"We met each other at a cabin trip arranged by the student organisation at the start of last semester. It was so beautiful there and we had so much fun, especially since we got to play lots of board games together," says Daniela Mihaela Crudu.
Daniela comes from Bucharest and was only supposed to stay in Hamar for one semester as an exchange student at the Game School. However, after experiencing the beauty of life in Norway and finding love, she is now going to be a full-degree student in Animation and Digital Art at the University of Inland Norway (INN).
An inspiring student life
"They have the right approach to teaching game development here. Most exams are project-based, and events are closely connected to the industry. There are also excellent educators here who give you lots of feedback," says Aedan Soellaart.
Both Daniela and Aedan feel that creative processes are supported at the Game School, and that they will be well prepared to work in the industry after graduating.
"In Romania, most professors simply tell you how they want the projects to be, and they will talk down to you if you do something different. The hierarchy between staff and students is very clear. Here at INN, the staff are so kind and helpful, and they give you guidance to create the products that you are passionate about," Daniela explains.
Daniela and Aedan come from Romania and Australia but are picturing a future in Norway together.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
The couple is enjoying the central park in Hamar: Strandgateparken.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
And enjoying a cup of tea and coffee at the popular Larsen café in the centre of Hamar.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
Daniela's art can be found on the walls at the Game School.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
Daniela is showing us her favourite art work.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
The Game School has a very social environment, where students meet up to work on joint projects or to hang out.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
Game School students create games and characters in industry-leading software.
Photo: Ole-André Lagmandokk / INN
It all happens in Hamar
Students at the Game School are involved in all sorts of creative projects together, and both the school and student organisations arrange events throughout the year, such as Game Jams and Game School Expo.
"Dani and I, we soon discovered that we love working together as well. We love working on cool, creative projects, and we love games. So, we thought: why don't we start a company together? Dani’s an artist and I’m a programmer, so we’re kind of yin and yang," Aedan explains.
"We're talking about staying here after we finish the Game School because we really like Hamar. The nature is beautiful, and it’s so close to Oslo and the airport as well," Aedan says.
"Hamar is beautiful and relaxed. It’s not too big, but it’s not small either. And you can walk anywhere, which makes social life very easy," Daniela continues.
INN is thrilled to have such dedicated students that contribute to our university cities, and we are all excited to see what the future holds for Daniela and Aedan.