Your first semester at the University of Bergen is designed to give you a strong academic, practical, and social start to your studies. Academic, because Examen Philosophicum (Ex.phil.) and introductory courses give you a foundation in the key ideas within your field of study. Practical, because you’ll receive guidance on everyday university life and how to use the University Library. Social, because much of the teaching takes place in smaller groups, giving you the chance to get to know fellow students.
The university’s responsibilities for your first semester:
- To provide a well-structured and integrated first-semester programme that supports strong academic progress.
- To offer study plans that help develop good study habits and learning methods, making the transition from school easier.
- To give you relevant information about Ex.phil., faculty-specific introductory tests, and other required or recommended courses.
- To guarantee seminar group places in Ex.phil. for all who register by the deadline.
- To inform you clearly about the rules on cheating, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty (external link), along with the consequences, and to promote proper referencing and use of sources.
- To ensure that it’s easy for you to register for Ex.phil., other introductory courses, and group-based teaching.
- To provide helpful and friendly service from university staff.
The university expects you as a student to:
- Read all information sent to new students and stay updated through www.uib.no, Mitt UiB (external link), UiBtreet (external link)and your student e-mail (external link).
- Attend teaching sessions and keep track of deadlines for assignments and exams
- Follow the rules on cheating, plagiarism, and academic honesty, and respect the work of others
The university recommends that you as a student:
- Take Ex.phil. alongside an introductory course or faculty test in your first semester, as planned by the university.
- Contact a student adviser (external link) if you’ve already completed Ex.phil. or a required course.
- Make use of the support offered, such as introductions to study skills, referencing, and using the library.
- Attend the first lecture or orientation session for each course you’re enrolled in, to secure your place and receive important information.
- Participate in seminar groups where available.
- Familiarise yourself with the services offered by Sammen (the student welfare organisation). (external link)