It depends on your expectations for the experience and how long you arrange to be an international student. International students at University of Bergen and the University of Oslo generally lead healthy lives as students. Making friends as an international student with Norwegian students is likely to be challenging to you.
Meeting Norwegians is much more straightforward, though, if you study Norwegian and/or have Norwegian roommates. For instance, it’s probable living with roommates abroad will organize parties frequently to invite other Norwegians.
I strongly recommend against living in student housing outside of cities. The campus and the city center are away from locations like Fantoft (University of Bergen) and Kringsj (University of Oslo). Try your hardest to find a place to live that is as near your studies and the city center as you can.
Keep in mind that the real purpose of exploring Norway is to get out into the Norwegian wilderness, rent cabins, and establish groups to go skiing. If your luck is good, you’ll be a part of a program that organizes these kinds of activities. Volunteering at the student union cafes or bars while you’re in Bergen should be an additional great method to get to know the locals.
