About me
My name is Kiran Khatri, and I am from Nepal. I am currently a master's degree student in Electrical Engineering at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN). I chose to study abroad because I wanted to challenge myself in an international environment, gain more practical and industry-relevant engineering experience, and learn in a country with a strong focus on energy, electrification and sustainable technology.
USN
I study at the Porsgrunn campus and I am taking a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. I chose USN because the programme fits well with my interests in power systems, high-voltage engineering, electrification and practical engineering. I also liked the connection between the university, Norwegian industry and real technical projects. Porsgrunn is a good place for engineering students because it is close to an important industrial region while still having a calm student environment.
Reception
My overall reception at USN has been positive. The university staff have been approachable when I have needed information, and the study environment has made it easy to meet classmates from different backgrounds. Orientation and international activities were useful for understanding the university, practical life in Norway and the student community. Social activities also helped make the first period less stressful and gave international students opportunities to meet people outside the classroom.
Housing
I live in the new SSN student housing in Porsgrunn, and my experience there has been great. The housing is modern, comfortable and convenient for studying at the Porsgrunn campus. Living in student housing also makes everyday life easier and gives good opportunities to meet other students. I would recommend applying for SSN housing early because it is a simple and practical option for international students.
Economy
Norway is expensive compared with Nepal, especially for rent, restaurants and taxis. Groceries are much more manageable when I cook at home and compare prices. Public transport is reliable, and student discounts or period tickets can make it more affordable. Weekend trips can also become expensive, so booking trains, buses, flights and accommodation early makes a big difference. For an international student, having a realistic monthly budget before arriving is very important.
Culture
Living in Porsgrunn has been a good balance for me. It is quieter than a large city, which makes it easier to focus on study, but public transport gives access to other parts of Norway. Compared with Nepal, I noticed that daily life in Norway is more structured and people generally value punctuality, privacy and independence. I adapted well, although the dark and cold part of the year takes some adjustment. English is widely usable, but learning Norwegian makes everyday communication and integration easier. I am currently around A2 level in Norwegian and continuing to improve. One important thing I have learned is to be more independent, plan ahead and take responsibility for both study and daily life.
Studying
I am a degree-seeking Master's student. My coursework and project work have included areas such as power systems, high-voltage engineering, modelling and simulation, control, and condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. The workload is not simply about spending more hours in lectures; compared with what I was used to before, there is more emphasis on independent preparation, assignments, group work and applying theory to practical problems. My weekly schedule varies, and I do not normally have lectures from 09:00 to 18:00 every day. I have found the lecturers professional and accessible, and I appreciate being expected to ask questions and take responsibility for my own learning. Overall, studying in Norway has made me more independent and more focused on understanding how engineering theory is used in real systems.
Trips
I have travelled to Stavanger and Kristiansand, and both trips gave me a chance to experience more of Norway outside Porsgrunn. I enjoyed seeing different cities, landscapes and coastal environments. Travelling by public transport has also shown me how easy it can be to explore Norway without a car when trips are planned in advance.
Feedback and overall experience
I would recommend USN to students who are comfortable with independent learning and want an international, practical engineering environment. The combination of technical study, project work and living in Norway has helped me grow both academically and personally.
I would rate my experience 4.5 out of 5.