Frequently asked questions

When should I apply for housing?
As soon as you have applied for a study programme at a university college associated with SiA, you should also apply for housing in order to join the queue as soon as possible. We follow the first come, first served principle. All waiting lists are zeroed out on August 1, so you may need to apply again. IF YOU ARE AN INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENT, housing will be applied for automatically when you apply for an exchange spot at AUC. You do NOT need to send an application for housing to SiA. The International Office will do this for you.

Can I apply for housing in the middle of a semester?
Yes, you can. Applications in the middle of the semester are processed as they are received, and when housing is evacuated it is offered to new tenants as soon as it is ready. Applications for housing for the year or semester will be waitlisted and processed according to application date. Only those who receive an offer receive a written response (in the form of a contract). On August 1, all waiting lists are zeroed out, so you may need to apply again.

How do I apply for student housing?
More information.

What is included in the rent?
Rent includes electricity, janitorial services, and cable TV (basic package). Internet connection is not included. NB: you have to pay from the day the contract start, even though you should have moved in later.

How much is the deposit?
There is no deposit!

Can I receive a housing subsidy?
If you have a child and live in our accommodation, you qualify for support.
If you receive funding in connection with vocational rehabilitation, other types of rehabilitation or other types of government assistance and live in Hauglandsheia, Kristian IV's gate, St. Olavsvei, Kongsgård Allé 9, Roligheden or Gimle Studentby (the new buildings), you also qualify for a subsidy.
Read more here: Husbanken.

Can jeg keep my bedsit over the summer?
Most of our housing can be rented throughout the summer. Kadetten, St. Olavsvei and Roligheden in Kristiansand are rented out to tourists in the summer. Residents of these buildings are offered a summer contract in some of our other buildings. Offers of summer contracts are sent out to all our tenants long before their contracts expire.

Can I switch residences internally through SiA?
Yes, you can. NOTE: In the beginning of a semester, you have to wait until the middle of the next month. (eks.: start August, no transfer until 15th of September, start January, no transfer until the 15th of February) Contact our housing desk to discuss internal transfer. NB! A fee of NOK 400 will be charged. You are not allowed to swop room with a friend without notice SiA, this is due to fire-regulations. Please come to SiA first, then we can help you.

When must I give notice to move out?
You have to give one month's notice, beginning from the first day of the subsequent month. You must always give notice in writing. You'll find a form for this here.

Do I have to contact the housekeeper in connection with cleaning and checking of the room when I move out?
We strongly recommend this. Contact the housekeeper at least one week before you move out to arrange a date for inspection. You should have your room inspected and approved by the housekeeper before you move out to avoid being billed for cleaning. For more information, please contact the housekeeper directly (Kristiansand / Grimstad ).

Can I bring my own furniture?
Our residences are fully furnished. You are welcome to bring your own furniture, but you can not remove any of the furniture that is already in the units. In other words, there is not a lot of room for your own furniture.

Can I have a washing maching or dishwasher in my bedsit or apartment?
No, unfortunately, you can't. Our units are not set up for this. However, there are washing machines in every building (common laundry rooms). In Gimle Studentby, the common laundry room is located in Rekrutten.

What equipment do I need to bring?
You must at least bring a duvet, pillow, bedsheets, towels and cups, plates and cutlery. You must also arrange for washing equipment, mops, brooms, etc. to keep your unit clean. You must also replace lightbulbs when they go out. NB! There are no vacuum cleaners available in our buildings.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a TV in the room?
No, there is not a TV in every unit. All rooms have an outlet for cable TV. The basic package is included in the rent, so you are welcome to bring your own TV. If you would like more channels than those included in the package, you have to contact UPC (for residents in Kristiansand) or Grimstad Kabel TV (for residents in Grimstad) Remember that you must pay a TV licence for your own TV!

Is there a telephone in the room?
No, there is not a telephone in every room. There is, however, a telephone outlet in every room so that you can buy a private telephone subscription. You can do this directly through Telenor.

Is there an internet connection in the room?
Yes. All of our accommodation is connected to AUC's network. This gives AUC students a broadband connection to the internet. Of course, you have to provide your own computer. It's important that you are familiar with the university college's IT rules, which govern use of the internet.
You have to sign a separate contract with SiA to gain access. It costs NOK 100 to get connected (a one-time fee) and NOK 175 per month for a subscription.

Does it cost anything to be let in by Securitas if I lose or forget my key?
Yes. If you are let in by Securitas or one of our employees outside of office house, you will be sent an invoice for NOK 600.

Insurance

You have to insure all your personal belongings.