Erasmus Experience in Odense, Denmark by Cécile

Why did you choose to go to Odense, Denmark?

This is the third biggest city in Denmark, home of Andersen, very typical. The city is full of students, it's perfect for an Erasmus semester or even a year!

There are a lot of parks, biking is very easy there and the best way to circulate in the city and to go to the university.

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

Erasmus typical scholarship, it depends on the country you come from but it's quite enough if you are careful. Denmark is a very expensive but you can always find some cheap (and not bad) products.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Odense?

The city centre is very cool, no car, just pedestrian and bike areas.

There are a lot of bars, clubs to go out. The A bar is the place for Erasmus students on Thursday nights... what a blast! Alcohols in bars are not very expensive and streets are safe. The university (2 campuses) is very big so there are a lot of students. When I was there, the university gave us some free tickets to go on theatre, to a concert and other stuff.

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

Of course! It was a great experience. The university is nice, with a swimming pool (free access for students). Great city (with very strange sculptures... you will see... ), good university: very good choice for some unforgettable months.

The city is also not so far from Copenhagen.

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What is the food like?

In Denmark, gastronomy is not the best point... the traditional food is more about fish.

To be honest, I ate more Italian food than Danish food. But you can of course find every products you want on supermarkets.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Odense?

No, the university did it for me. I was in a student accommodation building in the city centre, in the middle of a park (Teknisk Kollegium), so great location.

How much does it cost to live in Odense?

Honestly I don't remember but life is generally expensive in Denmark... but students always find a way to make it work!

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

Danish sounds a little like German, so German students can understand Danish without too much difficulties.

When I was there (2009), we didn't have the possibility to take Danish courses at the university but you can register to take some courses given by the city for newcomers. I didn't take those because they began 2 months after I arrived in Odense.

But Danish can speak English, no problem, so you don't have to speak Danish to go there and enjoy your stay.

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

I come from France. I took a plane with Easyjet, from Paris to Copenhagen. After, there are trains often and Odense is on the main train road so it's easy to catch one.

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

A bar (Australian bar) on Thursday nights, LA bar and so much that I can't remember. Go on the internet you will find a lot of names!

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

Restaurants in Denmark are expensive, so for me the best restaurant was my kitchen with the other Erasmus students... Sorry, can't help on that one.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Andersen museum and village, churches, parks...

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

Just enjoy because it will be the best months of your education. Odense is a great place to go one semester or one year.