Experience in Slagelse, Denmark by Melek

What is it like to live in Slagelse? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Slagelse is one of the smaller cities of Denmark, it is approximately a 45 minutes' travel away from the capital, Copenhagen, and is extremely close to the bridge Storebælt - So you know which side of Denmark you're landing on.

It is a city under visible development for the past couple of years only. The city is known to invest a lot in becoming a city known for its educational institutions as we have all sorts of those and students willing to come here from all over Denmark and from abroad. 

Our high school, Slagelse Gymnasium, and University of Southern Denmark Campus Slagelse, are doing a fairly good job of attracting the largest number of non-local students, even exchange students from other nations.

If you wan't to live and study in Denmark, Slagelse is a good option and an affordable one at that. Also, everything you'll need will pretty much be a walking distance away. You couldn't even be lost if you wanted to as the roads are easy to navigate and the buildings are easily destinctive.

Recently, we've had our small mall undergo a process of modernization where it was equipped with much brighter interior, rooms and a few interesting shops. The increase in the number of shops to visit is a certain plus - and the newer additions all appeal to young students and are affordable.

Slagelse is a great place - but to a certain degree. Do bear in mind: we don't have much to offer if you like to take photos of beautiful and unspoiled nature and sculptures, visit high-end shops and seek not-so-crowded cafés. Yes we have lots of young people coming to the city by train and car, but we still cannot make them interested enough to walk around town repeatedly and hang out with us local students, as there isn't much variety. But we can hold your interest for a while - Or we will offer to go places with you. Visit the cities nearby or take a fun trip to Copenhagen. It's do-able with how well and easy transportation to and from CPH >< Slagelse is.

What is the student lifestyle like in Slagelse?

We miss student-friendly coffee shops and other interesting places to sit and have a talk freely without having to get up because it's becoming too crowded at the end of the day. Sure, we have a bar and cafeteria for students of University of Southern Denmark, but we would like real coffee shops appealing to a young generation especially - and not just all-rounders. So students, you may have to do with sticking with what you can get while we all await the next-best thing.

But we can entertain you with seasonal festivities outdoors at least - So look forward to that! 

So, choose Slagelse for its seasonal outdoorsy festivities - aaaand, for its cheap and convenient accommodation offers and fairly cheap activities. If you value a good deal, chances are that Slagelse could do it for you.

How much does it cost to live in Slagelse?

There are student housings, places rented out to students especially and many other cheap options - and even cheaper if you choose to rent from the lesser desired neighbourhoods (which just happen to have a bad reputation but isn't really anything serious e.g. Nordbyen [Kierulffsvej] and Ærøvej). You could easily find something between 3.000 and 5.000 DKK, water and electric bill included or you could find a roommate.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Slagelse? Is there any advice you can give?

Your institution and the students will be able to help. There are often ads from students to students on 'the information board'.

Also, there are several websites as well as local home 'dealers' who may be able to help.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There are lots of options:
- Döner & kebab (so many places to choose from! And it's the best of all over Denmark!)
- Bagels
- Mc Donalds, Sunset Bouleward, Burger King.
- 2x frozen yoghurt
- Baresso
- several coffee shop x restaurant mixes
- Several restaurants: Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian etc.
- Several local shops and discount stores if you are a DIY person.

What places would you recommend visiting in Slagelse?

- Vedtsjællandscenteret (our mall)
- Bildsø Strand (beach)
- Lystskoven (the wood)
- Anlægget (park with ducks and a - playground for children)
- Slagelse Hallen (sports hall for matches and shows)

Is the nightlife good in Slagelse? Where is good to go?

Several options but chances are that they are all overcrowded or will be.

What advice would you give future students heading to Slagelse?

If you like to take it easy and would like to stay in a calm and quiet city, then Slagelse could definitely work out. IF you have people to go out and have fun with.

We have poor job opportunities in the city besides cleaning jobs.