Denmark » Living in Copenhagen

The Location

Copenhagen is characterized by its eclectic mix of old and new, of tradition and experimentation. With structures and monuments that date from the medieval through the modern periods, nestled up against some of the most futuristic of postmodern architectural wonders, Copenhagen is like an interactive museum of the history of architecture. Along with other Scandinavians (and the Finns), the Danes are at the forefront of most new trends in design, from functional buildings to ergonomic furnishings, and from innovative lighting designs to new techniques of agriculture and energy production.

International flights into Copenhagen sweep down over a large wind farm, with sleek, modern windmill towers standing proudly on the Baltic Sea floor like a green-energy battalion positioned to greet all newcomers. Moments later, though, as travelers ride the high-speed trains into the city, there are new sights to greet them: Tivoli, a Nordic theme park located in the heart of Copenhagen (literally across the street from the main train station); a wealth of small and large museums, cultural centers, and other points-of-interest; a plethora of tantalizing cafés, restaurants, and Danish pubs; nightclubs and discotheques; and all the historical charm one expects in a major European city. Boasting one of the world's longest network of pedestrian-only streets, and famous residents like the Little Mermaid (the statue and corresponding fairy tale both pre-date the Disney movie!), Copenhagen is a non-stop extravaganza of new experiences.

Practical and down-to-earth, Danes are less effusive than their southern European cousins, but once you get past their matter-of-fact exterior, Scandinavians are wonderful, warm people who make deep and lasting friendships. In Copenhagen, students are hard-pressed to find a Dane who does not speak English fluently--many of them well enough to easily pass as native speakers. For those participants who seek a little more cultural immersion, however, the CBS does offer a few ways to start learning Danish language and a little about the culture. In general, due to the relaxed and easygoing Danish culture, and the presence of a vast diversity of international students and other residents in Copenhagen, participants find the location to be a highly desirable one for both intensive business studies and daily student life. With its more than 1.7 million residents, Copenhagen is truly an ideal destination for business students seeking an international experience in an urban center of global proportions.

Accommodations

Housing is arranged through the CBS International Office. Students may live in homes, private apartments or residence halls. Cooking facilities are available in all housing options or students may eat inexpensively in university dining halls.

Since there are only limited offerings of apartments and kollegium (residence hall) rooms, students are strongly encouraged to apply for their housing as soon as OUS provides the forms. Participants in all terms, and especially the busy fall semester, must be prepared to live in rented rooms in private homes, as this option offers the greatest number of places for foreign students.

Participants are not obligated to use the housing provided by the CBS International Office, but those who attempt to find their own housing in Copenhagen generally find that it is a tight market with expensive rents, much like New York City or San Francisco. In addition, students with no background in Danish may face extreme difficulties in learning about housing openings across the city. Given the circumstances of city life in Copenhagen, students are strongly encouraged to use the housing placement services provided.

On-Site Support

Throughout your stay, you will receive academic and advising support from the CBS International Office. Fall and winter/spring students will also be assisted by a CBS “buddy,” a Danish student who will meet them and orient them to the city and university.

Campus Contacts

Click on the name of your University for contact information.

* Also serves as the program Coordinator/Assistant.

Downloads

• Program Application
• Denmark Program Handbook
• This is Something Else
• Denmark Slideshow

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