Practical matters guide
- Planning your stay in Aarhus
- Arriving in Aarhus
- Arriving at Aarhus University
- Studying at Aarhus University
- Living in Aarhus
- Language and culture courses
- Danish culture
- Travelling to Aarhus
- Leaving Aarhus
- Important addresses
- Useful links
Planning your stay in Aarhus
Before arrival
- Residence and work permit, visa
- Insurances (health and other)
- Accommodation and hotel bookings (temporary housing)
- Bringing your family
- What to bring with you
Residence and work permit
Your work permit is included in your residence permit. Rules regarding residence permits and/or work permits can change. You should therefore always consult the following web site: www.newtodenmark.dk
The information below only gives a brief introduction to the application procedure.
Nordic citizens
If you are a Nordic citizen, you are free to enter, reside, study and work in Denmark. You do not need a visa, residence or work permit.
EU/EEA citizens
If you wish to stay in Denmark for longer than three months, you must apply to the State Administration for Central Jutland (Statsforvaltningen) for proof of registration. You should submit your application no later than three months after entering Denmark. For more detailed information, please go to: www.newtoDenmark.dk under EU and Nordic citizens.
Other foreign citizens (stay of more than 3 months)
If you are planning to stay in Denmark for more than 3 months, you need to obtain a residence permit, which is valid for the prescribed period of your studies/work in Denmark. The application form is available on the Danish Immigration Service web site or at your local Danish embassy or consulate. The form consists of two parts. The University of Aarhus initiates the application process by completing part 2 of the application form.
Students must use the ST1 application form when applying for a residence and work permit.
The application form is available at www.newtodenmark.dk under Coming to Denmark>Studies>How to apply.
However, the university sends you the form along with your admission letter. If you have received a Danish state scholarship, the university will give this information to the Danish Immigration Service. If you are liable to pay tuition fees, you need to enclose documentation for the payment of tuition fees with your application.
You must send your application to the Danish diplomatic mission in your country. You must apply
for a Danish residence permit before you leave for Denmark. Apply at least 3 months prior to arrival.
Proof of financial support
Please be aware that the Danish immigration authorities require documentation of your ability to support yourself financially during the length of your stay.
You need to show evidence that applicable tuition fees have been paid, or that you have the adequate finances to cover the payment.
Active study requirements
It is a condition for the residence permit that you are active and enrolled in an educational programme. If this is not the case, the Immigration Service can revoke your residence permit. The educational institution is obliged to inform the Immigration Service if you are not actively following the educational programme.
www.newtodenmark.dk under Coming to Denmark>Studies>Higher educational programmes
If you have not received your residence/work permit before arriving in Denmark (non-EU/EEA residents)
You can submit your application to the Service Centre of the Immigration Service, or the local police.
Cancellation of residence and work permit if you do not stay in Denmark
If you remain outside Denmark for a longer period of time, your residence and work permit can be annulled. This happens if you give up your residence in Denmark or if you stay outside Denmark for longer than 6 months (or 12 months if you have been in Denmark for more than 2 years). You MUST apply for dispensation from having your residence and work permit cancelled BEFORE you leave Denmark. The application form (BF1 – ansøgning om dispensation fra bortfald af opholdstilladelse) is currently only available in Danish. Therefore please contact your programme coordinator to get help and more information.
Work
As a foreign student studying at a university you are entitled to work 15 hours a week, as well as full-time during the months of June, July and August.
Visa (stay of LESS than 3 months)
If you wish to visit Denmark for less than 3 months, you must obtain a visa prior to entry if you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering Denmark. You can find a list of countries whose citizens require a visa to enter Denmark here:
www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/coming_to_dk/visa/visa.htm
Visa (stay of MORE than 3 months)
If you wish to reside in Denmark for an extended period of time (more than 3 months), you must apply for a residence permit. This means that you do not need an additional visa to work or study in Denmark for a period longer than 3 months, provided you have a residence and work permit.
Insurances
Health insurance
Everyone residing in Denmark has the right to health insurance services as well as hospital assistance. Read more about the coverage at www.workindenmark.dk/Public_health_insurance/0/4/0
The yellow health insurance certificate (sygesikringsbevis) is your documentation that you are entitled to health insurance services. The certificate shows your name, address and CPR number.
Nordic and UK citizens
You are automatically covered by the Danish Health Security Act. If you plan to stay longer than 6 months, you need to bring the inter-Nordic relocation papers obtained via the local authorities in your home country. www.studyindenmark.dk
EU/EEA citizens
You are covered by the Danish Health Security Act.
If you move to Denmark from an EU/EEA country or from certain other countries (Switzerland, Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco, Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) and are or have been covered by the public health insurance in that country, you are covered by the Danish health insurance as soon as you are a registered resident here. You have to bring a document showing that you were covered in the country from which you are moving.
Work
If you take up work in Denmark and move here from an EU/EEA country in which you have been covered by the public health insurance, you need an E104 form. If you are stationed in Denmark for less than one year, you need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and an E106 form if you intend to stay more than one year. These forms must be signed by the health insurance in the country from which you are stationed and presented to the local authorities in Denmark.
EU/EEA nationals who have a private health insurance in their home country are not entitled to health care services and hospital assistance until 6 weeks after taking up residence here.
To be covered by the Danish Health Security Act, you must register at the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret) immediately upon receiving your residence permit.
