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Student life in Copenhagen

Student life in Copenhagen
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Published on 15 August 2019
Updated byAnne-Lise Mestryon 16 August 2019

Arming yourself with relevant and helpful information about student life in Copenhagen is a great way to get ahead. Find the best accommodation, leisure activities, and student discounts with our guide below.

Student accommodation in Copenhagen

If you have already been accepted to a university in Copenhagen, the easiest way to find accommodation is to check with your host institution by visiting their website. Some institutions have on-campus accommodation or places in shared apartments and residence halls. Accommodation options may vary depending on whether you will be a student or PhD candidate/staff member.
Most universities offering courses for international students have set up a guide to help you find a place to stay. Here are some of the guides for the most popular universities in the city:
University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Housing Options
IT University of Copenhagen Housing Information
Copenhagen Business School Accommodation

Alternatively, have a look at student housing options in Copenhagen. It is also possible to rent a room in a shared apartment on a short-term basis from Danish students. There are lots of options available.

Some things to look out for when choosing accommodation:
Location and nearby facilities
Distance to where you will be studying
Access to public transport and bicycle routes
Inclusions and exclusions (there could be additional fees for electricity, internet, etc.)
Price
Initial deposit
Subleasing: if you are subleasing an apartment, make sure that the landlord/property owner is aware of the arrangement

Living costs in Copenhagen

Living costs in Copenhagen and Denmark, in general, are quite high. Setting up a budget for your time abroad is a great way to keep track of your expenses. Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on location and size ' check our guide on renting options for more information [hyperlink to article].

Similarly, food prices can vary significantly between supermarket choices and high-end restaurants. Luckily, there are some cheap (but tasty!) eats available all across the city. See our 'student discounts' section below for more tips on penny-pinching meals.

Leisure in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a great city to be a student. Aside from everything that the city has to offer in terms of attractions [hyperlink to article], parks, and events [hyperlink to article], there are some student-specific places to hang out.

The Studenter Huset is aptly named: a house for students, with everything from parties to flea markets, societies, and food right in the city centre. Discounts are available for UCPH students.

As an expat, the Exchange Student Network (ESN) is the perfect place to find fellow international friends and join activities including outings to other areas of Denmark. ESN activities are affordable and well-organised.

More information about university-specific student associations and volunteer opportunities can be found on university websites.

Student discounts in Copenhagen

Since the joy of student discounts ends once your studies are completed, it is a good idea to make the best of any discount you can find. Here are some of the best ones in Copenhagen:

Food and leisure

Many restaurants offer student discounts, and although some of the discounts might seem small, it is better than nothing. Ask about student discounts at popular dining places such as Burger King, KFC, and McDonald's. Lucky Sushi and The Bronx Burger Bar are also known for offering good discounts.

Museums and attractions in Copenhagen sometimes offer free or discounted entry prices for students. Check on the relevant webpages or ask when you buy tickets. Student hangouts and bars/pubs in student areas might have some great offerings, too.

Transport

Some students may be eligible for a youth ticket to use public transportation. Read about the 'ungdomskort' guidelines online.

Many of the Scandinavian airlines (e.g. sas.no and Norwegian.no) offer highly discounted youth tickets for students under the age of 26. The discount can be applied directly on the airline website, and proof of age will need to be presented at the check-in counter.

Miscellaneous

Vester Kopi has five locations across the city where study-related printing jobs can be discounted by up to 50%. Binding services are also discounted.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

List of Copenhagen's guide articles

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All of Copenhagen's guide articles