The First Day

On Wednesday the Introductory Program for international students began. Callie, Bill, Tricia, and I along with a few other international students met up in the morning to walk to campus together. The walk to the campus took approximately 20 minutes. During that time I got to know a couple of the other international students.



Map showing where I live in Stakkevollan (red point with letter "A") and where the University of Tromsø is located



Tricia whom I had met my first night was originally from Kansas, but she joined the Peace Corps after realizing she wanted more out of life than her occupation in business. She was placed in Bulgaria where she had been living the past three years. She was now at the University to pursue a master’s in peace and conflict studies. Another international student Johanna (pronounced Yo-hahn-nah) lived in Stakkevollan and accompanied us to campus. Johanna is from Germany where she is studying pharmacy. She will be spending a semester in Tromsø. She also enjoys the outdoors and I hope to go hiking with her.

On the walk you could feel the cool breeze from the sea blowing onto the island. It reminded me of Duluth except the breeze was cooler and you could see land on the other side. The bay to the east and mountains on both sides were gorgeous. Although it was colder, around 60°F compared to 90°F back home, the serene landscape made up for the temperature.

Once inside the building we registered and then were offered coffee and tea. This is where the never-ending mingling began. With each new person, I introduced myself and then asked questions about them. Each conversation began with the questions of what is your name, where are you from, what are you studying, and other follow-up questions. I was quickly overwhelmed with the number of students I had met, and I had a hard time remembering who was who. Luckily, each student wore a nametag with their name and home country written on it.

Next, we were herded into the auditorium where the University Rector (President) Jarle Aarbakke gave an opening address. Then, one by one almost 400 students introduced themselves. This was an overwhelming part for me since I do not like public speaking unless I’m presenting scientific research. I made it through though without embarrassing myself. The rest of the day consisted of important power point presentations and breaks for coffee and tea. In general, I do not like tea or straight coffee, but I have a feeling that by the end of my stay here, I will become an avid tea and coffee drinker. I will drink more than just frappucinos back home.



Picture from the BBQ. From left to right: Kai, Me, Callie, Holly, Bill, and Tricia



In the evening, Bill brought us to a BBQ party at Ørndalen, another student hostel complex north of Stakkevollan. At the BBQ, I again interacted with other international students. During my conversations I realized how lucky I was to learn who these wonderful individuals are. The common characteristic of being in a completely new setting would provide a base for friendship. Below I have included a picture from the BBQ. Included in the picture is Kai from Australia, me, Callie, Holly from Canada, Bill, and Tricia. Kai is studying law for a semester and Holly is pursuing her master’s in biology.

After the party, we walked back to Stakkevollan and I got to view the still gorgeous scenery with Norwegian houses lining the mountainside. Once home, I finally began to unpack. My room is a decent size with lots of storage space. The walls are bare and the room is pretty empty, but that is what comes with being an international student with luggage restrictions.




Stakkevollan 41, my new home

 
The outside of our flat is red and is a prime example of Norwegian architecture. Within the flat, there is a kitchen and living room shared by four people. Luckily, our place has accumulated decorations, couches, tons of candles, and other objects to make the flat feel homier. On each side of the flat are mini “hallways” with doors. Inside these small sections are two rooms and a bathroom shared between the two people. Unfortunately, I have not met anyone else that is living in my flat. I hope that changes soon.

After unpacking I looked outside. Although I could not see the sun, the sky was still lightly lit up. It was almost midnight and at that point I remembered something important. I was above the Arctic Circle and about two weeks ago, Tromsø had experienced the Midnight Sun. This event occurs during the summer when the Sun does not rise or set in the skyline. It occurs at places north of the Arctic Circle. It is difficult for one’s body to rest when varying amounts of light are shining through my shades affecting my melatonin concentrations, but hopefully I will adjust. The amount of sunlight will decrease day by day until the opposite phenomenon occurs: the Polar Night. Starting in middle/late November, the sun will set and remain below the horizon until spring. This is something I am not looking forward to, so I will appreciate the sun while I can!