Erasmus Experience in Aalborg, Northern Denmark by Sergi

Why did you decide to go to Aalborg, Denmark?

I have alway wanted to know Nordic culture. Moreover, the final project that they assigned me was really interesting.

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

I obtained a scholarship for 6 months, from February till July. They assigned me the Erasmus and the Agaur scholarships. I do not remember how much money I received.

How is the student environment in Aalborg?

In Aalborg there is a good student environment. You can find a very active student organization, which organizes parties every Wednesday in the StudentHouse; this association also organizes trips all around Denmark during your staying, and prices are affordable. Everything is really well organized through a Facebook group.

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

Aalborg is a big town, rather than a city. You can go to all theplaces by bike, even if there is also a good bus network: you can go everywhere by bus as well, and any time you prefer.

There are many supermarkets, which are spread all around the city: this way, you don't have to do a long way to go shopping. Talking about the University, there is nothing negative, in my opinion. I was doing my final project there, and all the people and university staff was helping me in doing that. They were always available to help in what I needed.

What about the Danish food?

Danish cuisine is nothing special. As an anectode, I could say about that day in which we went with a Danish friend to a typical Danish restaurant. Once arrived there, we asked for the most typical food that they had, and what we had was breaded meat pieces. It was nothing compared to Spanish cousine.

Was the accomodation in Aalborg expensive?

Some months before arriving there, when you receive the letter of acceptance from the University, the same University sends you a questionnaire of the place in which you would like to live. In this questionnarie, it is asked to you if you prefer living alone, or if you prefer to share facilities, with a local family, and if you prefer to live close to the University or to the city centre. They will respond you trying to respect your requests. If you respect the deadlines, it is not difficult to find a place to live.

How much does it cost to live in Aalborg?

Denmark is a costly place to live.

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

Even if the official language is Danish, everybody speaks English without any difficulty. The University offers you free courses of Danish language.

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

From Barcelona the cheapest way to arrive to Aalborg is with Ryanair. There is a Girona-Aarhus way, and once that you arrive in Aarhus take the train to Aalborg. The most comfortable way is to take the direct flight by Vueling: Barcelona-Aalborg. I recommend the Vueling flight, because the price difference is really low, if you consider that Danish trains are not so cheap.

Which places would you recommend to go partying in Aalborg?

In Aalborg, everybody goes partying in the street that is simply known as "The Street" (Jomfru Ane Gade street in the city map). That is the most famous bar-zone in Northern Europe, because in a single road you can find more than 20 different pubs. The places called Nielsen and Salt are the ones in which you can find the majority of Erasmus people.

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

As I already said, Denmark is an expensive place to live. Young people rarely go to have dinner in restaurants. Even if it's said, the cheapest places where I have eaten were McDonald's and Subway.

And what about cultural sites?

If you go to the information site they will suggest you two tours, which you have to take by yourself following the instructions in the paper that they give you.

Following these two roads, you will visit all the interesting things of Aalborg. Moreover, just outside the city you can see the Viking cemetery.

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

Just find an accommodation close to the centre, and the most important, enjoy The Street!