Affordable student housing
In Volda we can boast some of the finest and cheapest student apartments in Norway. Both student housing and private housing is much more affordable here than in the big cities, and everything is close by, so you don't need an expensive public transport pass either.
A survey conducted by the Norwegian Student Association and the Newspaper VG, showed that students in Volda spend the least money on housing as compared to university students in Norway.
Housing guarantee
Whereas universities in many Norwegian cities struggle to help students with accommodation, Volda University College can guarantee student apartments to international students who apply within the given deadlines. Finding a place to stay is one of the main stress factors when studying abroad, and we are very fortunate to give this reassurance to international students coming to Volda.
Alternatives for housing
Students may choose to apply for housing through SiVolda (student housing) or in the private market. In any case, it is much more affordable than the housing prices in other cities. Finding accommodation off-campus can be liberating and quite nice, but international students may struggle to navigate the private rental market. The rental costs can be difficult to assess and predict, especially if electricity, utilities and internet is not included in the rent. Moreover, distances that appear short on a map could involve quite a walk in this hilly town. VUC therefore strongly recommend international students to first apply for student housing and then consider private accommodation after a semester or two when they know the town and housing situtation betterr.
Student housing - SiVolda
The Student Welfare Organisation (SiVolda) offers a variety of apartments for rent. Students apply through the SiVolda website or the app "SiVolda Bolig". Over the last couple of years, SiVolda has built more than 100 new apartments and constantly renovates and maintains the existing dormitories. On the SiVolda website you can read more about the various dormitories, the apartment types and how to prioritize your application for housing. A good tip is to add more than one alternative, this increases the chances of getting the desired apartment.
You read the news about students in other cities, especially in Oslo, that has to work full time next to their studies to afford the housing. Then you realize the luxury of studying in Volda.
Search for private market housing
Another nice thing about Volda is that also private renters are aware that students most often are from out of town and therefore apartments are typically rented out fully furnished. But do check to be sure before you sign any contracts. There is a Facebook group "Til leige i Volda og Ørsta” (For Rent in Volda & Ørsta) where you can find find apartments for rent. Turn on notifications to see new posts. You can also check the Norwegian version of "Craigslist" - Finn.no and Hybel.no. You will probably have to understand Norwegian to navigate the private rental market.
Costs of private housing
On Sivolda.no you can easily calculate the monthly cost for the various apartment types, but on the private market, it could be more tricky to find the actual cost. Rent may vary from one house to the next, and in some cases could depend on how many other students rent a room in the same complex. It is especially important to check if electricity, utilities, internet is included in the rent or paid separately. Electricity could be very expensive as some older houses may have poor isolation and outdated heating.
Where in Volda should you live?
There is no right and wrong answer to this question, but if you don't have a car, make sure that you rent somewhere in easy walking distance to the campus and to the town center. Volda is quite a hilly town and you cannot rely on public transport to get to and from campus and the own center.