Practical information

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 talent. About half of graduating doctors are from outside Norway.
The University of Bergen has three strategic areas: Marine research, 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 270 000 inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Norway. Although Bergen is often called the City of Rain, it certainly has its 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. It 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). Participants not receiving stipends will also have to organise for their own accommodation.
Visa and insurance
All applicants are responsible for obtaining obligatory travel insurance. Visa to Norway, travel insurance, and airport tax must be paid for by the participants themselves.
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. 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 bus and light rail). All tickets are valid for 90 minutes within the same zone.
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. 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 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 to groceries.
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 include a light meal. Participants are themselves responsible for all other meals.
However, all participants will receive food vouchers that will allow you to buy groceries from selected shops or may be used towards meals at some restaurants. Organise a dinner party where you cook together at the hostel, or check out some of the many restaurants in the city!