Erasmus experience in Aalborg (architecture, Masters, 1st semester)

Why did you decide to go to Aalborg, Denmark?

Not too hot, everyone speaks good English, lectures in English, and Denmark is known for its good architecture (what I'm studying).

How long does the scholarship last? How much money do you receive as a grant?

5 months, I got 80% upfront, and I'll receive the other 20% when I get back. I receive approximately 550 euros per month.

How is the student environment in Aalborg?

The student community is brilliant! Many organizations and clubs, a student house with organized parties and events, active and helpful FB groups...

Would you recommend the city and Aalborg University to other students?

I think the size of the city is just perfect - big enough to find anything you could ever want, yet small enough to feel cozy and be easy to get around. It has an excellent bike path network and you can get anywhere in 20 minutes or less. The study experience depends on the course you're taking. I was slightly disappointed with the architecture course, as it is unnecessarily technical.

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What about the Danish food?

On average, the Danes have very poor eating habits (or maybe that's just the student way of life). Avoid eating out, because it's ridiculously expensive. The main meal of the day is dinner, and lunch breaks are very short, just so they can go home 15 minutes earlier.

Was the accomodation in Aalborg expensive?

I applied for a dorm room a few months before arriving here. The one I got was in the suburbs, not the newest or prettiest, but I have my room with a private bathroom and a shared kitchen. The building also includes a locked bike garage, washing machines, a gym, a sauna! a cinema room, and a common club room with a bar and pool tables. I pay 360 euros per month, which includes water, electricity, heating, and the internet... great value! Aalborghus Kollegiet is awesome!

How much does it cost to live in Aalborg?

A lot! In addition to the rent, my monthly expenses are usually around 300 euros per month for food and some occasional entertainment.

What about the language? Did you go to some language courses at the University?

The university offers Danish courses, but I did not take them due to lack of time, and because I already had some prior knowledge of the language. Everybody speaks English, so communication is not a problem. The Danish language itself is very easy to read and write, but borderline impossible to understand and speak!

What is the cheapest way to go to Aalborg from your city?

I drove from Ljubljana to Aalborg, which is about 16 hours by car, but it's probably not the most affordable option. Other Slovenes have been flying from Ljubljana or Trieste to Copenhagen, and then took the train to Aalborg. Another option is a connecting flight to London Stansted, and then a very cheap flight directly to Aalborg airport.

Which places would you recommend to go partying in Aalborg?

There is a famous street in the city called Jomfru Anne Gade, where there is nothing else but pubs and bars. On Friday and Saturday nights, it's always packed. There are international nights at the Student house every Saturday (my favorite), and many parties are organized in many dorm buildings.

And what about going out for lunch/dinner in Aalborg? Can you cite your favorite places?

Everything is too expensive to eat out regularly. Running sushi offers an all-you-can-eat menu on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays for around 14 euros and the food is acceptable. Grillen is a nice place to get burgers.

And what about cultural sites?

There is a Viking cemetery and museum in Lindholm part of Nørresundby (just across the "fjord" which is not a fjord).

Is there any suggestion that you would like to give to future students on Aalborg?

Be ready to end up broke due to the prices, and buy a bike! I'm 4 months now, and I have never taken the bus (which costs 50 euros per month! ). You can easily get a bike for around 80-100 euros and sell it afterward.