How to Spend the First Semester in Denmark?

I recently wrote an article “From University to Your First Job in Denmark”, and I did not expect it to receive so much attention. Since then, I've received some private messages from master's students—especially international students just beginning their first semester—seeking advice on university life and living in Denmark. Many of the questions they asked are quite common.

This has inspired me to write this piece focusing on a crucial phase for international students: “How to Spend the First Semester in Denmark.”

The first semester in Denmark, particularly during the upcoming winter, can be a challenging time for international students. You may experience homesickness, loneliness, and academic pressures, all while in Denmark’s cold, dark winters, which can easily lead to a stressful feeling.

You are not alone in this journey—I went through the same experience seven years ago. I hope these tips can help you navigate:

1. Build Your New Routine

When you move to Denmark, everything may feel different, especially if you've traveled from far away. You will encounter differences in the weather, public transportation, cycling, or even grocery shopping.

After the initial excitement, it is essential to establish a routine that fits your lifestyle and the university schedule. Living in a rhythmic life (which means doing the same things approximately at the same time), can help you adapt to the new environment. This practice will also be important when you finish your education and start your first job in Denmark, a topic I’ll explore in future articles.

Here are some key considerations when building your routine:

• Center your routine around your school schedule: Structure your days around your academic timetable and prioritize attending classes in person. This is where you’ll learn and interact with fellow students and lecturers.
• Expecting challenges at school: Danish higher education is unique, often involving group work and oral exams. If you are coming from a country with a different education system, prepare for these challenges. Additionally, you may encounter language barriers, especially if English isn’t your first language. This is completely normal. From my own experience, most students find that it becomes less of an problem after the first seminar.
• Student jobs: Some first-semester students start considering internships and student jobs at this early timepoint, which is great. But, I recommend that waiting until you receive your first grades. This will give you a clearer understanding of how much effort do you need to invest in your studies, to achieve satisfactory results. You can then adjust later by taking student jobs or internships. As I mentioned in my previous article that, it’s essential to maintain a high average grades (GPA) for STEM students looking for their first jobs. If you rely on income from a student job to sustain your studies, consider flexible options. Most student jobs related to your field of study occur during the daytime, such as laboratory assistants in a company, which can mean additional commuting time and may conflict with your study schedule.
• Participate in Campus Events: Don’t miss out on campus events. Engaging in social activities like Friday bars is a fantastic way to connect with others.

2. Build Your New Social Network

Connecting with others is crucial during this time, to feel less lonely. Here are some suggestions:

• Join a Social Club: Look for clubs, whether sports, board game or other interests. Universities often support a variety of clubs, and you will find plenty of posters and flyers around campus. Feel free to try a few prior any commitment.
• Meet New People Around You: My personal experience was positive, as my study program was highly international. I lived in an international dormitory, which helped me connect with good friends from Ghana, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, and the US. I felt incredibly lucky. If you do not have the chances, try the below.
• Experiment with Different Experiences: Don’t hesitate to explore new activities and social offerings. Check Uniavisen (uniavisen.dk/en), Eventbrite (eventbrite.com), The Royal Library students only! (https://www.kb.dk/en/events/students-only) for social and cultural experience. The annual Culture Night (https://kulturnatten.dk/en/the-little-culture-night-in-copenhagen/) in the upcoming Friday is also a great offer to explore Copenhagen.
• Socialise Actively: Hang Out with Interesting People! If you meet someone intriguing during the intro week or at the university, consider inviting them to hang out. Social skills, especially in international settings, can significantly impact your career and life.
• Learning Danish (?): While many suggest learning Danish, my personal advice is that you might want to postpone it a bit. Language classes can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into Danish culture, but higher-level Danish classes (module 3+) demand significant time, approximately 10-15 h per week. Before committing to a long-term stay in Denmark, learning Danish is a big investment. Even after 2-year Danish language education, it may not immediately benefit you in the job market, especially for STEM graduates. But, if the university offers elementary Danish classes, take advantage of them when you’re ready.

3. Give Yourself Time and Practice “Hygge”

Besides the university and social time, it's essential to leave out time for yourself.

Personally, I didn’t face social challenges during my first semester; instead, I found myself overwhelmed by social opportunities. I intentionally set aside time on Saturday and Sunday mornings for solitude.

During these moments, I would reflect on what I had learned throughout the week and catch up on assignments. This time also allowed me to reconnect with family and friends back home, especially since time zone differences limited communication on weekdays.

4. Take Care of Yourself and Seek Help if Needed

Finally, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek assistance:

• Student Services: Universities (such as K?benhavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen or DTU - Technical University of Denmark ) often provide counseling and other support services for students.
• Head of Study: Reach out if you’re facing academic challenges.
• Danish Fellow Students: They can help with local matters. For instance, I needed a Danish classmate’s assistance to contact my GP.

Final Words

Research has shown that performance during the first semester is a strong predictor of a student’s overall GPA and future career development. It’s also the most challenging time for many students as they transition into a new environment. With these tips, I hope all new students have a successful and enjoyable experience in Denmark—academically, socially, and personally.