Other foreign citizens
You are covered by the Danish Health Security Act after 6 weeks in Denmark. You are therefore strongly advised to take out a temporary health insurance to cover any incidental medical bills during the period before the health card arrives. We recommend that you obtain private coverage for 8 weeks in the event that the Danish health service card should be delayed.
People on short-term visits are not entitled to free medical care (only emergency treatment). You need to obtain private health care (see www.ciriusonline.dk).
Other insurances
We highly recommend you to sign the following insurances before coming to Denmark. It is your responsibility to take out insurance while you are staying in Denmark and the University of Aarhus does not cover any losses that may occur.
- Third-party insurance/liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring): this insurance covers any losses you might have if you have to pay compensation to another person.
- Accident insurance (ulykkesforsikring): this insurance covers the financial consequences of an accident.
- Home insurance (indboforsikring): insurance of your personal belongings.
Accommodation
It is not easy to find a place to live in Aarhus, therefore you need to consider where you are going to live as soon as you know you want to attend Aarhus University. Here are some options:
Halls of residence
Most new students in Aarhus choose to live at one of the many halls of residence in the Aarhus area. Rooms in halls of residence are allocated through www.studenthousingaarhus.dk. The residences are situated all over the Aarhus area – also in the outskirts, but always with public busses nearby. In all residences you have to cook and clean for yourself, and doing the laundry etc. is also your own responsibility.
Submit your application as early as possible. The earlier the better! Rooms are allocated according to your seniority on the waiting list. When you apply, we suggest you request a moving in date from July 1 or August 1. If you apply for housing from September 1, you might have to wait for a room until October or November, since most new students in Aarhus want a room from that date.
To apply for a room in a residence go to www.studenthousingaarhus.dk. Read the instructions and the general rules for applicants carefully, and also use the help functions. Please note that it is a good idea to apply for all or a large number of different dorms, not just the centrally located ones which have very long waiting lists. To retain your application for accommodation, you must actively renew it every month. Only a few residences provide furniture so be aware of this when you are applying for a room. If you choose an unfurnished room, you need to furnish your room after arrival. You can find cheap furniture at IKEA (they can deliver the furniture to your address for a small fee) or at one of the many second hand shops.
You can find descriptions of the different residences at http://ungdomsboligaarhus.dk/ (click ‘bolig’). It is in Danish, but you can use the Google translator.
The municipality of Aarhus offers a housing guarantee to all new students in Aarhus at one of the residences. Guaranteed accommodation means that you apply from among a pool of rooms reserved for this purpose – normally the halls of residence with the shortest waiting lists located in the outer suburbs. There are specific conditions connected to this service and specified deadlines. Read more about it and fill in your application at www.studenthousingaarhus.dk.
Rooms or flats to let or sublet
If you don’t want to live in a hall of residence you could try to find a room or a flat with a private landlord. It is quite common for Danes to sublet their furnished room or apartment while they go abroad for a period, so it is definitely possible to find accommodation this way. Below are some links where you can establish contact between yourself and a landlord.
Free of charge
www.sr.au.dk/web/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=215 (free of charge)
www.boligportal.dk (fee based)
www.lejebolig.dk (fee based)
Furnished apartments for rent
Just like everywhere else, it happens from time to time that fictive landlords try to trick you. You should therefore be aware of ‘too good to be true’ offers, and preferably you should not transfer the deposit to the landlord before you or a friend of yours have actually seen the lease.
When you agree with a landlord to let or sublet a room/flat you should insist on having a written leasing contract. Preferably, your landlord should use one of the authorized leasing contracts. They can be downloaded here:
Short term accommodation in Aarhus
Aarhus University has two guesthouses available for visitors needing accommodation for a few days or weeks:
If you prefer to stay in a hotel or hostel, you can find an overview here:
Childcare
Childcare facilities are provided for all small children in Denmark. There is a range available for children aged 0–6. The local authorities in Aarhus set out the overall aims and framework for childcare in the municipality.
Information regarding kindergartens and/or schools in the Municipality of Aarhus is available at the Citizen Service (Borgerservice) at: Town Hall, Rådhuspladsen 2, 8000 Aarhus C, telephone + 45 8940 2222.
Prices depend on the number of hours your child requires care and the age of your child. 40 hours of day care per week costs approximately DKK 3,000 for children under 3 years and DKK 1,500 for children over 3 years: www.aarhuskommune.dk
School enrolment
All children in Denmark have the right to receive instruction free of charge from the age of 7 in the Danish public schools (Folkeskole). Apart from the public schools, a number of private and international schools offer education for a fee.
There are no admission requirements to the public schools. Each school has the responsibility to admit pupils to the level that is suitable for the age and former education provided. Private schools have their own admission procedures, and it is recommended to apply well in advance: www.workindenmark.dk
After school, care is available at public schools. Prices are approximately DKK 1,800 for children in
grades 0–3, DKK 1,200 in grade 4 and DKK 600 in grades 5–7.
What to bring with you
The following is a list of items you might consider bringing with you.
