Student life

Social life

An active social life is an essential part of student life and a great way to meet other students in Denmark. Major cities have a students house with cultural activities.
 

Introductory programmes for international students

As a service to international students, many Danish institutions have established a "buddy-programme" aimed at helping international students to get settled more easily. On arrival, a “buddy” (a current student) will help the students to get settled, meet other students and assist them with practical matters in their first weeks at the institution.

The welcome programmes and the courses in Danish language and culture provide international students with another opportunity to familiarise themselves with their host country and meet other international and Danish students.

Campus life

Only a few Danish higher education institutions are campus-based, so the campus environment that you may know from your home country or other countries, does not exist to the same extent in Denmark. However, this does not mean that there is a lack of social life or facilities at the Danish higher education institutions. The social life at most institutions is vibrant and varied.

Most institutions have several committees or societies that organise activities, such as excursions, student politics, parties and cafés. A special feature is the Fredagsbar , which is held on Friday afternoons. This is an event you should not miss, if you want to experience the typical Danish student life.

There are numerous ways of socialising as a student in Denmark. Most studies involve team work and in many cases these groups facilitate the close contact between students. The groups are formed by students with the same interests or taking the same exams, or by students who simply enjoy working together and supporting each other in their studies. Group work therefore gives you an excellent opportunity to get to know Danish students.

Life at the halls of residence

The Danish halls of residence form another important element of the social life for both international and Danish students. In Denmark, halls of residence are not only for students in their first year. Students of different age groups live in the halls of residence - most of them between 19 and 30 years old. There is a vibrant social life at the halls of residence and they are a great place to meet new people and make new friends.

Cultural activities and sports

Denmark has a range of cultural activities on offer - theatres, museums, operas, concerts, festivals and cinemas, to mention a few. The films shown in the cinemas are in general shown in their original language with Danish subtitles. The same applies to films shown on the television.

Participating in different sports activities is another great way to get to know other people. And there are numerous options. Some education institutions have their own sports facilities, which are only open to students and staff. You can also join an independent sports club, however, membership to these are often more expensive. Some halls of residence have sports facilities for the residents, so if you live in one you should check whether this is the case in yours. 
   

Living expenses 

Average monthly living expenses are estimated to be between 650-800 Euro. This includes accommodation but excludes tuition fees. 
 

Saving money

In Danish libraries you can borrow books, CDs, movies, etc. for free. Some places also offer a student discount. Students enrolled at a Danish higher education institution receive a student card. This entitles you to a discounted entry  to many museums. Some museums also have free entry on Sundays. For more information see: www.visitdenmark.dk
 

Managing your money

Foreign credit cards

Foreign credit cards, e.g. Visa, MasterCard, Euro-card and American Express, are widely accepted in Denmark, but generally not in the supermarkets. Credit cards can also be used in the many cash points/ATMs available in Danish cities. Another option is to use traveller cheques that can be cashed in banks.

The Danish Payment card – Dankort

Virtually all Danes have a Dankort , a debit card, which can be used in almost every shop in Denmark. You can get a Dankort  , if you have a Danish bank account.

 

Banks

Banks are open Monday to Friday between 9.30am - 4pm. Most banks have extended their opening hours on Thursdays to 6pm. In smaller towns and villages the opening hours might be shorter. The banks are closed on weekends.
 

Opening an account

If you wish to open a Danish bank account, you need to have a Danish CPR-number and an address in Denmark. You should also bring your ID-card, e.g. passport with you when you want to open the account. In most cases it is free of charge to open an account, however, you should ask the bank for advice about the different options and the costs associated with them.
   

Student jobs

Many Danish students have a part-time job while they are studying. Students from outside the EU/EEA can apply for a work permit as part of their residence permit, which entitles them to work for up to 15 hours a week during the semester, and full time during the summer holiday, i.e. June, July and August. For more information, please see the section Residence and work permit

Taxation

The general rule is that any income, earned in Denmark, is subject to taxation in Denmark, whereas any income earned in another country is subject to tax in that particular country. Denmark has entered into double taxation agreements with a number of countries in order to avoid that tax is paid on the same income in both countries. Prior to departure you should contact the local tax authorities in your home country to settle this matter.

International students are not generally liable to pay tax on their student grants. However, if paid work is undertaken in Denmark, tax will normally be deducted if the income exceeds your personal allowance. Please contact the local Danish tax authorities for further information.

Getting around

The roads in Denmark are of good quality and relatively uncongested, which means that you can easily get to the countryside and enjoy the nature as well as the charming small villages.

The bicycle is a much-used means of transportation in Denmark and an excellent alternative to a car. It is very easy, cheap and practical to have a bike and your fellow Danish students will have one too.

The Danish public transport system

It is easy to get around in Denmark. You can travel to most cities in Denmark by either train or bus. The transportation infrastructure is well-developed and Danish rail, DSB, as well as various bus companies operate throughout the country.

Travel costs within the cities are usually relatively low, whereas longer distances may seem a bit expensive. However, cheap bus lines are in operation, for example between Århus and Copenhagen as well as Ålborg and Copenhagen. Furthermore, in Copenhagen and other cities you have the opportunity to buy a monthly season ticket. Prices vary, depending on the number of zones you need. Finally, the capital is the only city in Denmark with a subway, called the Metro . Our public transport system is renown for its punctuality, so don't be five minutes late and expect the bus to still be there.

Denmark – an excellent starting point for European travelling

Denmark's central position in Europe makes the country a great starting point if you want to visit other parts of the continent. There are various way of doing this. Many young people opt for the Inter-rail – also known as Euro-rail, option. If you want to discover a specific region, there are other versions of Inter-rail, e.g. Nordic-rail for a period of for example two weeks to explore Scandinavia.