buses and light rail). All tickets are valid for 90 minutes within the same zone. There are seperate prices for the express buss.

To get to the Law Faculty from Montana Hostel, you may take bus no. 12 to "Festplassen" in the centre of the city and walk for ten minutes. Google Maps: Johan Blytts vei 30, Bergen to Magnus Lagabøtes Plass 1, Bergen (link).

All participants will receive a travel pass (Bergen zone) for local busses and the light rail. This pass is valid for the duration of the summer school. Please indicate in the application form if you wish to receive a travel pass. 

Costs and currency

It may be useful to know that the cost of living in Norway is among the highest in the world, for everything from public transport and groceries to restaurants and hotels.

The currency of Norway is Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Check updated exchange rates.

Meals

Lunch and coffee/tea will be served every working day. Also, some social events will include a light meal. Participants are themselves responsible for all other meals. Organise a dinner party where you cook together at the hostel, or check out some of the many restaurants in the city!