- Tickets and insurance papers
- Passport and passport sized photos/ID card
- Letter of admission/employment
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Credit card/traveller’s cheques
- Cell/mobile phone
- Adaptor for electrical appliances (220V)
- Laptop
- Good dictionaries, especially bilingual ones
Arriving in Aarhus
When you arrive in Aarhus you should contact the following institutions
- State Administration (EU citizens only)
- National Registry Office (CPR number and choosing a doctor)
- Tax authorities (tax registration)
- Bank (opening a bank account)
- Regional customs and tax authorities (car registration)
You need to carry out the following tasks at the university
- Self-service registration
- Acquire a student card or key card (se procedure below)
- Attend the orientation day and register at Aarhus Student House (Studenterhus Århus)
State Administration (Statsforvaltningen)
EU citizens only
If you wish to stay in Denmark for longer than 3 months, you must apply for proof of registration or a residence card with the Regional State Administration (Statsforvaltningen) or apply for a residence permit under the Danish Aliens Act with the Immigration Service.
You must bring your passport, a copy of your passport, 2 passport photos and a copy of your letter of admission/employment contract. Processing your application takes 1–2 weeks.
Address: Lyseng Alle 1, 8270 Højbjerg. Open 10.00–14.00 Monday–Friday,
Thursday 10.00–17.00. www.statsforvaltning.dk
Civil Registration Number (CPR number)
After you have obtained your residence and work permit/proof of registration, you are entitled to apply for your Danish CPR number. This number is used when dealing with public authorities, health authorities, libraries, banks, etc. The CPR number is issued at the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret). You will receive a yellow health insurance certificate (gule sygesikringsbevis) after 3–4 weeks. This certificate is your documentation that you are entitled to health insurance services. The certifi cate shows your name, address and CPR number. You should always bring the certificate when you need treatment. If you lose your certificate or if it is damaged, you need to pay a fee to get a new one issued.
Address: Citizens Service (Borgerservice) (includning National Registry Office ) Park Allé, 8000 Aarhus C – entrance at the tower. Office hours: Monday–Friday 10.00–16.00, Thursday 10.00–19.00 and Saturday 9.00–13.00
CPR number: www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
You must inform the University Studies Office about your CPR number to get a student card!
Nordic citizens
You only need to apply for a CPR number if you intend to staying in Denmark for more than 6 months. However, we strongly encourage you to apply for one at the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret) because having a CPR number makes a number of procedures easier and faster.
EU/EEA citizens
Once you have received your residence permit, you must register at the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret) where your CPR number is assigned. It takes approximately 1–4 weeks beforeyou receive your CPR number. In Aarhus the National Registry Office is found at the Citizens Service (Borgerservice).
Other foreign citizens
You must register at the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret) within five days after your arrival. It takes approximately 1-4 weeks before you receive your CPR number. In Aarhus the National Registry Office is found at the Citizens Service (Borgerservice).
www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Choosing a doctor
When you fill in the forms for a health insurance certifi cate, you receive a list of general practitioners in your area of residence, and you can choose your own doctor. If you are in insurance group 1, you have to choose a permanent doctor. You are free to choose between the general practitioners who accept new patients, and these are indicated on the list. You can subsequently change doctor if you wish.
If you belong to insurance group 1, you can change your doctor by contacting the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret). The change will take effect 14 days after the authorities have received payment for issuing a new health insurance certificate.
If you are in insurance group 2, you do not choose a particular doctor, but may consult a new one whenever you please.
What to do if you need medical consultation
You must contact your general practitioner if you need medical consultation. You call the doctor and make an appointment, either the same day or one of the following days depending on the severity of the illness. Most doctors also have phone consultations 1 hour a day. You also have to contact your general practitioner if you want a referral to a medical specialist, physiotherapist, psychologist or chiropodist or if you need a prescription for medicine.
Payment
If you are covered by the public health insurance and have chosen insurance group 1, medical consultation is free. You need to bring your yellow health insurance certificate to the consultation.
Openinghours
Danish doctors are normally open between 8.00 and 16.00.
Emergency doctor
If you need medical consultation outside opening hours, you should contact the emergency doctor in Århus. See under Important addresses for contact information
Tax registration
All residents of Denmark, as well as people staying in Denmark for more than 6 months, are fully liable to taxation in Denmark. This means that you pay tax in Denmark on your entire income, regardless of whether the income is earned in Denmark or abroad.
As soon as you arrive in Denmark to take up employment, you must contact the local tax authorities in Aarhus. They will issue a tax card, which your employer needs in order to calculate your taxes. The Danish tax rules are quite complicated so it is important that you talk to the local tax administration before taking up work. If you do not have a tax card, your employer must withhold 60% of your salary.
Things to remember when registering at the tax authorities
You need to bring:
- Your latest assessment notice from your former country of residence
- Information about salary and pension
- Your purchase agreement if you have purchased a property
- Credit information about interest income and expenses, foreign accounts etc.
- Personal identification, e.g. a passport
Address: Citizens Service (Borgerservice) Park Allé, 8000 Aarhus C – entrance at the tower. Office hours: Monday–Friday 10.00–16.00, Thursday 10.00–19.00 and Saturday 9.00–13.00.
If you have additional questions, you should contact: Tax centre Aarhus (Skattecenter Aarhus), Lyseng Alle 1, 8270 Højbjerg, tel: +45 7222 1818, website: www.skat.dk
Opening a bank account
All banks require a civil registration number (CPR number) to open a bank account. It is also a good idea to bring your passport and admission letter confirming your status as a student, along with your CPR number. Once you have opened a Danish bank account, you will be able to have your rent debited from your account automatically and make other similar payments. Another benefit of having a Danish bank account is that you will be able to use a Dankort (debit card) to make payments in most stores.
