Questions and answers concerning health, welfare and housing

Here, you will find questions and answers concerning health, welfare and housing. (All questions regarding SSN, student democracy, study program unions, student parliament etc.)

Questions and answers

[Health] How much does it cost to see a doctor in Norway?

If you are under the Norwegian health insurance scheme or if you have private insurance there is usually a small fee of 20-45 euros, depending on what kind of equipment is used, and what kind of tests were taken etc. If you are under the Norwegian health insurance scheme, all consultations (not including blood work and other tests) will be free of charge if you spent more than a certain amount of user fees on public health services within 1 year. The amount is usually around 300 euros before you received the exemption card. 

Where can I find information about housing, kindergarten and social services?

The Student Welfare Organization at USN has various different offers within housing, nursery schools, workout opportunities, cafeterias and social services at all of our eight campuses.

Kindergarten/daycare
Please be aware that it is very difficult to get public or university daycare for children i Norway  – if have not applied before March 1. Students that have not applied before this deadline should make plans for alternative daycare. 

 

[Health] Do I have to take a tuberculosis test?

The Norwegian health authorities require all new international students from countries with a high occurence of tuberculosis who intend to stay in Norway for more than three months, to be tested for tuberculosis (TB).

Please note that if you have recently been tested for TB in Norway or another country, you are still required to arrange a TB test appointment. 

Persons who are exempted from TB testing must still be tested if they have been a resident in one of the countries listed below for more than 3 months, and if they will be working within health care.

 

[Health] What is not included in the Norwegian health care scheme?

Following is not included in the Norwegian health scheme:

Dental care:

There are some exceptions, e.g if your dental care is covered by specific medical reasons. Please know that dental care is very expensive in Norway, so we advise that you take care of any dental care issues before your departure to Norway. 

Optician care:

Generally optician care is not included in the Norwegian health scheme, but they have optician care with reduced prices at Campus Kongsberg. However, if you have a referral to a specialist eye doctor at a public hospital - this is included in your Norwegian health scheme. 

 

Private physios and chiropractors are not included in Norwegian health scheme. 

[Health] Can I get a refund of my health expenses?

Through SSN, you may receive a refund of parts of your doctor bills, dental bills or other types of special treatment. You have to keep originals of requisitions and receipts. More information on how to get a refund on SSN's web page.

Please note that the refund is for registered students only. Not for spouses or family members.

[Health] How do I fill my prescription in Norway?

Students that take prescription medication should be aware that foreign prescriptions cannot be filled in Norway and most medications cannot be sent by postal mail. Some medications in Norway even require an appointment with a specialist, which can be difficult to even get an appointment depending on the situation.

Some helpful suggestions:

  • Make sure to have an adequate supply upon arrival. However, also check if there are restrictions to the amount of medication you can bring into the country.
  • Medicines and supplements - Norwegian Customs (toll.no)
  • If you do have specific health issues or even significant allergies, we suggest that you bring information about your condition (translated into English) in case you need medical attention while in Norway.

If you obtain a Norwegian prescription you will need a paper version to bring to the pharmacy. If you have received a norwegian national identity number, the prescription will be digital. Always bring valid ID to the pharmacy (Passport or National ID card). 

 

[Housing] Where can I pick up the keys to my accommodation?

You can pick up the keys during office hours at SSN on campus. 

All SSN's housing have resident assistants that can be reached after office hours until 23:00 (11:00 PM). 

If you are an international student the International Relations Office also have student assistants that make an arrangement with SSN to pick up the keys for you before you arrive, but it is important that you let SSN know. 

At certain campuses you can use the SSN app as a key card to your housing unit. This applies to every student housing apart from Notodden, Rauland, Porsgrunn, Breisås (Bø), Grivi (Bø), Åsgårdstrand (Vestfold). The key card function can be activated on My Page on SSN from 13:00 (1 PM) on the start date of your contract. 

 

[Housing] How can I find housing for my family?

SSN has very limited housing for couples and families. If possible we would advise students to come first, then look for housing that better accommodates your family situation. If this is not possible, we advise students to check out Finn.no or AirBnB.

For more information check out SSN's website

 

[Housing] I cannot transfer money from home country bank account, what do I do?

Please read UDI's website if you are an Iranian student.

If you have issues with transferring money to the deposit account, please contact SSN.

 

[Welfare] What kind of student organizations do you have?

The Student Union - Studentsamfunnet

The Student Union (Studentsamfunnet) organizes most of the sports and social activities for students. The sports activities vary from soccer, volleyball, shuffleboard, bowling, mountain climbing to swimming and so on. Since the students organize these activities, there are variations from year to year. A membership costs approx. NOK 300/year (NOK 150/semester). The membership gives discounts to activities, trips, concerts and more. You can also become a member of one of the groups that helps organize the different social activities.

