Information for our English speaking visitors

Studentsamskipnaden for Sunnmøre (SfS) 

Administration / Reception
Opening hour – Monday to Friday 09.00 to 15.00

Contact us in Volda :

E-mail: sfs@hivolda.no

Telephone: +47 70 07 52 40
Telefax: +47 70 07 52 41

Contact us in Ålesund :

E-mail: sfs@hials.no

Telephone: +47 70 16 15 70
Telefax: +47 70 16 15 71

What is SfS?
SfS is a service and welfare organisation for students  at Volda University college and Ålesund University college, and has offices in both towns.

The university college has the strategic responsibility for the student welfare programme, while SfS has the operative responsibility. By working to provide the best possible social, cultural and material conditions for the students, we aim to contribute to a secure and effective study situation.

Some facts about the Studentsamskipnaden for Sunnmøre (SfS):

• about 4500 students pay a membership fee to SfS  each semester
  
  
• providing accommodation for the students is one of SfS main tasks
  
  
• SfS has agreements that provide access to local mental health services for students in Volda and Ålesund
  
  
• SfS provides a counselling service for students
  
  
• SfS operates kindergartens for students` children in Volda and Ålesund
  
  
• SfS operates the cafeterias at both the university colleges
  
  
• SfS runs the student union building Rokken in Volda
  
  
• SfS runs student bookshops on campus in Volda and Ålesund
  
  
• SfS health funds (these welfare programmes refund the students` expenses or investments in connection with various health services)
  
  
• SfS has one lodge by the sea to let and boats for hire in Volda and Ålesund
  
  
• SfS provides welfare grants to clubs and organisations that promote the students` social environment
  
  
• SfS can arrange access to washing machines and spin-dryers
  
  
• SfS helps the students find private rented accommodation at the start of the semester
  
  
• SfS is joint owner of a local fitness centre
  
  
• Student Counselling Service

During your time as a student you can find yourself in situations that can be difficult to sort out on your own. You can come to the student counsellor with any sort of question and problem, such as e.g.

• Help to sort out a difficult situation
• Problems getting to know the college or the local community
• Grief, anxiety or depression
• Relationships with family, friends or fellow students

The counselling Service is free of charge and the counsellor is sworn to secrecy.

The counsellor will also assist you in finding out where to go to get help from the other parts of the local welfare services.

Office hours : Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 09.00 – 15.00

SfS has a number of support programmes:

Health expenses fund
Offers refunds of expenses incurred by students and any children under 16 years of age when consulting a doctor or psychiatrist.

Health investment fund
Offers support in connection with expenses as a result of illness, dental treatment, purchase og glasses , physiotherapy, home help, transport, technical equipment etc. Grants made twice a year, maximum NOK 10.000,- per student per semester (minus own contribution of NOK 1.000,-)

Welfare grants
SfS provides welfare grants to student clubs and organisations that work to improve the students` social environment. Paid out twice a year on the basis of applications.