Be aware that it can take several weeks before you receive your CPR number and therefore several weeks before you can open a bank account.
Regular banking hours:
Weekdays: 9.30-16.00
Thursdays: 9.30-18.00
Weekends: closed
All citizens must have a 'NemKonto'
A NemKonto (Esay Account) is an account into which all payments from the state, such as wages, the State Education Grant and Loan Scheme (SU in Danish), housing subsidies, tax rebates, pensions, etc. are paid. When you open a bank account, you therefore also need to choose a NemKonto.
A NemKonto is an ordinary bank account – one you already have. All you need to do is choose which account you want it to be. In other words, you do not need to open a new account.
Car registration
Because of the 25% VAT, cars in Denmark are very expensive. Add to that a high registration duty – 60–63% of the market price – and you will understand why many people choose alternative means of transportation in Denmark.
For further information, please see:
www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Arriving at Aarhus University
Self-service
To access the self-service facility, you need a four-digit PIN code. If you have not received your PIN code, please contact your coordinator, department or supervisor. The self-service facility enables you to do the following: use your university e-mail box, see the progress in your study programme, print a transcript of records (in Danish version), order transcripts (in Danish version), register for examinations (in Danish version).
Student card
The student card is your identification card at the university and whenever you need to document that you are a student. You need to bring the student card to any exam. You are given a PIN code for your card and this provides you with access to certain buildings at the university. Contact the University Studies Office if you lose your card and need a replacement.
To get a student card, you must inform the University Studies Office of your CPR number. Go to the Information Centre at Fredrik Nielsens Vej 5, building 1448, and remember to bring due documentation of your CPR number. You will receive your student card by mail after app. one week.
Key card
Contact your department secretary or supervisor to get information about obtaining a key card (nøglekort) to the buildings you need access to.
Orientation day
This event, which is jointly organised by the International Secretariat and the Aarhus Student House (sTUDENTERHUS åRHUS), is designed to give new exchange students an introduction to the university and to the city of Aarhus. The orientation programme offers talks, tours and a welcome party to enable students to get to know each other and their surroundings.
Aarhus Student House (sTUDENTERHUS åRHUS) membership
The sTUDENTERHUS åRHUS (Aarhus Student House) offers activities and events for international students. If you are an exchange student, the University of Aarhus provides you with free membership. For all other students, the membership fee amounts to DKK 105.
Studying at Aarhus University
Academic calendar
The Faculty of Science is on a quarter calendar and the semester dates indicated below do NOT apply to this faculty.
| Fall Semester | |
|---|---|
| Pre-semester Language Course | 3½ weeks in August |
| Semester Begins | 1 September 24 August (Faculty of Science) |
| Fall Break | Week 42 |
| Examinations | Mid December - 31 January |
| Semester Ends | 31 January |
| Spring Semester | |
|---|---|
| Pre-semester Language Course | 3½ weeks in January |
| Semester begins | 1 of February |
| Examinations | Mid May - 30 June |
| Semester ends | 30 June |
| Public Holidays | |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January |
| Maundy Thursday and Good Friday | Thursday & Friday before Easter Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Monday after Easter Sunday |
| "Store Bededag" | Fourth Friday after Easter |
| Ascension Day | 1½ Weeks before Pentecost |
| Pentecost Monday | Monday after Pentecost |
| Constitution Day | June 5 |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Christmas Holiday | December 26 |
Examinations
Registration for examinations: It is very important to register for exams in advance. You may not be allowed to take your exams if you fail to sign up in due time.
Withdrawal from examinations: You can cancel exams via the self-service facility until one week before the first examination day. If you cancel later than this, it will count as an examination attempt.
Examination results: You can see your examination result via the self-service facility as soon as it has been registered.
Permitted exam materials: The materials permitted during examinations are described in the individual course description.
Illness during an exam: If you cannot participate in an exam due to illness, you need to send a written explanation including a doctor’s note to your board of study.
Exam cheating: Cheating during an examination is a serious matter and violation of the rules can lead to a series of sanctions depending on the degree of cheating. These sanctions range from a warning to expulsion from the exam and, in serious cases, to temporary or permanent expulsion from the university.
Complaints over exams: complaints over academic regulation in relation to the exam should be submitted to the Board of Studies at the Faculty of Science in writing. The complaints should be substantiated.
Complaints over the exam including exam results should be submitted to the dean in writing. The complaints should be substantiated and handed in no later than 14 days after the publication of the exam results.
Transcript of records: You can use the self-service facility to print out a transcript of records. You can also order a transcript of records at the University Studies Office via the self-service facility
Study methods
Studies at the University of Aarhus are generally structured around lectures, seminars and practical exercises which are often carried out in study groups. Active participation is expected. There is considerable interaction between students and professors, and students often make group presentations in class.
See also http://studyindenmark.dk/student-life/why-denmark/innovative-education
Language of instruction
Most degree programmes at Aarhus University are taught in Danish, but the university also offers a range of degree programmes taught entirely in English. http://www.au.dk/en/admission/master
You can search for the language of instruction of specific courses in the Course Catalogue http://mit.au.dk/coursecatalogue/
At the Faculty of Science, teaching is in English at Master’s and PhD levels unless all participants speak Danish. Special courses may be offered in Danish only (see course catalogue).
General English language requirements ('English B level')
You are expected to be proficient in both oral and written English at a sufficient level for academic studies.
