My Exchange at The University of Copenhagen
Going to Copenhagen was quite possibly the best decision I’ve made in my life. I have never expected to feel so at home in a city where I don’t speak the language. And 6 months later I still can’t speak much Danish, apart from my favourite phrase “unskyld, jeg snakker ikke dansk!” (Sorry, I don’t speak Danish!). But that doesn’t mean I didn’t immerse myself in the city, it’s just every time I tried to practice my Danish, I got a prompt and polite reply in English. There was always so much to see and do in the city, and there wasn’t a single week where there wasn’t some kind of festival or event going on. It was amazing being in a city that was so alive and vibrant.
And that’s to say nothing about the people. Staying at Signalhuset I was in an apartment with three other exchange students from South Korea, Australia, and Scotland. I made so many incredible friends during my time abroad that I’m still in touch with today. I even got the opportunity to visit and get a personal tour of the Scottish Highlands after semester ended and catch up with some of them. I really ended up out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I arrived at my accommodation at the start of February, and by the 10th of March I was in Iceland with friends I had only just met. It was exhilarating.
In terms of academics the University was perfect. The South Campus, where the Law and Humanities classes are, is gorgeous and modern. It was only finished a few years ago, and it is designed with students in mind. There are hundreds of spots for bikes, comfortable study spots, and delicious vegetarian canteens where you can get a full plate for basically 5 bucks. If you venture into the City campus you’ll be in the old town and surrounded by history, cafes, and my personal favourite spot for cinnamon rolls in Copenhagen. Getting around on the metro was so easy and convenient, so you’re never far from the next adventure.
Most importantly, Copenhagen was a place where I could spend my days exploring, learning, having fun, and experience true freedom. The city was pretty, the flights to everywhere else in Europe were cheap, and the experiences were truly once-in-a-lifetime. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering taking the time to see the world before you graduate.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
I really appreciated how much the lectures seemed like they were teaching because we wanted to learn rather than teaching what was required for a test. We had some really cool guest lecturers too, including a member of the UN Working Group for Mercenaries and a specialists from top universities across Europe.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
You have to jump into the canals. You just have to do it. On a summer’s day in Islands Brygge, there will be hundreds of people laying in the sun, people kayaking past, boat tours and ferries waving as they go by, and everyone jumping into the pristine water right in the middle of the city. In the winter, there are free saunas once a month to heat back up after you take the plunge.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. I know everyone says to get a bike, but the metro pass is so worth it and is almost as quick half the time! Plus it’s a lot warmer in the winter.
2. Skt. Peders Bageri is the oldest bakery in Copenhagen and has the best cinnamon rolls as well. Literally melts in your mouth incredible!
3. Copenhagen has so many incredible museums and art galleries that you’ll go broke trying to see them all. A lot of them have free entry on Wednesday or the last Wednesday of each month. Your wallet will thank you.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I paid for everything I could before I left: prepaid my rent, flights, hotels, everything. When I arrived I had a spreadsheet to keep track of my budget. That spreadsheet lasted a week total before I never looked at it again. I decided that I had worked all summer to save for this experience and I wanted to live it rather than worrying about whether I’d spent 50 or 100 krone on cute cafes that week. I might have come home absolutely broke, but I came home knowing I’d made the most of my time away.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
I’ve become more confident, more willing to try new experiences and step out of my comfort zone. It’s a terrible cliche but travel really does widen your horizons and next thing you know you’re doing things you never imagined.
