Housing Near the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Situated in Trondheim, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) ranks 267th globally (QS) and holds a Google rating of 4.7 from 468 reviews. The main campus at Gløshaugen, with its iconic Main Building (Hovedbygningen), is a landmark visible from across the city. For students planning to study here, finding suitable housing is a critical first step. This guide draws from campus reviews, city context, budget bands, and transit trade-offs to help you assess your options.
What Campus Reviews Reveal About Location and Atmosphere
Reviews of NTNU frequently highlight the central and recognisable nature of the campus. One user, SaMadarshii, wrote: “This is Uni is visible from most part of city it’s the same building you see from Gamle bybro and spacious with lots of building and dept you will feel.” This visibility means the campus is well integrated into Trondheim’s urban fabric, making it easy to orient yourself when searching for housing nearby.
The Main Building itself is a major draw. Reviewer “Alex from East Flanders” called visiting the NTNU campus an “essential Trondheim experience,” describing its “magnificent Main Building (Hovedbygningen), which looks like something straight out of a Harry Potter movie with its grand stone arches and imposing clock tower.” This atmosphere suggests that the area around Gløshaugen is a desirable and lively part of the city.
Another reviewer, Sean O’Reilly, noted “Excellent and moving graduation celebration led by students. Wonderful outside speaker. The student I know best thoroughly enjoyed their time pursuing an international master’s here.” This positive student experience hints at a strong campus community, which often extends into nearby student housing clusters.
Finally, Ayhan YILDIZ (Kaptan) pointed out that the “only technical university in the country” has “multiple campuses in central Norway” and that “medicine and ship technologies are the most important branches of science.” He also remarked: “Student population is one of the important issues of the city. but i think Trondheim could be a…” While the review cuts off, it underscores that Trondheim’s student population is a major factor in the local housing market.
City Context: Trondheim as a Student Hub
Trondheim is Norway’s third-largest city and a historic university town. With a student population estimated at around 40,000 (including high schools and universities), housing demand is high, particularly near the main campuses of NTNU. The city’s compact layout means most student areas are within a 20–30 minute walk or short bus ride from Gløshaugen. Bicycle use is common, and dedicated cycling paths connect the campus with many residential neighbourhoods.
The university address is Høgskoleringen 1, 7034 Trondheim. The Gløshaugen campus sits on a hill overlooking the Nidelva river and the city centre. Nearby neighbourhoods include Elgseter, Moholt, and Lerkendal, all of which have a mix of student housing, private rentals, and co-living options.
Budget Bands for Student Housing
All prices below are indicative — confirm with the operator. Rent in Trondheim varies significantly depending on housing type, location, and whether utilities are included.
- Student dormitory (single room, shared kitchen/bathroom): 4,500 – 6,500 NOK per month. These are often subsidised and include electricity, heating, and internet. Waiting lists can be long, especially for international students.
- Studio apartment (private kitchen and bath): 7,000 – 10,000 NOK per month. Common in private student housing buildings or through student welfare organisations. Usually include basic utilities.
- Shared apartment (room in a private flat): 5,500 – 8,000 NOK per month per room. Rent may or may not include utilities; often there is an additional fee for electricity/internet (500–1,000 NOK).
- Private one-bedroom flat: 9,000 – 13,000 NOK per month. Mainly outside the immediate campus area or in newer buildings. Deposit typically equals 3 months’ rent.
Students on a limited budget often prioritise dormitories or shared flats. Those wanting more independence consider studios or small apartments farther from campus.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-off
The Gløshaugen campus is approximately 1.5 km from Trondheim’s central station (Trondheim S), which is a 20-minute walk downhill. Walking is feasible from most central neighbourhoods, including Sentrum, Bakklandet, and parts of Elgseter. The uphill return to campus can be tiring, but many students manage fine with a bicycle (electric bikes are popular).
Public transport is efficient. AtB buses run along key corridors, including lines 3, 10, and 12 that stop near campus. A single fare is around 40 NOK (indication), but students often buy a monthly pass for roughly 600–700 NOK (2026/2027 semester prices are indicative — confirm with the operator). The bus network covers Moholt, Singsaker, and Rosenborg, which are slightly farther but often cheaper areas for housing.
Living within a 15-minute walk of campus removes commuting costs and time, but rent tends to be higher. Living further out (20–30 minutes by bus) can reduce rent by 20–30%, but adds annual transport costs in the range of 6,000–8,000 NOK. The break-even point depends on your personal tolerance for commuting.
Shortlist Logic Using Nearby Residences
When evaluating housing near NTNU, consider these factors in a shortlist:
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Proximity to campus: If you have early classes or rely on walking, focus on Gløshaugen, Elgseter, and Singsaker (all within a 10–15 minute walk). If you don’t mind a short bus ride, Moholt and Lerkendal are popular student areas with dedicated student housing blocks.
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Housing type: Student dormitories (often managed by the local student welfare organisation) generally offer the lowest rent and include utilities, but may have shared facilities. Private shared flats offer more freedom but require deposits and negotiation with landlords.
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Contract length: Many student contracts run from August to mid-June (10 months). If you stay for the summer or a full year, you may need a private rental, which is harder to find.
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Practicalities: Check whether rent includes electricity, heating, internet, and contents insurance. In Norway, electricity rates fluctuate seasonally, and a separate electricity bill can add 500–1,500 NOK per month in winter.
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Application timing: Housing near campus gets booked quickly. Start looking at least 3–4 months before semester start. Use official student housing portals (not named here) or local rental websites.
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Inspect the area: If possible, visit the neighbourhood in person or via virtual tours. Check access to grocery stores, laundromats, and bus stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can international students apply for student housing near NTNU?
Yes. International students are generally eligible for student housing offered by local housing associations, though priority may be given to exchange students. Apply as early as possible (often from February for the autumn semester). Be prepared for waiting lists. Private rentals do not have this restriction but require proof of income or a guarantor.
Q2: When should I start searching for a room in Trondheim?
For autumn semester (August start), begin searching in March–April. For spring semester (January start), start in September–October. Many landlords and housing offices open applications 4–6 months before move-in. Late applications may result in limited choices and higher prices.
Q3: What is a reasonable monthly budget for rent plus utilities near NTNU?
A reasonable budget for a single student is 7,000–10,000 NOK per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). This covers a dormitory or shared room with utilities included. For a studio, budget at least 9,000 NOK. Add 3,000–5,000 NOK for food, 500–700 NOK for transport, and 500–1,000 NOK for other essentials. Overall, a monthly living cost of 12,000–15,000 NOK is typical for students in Trondheim in 2026–2027.
Data date: 2026. All prices mentioned are indicative — confirm with the operator before making any commitments.
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