According to the Danish Ministry of Science's Order no 32 on Admission to Danish Universities, all applicants with non-Danish entry examinations to Master's programmes taught in English must document English language qualifications comparable to an 'English B level' in the Danish upper secondary school ('high school').
English language qualifications comparable to an 'English B level' in Denmark can be documented as follows:
- TOEFL test results of at least 560 (paper-based), or 220 (computer-based test) or 83 (internet-based test)
The Aarhus University TOEFL code is 8935
The Aarhus School of Business TOEFL code is 7993
The AU-IBT (Institute of Business and Technology in Herning) TOEFL code is 8607 - IELTS test with a minimum score of 6.5 points
- Cambridge/Oxford Certificate/Test in Advanced English
- "C1 level" obtained by examination from a CEFR -validated English language course.
- English-taught entrance examination (upper secondary school/high school) or Bachelor’s degree
- English language qualifications obtained through at least 210 hours of English lessons (1 hour = 60 minutes) in a non-Danish entrance examination. You must ask your upper secondary school/high school to provide documentation for the total number of English lessons/hours you have received during your final three upper secondary/high school years. You are required to enclose a copy of your upper secondary/high school certificate, including course and examination descriptions of your English language course.
Libraries
Almost every department has its own library where you can take out specialised books and journals. You can find more information regarding the location and the opening hours on the websites of the departments.
The State and University Library (Statsbiblioteket)
is the main library of the university. You need your health insurance card to take out books. There are photocopiers and printers available to students and researchers. The State and University Library also subscribes to all major newspapers around the world. Furthermore, it has an extensive electronic journal database, which you can use by logging on as a student or researcher at the library or from home. For further information on how to become a user of the many online facilities of the library, see www.statsbiblioteket.dk or visit the State and University Library on campus.
Services
You can contact the Studies Office at your department if you apply for dispensation, merit transfer, have questions regarding course and exam registration, correction of your self-service details, and other study-related questions.
Student guidance and student counsellor (Studievejleder)
You can use the departmental student counsellors if you have questions regarding the academic regulations (studieordning), problems with completing your studies, would like to terminate your studies, if you have been ill during the exams or failed an exam. If you have personal problems, you are also welcome to talk to a student counsellor. If they cannot help you, they can refer you to someone who can. The student guidance has a duty of confidentiality.
Legal Aid Office (Studenterrådets Retshjælp)
This office provides free legal advice to students on all matters. If the office is not able to provide you with an answer right away, it is likely to investigate the matter further for you. The office is located in the Student House: http://sr.au.dk/
Aarhus Students’ Film Society (Aarhus Studenternes Filmklub)
The Aarhus Students’ Film Society is one of the oldest and most esteemed cultural institutions on campus. Each term, it has about 30 viewings covering a broad variety of film classics. You can become a member of the society and see quality fi lms at particularly favourable prices (DKK 35 per show) or just show up and pay regular prices (DKK 60 per show). All films are shown in their original language, usually with Danish subtitles. filmklub.au.dk/
Aarhus University Sports (AUS)
AUS is open to all University of Aarhus students and organises a wide range of activities, from badminton and fencing to chess. This is a good place to meet other students in an active setting at affordable student prices. www.aus.dk
University Student House (Studenternes Hus)
Here you can find the offices of the Student Council as well as various student organisations. There are also a number of facilities available to students, such as exercise facilities, music and coffee rooms.
Student Advisory Office (Studenterrådgivningen i Århus)
This group of social workers and psychologists is employed by the Danish state to assist students with personal matters. The service is free of charge and completely confidential. www.studraadgiv.dk
Living in Aarhus
Changing address when living in Aarhus
When you change address while living in Denmark, you must report this to the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret) within five days after you have moved to a new place. You can acquire the relevant form from the National Registry Office in Aarhus. You have to fill in your current address and the address you are moving to on the form, the date of your move and the names of everyone moving with you.
www.aarhuskommune.dk/portal/borger/bolig_fl ytning
Cultural events
The Aarhus Theatre is worth a visit if only to take a look at its decorative façade and interior. Located near the cathedral in the centre of the city, it has fi ve stages and its own theatre troupe, which gives performances from September to mid-June. www.aarhusteater.dk
The Concert Hall Aarhus (Musikhuset) is also a good place to visit if you are interested in music. It offers a wide range of concerts and performances such as international pop concerts, ballets and concerts by the city’s symphony orchestra. Other places of musical interest include Vox Hall, which offers concerts from around the world and Train, which has both a bar and a disco, as well as being a popular place for concerts. www.musikhusetaarhus.dk
ARoS, the new art museum in Aarhus, is an architecturally accomplished building with a broad spectrum of art in its permanent exhibition, as well as international specialised exhibitions all year round. www.aros.dk
If you are interested in movies, there are four cinemas in Aarhus that show movies in their original language with Danish subtitles. During the week, there are student discounts for matinee tickets.
Metropol and BioCity: www.kino.dk
Øst for Paradis: www.paradisbio.dk
Cinemaxx: www.cinemaxx.dk
Going out
The city of Aarhus offers a great variety of cultural experiences. For a complete listing of the activities and events, see www.visitaarhus.com
Libraries
Aarhus has a network of municipal libraries, and the main library is called Hovedbiblioteket, which is located in the centre of the city. To get a library card, you need to show an ID card obtained in Denmark, such as your health insurance card. Both the State and University Library and the municipal libraries provide free Internet access.
