Living and studying in Iceland can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to plan your finances carefully. Iceland is generally considered one of the more expensive countries in Europe, and the cost of living may be significantly higher than what many international students are accustomed to.

Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Everyday costs such as groceries, dining out, and travel can be considerably higher than in many other European countries.

Before arriving in Iceland, we strongly recommend that students prepare a realistic budget to ensure they have sufficient financial resources for the duration of their stay. Careful financial planning will help you make the most of your experience at the Agricultural University of Iceland and enjoy life in Iceland with greater peace of mind.

All incoming exchange students are guaranteed accommodation in the AUI student apartments located on campus. The apartments are furnished with basic necessities and provide access to a fully equipped shared kitchen. Students share bathroom facilities and have access to a laundry room.

To make your arrival as comfortable as possible, bedding and bed linen are provided for all incoming exchange students.

Accommodation is available in student housing on campus. Students are usually accommodated in shared twin rooms, which provide a comfortable and affordable living arrangement.

Students who wish to request a single room should contact the Erasmus Coordinator at AUI after the first information meeting. Please note that the number of single rooms is limited and allocation cannot be guaranteed.

Rental costs for 2027:

• Twin room: ISK 60,000 per month

• Single room: ISK 90,000 per month

Electricity, water, heating, and Wi-Fi are included in the rental fees.

Hvanneyri is a beautiful rural community surrounded by mountains, rivers, and open landscapes. While its remote location offers a unique opportunity to experience Icelandic nature and campus life, it also means that transportation options are more limited than in larger urban areas. The nearest town is Borgarnes, located approximately 14 km from Hvanneyri. Borgarnes is situated on Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) and serves as the main transport hub for the region.

Getting to Iceland

By air

Most international students arrive via Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland's main international airport, located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík. The airport offers daily connections to numerous destinations in Europe and North America.

A convenient way to travel from the airport to Reykjavík is by Flybus (www.flybus.is), which operates frequent services in connection with arriving flights. The journey between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík takes approximately 45 minutes.

By sea

Some students decide to bring their own car to have more indepedence. There is one ferry connection from Denmark to Iceland. Check for further information: https://www.smyrilline.com/

Getting to Hvanneyri from Reykjavík

Hvanneyri is located approximately 80 km north of Reykjavík, and the drive typically takes around 70 minutes by car.

By Bus

Public bus services are operated by Strætó (www.straeto.is). Students can travel from Reykjavík to Borgarnes using regional bus routes, including Route 57 and selected Route 50 connections, depending on the timetable. As bus services between Borgarnes and Hvanneyri are limited, students are encouraged to arrange a pick-up in advance. The International Office may be able to assist newly arriving exchange students with transportation during arrival periods.

Getting Around

AUI encourages sustainable transportation whenever possible. Students can walk within Hvanneyri, and all campus facilities are located within a short distance of the student residences.

For greater mobility, a shared electric vehicle is available on campus through Hopp (www.hopp.is). Students can access and rent the vehicle using the Hopp mobile app. Registration is required before use.

Students often share rides with classmates and local students travelling between Hvanneyri and Borgarnes. Carpooling is a common, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to travel and is a great opportunity to get to know fellow students. Students are encouraged to connect through social media groups, student networks, and campus community channels to arrange transportation when needed.

Students and staff can make use of the campus canteen, which is open on weekdays during lunchtime. Lunch tickets can be purchased directly at the canteen.

There are no grocery stores in Hvanneyri. The nearest supermarkets are located in Borgarnes, approximately 14 km from campus, where many students do their regular grocery shopping.

For added convenience, students can also use a grocery delivery service operated by the supermarket chain Krónan. Deliveries are made to Hvanneyri several times each week. Orders can be placed online through www.kronan.is or via the Krónan mobile app.

The Krónan app also allows users to create shared shopping groups, making it easy for several students to combine their orders. This can help reduce delivery costs and make grocery shopping more convenient for those without access to a car.

The following websites and apps can help you make the most of your stay in Iceland and keep you informed during your studies at AUI.

