Information for buddies in Oslo

1.1 Contacts in Oslo

• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 113
• Fire department: 110
• Sexual assault center, Oslo Emergency Clinic: 23 04 05 00
• Emergency clinic: 116 117
• Buddy committee: ic.oslo@studentunionen.no

1.2 Contacts in Bergen

• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 113
• Fire department: 110
• Sexual assault center, Bergen Emergency Clinic: 55 55 99 50
• Emergency clinic: 116 117

Buddy committee: fadder.bergen@studentunionen.no

2.1 Useful links and resources

Sikresiden – start of studies and safe buddy

Kristiania’s alcohol policy

Webpages for the start of studies at Kristiania

3.1 Buddy coordinators

Buddy coordinators are members of the buddy committee in the Student Union’s Into Campus committee. They are responsible for recruiting buddies, contributing to the planning and execution of buddy training, and following up with group leaders and buddies during Into Campus.

3.2 Group leader (Oslo) / Head buddy (Bergen)

A group leader/head buddy acts as the link between the buddy committee and the buddies. They are responsible for following up their buddy groups and providing necessary information before and during Into Campus. If new students need help finding an available buddy group, the group leaders/head buddies are contacted by the buddy committee.

3.3 Buddies and international buddies

Buddies are volunteer, reliable students who are responsible for their own buddy group during Into Campus. Their main task is to support students in their new situation—this includes choosing a study program, getting to know the city, and not least their fellow students. They are also responsible for informing and including their group in the activities offered during Into Campus.

International buddies are responsible for international students, including exchange students and international degree students. As an international buddy, you have the same responsibilities and tasks as a regular buddy, but you must be comfortable speaking English.

4.1 Buddy tasks and responsibilities

Being a buddy is first and foremost social and fun. You become an important person for new students and have a big impact on how they experience the start of student life.

• Be positive and engaged, and work to create a good atmosphere in the group.
• Include everyone in the group.
• Participate in events organized by Into Campus and Kristiania.
• Keep up with messages from the buddy committee and Kristiania.
• Keep your group updated on what is happening during the buddy week and ensure they have received information about the different events.
• Show up at agreed times and participate actively.
• Behave appropriately and follow applicable laws.
• Help new students get to know each other, the city, and the campus buildings.
• Contact emergency services if an accident or serious incident occurs.
• Respect the new students and their boundaries.
• Be open to questions and try to answer as best as you can, or refer further if needed.
• Be a good role model.

4.2 Group leader (Oslo) tasks

• Act as the link between the buddy committee and the buddies in their groups.
• Participate in forming the buddy groups within their school the week before the buddy week.
• Inform their buddy group if new participants are added during the start of studies.
• Be available by phone the week before and during Into Campus.
• Be visible and accessible to fellow buddies.

Many unexpected, and sometimes unfortunate, situations can arise during the start of studies. Below are reporting procedures and guidance for different types of situations.

5.1 Reporting procedures during Into Campus

5.1.1 When should you report?

• If a new student is too intoxicated to take care of themselves.
• If a new student or fellow buddy has taken substances other than alcohol (especially in cases of suspected drink spiking).
• If someone violates the substance use guidelines.
• If someone has been subjected to harassment, sexual harassment, or other unwanted incidents.
• If someone has been injured.
• If a new student goes missing and you cannot reach them.

5.1.2 Who can you report to?

See also the list of contact persons at the top of the Buddy Handbook.

• In case of danger to life or health, call 113.
• Buddies can always contact their group leader, the buddy committee, or others in the Into Campus committee directly.
• The Into Campus committee and Kristiania staff work together to handle cases and follow up those involved.
• All reports are handled and followed up by the student start emergency response team.

5.1.2.1 Specific for Oslo

At Youngstorget, there is a staffed trailer called Dubbie. Kristiania staff are always present there, along with healthcare personnel from the Red Cross in a nearby tent. Both buddies and new students can go there directly.

5.1.2.2 Specific for Bergen

Bergen uses the Sammen welfare organization’s emergency phone (+47 90 80 71 72). You can also contact buddy patrols in the city center during the buddy week.

5.2 Cutting of wristbands and loss of buddy status

Buddies who have their wristband cut will lose access to the remaining Into Campus activities.

Designated representatives from the Into Campus committee and Kristiania staff have the authority to cut wristbands. This is mainly decided by the Into Campus committee and follows the principle of “in the presence of two people.”

