Onboarding guide
Welcome to Norway and your INN campus! Here you can find information to get started as an exchange student at INN, as well as information relevant during your exchange.
Getting started
There are many things you have to think about when arriving at INN for the first time.
Arrival confirmation (Erasmus+/SEMP/EEA Grant students)
Most Erasmus+ students are required to submit a signed Arrival Form, Certificate of Arrival, or similar document to confirm their arrival at their exchange destination.
The International Office at your INN campus will inform you when and how you can have this document signed.
Arrival to Norway and your accommodation
Make sure to keep the international Buddies or the International Office updated on your arrival; in case of delays, cancellations, or other issues.
Arrival to your accommodation
Depending on the type of Arrival assistance offered at each campus, your Buddies will either pick you up and bring you to your accommodation, or you will need to get there yourself. Detailed information on this is provided directly to the admitted students by the International Office at each campus.
Accommodation with SINN Housing
Information on how to obtain your SINN accommodation key will be provided directly by the International Office to admitted students. Please check out the information on SINN's webpages. Remember to translate the relevant page to English.
- Information on SINN accommodation, Campus Elverum (external link).
- Information on SINN accommodation, Campus Evenstad (external link).
- Information on SINN accommodation, Campus Hamar (external link).
- Information on SINN accommodation, Campus Lillehammer (external link).
Remember to view SINN's information on paying rent (external link).
Specific information regarding accommodation at Campus Evenstad
Students will be provided with a guest card for dorm access upon arrival. This will be handed out by the international buddies. The WiFi at the accommodation is provided by INN, so you can use your INN account to access Eduroam.
Do also check out INN's webpage on the dormitory in Evenstad, containing special information for Evenstad students.
Private accommodation
Schedule your arrival and pick up the key from your landlord.
Change, add, and/or withdrawing from courses
You might have realised that you want to switch courses, that you need or want more credits, or wish to withdraw from courses if you have enough credits. The International Office at your campus will provide you details of the varius deadlines.
- Be aware that changing or adding courses is not guaranteed depending on the course offer available, prerequisites, if courses have limited spots and so on. There are also requirements for the minimum number of courses from INNs and your home institution. Contact the International Office if you are interested in switching courses.
Deadlines for changing courses
- Autumn semester: 31st of August.
- Spring semester: 31st of January (exception may apply to Campus Evenstad).
Changing courses after the deadline might be possible, but cannot be guaranteed.
Deadlines for withdrawing from courses
The deadline to withdraw from a course is 1 month before the exam.
Erasmus+ students - changing the LA/OLA
Please use the system at your home institution to change the LA/OLA. The International Office cannot inform you how the system operates.
Other students - changing the LA
Please use the changes to our Learning Agreement document.
Connecting to the WiFi on campus
Students may sometimes experience issues connecting to the WiFi. One must be able to access one's student account before accessing the main WiFi on all INN Campuses, called Eduroam.
View the IT Department's webpage on connecting to Eduroam or the guest WiFi.
Course schedules and your first lectures
Make sure to check your course schedule so you are aware when and where your first lecture will be held. You can view your schedule in TP or Canvas.
- View the guide on "How to check TP for course schedules" (PDF).
In some cases, the Canvas room for your lecture might not be published until after the first lecture. It is therefore highly recommended that all exchange students check TP for the schedule of their first lectures.
The professor will, in most instances, inform you about mandatory assignments, any attendance requirements, and other details during the first lecture.
Find your way to and around campus
Finding your way to and around campus can be difficult, depending on the campus.
Parking on campus
Exchange students who bring their car from abroad must register with Apcoa Flow through its home page before activating the student benefit in the app. It is not possible to register a non-Norwegian car directly in the app.
Immigration after arrival
All exchange students (except for Nordic citizens) must register with the local Police Station. The appointment takes five to ten minutes and is free.
For the campuses Evenstad, Hamar, and Lillehammer, the International Office books this appointment for you. At Campus Elverum, students must book the appointment themselves.
For more information, check out our webpages for immigration after arrival.
INN student account
If you did not access your INN student account prior to arrival, it is highly recommended that you do so shortly after arrival. View the information in the preparing for your exchange webpage on how to access your student account.
If you experience issues with your student account later in the semester, please visit the student academic support webpage.
Different log-in methods
Please be aware that the various systems use different log-in methods:
- FEIDE (student number & password): Studentweb, Canvas, Wiseflow, TP, student access card application, Oria.