Discover West Iceland

Looking for travel ideas, local events, attractions, and practical information about the region? Visit:

West Iceland Tourism: west.is

Travel Safely

Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change rapidly. Before travelling, always check for safety information, alerts, and travel advice:

SafeTravel Iceland: safetravel.is

SafeTravel provides important notifications on weather warnings, road closures, volcanic activity, and other conditions that may affect travel.

Check the Weather

In Iceland, the weather can change quickly, even within a few hours. We strongly recommend checking the forecast regularly before travelling, hiking, or planning outdoor activities.

Icelandic Meteorological Office: vedur.is

The website provides detailed weather forecasts, wind conditions, precipitation forecasts, and official weather warnings for all regions of Iceland.

AUI offers 15 rooms for teaching that accommodates 6-70 students.  AUI has around 2000m2 laboratories and equipment for research in the fields of natural and environmental sciences such as forestry science, soil erosion and land reclamation, study of greenhouse gasses, carbon cycling and carbon sequestration.  AUI is also well-equipped for extensive chemical analysis.

AUI has access to four modern and well equipped experimental farms wit a total of 420 ha of cultivated hay fields and 2500 ha of extended non-cultivated land.  In addition there are 12 ha of experimental land used specifically for various agronomy experiments.

The Agricultural University of Iceland (AUI) offers internship opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in applied research and field-based work. Internships may be available at the university's research farms, within ongoing research projects.

Available internship positions are advertised when opportunities arise and may vary from year to year depending on ongoing projects and research activities.

In case of an emergency, dial 112.

Healthcare services are available through local Health Care Centres. Students from EU/EEA countries who present a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to the same healthcare rates as residents insured in Iceland.

Students and visitors from outside the EU/EEA, or those who have not been covered by the Icelandic health insurance system, may be required to pay the full cost of treatment.

When visiting a healthcare provider, please bring:

• Your European Health Insurance Card (if applicable)

• A valid passport or other photo identification

• Your Icelandic ID number (kennitala), if you have one

To receive healthcare at the reduced resident rate, you should contact your local Health Care Centre.

Health Care Centre Borgarnes

Borgarbraut 65, 310 Borgarnes

Tel: +354 432 1430

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00

Website: hve.is

The fees charged for medical consultations and other healthcare services are determined by Icelandic regulations and may change over time. EEA nationals who present a valid EHIC will be charged the same fees as individuals insured in Iceland. If the required documentation is not presented, healthcare providers may charge the full cost of treatment.

Additional Service - Consultation

The Icelandic Red Cross helpline and online chat (phone nr 1717) is open 24/7, free of charge, and completely confidential.

Please note that you need to have a prescription from a doctor for some medicines. Please contact your local pharmacy for information (search for apótek).

European students must bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them. The EHIC card proves that you are entitled to health insurance at home. Insured citizens of EEA countries are entitled to benefits in kind which are necessary on medical grounds during a temporary stay in Iceland, taking into account the nature of the benefits and the expected length of the stay. If you have to see a doctor, you must present the EHIC and your passport. This is proof that you are entitled to health insurance at home. (For further information or if in doubt, see the website of the Icelandic Health Insurance or call tel.: +354 515 0000).

Students from non-EU/EEA countries should have health insurance from an insurance company in their country that is licensed to operate in Iceland or buy insurance from an Icelandic insurance company. You will need coverage for the six-month waiting period until you are covered by the Icelandic Social Health Insurance. Below are Icelandic insurance companies from which you can buy health insurance. You must purchase insurance in order to apply for your student visa.

The Icelandic Social Security system is for Icelandic residents. There is a qualifying period of 6 months’ residency for new residents; the period starts running from the date of registration in the Þjóðskrá (the National Registry). Once the six-month qualifying period has passed, you will be eligible to receive the Icelandic social health care and will no longer need to purchase medical insurance.

Health Insurance for Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Students from countries outside the EU/EEA are required to have valid health insurance during their stay in Iceland. As access to Icelandic public health insurance generally begins after six months of legal residence, students must ensure that they have adequate health insurance coverage for the initial waiting period.