Bachelors of Arts/Law
Copenhagen is a city and a lifestyle that will continue to grow on you as you study throughout the semester. I studied during the Autumn semester, which meant I began during the Scandinavian summer, which although not incredibly warm was a nice way to ease into European living and made getting to know the city and surrounds by foot and by bike much easier. As part of my bachelor of law program I chose a number of international law related courses. My favorite and by far the most comprehensive course I took was International Refugee law, and if you get the chance I would thoroughly recommend it. The intensity and workload expected by the University of Copenhagen is significantly lower than that required by UQ law school, which meant that although from time to time some effort was required, largely, you are given the space and the freedom to engage in your surroundings and the opportunity to travel during the semester. The courses I chose were examined orally, and as a native English speaker this experience will prove much easier than any law exam you’ll ever sit at UQ.
For me, Copenhagen was a nice little deviation from the reality of home. English is widely spoken, and therefore dealing with the jumble of vowels and gutteral sounds that is the Danish language is not a necessity. The university provides an easy atmosphere to meet other exchange students and from here you can begin to branch out to meet the Danes and find your own way in the city. There are times when living abroad can be difficult and frustrating, but this is true of moving to any new city, and adapting to any new kind of lifestyle. What was most comforting for me, was the fact that there are many others like you, going through exactly the same thing and it is here that you will find your support and encouragement.
5 TOP TIPS:
1. Because of the harsh climate it is important where you live in Copenhagen. I chose to reject my University housing offer and find my own accommodation closer to the city. During the -15 winter you will hardly want to leave your house, let alone ride your bike through shin deep snow to get somewhere central. I lived in Norrebro, which is just north of the city, and a 10 min walk to the center and for me this was perfect. It is vibrant, with a mix of ethnicities, young and old, thrift shops, flea markets, cafes and bars. I would also recommend anywhere in the city or Vesterbro. Boligportal is an online rental site and I found that it was the best in terms of finding decent apartments. It is advisable to have somewhere sorted to live before you arrive in Copenhagen, but do beware of scams and err on the side of caution as there are a lot out there.
2. In my opinion the best street in Copenhagen is Blagasgarde in Norrebro. Here you will find great coffee shops, vegetarian restaurants, vintage as well as thrift shops. Another great place is Christiania, especially in the warmer weather. If you are here try the people’s kitchen on a Thursday night and the vegetarian restaurant “the morning place” for really great food at very reasonable prices.
3. Copenhagen has fairly decent coffee and my local was Kafe Bar on Elmesgade, Props on Blagasgarde or the Coffee Collective on Jaegersborgade – all in Norrebro
4. My favorite places in terms of nightlife were Drone and Temple Bar both on Norrebrogade. Both great bars where meeting and mixing with Danes is easy.
5. I cannot stress enough how cold the Danish winter can be. There is not much you can buy in Australia to prepare for it. If you are coming in the Autumn semester then you have some time to get ready, but if not then you will need a good pair of waterproof boots with a sturdy sole, thermals are a must, and as long as your hands and head are warm then you’ll be ok until you find a winter coat.