Before your arrival in Bodø there are some things you should arrange. The following list is to help you prepare for arrival in Norway and your studies at Bodø University College. Please check the following list to make sure that you have completed everything you should do before you leave home.

Checklist

Have you:

• Returned your student acceptance to BUC?
• Returned your housing application and Notification of Arrival Form to the International Office?
• Obtained your student visa/residence permit from your nearest Embassy or Consulate?
• Bought medical/travel/house insurance?           
• Packed enough winter or summer clothes? 
• Brought enough money to cover initial costs?
• Budgeted sufficient funds for accommodation and other costs?
• Arranged for a PIN number on your credit cards, and authorised someone to have Power Of Attorney to administer your home bank accounts while you are in Norway?  
• Thought about how you could represent your country or culture at our International Cultural Night? Maybe bring something for the presentation.
• Had a look at the Oslo International Airport website for Arrival information (www.osl.no)
• Checked the luggage limitations (normally 2 suitcases, totalling 20 kg)?
• Arranged for a Health certificate, (for EU/EEA citizens: an EU/EEA Health Card) including a vaccination card?
• Given your parents the number to the International Office?

 Remembered to bring:

• Originals of academic transcripts (if you are a full degree student)
• Letter of accommodation
• Medical records and prescriptions if appropriate e.g. asthma, or conditions requiring ongoing treatment, and medication which will last you a while.
• Appropriate licenses - drivers licence, scuba-diving licence, etc.
• We recommend that you photocopy all important documents, i.e., first pages of passport, airline tickets, etc, before you depart, and give these copies to someone at home for safekeeping. Bring a copy with you as well, in your hand luggage. Should you lose any of the originals, it is often much easier to get replacements if you can produce a copy of the relevant document.

Things that may be useful or desirable:

• A Norwegian Dictionary translated into your own language, and vice versa, e.g. Norwegian/English
• Your national costume or national dress
• Credit card  (ensure you have a PIN number)
• Photos of family and home - create a small album for yourself.
• Doctor's letter if required for medical prescriptions
• Sporting equipment
• Books/videos/music from home (Please note that our electrical conversion is 220V, 50-60 Hz to a two pin plug, and the Norway Video system is VHS PAL/zone 2)
• Small badges, pins, giveaway gifts and small cultural items for new friends in Norway
• Laptop computer  (note that you should bring correct plug converters, although most modern laptops are dual voltage)
• Web-based email account (eg: "Hotmail" or similar), set up before you leave home.  Be sure to update the online address book with postal and email addresses of friends and family before you leave, and give them your email address. 
• Cellular phone (if it can be used in Norway)

Do not bring:

• Food, fruit, vegetables, honey, plant matter, etc. Norway has very strict biosecurity laws and does not allow any of these items to be brought into the country. People found with these products at the Gardermoen Airport might be given an instant fine, even if the transgression was "accidental". Depending on the amount and the value in Norwegian crowns the fine can be between NOK 300 – 1900. If the value of the brought items raises NOK 8000, the police will be contacted. The products will then be confiscated and destroyed. When packing, clean the soles of your shoes before you pack and travel, and keep shoes in a plastic bag in the top of your luggage. To satisfy Biosecurity requirements, customs staff at the airport may ask to inspect the soles of your footwear, and any camping or sports equipment that you are bringing with you. If you are unsure go through the red zone, and ask them if you have to declare something.
• Some products with a narcotic effect are prohibited in Norway, whereas in other countries they aren’t. You must check this out before coming to Norway. The country does not allow the use of any narcotics.
• Medicine which is not allowed in the country.
• 110v electrical appliances, unless you have a voltage converter, or the appliance is dual voltage.
• Sharp items in your hand or checked luggage
• Weapons of any kind
• Check with the airline about illegal matters in luggage.

As you prepare to depart, remember that the International Office is here to help you. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information or clarification on any issues up to this point. We are more than happy to advise you with any queries you may have.