From left to right: Ask Langelo, Glenn Ovedal, Patrick Johansen, Ina-Marie Ovesen and Kristiane Jensen. Photo by Marthe Haugdal/PKOM.
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Did you know that Steinkjer is among the top 10 best student cities in the country? At least according to a ranking conducted by Studentum.
In this ranking, Longyearbyen is placed at the very top, while Steinkjer lands in a brilliant 8th place. The ranking is based on scores for a set of different parameters, including academic quality, part-time job opportunities, and housing options.
"The only surprising thing about Steinkjer being ranked as Norway's 8th best student city is that it didn't come even higher on the list. It should have been in first place."
This is the opinion of economics student Patrick Johansen. Originally from Fredrikstad, his years of study in Steinkjer have made him consider becoming a permanent resident.
The network I've gained is so valuable to me, and I get so many opportunities here.
Patrick Johansen
"I had barely heard of Steinkjer before I applied for the one-year economics programme. Now I'm aiming for a master's degree here. I might settle down in Steinkjer because I enjoy it so much. The network I've gained is so valuable to me, and I get so many opportunities here," says the 23-year-old.
Friends Ina-Marie Ovesen, Ask Langelo, Glenn Ovedal, and Kristiane Jensen elaborate on why the good student life can be found there.
"Everyone knows everyone, there are many activities and associations you can be part of, you have close contact with lecturers, co-location with academic environments, low housing prices, and easy to get a job," says Kristiane.
She is originally from Sortland and has three (!) jobs alongside her studies in Livestock Science.
In the student ranking, parameters such as part-time jobs, low housing prices, and high academic quality are clearly highlighted.
"Many of us work alongside our studies, and with low housing prices, we can find housing that increases our well-being. I rent a house ten minutes away from the campus with four friends. We've become like a family," says Ina-Marie.
I rent a house ten minutes away from the campus with four friends. We've become like a family."
Ina-Marie Ovesen
Sagka Sundset studies Livestock Science and works at the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).
She points to the size of the campus as a clear advantage for students.
"We are not that many, so we know most people. It's a positive thing. For me, Steinkjer is a perfectly sized place," says Sagka.
Steinkjer also scores high on academic quality in the survey.
"We know each other so well that we can just drop by the lecturers' offices if we have any questions. It does something for the environment and the quality of the teaching," Nature Management students Ask and Glenn say.
Patrick and Ina-Marie are and have been active in buddy boards and student councils and believe they have had opportunities here that they wouldn't have had in the bigger cities.
We can achieve almost anything here because people are so close and so accessible to us students.
Patrick Johansen
"We get to know the mayor and other key people in the town, and we get an incredible network. Those who want to gain valuable experience from such work have the opportunity here" says Patrick.
"There are also many other activities within walking distance from the campus. We have quizzes, bowling, cinema, swimming pool, new concert hall, cafés, concerts, outdoor activities, and many associations that do fun things together. The university is located right in the city centre. We have everything we need and more," the students say.
