Here’s what we wish we’d known - now it's your turn.

🎓 Academic Advice

• Be on time. Show up, meet deadlines, and if you can’t - tell your teachers beforehand.
  
  
• Use AI wisely. ChatGPT is your sidekick, not your ghostwriter.
  
  
• Study breaks can be just as important as the studying itself, don’t burn yourself out by trying to focus for 5 hours in one sitting (and like a real break away from screens, not just scrolling on your phone). Sleep like you mean it. A good sleep schedule is your best academic weapon.

• Teachers are human.  Ask questions. Seriously. Confused? Ask. Need help? Ask. Want a deadline extension? Ask.
  
  
• Study groups > suffering alone. Use the student lounge. Make it social.

• Get a library card online (an app for your phone) so you can use the Moss Bibliotek (it’s free!)
• Considering a side hustle? A part-time job can be helpful, just make sure it doesn’t derail your studies.
  
  

👫 Social Advice

• Say hi. Don’t be afraid of small talk-it opens doors.
  
  
• Be curious. People are more interesting than you think.
  
  
• Leave your room. Moss is outside. So are people. So is the sun.
  
  
• Be real. Struggling? Talk about it. Emotional support can change everything.
  
  
• Embrace your cringiness, life’s more fun when you care less about what other people think.
  
  

🏙 Moss & Local Life Tips

• Get to know your surroundings. Get comfortable with train and bus schedules, store hours (especially on holidays), and where to grab essentials fast.
• REMA 1000 > Meny. Trust us. And check the discount section - go brrr.
  
  
• Find food spots you like for those “I can’t cook” days.
  
  
• Thrift everything. Fretex, Happy Hand, and the Karusell have gold if you’re patient.
  
  
• Skattkammeret = free rentals. Borrow sports gear, camping equipment, and more.
  
  
• Loppemarkeder (flea markets) = hidden gems.
  
  
• Walk all the way to Galleri F15, the walk builds character and there is always an interesting exhibit.
• Look at for local events on facebook events or instagram, you’d be surprised on how  much is going on and it’s usually free
• Explore the cafes. Great for studying, vibing, or pretending to be productive.
  
  
• Use the grill. Courtyard BBQs? Yes, chef.
  
  

🧳 Travel & Weekend Hacks

• ACN gives you 3-day weekends. Use them. Escape to Oslo, Sweden, anywhere!
  
  
• UNDER26 & SAS Youth =  great flight discounts. Your age is a coupon.
  
  
• Save the expensive places for when you’re older and can enjoy them fully, visit the cheap places now (they can be just as good!) Gothenburg is one train ride away.
• Take advantage of the robust transport system. Watch for busses, planes, ferries, and trains to get anywhere
• UK = different plugs. Bring adapters if you go.
• Make local friends who can translate for you lmao. 
• Plan... but don’t expect perfection. Travel rarely goes as planned. Embrace the chaos.
  
  

💸 Money-Saving tips

• Student discounts exist - use them everywhere - from transport to pizza.
  
  
• Exchange rate alert: watch US-NOK rates if you’re making big purchases.
  
  
• Norwegian phone number = grocery discounts. You should get one.
  
  
• Download the REMA app for instant savings.
  
  

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🧠 Mental Health & Perspective

• You’re doing fine. Someone always has it worse (France? Delaware?), but your struggles still matter. The horrors persist but so do we.
  
  
• Recognize when you need help. Just because someone else has it worse doesn't mean you can't get what you need.
  
  
• Find a spot to ponder your orb. The docks, a bridge, the woods, wherever. Just a quiet place to hang out and have a think.
  

• Stay fresh. Hygiene isn’t optional. You’ll feel better, smell better, and focus better.
• Take care of your space; a clean room is a clean mind and a pile of dishes is a pile of mind. Never underestimate the power of an organized space.
  
  
• Winter is long. Use the daylight when you get it-go for walks, take vitamin D, don’t hibernate too hard.
  
  
• Protein, greens, water, sleep. You know the drill. Don’t skip the basics.
  
  

💬 Final Thoughts

• Don't get too friendly with the locals. Norway has a 50% chlamydia rate after all. Chlamydia tests are located next to the pregnancy tests. Be safe!
• Ask people to hang out. Worst they can say is no.
  
  
• Say yes more. It leads to stories.
  
  
• Game nights = bonding. Dorm mates are your new family.
  
  
• Have fun. Seriously. It’s college. You’ll remember this time forever.
  
  

Wishing you all the best!

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- From the ACN Student Ambassadors  of 2024/25 💙

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