Accommodation

Do you want to live in a dorm with other international and Norwegian students? Is a studio flat or an apartment more suitable? Or do you want to find your own accommodation on the private market? The choice is yours.

Exchange students posing happily during winter in front of a SINN dorm sign
Photo: Adlani, Grindel, Jansa, Scarpellini and Winkel.

Are you eligible for housing?

Find out what type of accommodation you can be eligible for, based on whether you are an exchange or international full-degree student.

Exchange students

Eligibilty depends on whether you are applying for long-term or short-term exchange.

Long-term accommodation

Long-term accommodation is relevant for students applying for an exchange at INN for one or two semesters for studies or internships. Students are highly recommended to stay in a SINN accommodation for at least their first semester at INN. Finding private accommodation can be very challenging.

SINN Housing

After being nominated, you will receive information on when and how to apply for housing through SINN. Exchange students are guaranteed accommodation through SINN Housing as long as they submit their application by the deadline given by the International Office. 

The SINN accommodation contracts last for the following period per semester, with no exceptions for earlier cancellation unless withdrawal from the exchange:

  • Autumn semester: beginning of August to the end of December (5 months).
  • Spring semester: beginning of January to the end of June (6 months).
  • Full academic year: beginning of August to the end of June (11 months).
  • Full year: beginning of January to end of December (12 months).

Exceptions to the above-mentioned period and application deadlines may apply to internship students at Campus Evenstad based on availability.

Private market

If you are interested in accommodation in the private market, you will need to review the offers yourself; the International Office does not assist with this.

Short-term accommodation

Short-term accommodation is relevant for students applying for an exchange at INN that lasts shorter than a semester. This can be a few weeks, a few months, BIPs or similar courses. The International Office will give recommendations to students to whom this applies. 

  • If you are interested in short-term accommodation, please note that you are NOT guaranteed accommodation through SINN Housing. The housing office may provide accommodation for 1 month if rooms are available. Staying longer requires you to pay full-semester rent for 5-6 months, depending on the semester, with no exceptions (see long-term accommodation).
    • The International Office at your campus of study will provide you with information on whether there are available accommodations through SINN Housing.
  • If there is no availability with SINN Housing, you will need to check the private market yourself. The International Office does not assist with finding accommodation in the private market.
  • Campus Evenstad offers private accommodation for short-term stays based on availability.
  • Students attending BIPs must review the information provided by the BIP organisers regarding accommodation.

International full-degree students

After gaining admission to a degree or programme at INN, you will receive detailed information on when to apply for housing through SINN. Please be aware that SINN offers limited accommodations for families, subject to availability. SINN processes applications in May/June.

If you are unsure when to apply for degrees or programmes, view the application guidelines on our webpage. However, you can apply for accommodation in the private market anytime. There is no deadline.

If you need a study permit to enter Norway, you must gain a housing contract before you can apply for the study permit.

Accommodation offers with SINN

The Student Welfare Organisation (SINN) provides accommodation for students admitted to and enrolled in the University of Inland Norway. The following applies to the SINN in all campuses:

  • Students are recommended to apply for furnished dorms or studio flats. Apartments are unfurnished and not guaranteed. Offers varies from campus to campus.
    • Dorms have a shared/private kitchen with a private/shared bathroom. Some dorms may have a social area (e.g., a living room).
    • Studio flats and apartments have a private kitchen and bathroom.
  • The monthly rent varies from dorm to dorm, studio flat, apartment, and campus to campus. Utilities and Wi-Fi are included in the rent. No deposit required.
  • All accommodations have shared laundry machines and dryers.
  • Parking is either free or has a monthly fee, depending on the campus.
  • Location of the accommodations varies by campus. Some campuses may offer on- and off-campus accommodation; others may have only one option.
    • All off-campus locations are within walking distance of bus stops connected to the campus.

Check out SINN's webpages for international students. The SINN web pages are in Norwegian. To have it translated, use the translator mode in your browser. It is recommended to translate the Norwegian webpages into English.

Specific information for SINN housing per campus

Different campuses have different offers. We have highligted some important information below. 

Campus Elverum

There is a residence on Campus Elverum where students are accommodated in single-furnished rooms with shared facilities (kitchen, bathroom, social room, and laundry room), free internet, and parking.

International students are eligible for a Bedding set (approximately NOK 800) from SINN, which includes a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase and bed sheet. This applies only to dorms and studio flats, not couples' and family apartments.

  • Exchange students will automatically receive the Bedding set when applying. If you do not want this, make sure to inform SINN in the application.
  • International full-degree students must request the Bedding set in the accommodation application.

To see more information on accommodation through SINN at Campus Elverum, check out SINN's webpages (external link).

Campus Evenstad

There are two buildings (student houses) available, with a total of 117 student dorms. One building allows dogs. Students interested in bringing their dog must notify SINN in their housing application.

The Buddies will bring your guest/access card to INN, which will serve as your dorm and room key until you can print your student card. The International Office will provide detailed information.

A "Basic Start Kit" is available for purchase from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management at INN for new students. Detailed information will be provided by email. The kit contains one pillow, one winter duvet and one set of bed linen.

All students interested in renting a dorm at Campus Evenstad must visit the INN webpage for detailed information about living in the dormitory.

