/ - I can't think of a better place to study than Southern Norway
A good academic and social student environment, close dialogue with lecturers and affordable housing costs are some of the reasons why UiA is a clear favorite among students.
- "What was important for me when I was choosing was to go to a school that focuses on technology and the future," says Thea Elisabeth Skau (22) from Oslo.
When she was looking for a place to study, Trondheim and NTNU were her first choice, with renewable energy engineering at UiA in Grimstad as a good second choice. She ended up in the beautiful southern part of Norway, and at first she kept the option open to apply to NTNU. It didn't take long before she had completely dismissed the idea.
- "The fact that UiA is a place of study with a strong focus on innovation was something that appealed to me. I wanted to study something that could give me a job where a lot of development will happen," says the 22-year-old.
April 15 is the deadline for applying for higher education through coordinated admission, and many are currently working hard to decide on their choice of study and location.
Close dialog with lecturers
Thea emphasizes good facilities, modern buildings, a fantastic student canteen and very present lecturers when asked what stands out at UiA. The 22-year-old holds several positions, including student ambassador, deputy chair of the sponsorship board and shop steward at the school.
- "Since I like to get involved in the academic environment and have a very full schedule with a lot of traveling, I have always had good contact with the teachers to keep up with everything that happens at the school. All the lecturers have been understanding and this has made it possible to do things that engage me alongside my studies.
She believes that the small size of the campus contributes to greater commitment and stronger cohesion among the students.
- "I've made a lot of good friends here and gotten to know people across disciplines. The fact that it is cheap to live here compared to other places in the country means that I can spend my free time with friends or pursuing hobbies rather than having to have a part-time job to finance my studies," says Thea.
Photo: Jon Petter Thorsen.
- If you want to go to a university where you can have a close dialog with the lecturers, where it is easy to get involved and the environment is good, both academically and socially, then UiA is definitely a good choice, she states.
Jofrid Meidell is a study counselor at UiA, and she confirms that close cooperation between lecturers and students is something they focus on.
- "We have often used the motto 'Big enough for diversity, small enough for closeness'. This means, among other things, that the conditions are no greater than that there is good contact between students and staff, and among the students in the different study programs. This clearly contributes to creating a good study environment.
Modern facilities and exchange abroad
The modern student has different ways of working than in the past, which UiA has been keen to facilitate. There are state-of-the-art laboratories for nursing, engineering and, not least, studios for music students. A separate lounge is available for the international students, at the same time as they become part of the overall student environment.
- Virtually all of our programs have the option of one or two semesters abroad, and this is a popular option among our students. We cooperate with over 200 universities in more than 40 countries, and we also have many international students on exchange here at the University of Agder," says Meidell.
Lots of practice
The university is strongly committed to entrepreneurship and has its own support service for imaginative students, UiA Nyskaping. The student organization Start UiA also works to promote innovation and entrepreneurship between students and the local community in Agder.
- "In addition, we offer separate courses in entrepreneurship in our education programs in everything from economic subjects to health subjects, art subjects and humanities," says the study counsellor. Through internships and close contact with working life in the form of collaborative assignments, students become even more attractive to future employers.
- "The candidate survey shows that 9 out of 10 of our students get a relevant job during the first year after graduation, and we see a clear connection between jobs and internships during their studies," says Meidell.
Tobias Rysstad. Photo: Eva Kylland.
Kristiansand has 'everything'
Tobias Rysstad (21) from Oslo is in his first year of primary school teacher training in Kristiansand. When choosing a place to study, it was important for him to come to a larger city, but at the same time he wanted to challenge himself by going to a place where he didn't know anyone.
- "I really appreciate that the campus itself is gathered in one place, as this creates a sense of belonging and makes it easier to get to know new people. Kristiansand has it all; great nightlife, culture, nature, sports opportunities and not least - the fantastic city beach. Here you are close to most things, and most often I use my bike as a means of transportation, says Rysstad.
Like Thea, he emphasizes the good canteen, modern buildings, beautiful outdoor areas and the cohesion between the students.
- "As for the lecturers, I have always experienced professionalism and super quality. An online booking system means that it is always easy to book one of the group rooms. There are always different events to participate in and the student sports club offers a great and diverse range of activities. I feel confident that this is a place of study where most people will thrive," he says.
Written by: UiA
