Semester start 2024
The official semester start is August 20th
Program for the day
The event takes place outdoors between the Berte Kanutte building (BK) and the Synnøve Riste building (SR). Find the map location here.
10:30: Warm-up concert with a student band.
11:00: Official opening. Greetings and music.
11:45: Buddy week. Student buddies gather their students in groups.
12:30: Each study program holds an orientation meeting. The student buddies lead the way for their groups.
No later than 15:00: The student buddies gather their buddy groups, and the buddy week is officially underway!
Additional program
09:45–10:45: Open academic seminar (in Norwegian). (The seminar is open for everyone, and it is not part of the opening ceremony itself.)
What do you need to do as a new student?
1. Register online as soon as you can. Online registration opens August 1st, with a final deadline September 1st. After you register, you get access to the tools and systems you need, such as the student systems, so it's recommended that you register early. This applies to both new and current students, but note that incoming exchange students have already been pre-registered by the International Office and do not have to follow this step.
2. Check where and when to meet for classes and orientation sessions. You will find this info in the student learning platform, Canvas. You get access (and find a link to Canvas) when you register as a student.
3. Below we have collected tips and useful information on everything from how to get a student card to tips on housing and travel methods. You will also find information if you require adaptations or special needs assistance as a student. Read more here.
4. Check out the international meeting place Pangaia, a hub for social activities that also provides extra assistance for international students.
NOTE: Students who are entitled to grants and loans from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) must remember to apply for grants/loans.
Tips and useful information for new students
1. Information channels at Volda University College (VUC)
Students get information regarding studies and student life through various channels. From our website www.hivolda.no/en/ you will also find links to important tools and services, such as: Studentweb, Canvas - Learning Management System, email and the Student Service.
We also invite you to follow Volda University College on social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat: @hivolda.
The Student parliament at VUC also post events and information on their Facebook page (mostly in Norwegian), and the international meeting place on campus, Pangaia, also is shares events and useful tips on Facebook and Instagram.
Information regarding your courses will be published in Canvas. You get access to Canvas after you have registered as a student at VUC.
2. SiVolda - the Student Welfare Association
SiVolda is the short name for Studentsamskipnaden in Volda (Student Welfare Organisation in Volda). SiVolda is a service and welfare organisation for all the students in Volda.
SiVolda provides:
Studenthuset ROKKEN (cafe and concert venue)
Private accommodation
There are many apartments and flats available on the private housing market in Volda. You can search for private accommodation e.g. on the website Hybel.no and in the Facebook group Til leige i Volda og Ørsta.
3. Student well-being and resources
We promise to look well after each and every student at VUC. In our community, we care for each other! We have a range of welfare services that ensure a safe and good study environment for all. These services and offers will be presented to you at the start of the semester.
Do you have special needs related to your studies? VUC has a team of dedicated staff members working to make your everday life as a student better.
We recommend all students and staff to check out the website sikresiden.no. Here you will find information on what to do in the case of an emergency, basic first aid, and contact information for emergency units. If you wish to be extra prepared, we recommend that you save a short cut to sikresiden.no on your mobile phone.
On our website, we have a section called SPEAK UP. Here you can inform us about things you find difficult to address with others.
VUC also offers a free health clinic for students, in cooperation with the municipality of Volda, which offers a number of services.
4. Travel to Volda
Travelling to and from Volda is normally fairly easy. There are several ways to get here, depending on time, budget and your preferred method of transport.
5. Volda and the region of Sunnmøre
Volda is a small place in the middle of the Norwegian fjord landscape. The nearest city is Ålesund, and the Sunnmøre region is "where mountains and fjords meet the ocean".
Read more about the region here: VisitNorway - Ålesund & Sunnmøre
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Student Service Office
Stop by during opening hours:
- Monday: 9:30–15:00
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:00–15:00
- phone: +47 70 07 50 18 | mail: studentsorvis@hivolda.no
You can visit the Student Service Office in Berte Kanutte (BK) (ground floor).
IT support
- Monday to Friday: 8:00–15:30
- mail: 5400@hivolda.no
- phone: +47 70 07 54 00
IT support is located in Berte Kanutte (BK) (ground floor, next to the cafeteria).