Study at UiO Podcast

Podcast host Maria with Yingzhi and Kevin in the podcast studio. Photo: Lars Ankervold/UiO

Curious about what it is really like to move to Norway and study at the University of Oslo? In this four-part podcast series, host Maria Eduarda Malinverni (from Brazil) sits down with international master's students Mieke Löhrer (from Netherlands), Kevin John Kohn (from the USA) and Yingzhi Ke (from China) to share authentic, real-life experiences and practical advice.

Why Oslo and UiO?

Episode 1: Join Maria, Mieke, and Kevin as they discuss why they chose UiO, navigating the smooth application process, and securing student housing. They share essential relocation tips — like setting up a Norwegian SIM card and handling visa paperwork — alongside their initial culture shocks, from Sunday store closures to shoe spikes for icy winters.

[Read the transcript for Episode One]

Studies and Academic Life

Episode 2: Mieke and Kevin dive into studying at UiO, highlighting independent research freedom, informal professor-student relationships, and receiving draft feedback before exams. They also explore Norwegian language courses, oral presentations, and campus support resources like the Academic Writing Center, libraries, and mental health services.

[Read the transcript for Episode Two]

Student Life in Oslo

Episode 3: Maria speaks with Yingzhi and Kevin about daily life in Oslo, comparing student villages with private rentals. They detail budgeting, working part-time jobs, making friends through student associations (from culture clubs to sports), and taking advantage of student discounts for public transit, the Opera, and museums.

[Read the transcript for Episode Three]

Career and the Road Ahead

Episode 4: In the series finale, Yingzhi and Kevin reflect on writing their master's thesis, from selecting a research topic to working closely with advisors. They share guidance on balancing thesis work with daily life and discuss post-graduation opportunities, including PhD pathways, job-seeking visas, and building a career in Norway.

[Read the transcript for Episode Four]

Maria, Kevin and Yingzhi. Photo: Malin Aurbakken Gylvik/UiO

Speakers in this podcast series

Maria Eduarda Malinverni de Liz

Study programme: Multilingualism, Faculty of Humanities
Home country: Brazil

Kevin John Kohn

Study programme: Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Humanities
Home country: USA

Yingzhi Ke

Study programme: Education and society change: childhood and youth studies, Faculty of Educational Sciences
Home country: China

Mieke Löhrer

Study programme: Peace and conflict studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
Home country: Netherlands