Southern Norway – or ‘Sørlandet’ as we call it, is well known for having the mildest weather and being the sunniest part of the country. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, from tiny rocky islands in the fjords to snow-covered mountains inland, the region can offer a rich variety of recreational activities. Whilst living in Southern Norway, you have easy access to experience the beautiful Norwegian landscapes. Make the most of your time here!
![Image may contain: Water, Sky, People in nature, Tree, People on beach.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/20210830_8013958-1600px.jpg)
Groos, Grimstad. Photo: UiA
![Image may contain: Snow, Window, Building, Sky, Plant.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/20221122_nz91931_org-1600px.jpg)
Grimstad. Photo: UiA
![Image may contain: Sky, Shade, Asphalt, Composite material, Water.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/530a9645-800px.jpg)
Kilden, Kristiansand. Photo: UiA
![Image may contain: Footwear, Sky, Building, Entertainment, Lighting.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/a7401433-800px.jpg)
Ice skating rink in Kristiansand. Photo: UiA
![Image may contain: Sky, Water, Plant, Mountain, Cloud.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/a7406721-800px.jpg)
Baneheia, Kristiansand. Photo: UiA
![Image may contain: Water, Boat, Sky, Water resources, Vehicle.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/bragdoya_kristiansand_vs_00584_1080_foto_adam_read.jpg)
Bragdøya, Kristiansand. Photo: Adam Read (c) Visit Sørlandet
![Image may contain: Sky, Plant, Property, Tree, Motor vehicle.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/img_1882-2-800px.jpg)
Grimstad. Photo: UiA
![Image may contain: Sky, Lighthouse, Plant, Water, Tower.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/lindesnes_fyr_vs_00519_1080_foto_peder_austrud.jpg)
Lindesnes lighthouse. Photo: Peder Austrud (c) Visit Sørlandet
![Image may contain: Water, Cloud, Sky, Building, Boat.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/sommer_i_lillesand_vs_082011_img_4999_1080_foto_heidi_sorvig.jpg)
Lillesand. Photo: Heidi Sørvig
![Image may contain: Water, Sky, Lake, Wood, Horizon.](/english/student-life/the-student-towns/images-southern-norway/under_undervannsrestaurant_lindesnes_vs_00973_1080.jpg)
Underwater restaurant 'Under'. Photo: Under / Inger Marie Grini / Bo Bedre Norge
Our student towns
Kristiansand
![Three people sitting on a pier eating ice cream](https://www.uia.no/bilder/studentbyen-kristiansand/dsc03830-1-1600px.jpg)
Kristiansand is a fast growing, modern city and is the biggest city in Southern Norway. It is the regional capital of business, administration and culture, and close to 110 000 inhabitants. With an innovative industry, good infrastructure, top-notch sports venues and an active festival and fine arts community, few places in Norway can compare to Kristiansand.
Grimstad
![Five people walking down an idyllic street with white wooden houses](https://www.uia.no/bilder/studentbyen-grimstad/20210830_8013743-1600px.jpg)
Grimstad is an idyllic city with small, white wooden houses, narrow cobbled streets, tiny cafes and bakeries scattered around the city centre. Ask any one of the 25 000 inhabitants in Grimstad to describe their city, and they will probably tell you about the beautiful coastline covered with islands, skerries and small tucked away beaches. Grimstad is located only 40 minutes by car from Kristiansand.