- Eduroam (student number@inn.no & password): Campus Wi-Fi (and dorms at Evenstad).
- Student email (student number@stud.inn.no & password): Microsoft Office 365.
Join a student grop, association, and/or an NGO
The offer of student groups, associations and NGO's varies from campus to campus. Further information can be found our student life webpage.
Microsoft 365 and INN student email
All students at INN will have free access to Microsoft 365. In addition, one will receive a student email, which the professors might use to get in touch with the students.
Orientation
It is highly recommended to join the events offered and be social with your fellow exchange students. At some events, one might also get to know Norwegian students.
View the webpage for integration and orientation.
Print, scan and copy on campus
With your student access card, you are able to print, scan and copy documents on campus. View the IT Department's webpages for how to print, scan and copy.
Special needs in everyday study situation
Do you have a disability, special need or illness that affects your everyday life as a student? If this is the case, you can apply for adaptation. View the INN webapge for special needs in everyday study situation. Remember the application deadline.
Some of the measures offered are not eligible for you as an international student, as they are offered by the Norwegian Government, not INN. If you need measures such as a sign language interpreter and speech-to-text interpreter, aquiring a guide dog, special grants (e.g. through Erasmus+), and technical aids to complete your education, you should have arranged this with your home institution in good time before arrival to Norway.
If you are in a situation where you need to apply for adaptation, do not hesitate to contact the International Office in your campus of study.
Special exam arrangements
If you need adaptation on your exams, do not forget to apply within the deadlines of:
- Autumn semester: 15 September.
- Spring semester: 01 February.
Student access card and student ID app
All exchange students should apply for the access card and activate the INN student ID. If you have not done so upon your arrival, you should do it as soon as possible.
Student (access) card
The student access card is free, but it is not a valid student ID or a payment card. If there are any issues with your application, you will receive a text message explaining the problem. Google translate it if needed and apply again. If you are unsure, visit the Servicepunkt/reception on campus.
For Campus Evenstad, the student card is also the access card to the student dorms.
Student ID - app
For identification (proof that you are a student), you need to download the "Studentbevis" app and sign in with your INN student account through FEIDE (student number and password). Further information on the Digital Student ID can be found on the SIKT webpage (external link).
The identification is only valid as long as you have a photo in the app. The image you submit when you order your access card will be added to your student ID profile.
Syllabus (reading list) and the necesarry curriculum
Borrow books from the Library
It is possible to borrow books from the Library. However, they only have a few copies of each book, so this is not guaranteed. View the Library's webpage on borrowing books for more information.
Finding the reading list for each course
The library has a detailed webpage that explains where and how to find the reading lists for your course(s).
If you are enrolled in a semester programme at Campus Evenstad or Hamar, you will need to search for the reading list of each of the courses in the programme.
Purchase the book(s)
If you cannot borrow it, you will need to purchase it. Many students purchase books together (split the costs), but you decide how you wish to purchase them.
Here are a few options where you can purchase books:
- At the bookshop on campus (only in Lillehammer).
- Online at different web shops. Some may have a physical store in the closest city:
- Akademika: https://www.akademika.no/
- Adlibris: https://www.adlibris.com/no
- ARK: https://www.ark.no/
- Norli: https://www.norli.no/
- Local book stores in your closest city.
Second-hand options:
- https://ibok.no/ or https://bookis.com/no (only choose the ones without the payment method VIPPS).
- Through the FB group for INN (mainly in Norwegian). You will need to request books through a post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hihm2/
The INN Model (only Campus Lillehammer)
All exchange students are invited and highly recommended to participate in the INN Model. You can read about the programme in detail on our INN Model webpage.
What to do in the area
There are various things you can do during your semester at INN. Check out our student life webpage for more information.
Life as an exchange student
Follow us on Instagram and tag us in stories or posts, or even send us a collaborative post invite. We wish to promote the life of exchange students on our Instagram!
Practical information during your exchange
There are various things you need to remember during your exchange with us. We have gathered some relevant information for you.
Booking a study room
INN gives all students the option to book study rooms. These rooms are meant for group work. If you want to work alone, find a different location, such as the tables in the library, elsewhere on campus, or the quiet study halls.
- Go to: https://www.inn.no/for-studenter/tp-for-studenter/
- Log in with your FEIDE account.
- Change the language to English in the top-right corner.
- Choose your campus of study.
- Select the desired room and time, and you will be ready to book the room. If you are unsure of its location, use Mazemap.
