New student in Volda?
On this page you will find everything you need to know as a new student at Volda University College – from student housing and leisure activities to health and welfare services. Become a part of our committed student community and get a flying start to your studies.
What do you need to do as a new student?
- Register as soon as possible and activate your user account. This gives you access to various teaching tools and makes it possible to get loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) for student who are entitled to apply for loans. This applies to both new and current students, but note that incoming exchange students have already been pre-registered by the International Office and do not have to follow this step.
- Check where and when to meet for classes and orientation sessions. You will find this info in the student learning platform, Canvas. You get access (and find a link to Canvas) when you register as a student. To borrow books from the library, you must use the student ID app.
- Below we have collected tips and useful information on everything from how to get a student card to tips on housing and travel methods. You will also find information if you require adaptations or special needs assistance as a student.
- Check out the international meeting place Pangaia, a hub for social activities that also provides extra assistance for international students.
Tips and useful information for new students
Information channels at Volda University College (VUC)
Students get information regarding studies and student life through various channels. From our website www.hivolda.no/en/ you will also find links to important tools and services, such as: Studentweb, Canvas - Learning Management System, email and the Student Service.
We also invite you to follow Volda University College on social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat: @hivolda.
The Student parliament at VUC also post events and information on their Facebook page (mostly in Norwegian), and the international meeting place on campus, Pangaia, also is shares events and useful tips on Facebook and Instagram.
Information regarding your courses will be published in Canvas. You get access to Canvas after you have registered as a student at VUC.
Find your way around the campus
To find your way around campus, we recommend downloading the Mazemap app.
SiVolda - the Student Welfare Association
SiVolda is the short name for Studentsamskipnaden in Volda (Student Welfare Organisation in Volda). SiVolda is a service and welfare organisation for all the students in Volda.
SiVolda provides:
- housing
- cafeteria
- kindergarten
- Studenthuset ROKKEN (cafe and concert venue)
- student adviser
- health services
- psychological health assistance
- welfare funds
Private accommodation
There are many apartments and flats available on the private housing market in Volda. You can search for private accommodatio
Student well-being and resources
We promise to look well after each and every student at VUC. In our community, we care for each other! We have a range of welfare services that ensure a safe and good study environment for all. These services and offers will be presented to you at the start of the semester.
Do you have special needs related to your studies? VUC has a team of dedicated staff members working to make your everday life as a student better.
We recommend all students and staff to check out the website sikresiden.no. Here you will find information on what to do in the case of an emergency, basic first aid, and contact information for emergency units. If you wish to be extra prepared, we recommend that you save a short cut to sikresiden.no on your mobile phone.
On our website, we have a section called SPEAK UP. Here you can inform us about things you find difficult to address with others.
VUC also offers a free health clinic for students, in cooperation with the municipality of Volda, which offers a number of services.
Travel to Volda
Travelling to and from Volda is normally fairly easy. There are several ways to get here, depending on time, budget and your preferred method of transport.
Volda and the region of Sunnmøre
Volda is a small place in the middle of the Norwegian fjord landscape. The nearest city is Ålesund, and the Sunnmøre region is "where mountains and fjords meet the ocean".
Read more about the region here: VisitNorway - Ålesund & Sunnmøre
Semester start 2026
The official opening ceremony on campus with speeches and entertainment is Tuesday, August 18th. Those of you who will be attending in Volda on this day will be met by the program coordinator for your study and the buddies who will guide you through the Buddy Week. We look forward to getting to know you better! Welcome as a student in Volda!
Follow Volda University College in social media
A great way to keep up to speed on what’s going on at Volda University College (VUC) for both excisting and new students, is to follow us in social media. Here you’ll get an insight in both life as a student, news, happenings at the school and in the region of Volda.
