Short answer: A student housing in Norway is a cheaper housing that a student housing organization rents out to students. You apply online, and you should apply as early as possible — the waiting lists are longest just before the semester starts in August. You must pay a semester fee to the organization to apply. If you don't get a place, you can rent on the private market with your own rental agreement and deposit.
What is student housing in Norway?
A student housing is housing designed for students. A student housing organization owns and runs it. A student housing organization is an organization that works for student welfare — housing, health, sports and counseling. The state helps through Husbanken, which provides loans and grants (money) to new student housing. The goal is cheap and safe housing for students. If you want to read a neutral explanation, you can find more at snl.no (Store Norske Leksikon).
A student housing in Norway is usually cheaper than a regular apartment on the market. Often electricity and internet are included in the rent. Then you know what you pay each month, and it becomes easier to plan your economy.
Who runs the student housing? The largest organizations
There are around 14 student housing organizations in Norway. Each covers its own area. The largest are:
- SiO — Oslo and Akershus. This is the largest organization in the country.
- Sammen — Western Norway, including Bergen.
- Sit — Trøndelag, including Trondheim, Gjøvik and Ålesund.
- SSN (Studentsamskipnaden i Nord) — Northern Norway, including Bodø.
Your study location determines which organization you belong to. If you are studying in Bergen, you apply to Sammen. If you are going to Trondheim, you apply to Sit. Check the website of the organization where you are studying and see what housing they have.
How do you apply for student housing?
You apply online through the housing portal of the organization. This is how you do it:
- Pay the semester fee. Semester fee is a fixed fee you pay each semester to the organization. It gives you the right to apply for housing and use other offers.
- Create a user in the housing portal.
- Choose housing you want. At SiO you can put up to six housing options on your wish list.
- Send the application and get a confirmation.
Apply as early as you can. The person who applies first usually gets an offer first. You can apply all year, and vacant housing is sent out continuously.
If you want a place at the start of the semester, there are deadlines for main admission (the big distribution of housing). At SiO, the youngest first-year students must apply by June 1st for fall and November 1st for spring to get priority. At SiO there is also an age limit: you must be 34 years old or younger, and Ph.D. candidates usually do not get a place. The rules are slightly different with each organization, so read the terms where you are applying.
Do you have to wait in line? It is completely normal. The waiting lists are longest just before the semester starts in August. If you don't give up, a place may become available during the fall when someone declines.
Tips before and while you apply:
- Apply as soon as you have received an offer for your studies. Do not wait until summer.
- Set multiple housing options on your wish list. This increases your chance of an offer.
- Have ready what you need: student ID or admission letter and a Norwegian bank card.
- Check what is included in the rent — many student housings have electricity, internet and caretaker included in the price.
- Have a plan B. If you are looking for a private room at the same time, you are safer if the queue becomes long.
Student housing or private rental — what is the difference?
If you don't get student housing, you can rent from a private landlord. It is also a good choice, and there are many single rooms (one room, often with shared kitchen) and shared housing. But the rules are slightly different. Here is a simple overview:
| Point | Student housing | Private rental |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often lower, subsidized | Varies, often higher |
| Deposit | Often none | Common, up to 3–6 months rent |
| Electricity and internet | Often included | Often extra |
| Contract | Standard from the organization | Own rental agreement |
| Who can rent | Only students | Everyone |
| Waiting list | Yes — apply early | No, but fast competition |
A major advantage with student housing is that the organizations usually do not require a deposit. With a private landlord, a deposit is common, and three months' rent is most common. If you are renting privately, read rental agreement carefully before you sign, and pay attention to the rules for deposit. Then you avoid problems later.
Do students get housing allowance?
No, as a general rule students do not get housing allowance. Housing allowance is government help to pay for housing. But there are important exceptions. If you live with your own children under 18 years old, you may have the right to housing allowance. If you get rejected for a loan and grant from Lånekassen, you can also apply. Read more about housing allowance before you apply, so you know if you are in an exception group.
If you want to understand more about money for studies, see our guide on higher education and the Student Loan Fund. Loans and grants from there help you pay the rent.
Knowledge that helps you move forward
Finding housing is one part of life in Norway. Knowing your rights is another. You have the right to safe housing and a clear rental agreement — whether you live in student housing or rent privately. You do not need to be afraid to ask or speak up.
At SamfunnPrep we help you understand Norwegian society — rules, rights and everyday life. If you are training for the civics exam or citizenship exam, you are at the same time practicing knowledge you use in practice, like housing, economy and public services. SamfunnPrep has exercises in multiple languages, so you can learn at your own pace.
Ready to take the next step? Create a free user and try a practice exam today → Get started.
