Aarhus is Denmark's second-largest city; abuzz with students and a strong start-up community, the city is one of Europe's cultural hotspots and a welcoming place for expats to call home. Its strategic location as a port city also makes Aarhus a busy area for shipping and offshore activities.
Student accommodation in Aarhus
With a sizeable student population of more than 35,000 students, Aarhus has an abundance of student accommodation options. However, this means that the city has a shortage of larger apartments and townhouses for non-students. Student room options are typically single rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Prices cost from DKK 2,500 upwards.
Read more about available student accommodation and prices on the Student Housing Aarhus website. This is the only website where international students can find accommodation; applications open six months before an intended program starts and rooms fill up quickly, so apply for a room as soon as you have received enrolment papers from one of the universities in Aarhus.
Neighbourhoods of Aarhus
The neighbourhoods of Aarhus are as varied and exciting as the cultural city itself; there are historic areas, neighbourhoods with a trendier vibe, suburban areas, green areas, etc. Whatever your style, Aarhus has accommodation to fit your needs.
City Centre and Latinerkvarteret
The city centre of Aarhus, also known as the ‘Midtbyen', is a trendy area with cultural buildings from the neoclassical era. Attractions include art galleries, quirky little cafés, and colourful houses lining cobblestone streets.
The Latin Quarter in Aarhus dates all the way back to the 14th century. It's one of the most attractive neighbourhoods in Aarhus, and rental prices in the area reflect the fact.
Aarhus Ø
Located on the waterfront is Aarhus Ø, a pristine area with the city's newest development and home to the modern 200-apartment building dubbed the ‘Isbjerget', or iceberg. Real estate in this area is amongst the most expensive in Aarhus, with a 2-room apartment costing over DKK 10,000.
Trøjborg
This is one of the areas favoured by locals and especially students. It is located next to the Aarhus University campus and has some lovely green areas, public spaces, and lots of cosy coffee shops. Accommodation options include shared rooms in villas, as well as smaller studio apartments.
Frederiksbjerg
Just like the Danish capital Copenhagen, Aarhus has its own Frederiksbjerg that is located just south of the city centre. It's a residential area with a mix of townhouses, shared buildings, and low apartment blocks.
Åbyhøj
Just west of Aarhus C is another suburban area with a variety of housing options for working couples and families. Rental prices here are slightly more affordable than those directly in the city centre.
Other areas
Other outlying areas with good connections to the city centrum include Fuglebakken, Christiansbjerg, and the areas of Kongsvang and Fredensvang. Ask friends or colleagues for advice about nice areas close to work.
Safety first
Unfortunately, some people try to take advantage of the housing shortage in Aarhus. Here are some steps to make sure that your rental contract is secure and legal:
- Always view the apartment in question before signing a contract or transferring deposit money. If you are unable to view it yourself, ask a friend or colleague to view it for you. If the apartment is difficult to view, chances are that it's a scam.
- It is illegal for students to sublet dorm rooms that are part of the university's student accommodation. If you are being offered one of these rooms, it's best to stay away.
- Choose accommodation that can be registered for CPR with the Aarhus municipality. If the advertisement or lease contract says CPR registration is not possible, it is not a legal rental unit.
Find more tips and things to look out for online.
Useful links:
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