Norwegian version of this page

The Writing Lounge

The Writing Lounge is UiA's drop-in service for academic writing and study skills, available to all students and staff. At the Writing Lounge, you will meet experienced writing mentors who provide you with tips, assistance, and practical exercises that will help you improve your writing skills.

Flere personer står foran Skrivestua-skilt.

Opening hours:

Campus Kristiansand

  • Monday–Friday 10:00–14:00
  • Norwegian language guidance is available every day
  • English guidance: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00–12:00
  • Ground floor of the Library (near UiA Help)

Campus Grimstad

  • Monday–Friday 10:00–14:00
  • Norwegian language guidance: Wednesday 12:00–15:00
  • Room A2 040
Photo of employee helping in the Writing Lounge

How we can help you:

  • Academic writing and study skills
  • Norwegian language guidance for non-native speakers
  • Writer's block
  • We offer courses and workshops, often in collaboration with the University Library

You can also book digital guidance 

Upcoming courses and events:

No upcoming events

Q&A about our services:

How can writing mentors help?

  • Our writing mentors are here to guide you in your writing, whether it's a text you are working on, an assignment prompt you struggle to understand, or a finished piece that you would like to review parts of together.
  • The writing mentor will not write the text for you, but will ask you questions that can help direct you on the right path. If you experience writer's block, talking to a writing mentor may help you get unstuck.
  • Writing mentors can also offer tips on efficient study techniques or specific advice and resources for your work.

What is the Norwegian language guidance service?

We offer language guidance for students with Norwegian as a second language. This is a drop-in service, so there is no need to book an appointment. Please see further up on this page for the opening hours of language guidance.

Are you not on campus? Book a digital guidance session.

The language guides can help you identify common mistakes you make in Norwegian and provide tips on how to work on your language skills. They have education and experience in teaching Norwegian as a second language and can discuss patterns in your writing with you. They do not correct your text but offer tools for you to work on your language skills independently. Feel free to come back as many times as you need.

You can also receive tips on study techniques, how to navigate through your study material, how to interpret assignment instructions, find important terminology, and more. Welcome!

Can you help me with source referencing?

  • First, you should check if you can find the answer by yourself on the Citation Compass.
  • If not, you are always welcome to ask for guidance at the University Library. Their subject librarians have a guidance desk open from 10:00 to 14:00 every day, and you can also book digital guidance on the library website.
  • At the Writing Lounge, we can help you integrate the references into the text, and we can help you evaluate the credibility of your source by asking critical questions.

Can writing mentors guide me in my field of study?

Writing mentors cannot provide guidance on matters related to your field of study. In such cases, it is best to consult your teacher or supervisor. It is best to check your course material first, such as the keyword index or search for relevant terms in the text. Writing mentors can help you with this and help you understand unfamiliar words or sentences. 

Do you have mentors who speak English?

Yes, all of our mentors can help you in English. Additionally, we have a Fulbright student providing guidance exclusively in English. You can drop in to see her at the Writing Lounge at the following times:

  • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00-12:00

You can also schedule an appointment by booking online or visiting campus.

Please note that our opening hours are subject to minor changes.

I have reading and/or writing difficulties. Can the Writing Lounge help me?

Absolutely! Although our writing mentors do not have specific expertice in addressing reading and writing difficulties, they can help structuring your text and sentences. They can also help you understand technical terms and offer useful tips on study techniques to try out. You can get guidance in the writing process, to ensure you do not feel alone along the way, and get help in developing a more precise language. We do not proofread texts.

Can the Writing Lounge assist me during exams?

For exams lasting more than one day, we can provide guidance in the writing process, but ultimately it is your responsibility to complete the assignment.

The Writing Lounge does not offer guidance for students working on short take-home exams (one day or less), as collaborating with others is not permitted during these exams. 

What if I need technical support or help finding something online?

The Writing Lounge primarily provides guidance on academic writing and study techniques. If you have IT-related questions regarding front page templates, text formatting and assignment submission, you can ask the writing mentors if they can help, but we recommend searching for help on your own first, before reaching out to UiA Help.

Contact the Writing Lounge: