Bodø University College (BUC) is home to some 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Our beautiful main campus is settled just outside Bodø city centre in the suburb of Mørkved, which provides an ideal place to study, learn, make new friends, and experience Norwegian culture. The city of Bodø is relatively small with about 45,000 inhabitants, but it is the regional and cultural centre of Nordland County, and possesses all the modern facilities and services expected of a modern college town.

BUC offers an attractive study setting with state-of-the-art classrooms, study areas, laboratories, a brand new library, and several computer labs with 24-hour access. We also have great reasearch facilities, and our own research vessel, the "Oscar Sund". BUC offers high quality, internationally recognised programmes, both in English and Norwegian, which attract students from every corner of the world. 

Aside from the great study programmes, one of the biggest draws to Bodø is the amazing natural beauty surrounding the city. In summer, the city experiences the midnight sun, a period from approximately June 4 to July 8, during which the sun does not set below the horizon. In winter, the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, can be witnessed in a variety of shapes and colours. Both can be awe-inspiring experiences for students from more central latitudes. 

Students in Bodø have unparalleled access to wilderness experiences such as hiking, skiing, biking and climbing. Bodø is also perfect for those who like fishing, water and air sports. With the world's strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen, the Lofoten islands and the glacier Svartisen located close by, the Bodø area truly offers some of the most stunning Norwegian nature. If you like the outdoors, Bodø is for you!

For the night owls, at the weekends the city centre buzzes with nightlife. There are a variety of nightclubs, pubs, cafes and restaurants usually packed with students. There are a few pubs, cafes and restaurants within just a two minute walk from campus as well.  During the week, many students like to go to Samfunnet, the student pub. This all-purpose building is the students’ own, and serves coffee and refreshments during the day and is the general student hangout on campus. At night it turns into a pub and serves the cheapest beer in town!  There is also a large concert venue, where famous (and not-so-famous) Norwegian bands play live music regularly.  Students also use it to relax and read the newspaper between classes, play cards or board games, watch football matches and to have club meetings.

BUC is nationally recognised for having happy students. In fact, Norwegian students have voted for BUC as having the "best student environment" six years running. One of the reasons students enjoy themselves so much here is the fact that they are so well-represented within the institution. There is a strong tradition of student government, and students are involved in all levels of decision- making within the university. These groups as well as other interest-oriented student groups on campus would love to have you join: 

• Bodøstudenten – the university newspaper
• Studentradioen – the university radio station
• BOSI – sports organization, offers basketball, football, karate, etc.
• Bodø International - club for international students from around the world
• BOKS – Christian group
• Musinoksåkalsk – student orchestra
• Fotoklubben – photography club
• Samfunnet – a volunteer student society that includes a student pub, concert venue, event planning committee, security, etc.

Each academic department also has at least one student union, of which there are nine in total. These groups arrange several get-togethers and fun outings each semester. 

Whatever your interest, at BUC you’ll find exciting academic and social opportunities around every corner.

Orientation Period
Each fall when the new school year begins, Bodø University College has a welcoming program that helps new students to get to know the city and the school.  "Fadderordningen" lasts for two or three weeks and during this time you will get to know a lot of new people, both new students like you, and many of the older ones.  Older students work as a “fadder”.  Your "fadder" is your personal guide who helps you get to know the school, the staff and the routines at Bodø University College. "Fadders" also arrange different kinds of activities for their group like parties, sightseeing, and getting to know other students and the city.  There are several large get-togethers for the entire student body, and smaller ones just for the students in your department. 

The International Office will give an orientation class in which there are several guest speakers from organizations on campus, and practical information about adjusting to Norway and everyday life at Bodø University College is given.  When students are ready to return home, a pre-departure seminar is given as well to help facilitate the readjustment process.