“Studying in Norway has made me more independent and helped me connect theory with practical challenges”

Engineering and personal growth in Norway

Choosing Norway for my Master's degree was a decision based on both engineering and personal goals. I am from Nepal, and before coming here I already had practical exposure to electrical systems through Formula Student electric vehicles, BYD electric vehicle systems and Airbus electrical maintenance. I wanted to continue my education in a place where energy, electrification and sustainability are not only academic topics but also important parts of industry and society. That is one of the main reasons Norway and USN attracted me.

Learning through independence and practice

The learning culture in Norway has been one of the biggest changes for me. At USN, students are expected to take significant responsibility for their own progress. Lectures are important, but independent study, project work, teamwork and problem-solving are equally important. Instead of only preparing for an exam, I have had to think more about how engineering concepts are applied to real systems. My studies and project work have included power systems, high-voltage engineering, modelling and simulation, and condition monitoring using hydropower sensor data. I have also had the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant in high-voltage subjects, which strengthened both my technical understanding and my confidence in explaining engineering concepts to others.

Making a home in Porsgrunn

Studying in Norway has also influenced me personally. I live in the new SSN student housing in Porsgrunn, and my experience there has been great. The housing is modern and convenient, and living with other students makes daily life easier and more social. Porsgrunn itself is relatively quiet, which has helped me focus while still giving me access to an international student environment and an important industrial region. Living away from home has taught me to handle study, work, budgeting, transport and everyday responsibilities more independently.

Working with real-world engineering challenges

One experience that represents my studies well has been working with real hydropower plant sensor data in a predictive-maintenance project. Instead of receiving a perfectly prepared textbook problem, our group had to understand the system, organize sensor information, question unusual measurements and connect the data with the physical equipment. That kind of work showed me the value of combining theory, simulation and practical engineering judgment. It also reminded me that good engineering depends on communication inside a team, not only on individual calculations.

Exploring Norway beyond campus

Outside university, I have travelled to Stavanger and Kristiansand. Visiting these cities gave me a better sense of Norway beyond my everyday life in Porsgrunn and helped me appreciate the country's coastal landscapes, infrastructure and different local environments. These trips were also a good way to balance academic work with personal experiences.

Learning the language, building a future

Language has been another part of the experience. It is possible to communicate in English in many situations, but I have been learning Norwegian and am currently around A2 level. Learning the language has helped me understand the culture better and has made me more confident about building a long-term professional future in Norway.

Advice for future international students

For future international students, my advice is to come prepared for independence. Start housing and financial planning early, expect the cost of living to be higher than in many countries, and do not rely only on classroom teaching. Ask questions, participate in projects, use the laboratories and university resources, meet people from different backgrounds and, if you plan to stay in Norway, start learning Norwegian as early as possible. For me, studying here has been more than earning a degree; it has changed how I approach engineering, responsibility and my future career.