Practical help with your residence

We understand that you might have questions and concerns now that you are responsible for taking care of your own living space. We're here to provide you with some valuable tips on how to keep your accommodation in good condition and what to do when things aren't working as they should.

Defrost the freezer

Is there ice formation in your freezer? Then you have to defrost the freezer.

We recommend that you defrost the freezer regularly so that large amounts of ice do not form, but you can easily fix the problem yourself even if there is a lot of ice in the freezer.

Defrost the freezer by following these steps:

  1. Empty the freezer of food, turn the freezer off and leave the door open. Pull out the electrical cord if you don't know how to turn it off.

  2. Most freezers have a plug or valve to direct water from the melting ice. Open the plug or the valve. Place a bowl or a towel to gather the water under the plug/valve.

  3. To speed up the process, you can place a bowl of warm water in the freezer, close the door, and leave it there for 5-10 minutes. The hot steam will help melt and loosen the ice. The process can be repeated.

  4. Do not use sharp utensils to scrape or pick the ice. Do not use electric appliances to melt the ice. This can damage the freezer and can pose danger to you.

  5. Clean the freezer once it is defrosted.

  6. Turn freezer back on.

Fire safety

When you live in student housing with us, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with what to do if the fire alarm goes off.

It is also important that you become acquainted with evacuation routes, emergency exits, and firefighting equipment where you live.

What to Do If the Fire Alarm Goes Off

  • Leave the building immediately.

  • If you encounter smoke, stay in your room and call 110.

  • Activate the fire alarm in the building and attempt to alert other tenants.

Automatic Alarm

When the fire alarm goes off in one location, the entire building is alerted. The fire department also receives notification and will automatically respond.

How to avoid triggering the fire alarm

When the alarm goes off, it is usually caused by cooking. Here are some tips to avoid that the alarm accidentally goes off in your residence or common kitchen.

Tips for avoiding triggering the fire alarm

Read more about fire safety here

Lost and found

At the Lost and Found Center, we take care of items that need to be removed from common areas or belongings left behind in residences where residents have moved out.

Here you can find the Lost and Found Center

You can find the Lost and Found Center in the yellow brick building at Sognsveien 85 in Sogn Student Village.

The entrance is at the end of the building, uphill. Next to the garage door, you will find the doorbell for the Lost and Found Center (Hittegods).

Ring the bell during opening hours, and we will assist you!

Opening hours:

Tuesday and Thursday between 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM and between 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM. On holidays, it will be closed.

Hanging up pictures

There are picture rails in most of our student accommodations that you have to use to hang up pictures. The exception is Nydalen Student Village, which has a different solution. For the picture rail, you will need hanging hooks that you attach to the picture rail when you want to hang pictures on the walls. If you cannot find hanging hooks in your accommodation or need more, you can purchase them online, at a photography store, or at an interior store.

Hanging up pictures at Nydalen Student House

In Nydalen Student Village, you must use adhesive nails/picture strips that do not leave holes in the wall or damage the paint if you want to hang up pictures on the walls in your accommodation. You can purchase adhesive nails/picture strips at hardware stores and other similar places.

House rules

In the house rules, you can find useful information about:

  • How to hang up pictures

  • Visits and overnight stays

  • Rules for peace and order

  • Cleaning rules

Read about house rules here

Indoor climate

Did you know that it is important to ventilate in your residence? A healthy indoor environment needs fresh air. If your residence doesn’t get enough air, it can get damaged by mold and humidity. This also applies to the furniture.

How do I know if there is too much humidity in my residence?

If your window becomes steamy and there are dark spots on your wall, your residence is too humid.

Why does humidity occur?

The cause of humidity could be many. Cooking, showering, wet clothes, cleaning, green plants and a crowded room can all cause humidity.

Warm air is more humid than cold air. When warm and cold air meet the warm air becomes humid when it becomes cooler. Imagine a cold beer on a hot summer day. The glass turns wet from the dew. The same process will take place on cold walls against warm rooms. If the air circulates against the wall, you will reduce the risk of condensation.

