My name is Annika Korp, and I spent the winter semester 2025/26 in Trondheim, Norway. From August to December 2025, I had the opportunity to complete an Erasmus semester at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). This stay abroad was a very enriching experience for me, both academically and personally.

The University

NTNU is one of the largest universities in Norway. The administrative process was very smooth: my Learning Agreement was quickly signed, emails were answered promptly, and I felt welcome despite the many international students.

NTNU has nine campuses, with teacher education courses mainly at Dragvoll or Kalvskinnet. The semester starts with an adjustment period until mid-September, allowing course changes. NTNU uses Blackboard for learning and Studentweb for exams and grades, both of which are easy to use.

I took three courses (30 ECTS). The most important was “Physical Education in School” (15 ECTS), designed for Erasmus students. It was very practical: we visited schools, observed lessons, and taught a PE class ourselves. We also did outdoor activities like swimming, camping, orienteering, ice skating, and canoeing, which showed me the value of movement- and nature-based learning.

I also took “Introduction to Norway” (7.5 ECTS), which gave background on Norwegian history, politics, and society, and “Education and the Welfare State in Comparative Perspective” (7.5 ECTS), which covered the Nordic education model and the link between education and welfare.

Accommodation

I did not get a place in student housing, and in retrospect, I am very glad about that. I found my room through hybel.no, although it took some time because short-term housing can be difficult to find. I lived in a 6.5 m² room in a shared flat with five Norwegian roommates near Solsiden and paid about €550 per month. Living with locals helped me integrate better and step outside the Erasmus bubble, which I really appreciated.

The City of Trondheim

Trondheim is a beautiful city surrounded by nature and fjords, and after visiting many cities in Norway, it was definitely my favorite. The city is large enough to feel lively, yet still manageable and easy to navigate, similar to Graz. Trondheim is known as a student city and is home to NTNU, which creates a strong, welcoming student atmosphere. With many student organizations, social activities, and the famous Studentersamfundet, there is always something to do. At the same time, the surrounding forests, fjords, and outdoor spaces make it easy to combine studying with nature and outdoor activities. Overall, I found Trondheim to be the perfect size for students: vibrant and active, but still calm and comfortable to live in.

NTNUI Membership

With an NTNUI membership, you can try out different sports and join various sports clubs. It also allows you to rent NTNUI cabins for trips with friends or borrow sports equipment from Bumerang. NTNUI is a great option if you want to try new sports or join multiple clubs. In combination with NTNUI, there is the SiT Trening membership, which includes all the above plus access to the SiT gyms, some of which even have saunas. I really enjoyed using SiT Trening.

I especially liked the Chess Club (NTNUi Sjakk), which is free and doesn’t require an NTNUI membership. It’s always busy with both locals and exchange students and I highly recommend it.

ESN Events

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organizes both day events and trips. With the ESN Card, you get discounts on most events and sometimes in shops. I got the card, which costs about €25, and it’s worth it if you attend three or more events or go on a trip, because the savings usually cover the card price.

It’s important to check which trips or events you want to do with ESN, as some private trips with friends might be better value. During my semester, I joined the surf trip to Hoddevika and the Lofoten trip, and I really enjoyed both.

Kultursenteret ISAK

A really cool place in Trondheim is ISAK, a cultural center for young people aged 16–25. It’s free to use and perfect if you enjoy being creative and trying new things. I often went to ISAK Kunst, which provides a safe and social space to explore art and design. At the Skaperloftet, there are workshops for art, music, theater, and design, plus studios, stages, and a café. You can take part in workshops, exhibitions, social events, or even join the ISAK Art Collective. There is also a ceramics room with a kiln and potter’s wheels (training required) and short courses in sewing, printmaking, acrylic painting, or using the vinyl cutter. You can register for these short introductory courses online for free and then try them at ISAK.

Personal Experience

My Erasmus semester in Trondheim was an incredible experience. Academically, I gained practical skills I wouldn’t have learned at home, especially through the “Physical Education in School” course, school visits, and hands-on teaching, while also experiencing a different university system with English-language courses and new learning formats.

Culturally and socially, I met amazing people from Norway and around the world, joined student activities, and explored Norwegian life. Trips to places like Lofoten, Geiranger, Ålesund, and Hoddevik, along with spontaneous aurora observations at the beach, made the semester unforgettable.

Personally, I became more confident, independent, and open-minded. Living abroad taught me to overcome challenges and adapt to new environments, lessons that will be invaluable for my future work as a teacher.

Overall, the semester exceeded all expectations. It enriched me academically, socially, and personally, broadened my horizons, and gave me lasting memories. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend it to anyone considering studying abroad.

Photos & Text: Annika Korp