Money and banking
Currency and taxes
The currency in Denmark is the Danish kroner (DKK) and one kroner equals 100 ører. For the latest exchange rate, see finance.yahoo.com/currency
Tips are automatically included in all bills, but it is common to leave a small tip if you are at a good restaurant and think the service has been excellent.
There is a 25% VAT (moms) on all goods and services sold in Denmark. In stores, this consumer tax is always included in the price (incl. moms).
Debit and credit cards
Dankort is the most widely used debit card in Denmark. We therefore highly recommend you to get one when you open an account. All major credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Euro Card and Diner’s Club are widely accepted in large stores and international chains. However, most of your day-to-day grocery shopping in smaller stores cannot be carried out with your foreign credit card. In those places you can either pay cash or use a Dankort.
Electronic money transfer
Today, many types of payments are increasingly transferred electronically to people’s bank accounts. These include wages and salaries, cash payments, child benefits and pensions. Most people therefore have a bank account. All banks require a CPR number to open an account.
For further information, see the previous paragraph – Arriving in Aarhus – under Opening a bank account.
Money withdrawals
Contact your local bank in order to obtain a credit or cash card, which you can use in all ATMs in Aarhus. The ATMs can be found all over the city. Be aware of transaction fees.
Travellers cheques
It is easy to convert travellers cheques in Denmark, but it might be an expensive option as there is a substantial fee for cashing them. Most international students and researchers only use travellers cheques to open a Danish bank account as personal cheques are not accepted.
Postal, phone and Internet services
The public communication network in Denmark is highly developed. The postal service is efficient and you can find post Offices located throughout the city. There is a main post Office next to the railway station, and you can buy stamps in kiosks and department stores. The mail boxes in Denmark are bright red and they are emptied four times a day.
Just as everywhere in the world, mobile phones are widely used in Denmark. If you plan on buying a new mobile phone, be aware that most companies offer six-month contracts. Otherwise, it is easy to buy a prepaid SIM card in kiosks or on the Internet. www.cbb.dk and www.telmore.dk
If you have a laptop, we recommend you to bring it. In most residences, there are Internet connections.
If you do not have a laptop, there is access to computers at your department and Internet access in all libraries. There are also numerous Internet cafés where you can go online for a reasonable price.
Sports
In addition to the university’s own sports clubs, there are a number of community sport centres open to the public, as well as private health clubs. The municipality regularly publishes a guide to sports clubs in Aarhus called ’Idrætsforeninger i Århus’.
www.aarhus.dk/aa/portal/fritid
Transportation in Aarhus and Denmark
Bicycles
Cycling is the easiest way to get around in Aarhus. Everything is reachable within cycling distance and you can find bike facilities everywhere.
It is possible to rent a bicycle for a shorter stay in Aarhus. Companies such as bikes4rent offer special rates for students. www.bikes4rent.dk
Another possibility is to look for a second-hand bike in newspapers such as Gul & Gratis and Den Blå Avis. As these newspapers are published in Danish, it might be a good idea to ask your mentor or another Danish-speaking person for help. www.guloggratis.dk and www.bla.dk
You can also purchase a second-hand bike at the police auction held on the first Wednesday of every month. You can take a look at the bikes from 13.00 and the auction starts at 14.00. www.1-auktion.dk
Finally, major supermarkets such as Bilka, Kvickly and Føtex offer new, but cheap bikes for around DKK 1,500.
During summer, Aarhus provides city bikes that you can use free of change. You release the bike from its stand by depositing DKK 20, which you get back when you return the bike to one of the 58 designated parking places in the city. www.aarhusbycykel.dk
Busses
Midttrafik – the municipal bus company – runs the yellow buses in the city. The bus route number is indicated at the front and the back of the bus and the destination is displayed at the front and above the rear door. Aarhus is the only city in Denmark where passengers enter through the back door and exit through the front.
Every bus is equipped with a ticket machine and a validation machine at the back of the bus. You can purchase single and multi-ride tickets, as well as season cards if you are planning on taking the bus more frequently.
Night buses operate after hours and run every hour on the hour. They are double the price of a regular fare, which means that if you are riding with a multi-ride ticket, you must stamp it twice. Be sure to check the schedule since there are only a few bus routes at night and most only operate until 03.00 and do not run all year round.
Multi-ride tickets and season cards are much cheaper than ordinary tickets, and you can purchase them in most kiosks and department stores.
www.midttrafik.dk and www.midttrafik.dk/Kundeservice/In+English
Trains
DSB is the Danish state-owned railway network that runs to all regions of the country. You can get discount tickets, called DSB Orange, which are considerably cheaper than the regular prices. For information on ticket prices and timetables, contact the DSB Customer Centre on +45 7013 1415 or book your tickets online at www.dsb.dk. You can buy either electronic tickets or paper tickets that you have to pick up at the railway station.
Long distance coaches
There are a number of bus companies that offer transportation within Denmark and to larger European cities. See some of the following web sites:
Journey planner (Rejseplanen)
You can book your trip online by using the Journey Planner (Rejseplanen), which finds the possible travel options (buses and trains) when you type in departure and destination points. It is an easy way to plan your travels until you get an overview of the transportation network.
