Montse's Erasmus Experience in Aarhus, Denmark

Why did you choose to go to Aarhus, Denmark?

I didn't really choose it for a single, specific reason; I've always wanted to go to a Scandinavian country for an Erasmus exchange. So, when my university published the list of universities with which exchange placements were offered, I went directly to the Nordic ones. In the end, it worked out that I could only go to Aarhus (Denmark) or to Trondheim (Norway), and after doing a little bit of research about the reputation of both universities, I opted for Aarhus Universitet.

How long does the grant last for? How much money do you receive as support?

Aarhus Universitet accepts exchange students for both a semester (Fall Semester or Spring Semester) as well as for the entire academic year. I requested the year-long grant and I received, on average, approximately 300€ a month.

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What is student life like in Aarhus?

Aarhus is a student city, among which a large percentage are international students. There is a really strong student-orientated atmosphere, the facilities are incredible, and you have everything you could ever imagine needing whilst studying here.

Would you recommend the city and Aarhus Universitet to other students?

Definitely, yes. If I had to go back and do my Erasmus exchange again, I would return to Aarhus without a shadow of a doubt. Denmark is simply incredible.

What is the food like in Denmark?

Food is a weak spot for Denmark. The Danish are really obsessed with eating healthily and staying in shape, so all of the foods with elevated levels of fat or sugar are more expensive because an additional tax is imposed upon them (products like cheese, packaged foods, chocolate, etc. ). With regards to Denmark's gastronomy, there are lots of sandwiches, frankfurters, pizza slices, or anything else designed to be consumed quickly, that are eaten at midday; for this reason, there are lots of places that sell street food. Mind you, the typical bread is made of rye and it's difficult to get used to. The typical Danish dishes are very diverse - there are some very simple ones that everyone usually likes (made from potatoes and bacon, rice with milk, etc. ), and others that are more difficult to get used to (different raw fish, rye bread, etc. ). But, in general, there is a lot of variety and there is no difficulty in trying to find really basic ingredients, or even international food.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Aarhus?

Luckily, I didn't have to search for accommodation myself, as my university searched for it on my behalf. But, yes, it is true that, for those of my friends who did have to look by themselves, it is difficult to find accommodation, as the demand outweighs the supply that exists.

How much does it cost to live in Aarhus?

Denmark is expensive, so, consequently, Aarhus is also expensive. Food is expensive, transport is expensive, accommodation is expensive (although it is not as expensive as it is in other cities)... everything is expensive except the university (which is free). I worked out that each month I was spending a total of approximately 800€.

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What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

Everyone in Denmark speaks English with perfect pronunciation (the elderly included). And the university, of course, offers classes in English both for exchange students as well as the Danes. What's more, there is an organisation (called LaerDansk) that offers free Danish classes for your first two years of learning the language. I tried to get to the first language level, but it was too difficult and I stopped, although I ended up learning quite a bit in the supermarket.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Aarhus from your city?

Flying from Girona to Aarhus with Ryanair (and catching a bus from the airport to the city centre that costs 100Kr). During the winter months, Aarhus Airport closes, so you have to go via Billund (and then take a bus from the airport to Aarhus city centre that costs 180Kr). I think you can also go via Alicante and Palma de Mallorca. And from other Spanish cities, you can fly to Copenhagen, and, from there, take the 888 bus to Aarhus, which has a 50% discount applied upon presentation of any student ID card, and the tickets cost 150Kr.

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Aarhus?

The whole avenue next to the canal (Busgaden) and the area surrounding the cathedral (Klostertorvet) are full of bars that are worth going to. Mind you, the university parties that take place every Friday at the bars in each faculty, Fredagsbar, are compulsory - especially the one in the Faculty of Medicine. And for those of you going in spring, the festivals that take place in the streets are spectacular - you cannot miss going to them.

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And eating out in Aarhus? Can you name your favourite places?

Eating out was super expensive, although the canteens and the bar in the Faculty of Mathematics, Nobelparken and ASB had good offers and the food was nice. A restaurant with good, but typical food (which isn't too expensive) is Pinden.

And cultural hotspots?

Dyrehaven Deer Park and the Den Gamle By (outdoor museum of the city's Old Town) are definitely compulsory visits. Aarhus also has the ARoS (modern art museum), which is also very impressive and pretty to see, above all the rainbow and the exhibitions on the lower floors.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Aarhus?

Simply to enjoy the experience because it's incredible, and when it ends, you will miss it. Although the weather can be really horrible during the winter months, in April, and especially in May and June, it really improves, and it makes having put up with bad weather all year worth it.

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