As I was writing my Master’s thesis and approaching the end of my long study journey in Denmark, I decided to share my experience and offer a few practical tips to future international students.
Studying abroad can become one of the most rewarding periods of your life, but good preparation can make the experience much easier.
My first piece of advice is to choose affordable accommodation.
Before moving abroad, I believed that living in the city centre would be worth paying a high rent. I wanted a comfortable place where I could relax after classes. However, I soon realised that students rarely spend as much time at home as they expect.
Between university, independent study, work, friends, and events, everyday life becomes very busy. By choosing a cheaper room, shared house, or student residence, you can spend less time working and use your money for travel, activities, and other experiences.
Finding affordable accommodation that meets your expectations is not easy, so start searching as early as possible. I especially recommend student residences. They are often cheaper than private apartments, your neighbours are students facing similar challenges, and community events make meeting people much easier.
Student housing platforms and local social media groups for international residents and people moving to Aarhus can also be very useful. You never know where the right offer may appear.
Another essential part of studying abroad is building friendships outside your own national community.
At first, speaking English every day may feel uncomfortable. You may worry about making mistakes or expressing yourself incorrectly, but it becomes easier very quickly when you keep trying.
Spending time only with people from your home country may feel safe, but you moved abroad to broaden your horizons. International communities regularly organise social and cultural events, while the university’s Introduction Week is one of the best opportunities to meet your future classmates.
Participate from the beginning, even if you are shy. The people you meet during your first weeks may become your closest friends and an important part of your support system abroad.
Denmark is not an inexpensive country, so finding a part-time job can also make student life more comfortable. Danish salaries are generally higher than those in many other European countries, and employment gives you valuable experience that may help when applying for a full-time position after graduation.
Finding work may take time, so do not become discouraged after the first rejection.
Temporary employment agencies are one option. Social media groups, university contacts, and recommendations from friends can be equally valuable. I found my job at Trendhim through Facebook after a friend saw that the company was recruiting and tagged me in the advertisement.
Sending my CV and attending the interview was stressful, but the opportunity was worth the effort.
Universities also organise career events that students should use. Aarhus University, for example, held company networking events where I could meet people from large organisations and learn more about possible career paths.
You never know which conversation, event, or new connection may lead to your next opportunity.
I would also recommend trying to learn Danish.
Many people say that Danish is extremely difficult and unnecessary because most Danes speak excellent English. It is true that you can study and even find work without speaking Danish.
However, learning at least the basics can still make a major difference. Language courses may be available free of charge, and another language is always a useful qualification when applying for future positions.
Most importantly, understanding basic Danish helps you connect with local people and feel more at home in the country where you live.
As I now approach the end of my studies, I often ask myself whether moving to Denmark was worth it.
Perhaps staying in my home country would have been easier. I might have faced fewer difficulties, but every path comes with its own challenges. Had I stayed, they would simply have been different ones.
Denmark taught me how to manage money, search for accommodation, build friendships across cultures, find work, communicate confidently, and create an independent life in another country.
The difficulties did not reduce the value of the experience. They became part of what made it so valuable.
My years in Denmark expanded my horizons and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, this adventure was worth every challenge I had to overcome.