To see more information on accommodation through SINN at Campus Evenstad, check out SINN's webpages (external link).

Campus Hamar

All residences are centrally located and within walking distance of the Hamar campus and the city centre.

International students are eligible for a Bedding set (approximately NOK 800) from SINN, which includes a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase and bed sheet. This applies only to dorms and studio flats, not couples' and family apartments.

  • Exchange students will automatically receive the Bedding set when applying. If you do not want this, make sure to inform SINN in the application.
  • International full-degree students must request the Bedding set in the accommodation application.

To see more information on accommodation through SINN at Campus Hamar, check out SINN's webpages (external link).

Campus Lillehammer

Student housing by SINN is available in 8 locations in Lillehammer. All locations are open for international students.

International students are eligible for a Bedding set (approximately NOK 800), which includes a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase and bed sheet. This applies only to dorms and studio flats, not couples' and family apartments.

  • Exchange students will automatically receive the Bedding set when applying. If you do not want this, make sure to inform SINN in the application.
  • International full-degree students must request the Bedding set in the accommodation application.

To see more information on accommodation through SINN at Campus Lillehammer, check out SINN's webpages (external link)

Frequently asked questions regarding student housing through SINN

Below are questions many international students have about student housing through SINN.

Can I cancel the housing contract if I do not receive admission (full-degree student) or cancel my planned exchange?

It depends on where you have applied. It is possible to cancel the housing contract free of charge within specified deadlines. View SINN's webpage for further information (external link).

Can I decide who I would like to live with?

If you apply for a dorm, you cannot decide who you will share the common area(s), like the kitchen, with. However, you can submit a request in the application to share the common area(s) with one/several friends. All of you need to apply for the same dorm and list the name(s) of the person(s) you wish to live with. SINN will afterwards try their best to grant your wish; however, it is not guaranteed.

I did not get a contract for the dorm/studio flat I wanted. What happened?

This may be because there are too many applications for the same dorm and insufficient rooms. Thus, you may receive an offer somewhere else. 

You can apply for a change of residence after you have moved into the dorm you want to live in. However, this is only possible if accommodations are available. A moving fee will be added to the rent. 

My dorm application suddenly disappeared. What happened?

You need to renew your application. Please read the "Your application" part on SINN's webpage (external link) for information on renewing your application.

There is an error with my student housing application. Whom should I contact?

Contact SINN at post@sinn.no. The International Office cannot be of assistance.

Other types of accommodation

It is possible to find accommodation in the private market. However, it is not recommended for international students arriving in Norway for the first time, as arranging and securing suitable accommodation from abroad can be challenging. The International Office does not assist with finding private accommodation. Be aware of the following:

  • Most contracts (except Airbnb) last one year.
  • Private rental agreements often require a 1–3 month deposit (except Airbnb). Students must create a deposit account in a Norwegian bank, which can only be done a few months after arrival.
  • Few apartments/studio flats/dorms are fully furnished. Offers varies by regions.
  • They can be located everywhere in/around the city/area.

Location-specific information

We have gathered relevant information and links to private market offers for each campus. See the information below. 

Elverum

Here are a few examples of Facebook groups and other webpages to search for private accommodation offers in Elverum. All are in Norweigan so use the translation function of your browser.

Evenstad

It is possible to rent off-campus, but renting a SINN dorm during your first semester at Evenstad is strongly recommended. Most students who rent off-campus find their housing through other students who leave or have a space opening up, so it is much easier to find a place once you get to know other students. 

For internationals who do not speak Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, the easiest way to find a place to rent off-campus would be through Facebook groups. Here are a few examples of Facebook groups and other webpages to search for private accommodation offers in Evenstad.  All are in Norweigan so use the translation function of your browser.

If you do not have a car, renting a dorm on or within walking distance of campus is often in your best interest. Public transport to and from Evenstad is limited, which will hinder your ability to attend classes and social activities.

Hamar

The campus bulding in Hamar is located close to the city centre. Private accommodations can be found all around Hamar. Be aware that depending on the location, it may be necessary to use public transportantion to campus. 

Here are a few examples of Facebook groups and other webpages to search for private accommodation offers in Hamar. All are in Norweigan so use the translation function of your browser.

Lillehammer

BoligSwap (only for exchange students)

Campus Lillehammer offers exchange students the possibility to rent private accommodation through BoligSwap. Each semester, our institution sends several Norwegian students abroad for a semester (or two) of study. Some students choose to sub-rent their room or apartment, which the International Office communicates to international exchange students in Lillehammer.

  • The offer varies from semester to semester. The complete overview will be available after the application deadline.
  • The location of the offers can be anywhere in Lillehammer.
  • Please note that our office only provides the platform. Any details must be directly discussed between the Norwegian student (“landlord”) and the international student.
Private market

It is possible to review the private market as a whole and identify relevant offers. For international students who do not speak Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, the easiest way to find off-campus housing is through Facebook groups. Below are the most relevant Facebook groups and webpages for checking for private accommodations. Please notice that all of these are in Norwegian, so you will need to use the translation function in your browser:

Contact us

If you need guidance or have questions about exchange at our institution, contact us at the International Office.