How does the ventilation in my home work?

There are two principles of ventilation used in homes:

  • Exhaust ventilation, where fresh air is drawn in through gaps or vents in windows or behind radiators. The air then circulates through the home and is exhausted through shared exhaust ducts connected to bathroom and kitchen fans.

  • Balanced ventilation, where fresh air enters through a network of ducts in the walls. Outdoor air is filtered for pollen and particulate matter before being heated and distributed into the homes. Fresh air typically enters through vents in the living room/bedroom, and contaminated air is drawn out through bathroom and kitchen fans. This principle is more common in newer homes.

What can I do to if I discover humidity in my flat?

  • Ensure that the air split in the window frame and other vents are open.

  • Check if the canal for the kitchen ventilator is open and clean. Hold a sheet under the ventilator to see if there is draught in the canal. If the draught is sufficient, you can see that the sheet will be drawn against the ventilator.

  • Set the window and doors wide open for 5-10 minutes. This is an efficient and energy saving way of airing.

What can I do if the air in my home is very dry?

Unfortunately, it's challenging to address dry air. The ventilation systems cannot add moisture to the air, and there is also a desire to limit moisture in homes. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health generally advises against the use of humidifiers because they can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi in these devices. Remember! Dust and high indoor temperatures can exacerbate any discomfort associated with dry indoor air.

Internet

Is the internet not working?

Below, you'll find common causes to check out and tips on how to perform simple troubleshooting to fix it!

If that doesn't help, you can contact our internet service provider, Telia.

Also, please remember that there is no internet access in our common kitchens!

Try this first

  • Unplug the router's power, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

  • If this doesn't help, try connecting your PC directly to the wall outlet with a cable. You can also try the other wall outlet if you have two.

  • You can also try restarting your PC if it doesn't connect to the internet immediately.

Old router?

If you have an old router, it can affect your network connection. Therefore, try to have your PC connected directly to the wall outlet with a cable when you call Telia for assistance.

If the router is causing network problems, you may need to get a different router that can handle the speed Telia provides.

Is Your Router Updated?

Some routers require you to install updates manually. You can find instructions on the manufacturer’s website or in the user manual. An outdated router may cause internet connection issues.

Connected to the correct wall outlet?

In some SiO residences, there are multiple identical wall sockets, but only one of them is connected to Telia. Double-check that you are connected to the correct wall socket.

Note. You do not need a router to connect to the internet; all you need is an Ethernet cable between the wall socket and your computer.

Contacting Telia

If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, you need to contact Telia directly.

You can find their contact information here.

If you contact Telia, you need to let them know that you live in a SiO residence, and provide your room number.

You can find your room number on the door to your room or on My Page.

Stove and stove guard

Did the stove suddenly turn off while you were cooking? Or is there a strange beeping sound coming from the stove? This is the stove guard, see the module below to get to know it.

Or maybe you experience a lot of smoke and steam when cooking? Our kitchens are equipped with a kitchen hood above the oven, and poor ventilation can be due to a dirty filter in the hood. See below for tips on how to clean it.

Get to know the stove guard

The stove guard automatically cuts off the power if the cooktop becomes too hot.

See this video to get to know the stove guard.

Often, you can find the stove guard near the stove or in the range hood. When you're cooking, the stove guard may start beeping; in that case, simply press the button to indicate your presence.

If you don't press the button while it's beeping, it will cut off the power. In that case, just press the button, and voila, the power is back!

How to clean the filter in the kitchen fan

Our kitchens are not equipped with an exhaust fan, but a kitchen hood. When you turn on the hood, it opens a vent that allows air to be sucked out. Therefore, you won't hear any noise when you turn the knob. If you find the extraction to be poor, it is recommended to remove the filter and clean it. The filter should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Follow these simple steps or watch this video:

  • Remove the filter from the fan.

  • Fill the sink with warm water and dish soap, like Zalo.

  • Let the filter soak in the sink for a few minutes.

