Arrival
When you have booked your mode of transport, please let us know as soon as possible so we can schedule to pick you up on arrival in Bodø, either by returning the pick-up request slip you received together with the student acceptance form, or by giving us notice by e-mail (international@hibo.no ) or phone (+47) 75 51 78 70. That way you will get confirmation of your pick-up right away.

When you arrive at the airport, walk down to the baggage pick-up point and look for the “Velkomsten” representative. If you arrive by train, just go to the information point and look for a “Velkomsten” representative. The representative will be holding a “Velkomsten” poster and wearing a t-shirt with the Universty College`s logo.  If for some reason you have changed your arrival time, please contact us and let us know. If it's later than 12  hours before your scheduled time, we might have difficulty rescheduling a pick-up.

Velkomsten
Velkomsten is a welcoming service provided by the Student Organization of Bodø (Studentorganisasjonen i Bodø) together with Høgskolen i Bodø, the Student Welfare Organisation (Studentsamskipnaden), the Norwegian Police Academy, Bodø City Council and various business partners each year.  Velkomsten's purpose is to make sure that you have a smooth transition from your home country to living and studying in Bodø. 

The group offers advice, information, and help regarding Høgskolen i Bodø, studies, the student environment, welfare, leisure time, the local council, public services and the city of Bodø.  You will be given a welcome pack with a map of Bodø, and other useful information.  Velkomsten also arranges activities and excursions where you can meet other students. 

Orientation Meeting & Registration
Soon after you arrive at Bodø University College, you need to enroll as a student at with Student Service.  At the information meeting the International Office will take you through the entire process of registration.  If you plan to arrive after the start of the academic year, contact the International Office to help you. 

Once you have enrolled as a student, you will receive your student card.  It works as an identification card, a library card, print and copy card, and a key-card to the buildings at Bodø University College.  You must pay the registration fee before you get you will receive it.  You will have your picture taken and you get a sticker on the card, showing that you have paid the registration fee. The card is not valid without the sticker, and you won't get student discounts either. 

Students receive many discounts in Bodø and in Norway in general.  The student ID card entitles you to things like a 50% discount on bus cards, and other travels (flights, buses around Norway, boats, etc.), and discounts in many shops in Bodø. You also get discounts when you are out dining in restaurants and entering discotheques. The shops offering student discounts often have a sticker placed on the window. You should ask in cafes and discotheques if they offer one before entering and purchasing.  Not all businesses offer a student discount, though many do.

Norwegian Directorate of Immigration
Salten Police District is the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s representation in Bodø, and international students with permit for educational purposes and with an entry visa, must report to the them within 7 days after arrival. Please bring your passport with you along with the paper copy of the permit issued. 

While studying in Bodø you will need a Norwegian ID-number.  Everyone living in Norway for more than 6 months must have this identification number.  You will need this to open a bank account, get a doctor, purchase a cellular phone, and get student loans.  The International Office will take care of this for you, ordering it through the National Register upon your arrival.  Be aware that this can take up to 8 weeks.  Therefore, it is a good idea to bring some funds to survive during the first few weeks of your stay in case the number has not yet been issued.