Weather
Because of the warm Gulf Stream on the west coast, Denmark’s climate is relatively mild compared with its Scandinavian neighbours. Nevertheless, expect rain and wind all year round. While it does not tend to snow a lot during winter, heavy rains and strong winds are typical for this time of year. Temperatures in winter are often around freezing point and during summer around 20 degrees Celsius.
Language and culture courses
Denmark Today
Denmark Today is a three-week, pre-term language and culture course, which is held every August and January by the International Secretariat. The aim of the course is to provide participants with sufficient Danish language skills to communicate with fellow students and cope with everyday life in Aarhus. However, the course does not give the participant enough knowledge of Danish to match an academic working level.
The course consists of language lessons in the morning and cultural arrangements of various sorts in the afternoon. The lectures and excursions give you a sense of the city and the political, social and cultural life in Denmark. Many former students have emphasised that Denmark Today was a great way to meet other students and get a good start to their stay in Aarhus.
Denmark Today is free of charge to all exchange students on a programme, bilateral agreement or government scholarship. For other participants such as PhD, Master’s and guest students, as well as researchers, the course fee is currently EUR 330.
The University of Aarhus also offers the Erasmus Intensive Language Course, Destination Denmark, which is similar to Denmark Today. The main difference is that Destination Denmark is funded by the EU Commission and accepts Erasmus exchange students registered in other Danish universities.
If you have not signed up yet and you are interested in taking part in Denmark Today, do not hesitate to contact the International Secretariat. The staff will do their best to find you a place.
www.au.dk/en/is/learndanish/denmarktoday
Other language courses
Learn Danish Aarhus (Lærdansk Århus) is a language centre that also offers language courses to foreigners. Each module costs approximately DKK 500. www.laerdansk.dk/aarhus
Danish culture
A down-to-earth people
Danes are peaceful and down-to-earth people. The tone is informal compared with many other countries. Friends, family and colleagues are addressed with the informal pronoun and by their first name, and it is common for employees to address their bosses on a first name basis. The informal tone is also encountered in the education system, where students address teachers by their first names
Democracy
Discussion and argumentation are central elements of Danish upbringing in social contexts and at home, and Danes have an underlying awareness that it is possible to be heard and to have influence.
Danish humour and hygge
Hygge (cosiness) is a highly important element of the Danish mentality. It is difficult to translate the term hygge, but those seeking to grasp its meaning will soon find out that it is closely associated with having a good time together and with eating and drinking.
Humour is another essential element. To many Danes, humour comes with a great deal of irony. Many foreigners have a hard time understanding the irony, but it is an important part of Danish humour and inevitable if you want to understand the Danish mentality.
Friends and acquaintances
Friendships develop only after long acquaintances, and the Danes usually distinguish between friends and acquaintances. In private life as in business, the Danes surround themselves with a network of long-time acquaintances.
Individualism and the Jante Law (Janteloven)
In Denmark, great emphasis is laid on equality and the ideal that everyone is equal and must have the same rights, regardless of their social or ethnic background. This is expressed in the so-called Jante Law, which is not a law in the legal sense, but an unwritten codex of behaviour. It says, among other things, “Do not think you are something” and “Do not think you are more than others.” It might be tempting to draw the conclusion that Danes are anti-individualists. But this is far from true. As in many European countries, the concept of the rights of the individual is very strong in Denmark. People base their choices of career, accommodation, etc. on their individual preferences and needs. Enterprise and initiative are respected, and the Danes are generally very self-confident.
Source: www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Travelling to Aarhus
By air
To Aarhus (Tirstrup Airport)
There are direct flights to Aarhus (Tirstrup Airport) from some European cities and Copenhagen. It is a 45-minute drive from Aarhus to the airport. When you arrive at the airport, you can take the airport shuttle (SAS), which stops close to the university and at the railway station in Aarhus.
To Copenhagen (Kastrup Airport)
You can also take an indirect flight from most other cities via Copenhagen (Kastrup Airport). When you arrive at Kastrup Airport, you can either continue your flight to Aarhus or catch a train.
By train
If you travel by train all the way from your home country, your local railway station will inform you about prices and schedules. Remember to ask for discount tickets.
By train to Aarhus
If you want to travel from Copenhagen to Aarhus by train, you can either take the airport shuttle to Copenhagen’s central railway station or, more conveniently, take a direct train from the airport to Aarhus. The train ride takes 3–4 hours and there are trains leaving for Aarhus every half hour during the day and the evening. When travelling in Denmark, there are special discount tickets for people below the age of 26, but you must obtain a Wild Card (ID card) from DSB first.
By bus to Aarhus
Abildskou Coaches operates within Denmark and is often a cheaper alternative to the train for travel between Copenhagen and Aarhus: www.abildskou.dk
To Billund Airport
Aarhus is also serviced by another international airport, Billund Airport, which is located about 75 km south-west of Aarhus. A 90-minute shuttle bus ride takes you to Aarhus.
By bus
For international bus connections, Eurolines is a possible choice: www.eurolines.dk
Leaving Aarhus
If you do not choose to stay on in Denmark after finishing your study or work period, here are
some important things to remember before you leave the country.
Things to remember when leaving Aarhus
- Notify the National Registry Office
- Order or print transcript of records
- Green Card Scheme / When to leave Denmark
- Clarify tax issues
- Notify school and childcare facilities
- What to remember when moving out
- Car out of Denmark (De-register your car)
Notify the National Registry Office
When you move back to your home country, you must report this to the National Registry Office (Folkeregistret). The National Registry Office must receive your notification before you leave the country. You can acquire the relevant form from the National Registry Office in Aarhus. You have to fill in your current address and the address you are moving to on the form, the date of your move and the names of everyone moving with you.
