From 1 January 2011, SiO - The Foundation for Student Life in Oslo and OAS (Oslo- og Akershushøgskolenes Studentsamskipnad) are merging into a single organisation. The new organisation will be called SiO, standing for Studentsamskipnaden i Oslo og Akershus.

The initiative to establish a joint student welfare organisation in Oslo comes from the students. The merger came about because Oslo students wanted a combined, fair and optimal welfare service for all students in the capital. The merger was approved by the Ministry of Education and Research on x.12.2010.

Greater political influence
The merged student welfare organisation and the new Welfare Council represent more than 55,000 students. This gives students substantial influence by uniting their voices vis-à-vis the authorities.