A semester in Norway

If someone had told me a year ago that I would be traveling across Scandinavia in a camper van to spend my third master's semester in Norway, I would probably have shaken my head in disbelief. I'm Sophie (28) and I'm studying Materials Science & Engineering at Clausthal University of Technology. This is my report on a time full of northern lights, lab work and new friendships.

Why Norway?

The Clausthal International Center (IZC) and the exchange with other students gave me the inspiration to go abroad. The motivation was clear: to gain new experiences, improve my English and discover an unknown country!

Originally, Iceland was at the top of my wish list. However, as TU Clausthal does not currently have a partner university there, the advice from the IZC led me in the direction of Norway or Finland. In the end, I chose Trondheim, partly because of its fascinating nature and partly because of the Norwegian people's excellent command of English.

The journey is the reward: heading for the Arctic Circle in a motorhome

My semester abroad didn't start at the airport, but on the road. On July 28, 2025, I started my adventure in a camper van. I spent over a week and a half exploring the north with my boyfriend before arriving in Trondheim on August 7, just in time for the start of the semester. This way of traveling allowed me to get to know the country and its impressive nature even before I started university.

Studying at NTNU

My university, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), is a partner university of TU Clausthal. The deciding factors for my stay there were the wide range of English-language subjects in the field of materials science and a very informative website for exchange students.

The first few days on site were characterized by a big introductory week including an opening ceremony and lots of events to meet other international students.

Language barriers? Not a thing. Almost everyone in Norway speaks perfect English and most of the lectures in the Master's program are also held in English. So you can get by perfectly in everyday life and at university.

NTNU vs. TU Clausthal

With 44,000 students, NTNU is significantly larger than our university with its short distances. However, both universities share an active campus life and a focus on sustainability and materials research.

Both also share a high level of practical relevance in their studies. At NTNU, almost every science subject is linked to an integrated laboratory so that theory is immediately put into practice.

Accommodation and free time

Finding accommodation was a challenge as I didn't get a place in a hall of residence. I ended up sharing a flat with 4 other international students on the private market.

In my free time, I took advantage of the huge range of activities offered by NTNUI (the university's sports club). My absolute highlight was two rides on Icelandic horses through the breathtaking Norwegian landscape. Nature is simply omnipresent there, you step out of the door and you're practically in a hiker's paradise. One of the most impressive experiences was the first appearance of the aurora. There are numerous dark places in Trondheim, such as Kristiansten Fortress, from where you can observe the green veils in the night sky.

My conclusion: What will stay with me?

On December 17, I took the plane back to Germany with countless memories in my luggage. I already miss the incredible nature. But I especially miss the people – with their warm and uncomplicated manner, they made my semester abroad unforgettable.