The following may lead to wristband removal and exclusion from Into Campus:

• Selling or distributing narcotic substances.
• Violence and sexual assault.
• Repeated unacceptable behavior.

5.3 Guidelines for alcohol and substances

Students participating in the buddy week should not experience pressure to drink.

Buddies at Kristiania are expected to be aware of how they can help reduce drinking pressure and include all participants, regardless of whether they drink alcohol or not.

Kristiania emphasizes inclusion and offers alcohol-free events during the start of studies.

5.3.1 How to reduce drinking pressure

• Be mindful when introducing alcohol—avoid making it the main activity.
• Be conscious of language—for example, avoid terms like “drinking game” and instead say “game.”
• Avoid commenting on how much or how little others drink.
• Be aware of your own alcohol consumption.
• Support each other—pressure can also come from new students.

5.3.2 Narcotics and other substances

Buddies caught offering narcotic substances will have their wristband cut immediately. The same applies to new students.

• Kristiania’s substance policy applies at all events organized by Kristiania and its student organizations.
• Narcotic substances for non-medical use are strictly prohibited at all times.
• Use of narcotics during Into Campus events may result in expulsion from Kristiania.
• The buddy committee works with staff to identify and follow up substance-related risks.

5.3.3 If someone has taken other substances

• Talk to the person and check responsiveness.
• Call 113 if unsure about their condition.
• If unconscious, call emergency services immediately.
• Try to find out what they have taken, how much, and when.
• Do not leave the person alone until help arrives.
• Oslo: Notify Kristiania via emergency phone (+47 401 02 847) or Dubbie.
• Bergen: Notify Sammen via emergency phone (+47 90 80 71 72) or the buddy committee.

5.4 Unacceptable behavior

Repeated unacceptable behavior may result in buddies and participants being excluded from Into Campus.

Buddies at Kristiania are expected to be aware of how they can help prevent disruptive behavior and pressure related to intimacy. Sexual harassment, racism, and bullying are unacceptable. All buddies are responsible for helping reduce such pressure and taking care of those exposed to unacceptable behavior.

Severely disruptive behavior includes bizarre, aggressive, or troublesome conduct that negatively affects fellow students or staff, such as bullying, threats, or theft. Such behavior may lead to disciplinary action and will be handled by the Student Administration at Kristiania.

If you see or hear about inappropriate behavior, you are encouraged to protect the affected person without putting yourself at risk. Report the situation to responsible staff on site, either Kristiania staff or security personnel.

• Buddies must familiarize themselves with the disciplinary guidelines, especially sections 5 and 6.
• Conflicts and uncomfortable situations should be handled at the lowest possible level.
• The goal is to de-escalate conflicts.
• The most sober buddy should handle situations as they arise.
• The buddy committee and team leaders will follow up on more serious cases in cooperation with Kristiania staff.

5.4.1.1 Buddies should:

• Protect those exposed to unacceptable behavior
• Follow up with fellow buddies or participants who have experienced something unpleasant
• Report the incident to a buddy coordinator or team leader, including:
  • When it happened
  • What happened (in as much detail as possible)
  • Who was involved
  • How the situation was handled

5.4.1.2 Buddy committee/team leaders should:

• Report incidents to Kristiania
• Handle minor conflicts between buddies or within groups
• Consult with Kristiania staff on handling and follow-up

5.5 Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment refers to any form of unwanted sexual attention that is offensive, intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or disturbing. It can occur between both buddies and participants.

Sexual harassment is typically divided into three forms:

• Verbal: direct use of sexualized language, comments about body, appearance, or private life, or suggestions of sexual activity.
• Non-verbal: looks, gestures, facial expressions, or sharing sexual content (messages, images, rumors).
• Physical: unwanted physical contact such as hugging, kissing, or touching intimate areas.

5.5.2 If you are sexually harassed:

• Tell someone you trust (buddy, coordinator, group leader, or staff)
• Write down details such as time, place, and what happened

5.5.3 If you witness sexual harassment:

• Protect the person affected
• Inform responsible staff (team leader, coordinator, or Kristiania staff)
• Follow up with the affected person afterward

5.5.4 Sexual assault

• If you or someone you know has been assaulted, go to the nearest sexual assault center. They provide medical care and counseling.
• No referral is needed, and services are free.
• You can seek help even if you are unsure what happened.
• Go as soon as possible and avoid washing, changing clothes, or brushing teeth beforehand.
• Ensure the affected person is taken care of.

