Before coming to Oslo, it is important to find accommodation in advance, as renting a room or apartment can be a lengthy process, and student housing often has application deadlines.

In Norway, the Student Welfare Organizations (Studentsamskipnaden) offer housing to international students. For example, in Oslo and Lillestrøm, the Foundation for Student Life in Oslo and Akershus SIO, student welfare organization, offers housing. The rooms can be either furnished or unfurnished, and the prices vary depending on the type of room. Check the application deadlines and apply for housing early.

In some cases, such as being an exchange student, you may have priority. However, make sure to read the requirements for the type of room you need to apply for.

There is no guarantee that you will get a room in student housing (studentbolig in Norwegian), so you might need to live privately. This does not lessen your student experience, as living privately with roommates is popular among students in Oslo. One of the most popular options is living in a "kollektiv" (shared apartment or shared housing), where you rent a room in an apartment and share common areas with other people. The most popular website for looking for apartments is Finn.no.

Even if you are looking for private accommodation, it can also take some time, so start early. Some apartments are rented by agencies and some by private individuals. Both should offer you a contract to sign; to get familiar with the process, check out University of Oslo’s tips. Discover tips for finding housing in Oslo, meeting rental requirements, and learning about the city's boroughs here.