Do Not be Afraid of the Cold and the Polar Nights in Tromsø!

Svetlana Pavlova, student of Faculty of Humanities / School of Linguistics shares her experience with University of Tromsø.

I had an amazing experience in Norway, and am eternally grateful to both HSE and UiT for this opportunity. Here are some tips for exchange students:

• Do not be afraid of the cold and the polar nights in Tromsø! It doesn't really get that cold (the minimum that I experienced was -12), and mountains and the water are extremely beautiful, even in the dark;
• Make the most of the academic opportunities in your host university. If your study plan at the HSE allows, plan to take all the home university exams after your return and do not try to complete everything simultaneously. I'm sure some superhumans can do both, but in my opinion, it is more important (and interesting!) to use the host university resources fully. You might not get a chance to study abroad, or in this particular university, again, but you will most probably get a chance to study on HSE courses in the summer;
• The Student Welfare Organization of Norway is always ready to help any student who needs help. Do not be afraid to go to them with any questions;
• Communicate with your professors: ask questions, notify them if you are ill and won't be able to attend the class, ask for help with your projects. In my experience, all of them are really nice and understanding;
• Participate in faculty research seminars and study groups: it's a wonderful opportunity to see how they work abroad, to listen to some really good talks from renowned academics, and to establish some contacts which might be useful in the future;
• Travel around Norway if you have a chance: the whole country is fascinating, diverse, and gorgeous.

Svetlana Pavlova, University of Tromsø,  Norway, spring 2015