  • Rinse it with clean water, dry it, and put it back in place.

How to avoid triggering the fire alarm

In most cases, the fire alarm is triggered due to cooking in the kitchen.

Stay in the kitchen until the food is ready

Do not leave the stove unattended when cooking. When you turn on the stove, you are responsible until the food is finished and the stove is turned off. If you forget about the food, the fire alarm may go off.

Use the exhaust fan or ventilate well

Use the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. If you are using appliances like waffle irons, toasters, rice cookers, etc., it's a good idea to place them under the exhaust fan. If you don't have an exhaust fan in your residence, you can ventilate through the window.

Keep the stovetop and oven clean

Burnt food residues can trigger the fire alarm. Therefore, wipe down the stovetop and oven after cooking. It also makes it more pleasant for the next person using the kitchen.

Do not dismantle the ceiling smoke detector

If the smoke detector is dismantled, it can cause malfunctions that render the system ineffective and put other residents at risk. We will be notified of system malfunctions and bill the responsible party for the reinstallation of the detector.

Our student housing has automatic fire alarms

All our student housing has fire alarm systems that automatically alert the entire building and notify the local fire department directly

Lighting

Has the light bulb gone out?

Lighting in the communal kitchen or inside the home

If a light bulb has gone out in your home or in your common kitchen, you can try to change it yourself.

Lighting in the lift, corridor or outside the building

If there are problems with the light outside your home, you can notify the caretaker.

How to change a light bulb

When buying a new light bulb, you can take the old one to the store to ensure you purchase the correct type. You can dispose of the old light bulb at the store's recycling point, which is often located near the bottle return machine. You can also take a photo of the light bulb instead of bringing it to the store.

In our buildings, we have many different lamps. Therefore, there are various ways to change the light bulb, depending on the lamp. You can follow these basic steps to replace a light bulb yourself, but be aware of individual differences:

  • Make sure the light switch is turned off to disconnect the power from the light bulb.

  • Loosen the shade or cover on the lamp if it has one.

  • Unscrew the old light bulb and screw in the new one.

  • Secure the shade or cover back in place and turn on the light switch.

How to change fluorescent lamps

When you need to replace a fluorescent tube, you must first check whether it has starters or not. If the fluorescent tube has starters, these also need to be replaced for the tube to work. Bring the fluorescent tube and, if applicable, the starters with you to the store or take a picture to ensure that you purchase the correct type.

Follow these steps:

First, remember to switch off the light for the fixture and disconnect it from the power source, if possible.

Remove the old fluorescent tube:

  • If you have a fixture with a cover, you can remove it by squeezing the back of the cover together or by sliding the side cover to release the front cover.

  • Carefully twist the old fluorescent tube counterclockwise (unless otherwise indicated on the tube) to release it from the socket on both ends.

  • Gently pull the old tube out of the sockets.

Check if the fluorescent tube has starters and replace them if necessary:

  • Lamps with T8 fluorescent tubes have starters. Lamps with T5 fluorescent tubes have starters built into the tube and do not need replacement.

  • The starter looks like a small cylindrical device with a diameter of about 2 cm. There are many different types, and not all of them work in all lamps. You can see what it looks like here.

  • To remove the starter, twist it around its own axis. Take a picture of it or bring it to the store to ensure you get the right type.

  • Insert the new starter.

Insert the new fluorescent tube:

  • Ensure that the new fluorescent tube is the correct type and size for the fixture.

  • Slide the ends of the new tube into the sockets on both sides, and twist it clockwise (if necessary) until it securely fits in place.

Test the fluorescent tube:

  • Turn the light switch on again and check if the new fluorescent tube is working properly. If it doesn't work, ensure that it is properly seated in the sockets.

Replace the cover (if necessary):

  • If you removed a cover earlier, reattach it.

It's important to note that some fluorescent tubes may contain mercury, so if you break a fluorescent tube, be careful to avoid contact with the glass or its contents.

