New student in Volda?
Here you will find everything you need to know as a new student – information about student housing, leisure activities, health and welfare services. Become a part of our close-knit 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 digital tools and makes it possible to apply for 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 ways to travel to Volda. There is also information about adaptations or special needs assistance for students.
- 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:
The Student portal - contains useful links and practical information for students.
Canvas - the learning management system (LMS) used at VUC contains course specific information for studies.
Studentweb - is where you register for the semester and find your exam information.
VUC E-mail - is used to send out important information, so check your e-mail regularly.
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.
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 advisor
- 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 accommodation at Hybel.no or on the Facebook-page Til leige i Volda og Ørsta.
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. Flying from Oslo takes only 1 hour and there are daily bus departures to Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Buses to Ålesund depart every hour.
Find your way around the campus
To find your way around campus, we recommend downloading the Mazemap app.
Semester start 2026
The semester start and official opening of the 2026/27 academic year will be Tuesday August 18. All students are invited to join the official opening ceremony and the Buddy Week that starts immediatel after.
Get involved
One of the best things about studying in Volda is the close-knit student community. We need you to get involved and take an active part in the student life.
Read more about the student organisations you can join.
Read more about student politics at VUC and how to take part.
Loans and grants from Lånekassen
Are you eligible for loans and grants from the State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). Check your eligibility and how to apply on the Lånekassen website.
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.
