FAQ Housing

Follow SiO's detailed step-by-step instructions (sio.no).

Many of the student houses are marked 'No, nothing available' or 'yes, a few available.' This is their current status and not necessarily their status when you will be arriving. Please ignore this and choose the student houses that you are interested in. To increase your chances to get an offer of student housing from SiO, choose "yes" when asked if you want similar housing units.

Only choose options you are willing to accept and can afford. Choose “yes” When asked if you want similar housing units to increase chances of getting an available housing that matches your criteria. 

It is a good idea to apply for one of the larger student villages like Kringsjå or Sogn as they have more availability.

Family/couples housing is very difficult to get, and OsloMet cannot help you if you do not get an offer.

Read more about the different areas (oslomet.no).

You simply fill in your date of birth in the format DDMMYY if you do not have a Norwegian ID number.

No, unfortunately not. In Norway, PhD candidates are defined as employees. You need to be defined as a student to apply for SiO housing.

Please contact international@oslomet.no if you have any questions.

If you are over 35 and you come from a partner university or if you are enrolled in a Master’s Degree programme taught in English, please send an e-mail to international@oslomet.no. 

If you already live in Norway, take a programme in Norwegian or do not come from a partner institution, you must follow SiO regulations and are unable to apply for SiO housing when you are over 35.

Even though you are on a waiting list, your chances of getting an offer from SiO are limited due to the high demand of student housing. We therefore advise you to look for accommodation elsewhere as well. 

Monthly rental prices varies depending on the type of housing. The different prices are always shown in the application and in SiO's housing list (sio.no). Electricity is included in the rent.

Always pay your rent on time. Late payments will generate heavy administration fees.

Contact SiO for more details about costs (sio.no).

Rooms are allocated before your arrival to Norway, so make sure you have received and confirmed your housing contract before travelling to Norway. The contract will be sent to you by e-mail and must be signed on SiO's My Page to be valid.

If you have not received an answer from SiO three weeks after the application deadline, please send an e-mail to international@oslomet.no.

SiO's My Page is SiO's online portal. You register using the Personal Identity Number sent to you by SiO when your application was first registered. You can find more information and instructions on SiO's website. 

After you have signed your contract, you have 14 days to cancel your contract without financial consequences.

If the contract period has not started to run and the tenant has not moved in (keys are not picked up), but the tenant wishes to terminate the contract, the contract holder may be charged with an amount equal to a maximum 2 months rent from the 15th or the last date of the month counted from the date the contract holder gives written notice. If the tenant does not pick up the keys to the residence within 14 days from the start of the contract period, the landlord may terminate the contract and the tenant will be charged for an amount equal to two months’ rent.

Follow the instructions on SiO's website (sio.no).

The rooms are simple and functional.

Included in the furnished rooms is a bed, cupboard/ closet, desk, chair, and bookshelf.  However, curtains, pillows, duvets (quilts/ comforters), sheets and reading lamps are not provided. Kitchen utensils are not provided, even if you have a shared kitchen. You can bring or buy these items after arrival.

Internet is available in the rooms, but normally by cable, not WiFi. You should have your own ethernet cable/router.

You will be provided with a laundry card when you get your key. You can purchase laundry credits to use in the common laundry facilities.

Each tenant is responsible for the cleaning of kitchen utensils and equipment, the cooker/ stove top, sink and counter area used in the kitchen, your own room and your own bedding/ linen and towels.

SiO needs a notice of termination two or three months before you leave, calculated from the 15th or last day of the month. The length depends on your type of accommodation. Contact SiO for more details (sio.no).

Before moving out, you will also need to clean your room.

No, SiO does not offer this option. The housing you get depends on what Is available. 

If you have a disability or special needs, you must send SiO a message about this using the contact form on their website (sio.no), preferably at the same time as you submit your housing application. It is important that SiO is notified as early as possible.

SiO have several accommodation units that are adapted for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users must attach a document confirming that they need accommodation that is adapted to a wheelchair and state what their specific requirements are.

If you have a guide dog, you will need to apply for a one-bedroom flat (without a shared kitchen and bathroom)

If you have not already informed us that you have special needs or a disability, please send an e-mail to international@oslomet.no.

Services for Students with special needs at OsloMet can provide you with general advice and guidance about the individual arrangements that can be made to support you during your studies.

You will find a lot more information on SiO.no.

If you still have questions, contact SiO. For serious issues with your accommodation, please keep the International Office informed by sending us an e-mail.