Keys

If you are experiencing issues with your card, you can try to update it on a black encoder. The encoder is in the entrance area of your building, or near the laundry or waste room.

See this page if you are still experiencing issues with your key card.

Note! If you use your card on five doors you do not have access to, the card will be blocked.

If you are experiencing issues with a lock, you can contact the caretaker here.

Lost key or access card?

If you have lost your access card, you can buy a new one in the Customer Service Centre for 100 NOK.

If you have lost the metal key to your residence, contact the Customer Service Centre

If you have lost your mailbox key, the Customer Service Centre can order a new one for you. A new mailbox key costs 150 NOK.

If you lose your key or access card outside of opening hours, you can call 22 85 32 00 to be locked in by Securitas. Read more about being locked in here.

Can someone else pick up my keys?

If you are unable to collect the keys yourself, and someone else will pick them up on your behalf, you must send us an authorization.

Red more about authorization here.

Dishwasher

Often, regular cleaning and maintenance are the simplest steps to ensure that the dishwasher functions properly. See below for our tips on dishwasher maintenance.

Tip! If the water is shut off and the washing machine won't start, it's often the water guard that is the cause.

Waterguard

Our kitchens are equipped with a waterguard. In some cases we also call the waterguard for AquaAlarm. This is a box that shuts off the cold water if it gets wet or feels moisture around it.

The Waterguard often sits in the cupboard under the sink and if you have rubbish in the cupboard, it will be triggered if any damp waste is spilled on it. This may be the reason why the dishwasher does not work as it should. 

To restore the water supply, follow these steps:

  • Wipe away water/moisture from the the water guard and from where the water guard is located.

  • Reset it by unplugging and plugging back the power cable to it. If the Waterguard has a switch, you can use this to reset it.

Note: If a major leak has triggered the water guard, you should contact the caretaker as soon as possible.

Food residues in the filter

If the filter is clogged, it may cause the machine not to start. Check and, if necessary, clean the garbage filter by following the simple steps below:

  • Remove the dishes: First and foremost, ensure that the dishwasher is empty and free of dishes.

  • Open the machine: Open the door of the dishwasher and pull out the lower rack. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, under the lower rack.

  • Remove the filter: Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. It may be screw-locked, or it may have a simple locking mechanism that you can twist to remove. Follow the instructions in the user manual for your specific dishwasher if you're unsure how to remove it.

  • Rinse the filter: Take out the filter and rinse it thoroughly under hot running water. Use a brush or sponge if necessary to remove stuck food debris and dirt. You can also use mild dish soap to clean the filter if it's very dirty.

  • Replace the filter: Once the filter is completely dry, put it back in place in the dishwasher. Make sure it's securely attached in the correct manner.

  • Run an empty cycle: After reinserting the filter, run an empty dishwasher cycle with a wash program to ensure that everything is properly assembled, and there are no residues left from cleaning the filter.

Clogged drain in the sink

If the drain in the kitchen sink is clogged, it can prevent the dishwasher from starting or from draining water properly. In that case, it may be necessary to use a liquid drain opener, and you can do it yourself.

Follow these quick steps or watch this video:

  • You can buy liquid drain opener at the store. We recommend Mudin Avløpsrens and Plumbo Rørvask. Note: It's important that you buy a liquid drain opener and not powder. Powder can worsen the issue and clog the drain further.

  • Put on rubber gloves and make sure the drain opener is on a stable surface when you open it.

  • Pour about half the bottle into the sink and let it work for 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Boil water and pour it down the sink after a minimum of 20 minutes have passed.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the dishwasher

Maintenance and regular care of the dishwasher help avoid problems and saves you both time and effort!

Here are some tips:

  • Run a dishwasher cleaning cycle every month or every other month. You can buy dishwasher cleaning tablets at the grocery store.

  • Remove heavy dirt from the inside of the dishwasher with a damp cloth.

  • Clean and empty the garbage filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. Instructions on how to do this can be found in the "food residues in the filter" section above.

