Frequently Asked Questions about living on Svalbard
There is always a bus waiting when the plane is landing, even if the plane is delayed or you land at 4 o’clock in the morning.
Tell the bus driver where you are going and they will guide you to Elvesletta. The bus drivers will always tell you which stop is next.
The bus trip to town cost 70 NOK for students, and it is possible to pay with card.
Your room will be unlocked from 3 pm the day your contract starts, and the key will be inside the room. A code to the building will be sent to you before your arrival.
Please look after your key. A fee of NOK 800 will be charged if you lose your safe keys and NOK 600 if you lose your room key.
Pillow and duvet are included, but you need to bring your own linens.
The beds in the single-rooms and in the 2-room apartments are 90x200 cm, with recommended pillowcase 50x70 cm. The 1 bedroom apartment beds are 150x200 cm.
No, you do not need to bring any kitchen equipment.
We will provide you with basic kitchen supplies needed to cook with, except small appliances.
The student council is responsible for the small appliances. Large appliances (such as ovens, fridges, and freezers) are our responsibility.
You can easily connect to the Wi-Fi in the student housing.
More information is given.
In Svalbard, we separate rubbish into five categories: regular waste, glass, paper, cardboard and metal cans. You will find containers outside the student housing with separate rooms for the waste. Electrical items and batteries must be collected separately.
No. Animals are not allowed in any of the student housing. It is not allowed to have dogs on a leash outside the buildings either.
Normally the rent has to be paid by the 15th. Your first bill might be a bit late, meaning if you move in on the 5th of January you might receive your first bill in February (you will then have to pay for 1 and ½ months).
As a tenant, it is your responsibility to obtain your invoice and ensure you pay it on time.
Log in to the Housing Portal to find your invoice. You may pay online or at the post office (Norwegian card or money only). All payments made from foreign accounts will have to pay bank fees.
Firstly to your own bank (different banks have different fees), secondly to Samskipnadens bank; if you pay in NOK the fee is 100 NOK, if you pay with EURO the bank fee is 20 NOK. If you wish to pay your rent via direct debit or electronic invoice, you can arrange this via your own Norwegian online bank.
If something needs to be fixed in your room, bathroom, kitchen, or somewhere else please let Samskipnaden know as soon as possible. You must report any defects via the Housing Portal.
Yes, you can terminate your contract from the Housing Portal.
During the tenancy period, you can terminate the tenancy with a notice period of two (2) months, starting from the first of the month after the notice was delivered.
You must clean the room, bathroom and kitchen. You will find cleaning instructions in the information papers in your common kitchens or outside the elevators. The laundry, drying and storage room shall also be tidy and clean.
Leave the key inside the room at checkout at 11:00 pm.
A fee of a minimum of NOK 500,- will be charged for not cleaning out properly.
Updated 18.07.2023
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