SAIH - Solidarity organization and local chapter activists 

"Education for liberation" 

SAIH- SAIH Norwegian Students' and Academics' International Assistance Fund. Currently the USN local chapter is located in Drammen, but students are encouraged to get in touch with SAIH Drammen and expand activities to other campus. The local chapter is fun, creative and social, and a great way to make new friends!  

To find out what is going on at USN: 

Saih Drammen on facebook

Saih.no

Student Democracy 

The Student democracy in South-east Norway (SDSN) represent all students at USN and promotes their scientific, cultural, social and democratic interests. SDSN is the highest student political organ for all campus. 

SDSN works primarily to the University's leadership, advice and control, and to be heard in all matters related to the students at this level. SDSN is also involved at national level and cooperates with other student democracies and various student organizations.

Website in Norwegian

SDSN on facebook

Local Campus democracy

Each campus has their own local student democracy, which is under the umbrella SDSN. 

Contact information to your local campus democracy can be found here (Norwegian).

Campus Drammen also has the following clubs:

 

On a final note, there are even more student organisations than mention above, but they vary from campus to campus. 

[Welfare] What kind of sport activities can I attend?

Drammen

More information about activities in Drammen

Kongsberg

Ringerike

In Hønefoss there are several fitness clubs, such as Elixia which often provide student-friendly offers.

Vestfold

 

More information about sport activities in:

Bø:

HiT IL is the students’ own student sports club. In Bø there are different groups dedicated to sports, such as basketball, football (soccer)/Futsal, Indoor bandy, Volleyball, Ultimate frisbee, Swimming, Badminton, Beach Volleyball. Check out their facebook page.

Today the club is made up of 150 members and is a great way for students to get involved in sports outside of their studies. The level is suitable for everyone.

In addition to offering sports and physical activities, HiT IL also organises a range of activities like Quiz Nights, "Ski-play" events, theme parties and lots more.

Notodden:

Almost every day of the week, one can attend a varied amount of sport activities organized by the students themselves. It might vary from year to year. Activities that can be enjoyed are volleyball, basketball, kendo, climbing, orientation, juggling and outdoor swimming. Many students enjoy swimming and sauna, as it is open between 18:00 and 21:00 from Monday to Thursday, for free. Everyone can join the activities no matter what their skill levels are.

Porsgrunn:

In Porsgrunn there are different groups dedicated to sports and outdoor life, such as football (soccer), underwater rugby, a martial arts and self-defence group, beach volleyball, an outdoor life group and others.

 

There are several subgroups of the student community who are doing sports at almost all campuses. Ask your buddies at the semester start for more information.

[Welfare] What student support services do you offer?

Study Advisor - closest to you

Do not hesitate to contact your study advisor if you have questions pertaining to your study program. You will find her/his name on the study program page. Your study advisor processes applications for study leave and reduced study progression, explains regulations and helps to device individual study plans, among many other things.

Disability Support  

If you have special needs and need support, send an email to tilrettelegging@usn.no for appointment.

Do you need someone to talk to?

SSN Health offers professional help for those who just need to talk to someone. Sometimes everything feels a little ... rough. There can be times when your energy is low, the motivation is missing and it is hard to concentrate. There may be several explanations. Maybe something unusual happened in your life, or maybe you are just going through a period where everything just feels a little heavier than usual. SSN Health is present on all campuses. The door is open to everyone. Our services are available regardless of whether you need a short talk or help over time. The offer is free of charge and, of course, confidential. 

Select your campus to book an appointment.

Student Chaplains 

Sometimes life is like a maze it seems impossible to find your way through. Either you are struggling with a broken heart, feel lonely or wander about choices and big questions, sometimes a talk can make things easier.  Student chaplains have extensive experience in talking with people in different phases of life. No issues are too small or too big.   All campuses: pernille.astrup@usn.no.

International Office

International Office provides you with the practical information only international students need, such as information on visa, social security number, UDI, residence permit, insurance, personal doctor etc . Send an email to; international@usn.no 
 

[Welfare] Does USN have student democracy and how can I get involved?

Student Democracy in South-Eastern Norway is the highest student body for students at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN).

You can find more information about student democracy and how to get involved on Student Democracy’s websites.

[Welfare] Which welfare benefits do I have as a student at USN?

As a student you have access to a number of welfare benefits, and more information about this can be found on the Student Welfare Organization’s websites.