Cleaning

As a resident, you are responsible for cleaning your own accommodation and shared areas such as common kitchens and communal bathrooms. Here are some helpful cleaning tips!

Who's responsible for what?

As a resident, you are responsible for:

  • Regular cleaning of your residence

  • Regular cleaning of your shared kitchen and bathroom (see schedule in your kitchen), as well as cleaning of corridors in areas connected to a shared kitchen

  • Cleaning before you move out of your residence

SiO is responsible for:

  • Regular cleaning of corridors (which are common and not connected with a shared kitchen), staircases, lifts, and other common areas in the building

  • Where three or more residents share, we will perform a thorough cleaning of the shared kitchen and bathroom twice a year

Tips for cleaning your residence

  • Ventilating often and well is important to ensure a healthy indoor environment and to prevent bad smell

  • Use a duster or dry microfiber cloth to remove dust

  • Use a damp cloth to remove stains or grease

  • Use a dry microfiber mop or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the floor

  • If you have cleaned the floor with a damp mop, you should use a dry mop afterwards

Tips for cleaning the kitchen

  • Spills should be removed immediately

  • Remember to clean the cabinet under the sink and other places you keep waste thoroughly

  • Clean the fridge often and thoroughly

  • The freezer must be defrosted if it has a lot of ice on the inside

  • Clean the cook top after each use. If you have spilled anything inside the oven you should clean it immediately, otherwise it may burn and be harder to clean

  • It is important to clean grease off the filter in the kitchen ventilator

  • Wash the dishes with warm water and a little soap to dissolve grease and food residue

  • Change the dish brush every 4-5 months. You can also clean the dish brush in the dishwasher if you have one

Tips for cleaning the bathroom

  • It is important to clean the bathroom regularly

  • Except for on and in the toilet, you only need warm water and a microfiber cloth to clean the bathroom

  • If there is a lot of soap, shampoo, etc. in use, you can also use a detergent meant for cleaning bathrooms

  • It is important to prevent the growth of mold and fungi. Clean up after yourself when you have showered, as water can lead to mold and fungi, particularly in older bathrooms

  • You can clean the shower curtain by washing it the washing machine on 40 degrees, and hang it back up while it is wet

Remember: wash with as little water and detergent as possible

The regular cleaning should be performed as dry as possible. Always use a dry cloth to wipe dry surfaces, and a damp cloth to dry damp surfaces. This means that you wipe dust with a dry cloth and remove sticky soap spills in the sink with a damp cloth.

If you are cleaning with water, make sure to not use too much of it. The area you are cleaning should not be wet afterwards, this is not good for the surface or the result. You should also be mindful about the amount of detergent you use, to prevent any residue on the surface you have just cleaned.

Pests

If you experience pests in your residence, we have an efficient routine for dealing with this in a way that is adapted to the type of pests in question. Please contact the caretaker immediately here.

NOTE! Remember to take a picture of the pest and attach it when you contact the caretaker.

Drains

To prevent the drains from being clogged, water damage and bad smell you should clear the drains in the shower and the sink twice a year.

How to clean the shower drain

It's easy to clean the drain in the shower. Follow the steps in this video or see below:

All you need is rubber gloves, a garbage bag, and a sharp object (like a pen).

Here's how you do it:

  • Put on the rubber gloves and prepare the cleaning tools and a garbage bag.

  • Lift the grate with a pointed object.

  • Twist and lift the plastic cup inside the drain.

  • Clean and rinse both the cup and the drain. Remember to dispose of the waste from the drain in a garbage bag and not in the toilet.

  • Put the grate back in place.

Note: We have different types of drains in our homes. The cup inside the drain may, therefore, look different from the one in the video. Some cups may need to be twisted before they can be lifted out, while others can be lifted straight up.

How to unclog the sink

When the sink in the bathroom or kitchen is clogged, it's usually because the trap under the sink needs to be cleaned.

See this video or follow these simple steps:

  • You will need a bucket, a garbage bag, and a pair of rubber gloves.

