In 2013 I chose to do my Erasmus in Roskilde, Denmark, which is just outside of Copenhagen. I began my adventure in February, and it was a bit daunting at first, it was cold, snowy, and there isn't very much daylight in the winter months (I didn't know this yet), but the weather progressively gets better, and well... you get used to it (pack a parka..)
"Well if it's so cold, why did you go there?" people ask me...
1. To start "it's the happiest country in the world", this is debatable but they've been ranking number 1 for some time now. Why don't you give it a go and see for yourself? Maybe it's the hygge?
2. The student life! I was fortunate to live in a student residence, where I made most of my friends (who I still consider great friends). There are plenty of student parties (some inside the university too), my first thought was "this is a thing that happens?" In Copenhagen there are many places and parties for international students.
3. The art culture. For me this was a big decision maker. Denmark, and Copenhagen (in my case) is full of life, art, and many places and ways to experience it. You can take a trip to one of Denmark's many impressive museums, such as Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, or the National Museum. If you go to Aarhus, you should not miss out on the ARoS, this is the museum with the huge rainbow panorama walk. Now, I'm just naming a few of the major museums, there are many excellent smaller galleries to visit as well.
4. The night life. Do not underestimate the wildness of the Danish nightlife. There are plenty of clubs to satisfy almost any taste. If you're into something mainstream, that you can find, if you're into more eclectic or unique experiences, there's that, if you're into 'totally underground' types of places, there's certainly that too. My personal favourite spots were in the Meat Packing District.
5. Socializing. You can meet people through clubs and activities at the university, for example, to play (or watch) a sport you like with other students (international and local). And if you're not too into big parties, fear not! Many days you can go grab a coffee or drink at any bar or cafe with a few friends, and maybe you'll meet some Danes who can show you how to play a game of 'Meyer'.
5. Socializing. You can meet people through clubs and activities at the university, for example, to play (or watch) a sport you like with other students (international and local). And if you're not too into big parties, fear not! Many days you can go grab a coffee or drink at any bar or cafe with a few friends, and maybe you'll meet some Danes who can show you how to play a game of 'Meyer'.
6. The Hygge. When I arrived, neither I nor my friends knew the meaning of this word, but while you enjoy your stay in Denmark, you will soon come to understand it, and adore it. I guess loosely translated it's sort of like "coziness". Cushions, candles, warmth of an atmosphere. A place where you feel compelled to relax and enjoy talking over a drink, a coffee, a snack, who knows. It can all be hygge, soon you'll find yourself snuggled up in a kitchen with 20 odd people by candlelight until the sun comes up talking, laughing, singing and etcetera. (Or maybe you won't, but I did..)
7. Green environment! Danes know how to incorporate their green spaces into a city. Once the winter ends, you should go get out and enjoy the green-ness of Copenhagen in the botanical gardens, Christiania, or leave the city and take a hike out in the fjords. Walk or take a bike ride instead of metro, enjoy the green lifestyle.
8. Copenhagen's architecture is so lovely, if it appeals to you, you could take a walking tour to hear about some interesting facts about Copenhagen's history. You could take a walk through the picturesque Nyhavn, a nice stroll through Strøget, Tivoli, or many other interesting areas. Also, don't forget to check out the statue of the Little Mermaid. Outside of Copenhagen is also very beautiful, for example, you could take the train to see Kronborg Slot, which is the "Hamlet Castle" in Helsingør.
9. Festivals. If you get the opportunity you can check out the Distortion Festival in Copenhagen, it typically takes place during the first weeks of June. They close off certain neighbourhoods to traffic and set up big stages. Take it all in -- music pumping through the streets, various performers, vendors, etc. It's a huge party in the middle of the street! Then there is a final party, which send the festival off in style (all night). This was probably one of my favourite memories from my Erasmus. There is also Roskilde festival to check out, but it's generally in July.
10. Denmark is a beautiful country and if you spend time and money wisely you could explore other cities, which truly aren't extremely far apart (if you make a trip of it all). We did so by renting a car, sleeping in a few cabins, and we were fortunate to see many more parts of Denmark we otherwise would not have. Highly Noteworthy: ARoS, Skagen, Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse.
During the semester that I stayed in Denmark, I made some lifelong friends that I'll never forget, though this is true to any Erasmus... in Denmark, we were bonded together through many student parties, freidag bar in the canteen, trying some Danish specialties such as pickled cod with curry sauce, and also trying our hand at speaking Danish or trying to say "Rødgrød med fløde" (a Danish dish and also tongue-twister).
Good luck on your next adventure!
During the semester that I stayed in Denmark, I made some lifelong friends that I'll never forget, though this is true to any Erasmus... in Denmark, we were bonded together through many student parties, freidag bar in the canteen, trying some Danish specialties such as pickled cod with curry sauce, and also trying our hand at speaking Danish or trying to say "Rødgrød med fløde" (a Danish dish and also tongue-twister).
Good luck on your next adventure!
Effie
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