5.6 Violence and threats

5.6.1 If you witness violence:

• Do not intervene physically
• Call 112 (police) and follow instructions
• Oslo: call the emergency number (+47 401 02 847) to inform that police are on the way
• Bergen: call Sammen (+47 90 80 71 72) to inform that police are on the way.
• Provide first aid when safe

5.6.2 If you are exposed to violence:

• Call for help and get away
• Call 112 and follow instructions
• If possible, notify security or Kristiania emergency contacts

5.6.3 Threatening situations:

• Stay calm and speak clearly
• Maintain a relaxed posture
• Leave if possible and seek safety

5.6.4 Digital threats:

• Take screenshots and document details
• Report to Kristiania and the police

5.7 Medical situations and invisible illnesses

Invisible illnesses are conditions that are not visible but can significantly affect daily life, such as epilepsy, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and rheumatic diseases.

5.7.1 Diabetes

Do not administer insulin

Low blood sugar symptoms: nausea, shaking, sweating, confusion

• Sit with the person for 15–30 minutes
• Give something sweet to eat or drink

High blood sugar symptoms: headache, irritability

• Ask if they have a glucose meter
• Help them locate insulin

5.7.2 Epilepsy

Many people with epilepsy wear a marked necklace or bracelet so that others can quickly understand that a seizure may be epileptic. You may recognize an epileptic seizure if the person appears awake but does not respond to pain when you firmly pinch their shoulder. Another possible sign of an epileptic seizure is foam around the person’s mouth.

• Ensure the person does not injure themselves during a seizure
• Call 113 if it lasts more than 5 minutes
• Ensure clear airways

If informed afterward:

• Check that the person is okay
• Ask if they need any support to continue participating

5.7.3 Social anxiety

Social anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges reported by students. Symptoms of social anxiety include avoiding eye contact and blushing or trembling.

• Show understanding
• Use smaller groups
• Do not pressure participation
• Offer alternatives if they opt out

If someone stops attending:

• Send a message to check in
• Encourage them to join next time

5.7.4 Mental health concerns

Be supportive and take them seriously. Remember that you are not a psychologist, so refer them to the student welfare organization’s psychological services. Offer to call on their behalf. If the situation is too difficult for you to handle, contact Kristiania’s emergency phone (Oslo) or Sammen’s emergency phone (Bergen).

5.7.5 Concern about suicide

Many people in crisis are not able to seek help themselves. It is therefore important that you, as someone nearby, take the initiative and talk to them.

Ask directly whether the person is having thoughts of taking their own life. If the answer is “yes,” ask what they are thinking of doing and whether they have a plan. If the person has concrete plans or intentions, you must ensure that they receive professional help (remember that you are not expected to handle such situations alone). You can offer to call, make an appointment, and accompany the person to the relevant health service.

• Emergency situation: 113
• To discuss the situation with healthcare personnel: +47 23 48 70 90 (Social and Mobile Emergency Service)
• For advice: 116 123 (24-hour helpline for Mental Health) or +47 22 40 00 40 (Kirkens SOS)

Most people have experienced feeling left out, and it is rarely something we wish upon others. People are often good at including those who are similar to themselves but may struggle more with including those who are different.

Buddy groups are randomly composed of a diverse group of people, and since the activities are meant for everyone, inclusion is therefore very important.

Make participants feel safe – when they feel safe, they are more likely to be themselves and express their opinions. Normalize their experiences, for example by sharing your own experiences from when you started studying (if you are comfortable with this).

Make sure everyone feels welcome – treat all participants equally. Be approachable and present.

Say hello and smile to everyone. Ask questions so participants feel seen.

Get to know each other – invest time in icebreaker activities. Spend time in smaller groups, but rotate these throughout the week to prevent cliques from forming.

Try to find something you all have in common – this may not always be easy in a diverse group. One thing you all share is that you study at Kristiania. Over time, shared experiences will also strengthen the sense of community.

Take extra initiative with those who do not show up – reach out to those who are absent. Ask if any adjustments can be made to help them participate.

Buddies are role models – if you demonstrate inclusive behavior, others are more likely to follow your example.