  • Locate the trap under the sink and place the bucket directly underneath.

  • Unscrew the cap and let the contents drain into the bucket.

  • Clean the cap from the trap in the sink.

  • Screw the cap back on.

  • Ensure everything is securely attached and sealed by turning on the faucet.

  • Empty the contents from the bucket into the garbage bag - this should not be flushed down the toilet.

How to use a drain opener

We always encourage trying to clean the sink trap first, but sometimes it may also be necessary to use liquid drain cleaner.

You can easily do this yourself. Just watch this video or follow these quick steps:

  • You can buy liquid drain opener at the store. We recommend Mudin Avløpsrens and Plumbo Rørvask. Note: It's important that you buy a liquid drain opener and not powder. Powder can worsen the issue and clog the drain further.

  • Put on rubber gloves and make sure the drain opener is on a stable surface when you open it.

  • Pour about half the bottle into the sink and let it work for 20 to 30 minutes.

  • Boil water and pour it down the sink after a minimum of 20 minutes have passed.

How to prevent clogged pipes

Clogged drains are often caused by items being thrown into the toilet that don't belong there.

Among other things, the following should not be flushed down the toilet:

  • Cotton balls, wet wipes, and Q-tips

  • Tampons and sanitary pads

  • Hair

  • Contact lenses

  • Snus

  • Medications

  • Cooking grease. This should be set aside until it solidifies before disposing of it in the trash.

Elecricity and heating

Accommodations with radiators are connected to a central heating system that is in operation on a permanent basis. The system is controlled by an outdoor sensor and cannot be altered by the tenant.

Accommodations that have electric heating sources are managed by residents themselves.

Heating and underfloor heating

Radiators are controlled by a central heating system and adjust themselves based on the outdoor temperature. This means that as the outdoor temperature drops, the radiator will produce more heat. During transitional periods in spring and autumn when the outdoor temperature fluctuates significantly between day and night, it may take some time for the system to stabilize.

Underfloor heating in the bathroom floor

You should not place bath rugs on bathroom floors with underfloor heating. It may affect the thermostat and the heating cables may stop working.

How you can save energy

Saving energy is good, both for the environment and for keeping the rent price down:

  • Try to keep the indoor temperature at a maximum of 21 degrees.

  • Turn down the temperature (but not completely off) when you are away.

  • Turn down the temperature when the window is open.

  • Turn off the light when you leave a room or the residence.

  • Turn off the TV and other electrical appliances when you don’t use them.

Has the power gone out?

It can easily happen and is something you can fix yourself - all you need to do is to flip a switch in the fuse box!

Here's how you do it:

1. You can find the fuse box either inside your home or in the hallway outside your residence. If you cannot locate it, you do not have access to it and should call the care taker.

2. When you open the fuse box, you will see many switches. If one of these switches is flipped down, opposite to all the others, simply flip it back up.

3. If the fuse won't stay up, disconnect all the outlets in the area where there's no power and try again. This way, you can also identify the appliance causing the fuse to trip.

If this doesn't help, you can contact the caretaker.

Why does the power go out?

Overloading the electrical system

The power typically goes out because more electricity is being used than the circuit is designed for. This means using too many electronic appliances simultaneously, such as a dishwasher, stove, and space heater.

Faulty appliance

Another common reason may be that there is something wrong with the electronic appliance you are using. If the power tends to go out when you use a particular appliance, the explanation may be that there is something wrong with the appliance. If you suspect that this applies to an appliance that comes with the property, you can contact the property manager. If it is your own appliance that you believe is faulty, it is your responsibility to fix it or stop using it.

Caretaker

If you notice any damage or missing things in your accommodation or the common areas, please contact the caretaker on My page. If you have just moved into your student residence, it is important that you notify us immediately. Then we will be able to follow up the case quickly and help you.

Did you know that there are many things you can actually fix by yourself? On My Page, we have compiled many useful self-help tips.

You can also call 22 85 32 00 around the clock for urgent matters.