First encounter with the Polar Night: "Like being on another planet"

When Julia En Khi Otterskred (21) from Singapore and Melina Heise (20) from Germany packed their suitcases and moved to Bodø to study, they had a certain idea of what awaited them.

Both had read about the polar night, seen pictures of the Northern Lights, and heard stories about the winter in the North. But none of them were prepared for how it would actually feel to live through its first Arctic winter.

"To be completely honest, it feels like being on another planet. You get used to seeing the world in the dark. It sounds sad, but it's true," says Julia.

Hard to understand

High North News meets the two biology students at Nord University. Julia is in her third year, while Melina is in her second. Both have traveled far, and the journey to Bodø was marked by coincidences.

They had heard about the Polar Night, but the encounter with the northern winter hit much harder than expected.

Melina was also surprised by how abruptly the polar night arrives.

"I think the body goes into shock at first. I didn't expect how drastic the darkness would feel. It is something entirely different when you're actually in it," she sayd.

"I think the body goes into shock at first, I didn't expect how drastic the darkness would feel. It's something entirely different when you're actually in it," she says.

Shock, loneliness, and low energy

When a new academic year starts in August, Bodø is still bright and green. But the fall is short and winter takes over after just a few weeks. For new students, it can feel like everything happens at once: new country, new language, new friends, and then there is darkness.

"When you're new and have to meet new people without any form of existing network, you're very vulnerable. The darkness becomes a factor that contributes to stress and loneliness," explains Julia.

In the beginning, the snow was exotic and exciting. But as the exam period approached and the daylight disappeared, things became more difficult.

"It was my first experience with so little daylight, it was quite strange and I had very little energy at times," says Melina.

Motivation declined in line with the light.

"You have to get up early to study while it's still dark, when you obviously want to sleep instead of going to the library," says Melina.

Loneliness was another factor.

"In my first year, I befriended many exchange students, but most of them went home for Christmas before me. It was definitely tough at times," she explains.

And then there's the weather, a factor none of them were prepared for.

"Sometimes it's really windy while it's also raining. I really don't like that," says Melina.

Small measures help

After several years in Bodø, both of them have found ways to manage the polar night. It's all about small, but crucial measures.

The lack of sunlight means you have to get nutrients from somewhere else. Julia emphasizes the importance of getting enough vitamin D during the winter.

"It is also important to include social activities with friends in your schedule. Make plans so you have something to look forward to," Melina points out.

"I also think participating in student sports helps. I joined volleyball in my first year, and it was a good way to integrate," Julia adds.

And in the middle of darkness, there are moments that make everything worthwhile.

"It is incredible, I've seen it for three years now, but it feels like seeing it for the first time every time I experience it," says Julia about the Northern Lights.

"Every time I see the Northern Lights, I have to take pictures. It's incredibly beautiful," Melina says.

When the light returns

As the days grow lighter, both students notice a significant change.

"I feel much more motivated to do something during the day. Since it's light outside longer, I also stay at the university longer," says Melina.

When asked whether they would recommend others to study in the Arctic, the reply is nuanced.

"It really depends on the person. I would only recommend it to people who I know enjoy the outdoors, who enjoy nature, like to ski and hike, and want to experience the Northern Lights," says Julia.

For the students, the polar night has been both a challenge and an experience they will never forget.

They have felt the cold, loneliness, and lack of daylight - but also the sense of community, accomplishment, and natural phenomena that exist nowhere else in the world.

This is life in the Arctic, as many newcomers experience it: demanding, unfamiliar, and unique.