Living in Norway - What I’ve Learned so Far
Hello from Oslo! I can’t believe I’ve already reached the halfway point. I’m sorry for not writing sooner, but it’s so hard to find time to sit and write in the whirlwind that is studying abroad. I swear, every day there is something new to experience and it’s keeping me on my toes 24/7. In the short two months that I have been here, I have absolutely fallen in love with Norway. It’s a really difficult country to study abroad in, but it is incredibly rewarding. I have SOOO many stories to tell, but I want to dedicate this post to the main things I’ve learned about Norway (and some random pictures for effect (; )
1. It is EXPENSIVE. And like not just a little expensive, but like “holy crap I just paid 15 dollars for a Big Mac meal at Mcdonald’s” expensive. It’s definitely the worst part about being here. But that being said, you can find ways to live here cheaply, it just requires intense budgeting and A LOT of self-control (which I lack completely).
2. Norwegians are not very social with strangers. If you smile at a passerby, they will assume you’re either flirting with them or drunk (or both if you show teeth). But it’s so funny because the second alcohol is in the mix, they turn into the most friendly and hilarious people.
3. Sunny days are worshiped like no other. The weather here is harsh, so when the sun comes out people rush outside to soak in some much needed vitamin D.
4. The Norwegian culture is fascinating. One of the major reasons I chose Norway was it has been named one of the happiest countries in the world. I think the major reasons is that Norwegian’s don’t really have a class structure. Obviously there are people who make more money than others, but nobody thinks they are better than anyone else. Everyone is on an equal playing field here and it is AWESOME.
I have fallen in love with Norway and the thought of leaving makes me so sad. It does haves it trials, but holy crap it is so worth it.
Picture Descriptions (because I’m a dummy and don’t know how to add captions lol)
1. View of the Oslofjorden from a random High School that looks just like a prison.
2. Some random waterfall we saw on our road trip to Bergen. It’s seriously so crazy how nonchalant waterfalls are here. We literally saw at least 100 on our drive it was INSANE.
3. A fjord on our way to Bergen.
4. Just a girl in Bergen living her best life and mentally pinching herself because this dream can’t be her actual life. (Plot twist: IT IS!!!!)
