Live the unforgettable! Erasmus Experience in Horsens, Denmark (2006/2007)

Why did you choose to go to Horsens, Denmark?

I've always wanted to visit Scandinavia and get to know a bit more about the culture of these countries. Having Denmark and Sweden among the options of Erasmus destinations I could choose from, it became quite easy for me to put these 2 countries on top of my application's country list. Besides the general curiosity about the countries, it was the fact that the universities could offer me classes in English and all the facilities I would need (accommodation on campus included), which made it even an easier choice. About Horsens specifically, I felt instantly welcomed by the university when I first visited their website, and I liked the idea of a college with an international atmosphere within a small city, which would make it easier to create bonds with fellow Erasmus students.

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How long is the grant? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

My Erasmus grant lasted for 5 months (2006/2007) and if I'm not mistaken, I received around 430€ per month. This money is enough to pay for your accommodation and a few more daily expenses.

What is the student lifestyle like in Horsens?

With Horsens being a small city (around 55, 000 inhabitants), it becomes quite easy to meet all your friends who are likely to live at walking distance from you. VIA University College (previously known as Vitus Bering) has a great international atmosphere as most of their courses are in English and they receive plenty of international students from all over the world. During my Erasmus exchange, I'd say around 30% of the student population was comprised of exchange students. The atmosphere in classes feels quite social, with plenty of interaction, and throughout the day everyone gathers at the canteen (in the centre of the school) where, besides eating, you can also work/chat with your friends or play the piano.

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

Horsens is not such a culturally-rich city, nor a very busy one either. On the contrary, it is quite a peaceful and wealthy place and everything is walking or biking distance from you. However, there are quite some places to go out and if none are of your taste, you can always take a 30 minute journey by train to Aarhus, the 2nd city in Denmark, where for sure you will find plenty of interesting places either to party or just to spend some time with your friends during the day.

I'd definitely recommend VIA University College (Vitus Bering) as it has a really special international atmosphere and where you feel at home all the time. The facilities are new, the classes are interesting and there are plenty of activities you can choose from to spend your free time after school. Even if you might find the city itself too peaceful and even boring sometimes, don't worry, you will be surrounded by friends all the time and you'll always have something to do.

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What is the food like?

Restaurants in Denmark are quite expensive so we were not eating out so often. The food is usually quite good if you pay a reasonable amount of money for it. I enjoyed the meals at the school canteen, even though they are quite different from the ones in Portugal. In Denmark you eat a lot of meat and it's rare to eat fresh fish, for example. If you want to eat cheap outside of your home, there are plenty of pizza and kebab shops around.

How did you find your accommodation?

The university provided me accommodation, so that part was quite easy for me. As soon as I arrived in Horsens I got the key to my room at one of the university's residences. In order to get such accommodation I just needed to fill a form on their website a few weeks/months before going to Denmark.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

I was paying around 350€ for a flat with 3 rooms and a shared kitchen and WC. Everything was brand new as they had just finished the building. Prices in Denmark are quite expensive compared to most European countries. Everything that requires a service has a high price. For example, to eat in a restaurant don't expect to pay less than 20€, for a pint of beer in a pub 4€, for a cocktail 9€, bus ticket around 2€, cinema 12€, and so on. The prices at the supermarket are quite more acceptable though.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

The Danish language is quite difficult. I didn't learn the language as my classes were in English and I didn't really need to use Danish as everyone speaks English, from the gardener to the school principal.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Horsens from your city?

The trains in Denmark are expensive, so avoid travelling for example from Copenhagen to Horsens. I'd suggest either bus if you live in a neighbouring country with road access or flying with Ryanair to Aarhus or Billund, which are quite close to Horsens.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Horsens?

When I was in Horsens there were a few cool places to go out at night. Crazy Daisy was the biggest disco. Café Koks had live music. Besides that you will find a few more clubs, for sure there are some new spots now where students go to more often than a few years ago. Please notice that some of these places might not exist anymore or might have changed the name.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Horsens?

At the main pedestrian street, while walking towards the train station, there is a really good restaurant in a cellar by the right end of the street next to the electronic store Fona.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is not that much history in Horsens, so the best you can do is go for a bike ride (a nice walk will also do it) around the city with your friends, for sure you will find it pleasant. I definitely recommend grabbing a car and exploring the cities surrounding Horsens, you'll find really interesting towns and beautiful landscapes.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Horsens in the future?

If you are not sure whether you should go to Erasmus or to Horsens, don't think twice! GO! No matter where you end up going to, Erasmus will change your life and you will not regret it. It's an amazing experience that allows you to meet new cultures, make lots of friends, grow up, live independently, improve your English and CV, and spend the best time of your life! ENJOY IT!

If you feel like reading a bit more, I'll leave a link to my Erasmus blog - Source - that sums up my Erasmus experience and my advice to everyone who has a chance to do it.