If you are moving to another Nordic country, you receive an inter-Nordic relocation form, which you are to submit to the authorities of your country of destination.
www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Order or print transcript of records
You can use the self-service facility to print out a transcript of records. You can also order a transcript of records at the University Studies Office via the self-service facility.
Danish Green Card scheme / When to leave Denmark
If you have been granted a residence permit in order to complete a higher educational programme in Denmark, your residence permit will be valid for an additional 6 months after you complete the programme. This is to allow you to look for work in Denmark.
See www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/coming_to_dk/work/greencard-scheme/greencard-scheme.htm
Pension continuation / payment
If you have made payments to a private or company pension scheme during your stay in Denmark, the taxation of your pension depends on which tax system you are subject to.
www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Clarify tax issues
When you leave Denmark to live in another country, your full tax liability in Denmark normally ends. There are certain things you should remember, such as sending in your tax form to the tax centre. For a full list of what to remember, see www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Notify school and childcare facilities
Before leaving Denmark you should notify your children’s school, after-school arrangement, kindergarten, crèche or other care arrangement that you are leaving. Many places demand to be given written notice in advance. Day-care centres, nurseries, kindergartens, after school arrangements and private schools generally have to be notified at least 1 month in advance, while no such requirement is found for the municipal schools. However, it is still common practice to notify the school as soon as you know your date of departure.
You can generally get the correct notification forms from the places themselves or from the local authority.
www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
What to remember when moving out
There are certain things to remember when leaving a property. You should remember to read the meters (electricity, water and heating) and the oil tank if you have one. These fi gures should be sent to whoever verifi es the arrangement, or to the landlord’s administrator of a rented residence. You should also notify the utility companies of the change of owner and/or tenant, and of the fi gures on the meters. Furthermore, you should remember to cancel standing bank orders, insurances, subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals, club memberships, etc.
Remember to hand in all your keys. For specifi c advice on owned property and rented property,
see www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Car out of Denmark
People with a car registered in Denmark are allowed to take it to their new country of residence.
You need to de-register the vehicle.
For more information see www.workindenmark.dk/Find+information/Til+arbejdstagere.aspx
Important addresses
Emergencies
In case of an emergency, dial 112. It is free to call from all phones.
Police
Politiet
Ridderstræde 1
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8731 1448
Open 24/7
Hospital
Århus Sygehus
Tel: +45 8731 5050
You will be directed to the closest emergency room.
After Hours Doctor
Tel: +45 7011 3131
Everyday 16.00-8.00
All weekend
Emergency Dentist
Tandklinikken på Brobjergskolen
Frederiks Alle’ 20
Tel: +45 4051 5162
Friday: 18.00-21.00
Saturday-Sunday 11.00-14.00
Health and safety
Pharmacies are usually open
weekdays 9.00-17.30 and
Saturday 9.30-13.00
24-Hour Pharmacy
Aarhus Løve Apotek
Store Torv 5
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8612 0022
Foreign Police
Udlændingekontoret
Fredensgade 19
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8731 1448
Monday-Wednesday & Friday:
9.00-12.00, Thursday: 12-17
Immigration, residence permit and registration
Danish Immigration Service
Udlændingeservice
Ryesgade 53
2100 Copenhagen Ø
Tel: + 45 3536 6600
Monday-Friday: 9.00-12.00
www.newtodenmark.dk
National Registry Office and Citizens service
Folkeregistret og Borgerservice
Town Hall,
Park Allé
Tel: +45 8940 4275
Monday-Friday: 10.00-15.00
Thursday : 10.00-17.00
State Administration
Statsforvaltningen
Lyseng Alle 1
8270 Højbjerg
Tel: +45 7256 8300
Monday-Friday: 10.00-14.00
Thursday: 10.00-17.00
www.statsforvaltning.dk
Services
sTUDENTERHUS åRHUS
Nordhavnsgade 1
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8618 3021
www.studenterhusaarhus.dk
University Student House
Studenternes Hus
Nordre Ringgade 3
8000 Aarhus C
Student advisors
Studenterrådgivningen
Ryesgade 23,1
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8619 0488
www.studraadgiv.dk
University Studies Office
Studiekontoret
Fredrik Nielsens Vej 5
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8942 1025
www.au.dk/en/adm/studkont
Central Housing Agency
Kollegiekontoret
Nordhavnsgade 1, 1.th
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8613 2166
Monday-Wednesday: 10.00-14.00, Thursday: 10.00-17.00,
Friday: closed
www.studenthousingaarhus.com
Accounts Office
AU Regnskabskontor
Katrinebjergvej 89F
Building 5132
8200 Aarhus N
Tel: +45 8942 1111
State and University Library
Statsbiblioteket
Universitetsparken
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8946 2022
Monday-Friday: 9.00-18.00
Saturday: 11.00-14.00
City Library
Hovedbiblioteket
Mølleparken
8000 Aarhus C
Tel: +45 8613 6622
Monday-Thursday: 10.00-19.00
Friday: 10.00-17.00
Saturday: 10.00-14.00
Useful links
Tourist Information
Denmark
Aarhus
General Information
Study in Denmark
New in Denmark
Work in Denmark