Life In Oslo | First Impressions

A change of scenery must have been what I needed, because since moving to Oslo, I've been struck by inspiration. Not just for my blog, but in all sorts of ways- from auditioning for a choir tonight (wish me luck!), to planning trips to other parts of Scandinavia, and just to be productive in many different ways.

I suppose that sometimes we can get stuck in a little rut, and become comfortable with things, and being forced to put yourself out there and socialise makes you reevaluate what you're doing and take new opportunities. Music has always been one of the most important things in my life, and at school I was playing or performing every day, but since going to university in London I became a bit complacent and let it slack. 

So when I saw there was a choir at Oslo university I could join, and felt a small twinge of excitement in me, I knew this would be the best opportunity to do something I love, as well as a great chance to meet people.

It's been a whirlwind the past few days, meeting people from what seems to be every corner of the globe, discovering new places, and trying to start over again. So when I found out there was nothing planned this afternoon my lazy lil heart rejoiced that I could lie in bed and eat snickers and read awful romance novels <3 

A few things stood out from my orientation seminars, and the changes between studying in London and in Oslo are just a joy to behold. So without further ado (/waffling), here are the top five things I've learnt from the last few days....

1. Norwegians think all foreigners will freeze and die

We had two separate demonstrations of people dressing/undressing to show us all the layers we need. TWO.

2. Getting taught how to walk on ice is an essential and not to be missed part of being welcomed to the university

You have to walk like a penguin, FYI.

3. The food is AMAZING

It  makes me happy when introductory talks include samples of food for us to try, and I can defo get on board with pastries, cheese and bread. (That reminds me, definitely need to go and get my gym membership sorted oops)

4. Like the Danish hygge, Norwegians have kose, or koselig

There's no real translation, but the Norwegians love the concept of kose- a feeling of warmth, happiness and being cosy. When there's barely any sunlight, and it's cold, snowing and raining, it can be difficult to keep spirits. So snuggling up with blankets, hot chocolate in your hytte (cabin in the countryside) is something I can get on board with.

5. Uni students are amazing and spontaneous

Within minutes of meeting people, I'd been invited on a cruise to Copenhagen this weekend, and had invites to visit people in Australia, Mexico and the US if I ever found myself near them. It's been so nice meeting people who love travelling as much as I do, and are adventurous and want to do everything they possibly can.

Fun fact about this statue- Oslo is known as the Tiger City, as a writer once described it as such- as dangerous and exciting compared to the countryside. So yes, it can be scary at times, but just like tigers, so beautiful.

Feeling unbelievably lucky to be here, and I'm getting excited for all of my favourite people to visit so I can show them around, (the 10 minute long toboggan ride is just calling my little brother's name!)

Honor xxx