Information and tips for Erasmus students in Copenhagen

Can you imagine doing your Erasmus in Copenhagen? Denmark’s capital is an ideal destination for international students due to its quality of life, its young atmosphere and its excellent universities, such as the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark. With a large student community and a wide cultural offering, this Scandinavian city offers a unique experience. Its location also allows easy travel to other European cities.

The cost of living in Copenhagen is high compared to other European cities, but with good planning, it’s possible to find affordable options. For example, cycling is a popular means of transport, allowing students to save on commuting.

Discover all that Copenhagen has to offer!

Cost of living in Copenhagen, Denmark

The cost of living in Copenhagen is high, but with good planning, it's possible to stick to a certain budget. Including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment, a student in Copenhagen will spend between 8.950-10.442 DKK (approx. 1.200-1.400 €) per month, depending on their lifestyle.

The biggest expense for a student is usually accommodation. Rooms in shared apartments cost between 4.000-6.000 DKK (approx. 535-800 €) per month, so it's important to keep this in mind when planning your stay. A single room in a student residence costs, on average, 6.632 DKK (approx. €890) per month.

Public transport is efficient, but the most popular option among students is the bicycle. Copenhagen is designed for cycling, with dedicated bike lanes and parking throughout the city. If you prefer public transport, a monthly subscription is around 372 DKK (approx. 50 €).

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a very active student life. Although it's not the city with the most intense nightlife, there are plenty of options to go out. The most popular bars and clubs between students are located in the centre and in neighbourhoods like Nørrebro and Vesterbro. Some popular places are Gensyn Amager, Huset KBH, Studenterhuset, Eiffel bar, and The Old Irish Pub.

If you prefer quieter plans, there are many alternatives. You can stroll through the King's Gardens (Kongens Have), relax on the banks of the Nyhavn Canal or visit the free neighbourhood of Christiania. The city also hosts cultural events such as the Copenhagen Jazz Festival and the Distortion Festival, which fill the streets with music and activities.

For nature lovers, the city parks, such as Østre Anlæg or Fælledparken, are ideal for picnics or outdoor sports. In addition, you can visit the island of Amager to enjoy the beach and cycling routes.

Culture and gastronomy in Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen mixes the contemporary with the Baroque and Romantic, and, for this reason, simply by visiting the city and its streets you can learn about the city's lifestyle and culture.

History buffs can visit the Amalienborg Palace (Amalienborg Slot), the residence of the Danish royal family, or Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot), where the crown jewels are kept. In addition, the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) is a must to learn about the history of the country.

As for gastronomy, in Copenhagen you can try traditional Danish dishes like the "smørrebrød" (rye bread with different ingredients such as herring or roast beef), the "frikadeller" (Danish meatballs) or the"pølser" (hot dogs).

For cheap and delicious food, you can visit places like Morgenstedet, The Union Kitchen or Scurry Hub.

Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Copenhagen

Before deciding on an Erasmus experience in Copenhagen, we recommend you understand the pros and cons so you're well prepared.

Advantages

• The kindness of Copenhageners makes it easy to get to know the culture and the city to the fullest.
• Even if you don't speak the official language, most locals will understand you if you speak to them in English.
• The cultural offering in Copenhagen is very diverse. You’ll be able to visit museums and galleries of all kinds. Even the architecture of its buildings shows the advancement in architectural style and how different eras have come together!
• The city is designed to get around by bicycle, making it easy to travel without spending a lot of money.
• The location of the city allows one to travel easily to other destinations in Scandinavia and Europe.

Disadvantages

• The cost of living in Copenhagen is high, which can be a challenge for students on a tight budget.
• The weather is cold in winter, with low temperatures and few hours of daylight, which can affect outdoor plans.
• Although many people speak English, Danish remains the main language in some academic and social settings.

Cheap student accommodation in Copenhagen, Denmark

Are you looking for accommodation in Copenhagen? In Erasmus Play you can easily and quickly compare and find the best flats, rooms, and residences for Erasmus students in Copenhagen. Don't hesitate, let us help you!

FAQ about an Erasmus in Copenhagen

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