Norwegians get a hot reception

By LISA SEWELL

Minus 10 degrees one day, 30 the next - that was the case for 24 Norwegian students who battled the heat, and the crowds, at the University of Wollongong's orientation yesterday.

The students, who arrived to sweltering temperatures last week, studied for the first year of their Bachelor of Informatics degree in Oslo last year before deciding to make the trek down under.

The group of friends, who are all set to start the second year of their degree at the university, have mixed feelings about their new home.

Einar Christensen, 35, has adapted quickly to the Aussie way of life, noting: ``the climate, the beaches and the cheap beer'' as the best features of his new lifestyle.

Bendik Vedeler, 26, however, is hoping for a cold spell: ``It's a bit too hot - it's even hot at night. I think it reached 30 degrees back home - once - and everyone's still talking about it!''

The 24 Norwegians will join more than 1000 other overseas students when they begin their studies next week. According to the university's manager of international student recruitment Peter Day, the number of international students is steadily increasing.

``This figure (1000 students) will represent an increase of about 18 per cent on enrolments in the same session last year,'' Mr Day said.

``There are two reasons for the increase - the first is the growing prestige of the University of Wollongong after winning University of the Year for two years running.

``Secondly, Australia as a study destination is generally becoming more attractive because of the sustained low dollar as well as its reputation for safety and quality.''

In this section