Packing

Make sure to bring these items on board the plane in your carry-on luggage:

• Masks (KN95s, N95) (optional)

• Hand sanitizer

• A printed copy of the "Let's Go!" letter so that you can refer to it while traveling

• Passport

• Phone charger/adaptors *see next section

• A copy of your passport placed in a different, secure place (such as saved as a photo on your cell phone)

• A second form of ID, such as a driver’s license or student ID (also saved as a photo on your cell phone)

• Your insurance card, which can be found on https://www.eiia.org/international-travel/

• Bookmark/download this Student Guide on your electronic devices for ongoing reference.

As a student from a U.S. college/university, you'll need to prepare your electronics for a different power system. Here's everything you need to know to keep your devices charged and safe.

Take a look at https://plugtravelguide.com/norway/ for links to Amazon for purchase recommendations and read more below about what you might need and why:

1. The Core Differences: Voltage and Plugs

• Voltage: The U.S. operates on a standard voltage of 120V. Norway's standard voltage is 230V. This is a major difference and the most important thing to be aware of.

• Plugs: U.S. plugs are Type A and B (two flat parallel pins, with a grounding pin for Type B). Norway uses Type C and F plugs, which have two round pins. Type F also has two earth clips on the side.

2. Your Most Important Question: Adapter or Converter?

This is the key to protecting your devices.

• Adapter: A simple physical plug that allows your U.S. plug to fit into a Norwegian outlet. It does not change the voltage.

• Converter: An electrical device that changes the 230V power from the wall into a lower voltage (like 120V) that your U.S. device needs.

3. What Do You Need for Your Devices?

This depends on whether your device is dual-voltage or single-voltage.

• For Dual-Voltage Devices (Most Modern Electronics):

  • How to check: Look at the power brick or label. If you see "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz," your device is dual-voltage. This is true for almost all modern laptops, phones, tablets, and camera chargers.

  • What you need: You only need a Type C or F adapter. You do not need a converter. The device is designed to handle Norway's voltage on its own.

• For Single-Voltage Devices (Older or High-Power Appliances):

  • How to check: If the label says "120V" or "110-120V" and nothing else, it's a single-voltage device. This is common for things like U.S. hair dryers, curling irons, and some shavers.

  • What you need: You will need both a Type C or F adapter and a voltage converter.

  • A better solution: It is often more practical, safer, and cheaper to simply buy a travel-specific dual-voltage version of the appliance (e.g., a dual-voltage travel hair dryer) or purchase a basic one once you arrive in Norway. Using a converter can be tricky, and some devices may not work properly even with one.

4. What to Look for When Shopping (Popular Products)

Here are some top-rated products to search for on Amazon or other retailers that will help you stay charged in Norway.

• A Universal Travel Adapter: This is your best friend. A good universal adapter will have multiple plug types built-in, so it will work in many countries, including Norway. Look for brands like Epicka, Tessan, or Lencent. These are often highly reviewed for their compact design and multiple USB ports.

• A Travel Power Strip with USB Ports: To charge multiple devices at once, bring a small U.S. power strip. Then, you only need one adapter for the power strip, and you can plug all of your dual-voltage U.S. electronics into it. Look for brands like Anker or Bestek, which are known for making travel-friendly power strips with USB ports that are rated for "100-240V."

• Dual-Voltage Hair Tools (If You Need Them):

  • If you're bringing a hair dryer or straightener, a dual-voltage model is the safest and most convenient option.

  • Popular Dual-Voltage Hair Dryer Brands: BaBylissPRO, Conair, and Revlon all offer popular, highly-rated dual-voltage travel hair dryers.

By searching for these brand names and product types, you'll be able to find the right gear to keep all of your essential electronics powered up and ready to go while you enjoy your time in Norway.

What to Pack

Here are some friendly tips for how to pack for your stay in Norway and at Østfold University College. (From OUC's Arrival Guide for Exchange Students)

The Weather

Before you start packing, it is good to know a little bit about the climate around Halden and Fredrikstad as it might surprise you! If you arrive in the fall, you can expect to have some beautiful days that are still warm in the sunshine. You can also expect days that are windy and feel much colder than what the temperature measures! Rain is also not uncommon during a typical fall day in Østfold. Winters are actually quite mild, though dark and sometimes dreary. If we are lucky, we will get periods where the snow might stick around for a few days but it is good to expect wet ground and often ice. Spring can show up anywhere from March to May and is a wonderful time in the region. The days are getting longer and warmer and Norwegians start to venture outside more and more after a winter of kos or hygge inside! 

What to pack:

In order to best tackle the varying weather in Østfold, we recommend that you pack the following:

• Raintcoat

• Wind-resistant jacket

• Clothes made with wool (sweaters, scarves, mittens, socks)

• A good winter jacket (can also be purchased at one of the many secondhand shops)

• Warm shoes with good traction (to manage the icy ground and for hiking)

What to bring for your student housing

You will most likely spend most of your times indoors and not out in the Norwegian weather. If you are staying in student housing, then you can expect your room to be already furnished with a bed, desk, chair and closet. The kitchen is also fully equipped. All international students are also automatically provided a duvet, bed linen and a towel for a fee and these are then yours to keep. If you do not wish to purchase and use these items, you must let us know so that they will be removed and you will not be charged. 

Anything you will need or want beyond what is provided must be brought with you or purchased after arrival.

Discovering the mountains  

Hiking trips to the famous Norwegian mountains is always popular with our international students. To make the most out of a trip to the mountains, good clothing is essential. See below a short video made by the Norwegian Trekking Association with tips on how to dress like a Norwegian when hiking in the mountains.