Studenthuset Porse
A place to find friends in strangers
Porse is the oldest dorm, but has the best view of the Voldsfjorden
What you need to know
When it comes to student housing in Volda, the Studentsamskipnaden I Volda ("SiVolda") has got you covered. This organization manages all student dormitories, ensuring they are well-maintained and ready to welcome new residents. To make settling in even easier, Pangaia, the international student group, steps in to provide essential utensils for your first days. Items such as cutlery, plates, and pots are available to ensure that every student feels comfortable and at home from the moment they arrive.
Studenthuset Porse is one of the housing facilities for students, with a mix of students from Norway and other countries. The dormitories in Porse were built in 1972. They are the oldest of the dormitories in Volda. The dormitory was later renovated and modernized in 2002/03. Porse consists of two main dorm buildings, labeled Porse A and Porse B.
Porse student accommodation is located 0.5 km away from both the college and the town center. It requires around 5 minutes of walking to reach the Hogskulen I Volda campus and Henrik Kaarstad-huset (The Arts Building), and approximately 10 minutes to get to Berte Kanutte-huset (The Main Building) and Sivert Aarflot-huset (The Media Building).
Porse offers various types of room options, ranging from private studios and single rooms to shared two-bedroom apartments. Each unit is equipped with internet connection, personal storage spaces, and refrigerators as well as freezers located in the communal kitchens. Approximately 6-7 students must share one kitchen and the laundry facility is shared by all residents of Porse equipped with three washing machines and three dryers. There is also plenty of free parking available.
In the basement of Porse B, there is Porsestova, a private living room equipped with a kitchen, making it an inviting space for students. Renting Porsestova is simple – just register online for a reservation and pick up the key in person at Sivolda. This space has become a favorite among students, who often use it for activities like game nights, cooking together, or simply hanging out to watch a movie on the impressive grand television. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to connect with friends or enjoy a relaxing evening, Porsestova is the perfect choice.
Views from Porse A
Other housing options for students in Volda
Nevertheless, the options for student housing extend beyond Porse, giving you a variety of choices for your residence. Heltne A-E, Heltnevegen 1, Myrane, Røysmarka, and Vikebygdvegen 7 and 9 are all student houses located around Volda. Heltne is the second most popular housing option among international students in Volda. Similar to Porse in both functionality and decoration, Heltne offers a comfortable and well-equipped living environment. It’s located 1 km away from the college and 2 km away from the town center. It offers a variety of lodging options, ranging from individual rooms to family-style apartments. Heltne has two apartments designed for disabled students as well. Moreover, it can provide you with a luxurious time-out in a private sauna, located in Heltne E, which you can rent whenever you need a spa-like escape and go there with friends to make lasting memories in the cozy retreat – available for booking by all SiVolda tenants.
Individual Experiences
Living with other internationals offers enriching experiences, though it can come with occasional challenges in shared spaces. To help maintain organization, SiVolda beforehand provides a kitchen cleaning duty schedule to ensure that the shared kitchen area stay tidy.
While inconveniences can occur – such as overcrowding in the kitchen, missed cleaning duties, or misunderstandings over personal boundaries, for example in laundry facilities – students have overly positive experiences overall. Most personal statements shared by residents show the easiness of adaptation, the affordable prices, and the strong sense of community that develops among international students and Norwegians alike.
It is also worth noting that Norwegians have a strong culture of pre-parties (so-called "Vorspiels"). For those who are also party enthusiasts, all accommodations have a common rule: loud noises are allowed until midnight, which is generally considered the designated sleeping time for most students anyways…
The most important aspects to keep in mind while living with others is respect, clear communication, and an open mind. Always remember that you’re not the only one living there – consideration for others goes a long way, and then student housing becomes a welcoming and enjoyable short-time home away from home.