Erasmus Experience in Copenhagen, Denmark by José Luis

Why did you choose to go to Copenhagen, Denmark?

I wanted to go to an English speaking country but as there were no interesting places at my university, I decided to go to Copenhagen since the university course was completely taught in English (the majority of university education is taught in English, especially masters).

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How long is the scholarship for? How much money do you receive as aid?

The scholarship lasted for 10 months. I received €200 a month aid, which barely gave me enough to pay half of what the student hall cost me.

Bear in mind that Copenhagen is a place with a high standard of living and that the economic aid is testimonial.

How is student life in Copenhagen?

It's a very multicultural atmosphere; as much for the large amount of people from other countries coming here to study, due to the fact for Europeans, education is free in Denmark.

Given that the country is practically bilingual, you won't have problems communicating in English.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Copenhagen to other students?

Of course.

How is the country's food?

They like organic food a lot. Although they like fast and ready prepared food too much and you will find hamburger and hot dog stands in every corner of the city.

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Owing to the influence of the Arab population, the food usually is quite related to these customs.

In general, I didn't like it too much and it's quite expensive to go food shopping.

Did you find it difficult to find accommodation in Copenhagen?

The university itself found me the accommodation in a hall (not a student one as you may think) so I didn't have any problems.

However, they insistently recommended me to accept it when I wasn't very sure whether I wanted to go in that hall, since it's tremendously complicated to find rooms in the city in short periods of time. They are usually very expensive and there are also many false advertisements trying to rip off students, aware of the shortage of rooms.

If the university grants you a hall, I recommend you to accept it. Once there, you'll have all the time you want to look for a flat without any predicaments.

How much does it cost to live in Copenhagen?

It's a rather expensive standard of living.

• The average price for public transport (which is very good and efficient) is around €100, depending on where you live (I was a 20 minute train journey from the centre).
• The hall was around €400 (rooms in the centre can be double or triple the price. In the neighbourhoods surrounding the city, a room could be around €400-500 (if you can find one)).

How is the language? Did you go to any courses at the University?

Danish is one of the most difficult languages to learn, especially the matter of pronunciation. Don't think you are going to learn to much of the language.

The Danish government offers free courses once you register at the town hall, that you live there legally (through Danish CPR -DNI).

I recommend going, even if it may only be to learn the basics of the culture and language. The Danish appreciate the interest in learning it too.

What is the most economic way of getting to Copenhagen from your city?

I used the Iberia Erasmus promotion, for which I got cheaper flights with the company.

My usual journey was Coruña/Alvedro-Madrid/Barajas-Copenhagen.

Other companies are Vueling or SAS.

And to eat in Copenhagen? Can you name your favourite places?

Eating out varies in price. The typical places selling pizza slices, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. were our usual places.

And as a cultural visit?

The city is precious. It has great architecture and a large amount of monuments and things to see.

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I also recommend you to go on a tour throughout the entire country, visiting the most important cities until getting to the country's northern point called Skagen, where you will see the waves of the North and Baltic seas clash together.

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

You will never regret living in this city.