Tips and tricks for starting a student organization
Starting an organization is easier than many people think. The only requirement to get started is that you are at least two students who want to run an activity on a voluntary basis.
On this page, you’ll find useful information that is good to be aware of before starting the process.
The Brønnøysund Register Centre (Brreg) has also prepared a clear overview of the steps required to register an organization. You can find this guide ➡️ here. ⬅️
At the founding meeting, the organization is formally established. You must:
🔸 elect the organization’s first board
🔸 define the organization’s purpose
🔸 adopt the organization’s statutes (bylaws)
It is common for the founding group to prepare a draft of the statutes in advance and present it at the meeting. This allows attendees to provide input, making the process democratic and transparent.
Remember to appoint someone to take minutes (write a record) of the meeting. The minutes must be approved and signed by two signatories. Signed minutes are required when registering the organization with the Brønnøysund Register Centre (Brreg) and obtaining an organization number.
🔸 Find a suitable venue
🔸 Invite people to the founding meeting and promote the event
🔸 Prepare necessary documents (draft statutes, agenda, etc.)
🔸 Appoint a moderator
🔸 Choose a minute-taker
No statutes, no organization. The statutes are the organization’s fundamental rules and describe how it should be run. Good statutes are essential, both for resolving potential issues and for ensuring orderly operations.
It is common and recommended to include the following points in the statutes:
🔸 How the organization is run
🔸 The organization’s purpose
🔸 How the general assembly/annual meeting is conducted
🔸 Membership requirements
🔸 Election of the board
🔸 Members’ rights
🔸 Financial and legal matters
🔸 How the organization may be dissolved
➡️ Here you’ll find statute templates, both with and without examples. (in norwegian)
A good logo makes it easier to promote the organization and creates a professional appearance. Hiring external designers can be expensive, so we recommend trying to create the logo yourselves or asking someone you know who wants to practice design.
There are several programs with free versions that provide everything you need to create a simple and functional logo. We recommend:
🔸 Adobe Express
🔸 Canva
Both are user-friendly and well suited for beginners.
The logo doesn’t have to be digital from the start. You can also:
🔸 draw on paper using good markers
🔸 scan the drawing onto a computer
🔸 add text or adjust the design using a free program
Use your creativity—the most important thing is that the logo represents the organization in a clear and recognizable way.
See more communication tips ➡️ here!
Most organizations are registered with the brreg. To be assigned an organization number, the organization must be registered. An organization number makes it possible, among other things, to open a bank account—which we recommend all organizations do in order to ensure proper financial management.
When registering the organization with Brreg, the following documents and information must be submitted:
🔸 Statutes (bylaws)
🔸 Minutes from the most recent annual meeting or the founding meeting
🔸 Names and national ID numbers of all board members
Once the registration is approved, the organization will receive its organization number and be formally registered.
The information is submitted via a coordinated register notification.
Once the organization is registered with Brreg and has received an organization number, the next step is to establish a solid financial solution. It is not recommended to use a personal bank account to manage the organization’s finances. To ensure structure, transparency, and good financial control, you should open a dedicated bank account for the organization.
You are free to choose which bank to use. A good rule of thumb is to select a bank you are already familiar with and that feels user-friendly. Most banks provide clear guidance on their websites on how to open an account for a voluntary organization.
Remember:
The organization must open a business account, not a personal account. A business account is linked to the organization number rather than to individuals, ensuring safe and proper handling of the organization’s funds.
On the Student Organizations page, students can find a complete overview of all organizations across the different campuses at UiT. To make it easy for new members to find you, it is important to submit information about your organization as soon as possible.
To be added to the directory, please submit the form “+ Add student organization” at the top of this page:
https://samskipnaden.no/en/studentforeninger
Once we have received the information, we will add the organization to the directory so students can easily find and contact you. You will receive a confirmation once the organization is published.
Once all formal processes are completed, it’s time to build a stable organization with good operations. Check out Running a student organization, and remember: we at Student Life are here for you—don’t hesitate to contact us!
Updated 30.03.2026
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