Tips: Save yourself from embarrassment

Here is a list of things you must remember to save yourself from getting embarrassed if you are new to Norway. You’ll get used to these things later but for now, try to remember these points. They will at least save you from feeling stupid.

1. Don’t go out wearing summer shorts (kattu :), esp.for boys ). No matter how near the destination is, try wearing trousers! Because once you get out of a building, it will start getting cold. You don’t want to be seen shivering do you? Remember to wear to some warm clothes when you are going out.

2. Alcohol sale is not allowed after 6:00 pm! Back at home, if we need a beer, we can get it anyhow, can’t we? We can bang at the sahuji’s door at the middle of the night to get beers and cigarettes. That was so much fun. Oh, how I miss those moments! But here, you can’t buy beers after 6pm. My friend and I went to buy beers for the first time, and had to return empty handed. Last bore bhayo! Don’t repeat the same mistake guys.

3. Don’t put cans in the microwave! I’m sure you probably know about this already. Just to remind you, don’t put a can (eg. a can of fish) into the microwave. The results can be very unpredictable. It might even get dangerous!

4.  Don’t rush while getting into or getting off the bus! Even old people can be seen standing up, so don’t try to compete for a seat. Not just while getting into or off the bus, there is no need to rush anywhere. This will only show how impatient you are!

5. Don’t be afraid to wear anything or do anything you like! Nobody is going to be watching you, even if they do – you don’t have to worry because if you get noticed, that’s good for you. Just don’t act stupid. Be yourself. Do what you want and don’t be afraid of getting scolded or laughed at. If what you do makes you happy, that is what matters the most. Have a nice time.

 

Cheers!

Norway Survival Tips: Mobile Service

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  Let me start with a warning: Don't buy any SIM card just        because it says you can call for free within the same network! You will always have to pay some connection charge!
  
  
  
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  OK then, which service should you use?
  Use Lebara! I'm not paid to say this. I don't work for Lebara, but most of the Nepalese use Lebara here, its     the cheapest service available local as well as International calls.
  
  
  
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  You can get a Lebara Standard SIM card for 100 NOK with 25 NOK balance.
  
  
  

Note: Currently, there's an offer in wich you can get a Lebara SIM for 49 NOK (with 25 NOK balance).      That's half the original price.

Before Arrival: Norwegian Language

You must start learning Norwegian language at the first moment you decide on studying in Norway! Don’t just ignore this. It can be very very very helpful, especially if you are planning to work here.
The processing time for your college application is going to be very long, about 5-6 months (I will post the details on the timeline for application later), for now, keep this in mind: if you can speak Norwegian, you can get a job within the first month of your arrival here.
So prepare yourself. Learn about the most common expressions. Learn about greetings. Learn about foods. Learning a language won’t do you any harm. You don’t have to join any classes immediately, look for resources in the internet.
A quick start can be this guide by the Norwegian people in the US:

Video: About Norway

I found an interesting video that tells about the lifestyle in Norway in a funny way. Its worth watching!

Cheers!

Upon Arrival: First day

 
1. The first thing you must know is that exchanging money costs money. The charge for money exchange is 50 NOK, no matter how much you exchange. ie. whether you exchange 100 EURO or 500 EURO, it will cost the same (50 NOK). So, it would be better for you to exchange a large sum at once. You will be needing it anyway as EURO is not accepted in the stores in Norway. Also if you are more than 1 person, you can collect your money and exchange it together. Otherwise, you will be charged 50 NOK each if you do it separately.

Welcome!

Welcome my friend! There is nothing nonsense here. Everything comes from my personal experience and the experiences of many Nepali students that are studying here in Norway. People in Nepal, specially students, are struggling to get out of there (due to various reasons which is irrelevant to be mentioned here), and when they come to another country, they have to struggle even more to make a living! Economy is a big problem and you will also have to struggle with language, daily routines and cope up with cultural differences.

Norway is a good country. People are friendly here. There are good working conditions. There are good colleges. However, if you come here unprepared, you will face great difficulties. This blog will help you prepare for you life here at Norway.

Keep yourself tuned!