UQ Program: Bachelor of Laws
Ever since my first exchange at Hong Kong University a couple years ago, I had been yearning for another adventurous semester abroad. This time round, I chose to study at the University of Copenhagen, and, like everyone else who has experienced an exchange, I feel that it was one of the best decisions of my life!
Although I had been warned, I was initially surprised how expensive everything in Copenhagen was. This became a catalyst for my friends and I to explore the city further for cheap eats and entertainment. By the end of the semester, I found that living in Copenhagen was actually cheaper than living in Brisbane! By electing to ride our second hand bikes everywhere (against the harsh forces of rain, wind, snow and/or sleet) we didn’t have to pay a cent for transport all semester. We also discovered a nightly co-operative vegan diner that was donation-based, and a warehouse that played free documentaries twice a week. Naturally, we frequented these places regularly!
The plethora of international-themed legal courses on offer was particularly appealing for me. I studied European and International Commercial Law, Law of the Sea, and World Trade Organisation. It took me a while to adapt to the smaller, intimate learning environment of these courses; we were expected to participate actively, often mooting in class. Oral exams are nothing to fear, especially if you’ve built a good rapport with the lecturer (ie. Don’t skip too many classes during the semester!)
I made many amazing friendships that I will cherish forever. It’s the friends you make that really enhance an exchange experience. For instance, I had Danish friends who taught me the art of drinking snaps during the course of dinner, Greek friends who’d slap the back of my head after I’d get a haircut, Belgian friends feeding me with their Belgian chocolate desserts and Swedes who’d show me a good night out just across the border of Denmark.
I must warn though, exchange is not a completely smooth experience. It can be tough settling in at first trying to find like-minded friends. Remaining positive during the winter can also be difficult, with the sun setting as early as 3pm. However, this experience has taught me that such challenges are part and parcel with any life experience, and easy to overcome with the right attitude.
Justin’s Hot Tips
1. Take advantage of the free S-trains on the first Sunday of each month! You can go as far as Klampenborg and Fredericksburg Castle. Bring your bike along too.
2. Enjoy a vegan meal then wash your own dishes at the nightly People’s Kitchen dinners for a donation of 20DKK. Volunteer to prepare dinner or clean the pots if you have spare time! My favourite one was at Kafa X (Korsgade 19, Norrebro) on Tuesday nights, dinner served at 7pm.
3. Check out the Bolsjefabrikken (The Candy Factory) at Lærkevej 11, Kobenhavn NV for cheap drinks, free movies. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll score free popcorn and chocolate milk.
4. It’s surprising how much there is to explore on the streets neighbouring the Jurahuset (Law Faculty). Here there are hip and affordable bars, pizzerias, restaurants and cafes. Ones worth mentioning are Eat Me, Dalle Valle, the Living Room and Paludan.
5. Do some shopping around (unlike me) before opening a bank account in Copenhagen. Some banks charge exorbitant account fees (Danske Bank) whilst others are completely free (Nordea) for students.