Rules for study rooms
- There are several rules when it comes to booking and using a study room:
- Students and employees may utilise the study rooms during the university's opening hours (07:00-22:00).
- Each student may rent a group study space for no more than 20 hours per two weeks.
- Do not book study rooms in a way that blocks access for other students.
- If the study room is not occupied within 15 minutes of the reservation starting, other students are welcome to utilise it.
- These study rooms are only available for group work. If you want to work alone, use the study halls and other locations around campus.
Citing sources
It is very important to correctly cite sources on your work requirements and exams.
Exams at INN
Check out the webpage on exams at INN for exchange students. It might answer some questions that you have, and direct you to the main pages for exam information at INN.
Health, safety and emergency support
In need of a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment, want to know about fire safety on campus, what to do in an emergency situation and more? View our webpages for health, safety and emergency support.
Issues with your student account
Changed your phone number
If you change your phone number during the exchange, inform the International Office and change your phone number under "My Profile" in Studentweb.
Forgotten password
- Go to the Self Service Potal.
- Select "Forgotten Password".
- Continue and set a password.
Forgotten your 4-digit PIN code to your access card
View the INN webpage for instructions on finding the 4-digit PIN code for the card.
Issues accessing the systems
Try to change your password, and log in with a different browser. If it does not work, visit the IT departmant on your campus.
Lost your residence card
If you (a non-EU/EEA citizen) have lost your residence card during your exchange, or if it has become damaged or stolen, you need to apply for a new card. Apply online, pay a small fee and hand in the documents in person at a Police Station. Order your new residence card well in advance of your planned travel abroad, as it will take a few weeks to receive the card after your appointment at the Police Station.
You can find information on how to order a new residence card on UDI's webpage (external link).
Receiving and sending parcels and letters
You might be receiving parcels or letters from your family and friends, and you might want to send such abroad or within Norway. View our information page for receiving and sending parcels and letters for important things to remember.
Special needs in everyday study situation
Do you have a disability, special need or illness that affects your everyday life as a student? If this is the case, you can apply for adaptation. View the INN webapge for special needs in everyday study situation. Remember the application deadline.
Some of the measures offered are not eligible for you as an international student, as they are offered by the Norwegian Government, not INN. If you need measures such as a sign language interpreter and speech-to-text interpreter, aquiring a guide dog, special grants (e.g. through Erasmus+), and technical aids to complete your education, you should have arranged this with your home institution in good time before arrival to Norway.
If you are in a situation where you need to apply for adaptation, do not hesitate to contact the International Office in your campus of study.
Special exam arrangements
If you need adaptation on your exams, do not forget to apply within the deadlines of:
- Autumn semester: 15 September.
- Spring semester: 01 February.
Two-semester students
Are you staying two or more semesters? Find relevant information spesificly for you on our two-semester webpage.
Working in Norway
Finding a part-time job during your degree can be challenging. There is a process everyone must go through to acquire what is necessary to earn one's first wage. Students staying one semester are not recommended to apply for part-time jobs, unless they wish to get a summer job.
Uncertain about whether you have made the correct decision?
Most students may experience various levels of homesickness during the first weeks in Norway. This is normal, as living away from home, especially abroad, for a semester or two, can be very different. However, we highly recommend talking to someone at the International Office, or other councelling services at INN, where help can be provided.
Cancelling/withdrawing from the exchange
In some cases, you may decide to cancel your exchange and return home. It is nothing to be ashamed about, as perhaps this was not the right time for going abroad.
We always recommend taking some time to consider whether to cancel the exchange semester(s). Spend time with other exchange students, the ones you live with, explore the area, join events and happenings and have fun. Perhaps you will realise that being at INN is not that bad, or you will be more certain that it is the right decision to cancel and return home.
Here is what you need to be aware of in such cases:
- Talk to your home institution about whether it is possible to resume your semester at home with courses.
- Talk to the International Office in your campus at INN about the situation.
- Be open to your family about your struggles as they might be able to support you emotionally and practically.
- If you have received a scholarship from your home institution, region or government, you most likely will need to repay it.
- It is possible to cancel the SINN housing contract if you decide to cancel your exchange. Just be aware that there is a cancellation fee of a minimum of one-months rent. Please confirm this with SINN.
- However, if you live in a private accommodation, you have to view the contract for what is possible or not. Sometimes it might not be possible to cancel the contract.
Contact us
If you need guidance or have questions about exchange at our institution, contact us at the International Office.