UQ Program: Bachelors of Arts/Law
Since commencing my Bachelor of Arts/Law at the University of Queensland more than five years ago, it was always a goal of mine to spend a semester abroad. Studying at the University of Copenhagen was the most fulfilling thing I have done in my life to date. I threw myself into the culture and lifestyle that Copenhagen offered, and for me, Copenhagen and all its beauty is now my home away from home.
Initially, what appealed about Copenhagen was the variety of international law-based subjects that were on offer. I selected International Environmental Law, International Family Law and Comparative Family Law, and European and International Data Protection and Privacy Law. I thoroughly enjoyed all of these subjects. I did not expect the class sizes to be as small as they were (no more than 25 students per class). However, as I tend to work better in small group environments I found it a fantastic and beneficial way to learn. However, when you are asked to enroll in classes get in early as the popular courses tend to fill up quickly and you are not notified as to what preferences you have received until close to the start of semester.
Putting the academics aside, for me exchange really was a life altering and enriching experience. Copenhagen was full of so many hidden surprises and I was so lucky to have been on exchange with an amazing group of people from all around the world, people that I will remain friends with for life! We did some amazing things together: Ice skating in the park, visiting the Little Mermaid, snow ball fights and experiencing a traditional Danish Christmas.
However, exchange was not as smooth sailing as I initially thought it would be. After experiencing a good dose of ‘Culture Shock’ when I first arrived, it took me a little while to settle into Copenhagen and the very different lifestyle it gave me. Whilst the ‘Culture Shock’ subsided, the feelings do creep back every now and then when you least expect it! My advice to anyone going on exchange is this: it will be okay! Just remember that there will always be others going through the same things you are. You will be surprised at just how many people will offer you a shoulder.
When I mentioned I was studying in Copenhagen the first thing people asked was why I had chosen to live in one of the most expensive places in Europe! Whilst I won’t argue that Copenhagen is more expensive than the average European city, once you live there it really is not as bad as it is made out to be. You soon learn from other students what supermarkets to shop at, the cheapest bars to go to and where you can track down a (relatively) cheap coffee. So keep your eyes and ears open for handy tips you will pick up along the way! However, be prepared to pay a cover charge at almost every club in Copenhagen! The estimate UQ Abroad provides on their website is a fair approximation as to how much you will need on a monthly basis.
If I could describe my exchange in a word it would be ‘perfect’. The friendships I formed there, and the experiences I had there will remain with me for life, and I can safely say that there is no other place I would rather have spent my time. Not only am I now trying to plan another semester’s exchange to Copenhagen, but I have future plans to complete my Masters of Law at the university once I graduate from UQ. Copenhagen opened up my eyes to so many possibilities and I guarantee it will do the same for you!
My top tips for your exchange to Copenhagen:
1. Coffee: Coffee is expensive in Copenhagen. However close to the International Office there are 3 fantastic coffee shops (Paludan, The Living Room and Riccos) that serve (relatively) cheap coffee, have a great atmosphere and even give Merlo a run for its money! A standard cappuccino or latte can be picked up for about $4! Also try a sandwich from Paludan and/or a Brownie from The Living Room – you will never look back!
2. Eating Out: Eating out in Copenhagen can be very expensive. If you are a ‘foodie’ like me and simply cannot resist the temptation to not eat out, check out a café called Granola near Central Station. They have an amazing breakfast/brunch menu that is not too expensive and well worth a try.
3. Transportation: Getting around Copenhagen is very easy. I was lucky enough to live close to both the Regional Station and Metro Line. So for people like me who purchased a bike in the first week and sold it in the second because they could not stand the wind, my advice would be to purchase a monthly transport pass. You can pick one up at the airport or any major station for 320kr/month ($65). For me it worked out to be 50c per trip!
4. Supermarkets: If you are assigned accommodation in Amager I recommend taking a trip to Field’s Shopping Centre. It is one of the largest in Scandinavia and is the home of the big grocery store, Bilka. They offer a variety of brands including their own called ‘ Budget’. I found I could pick up a loaf of bread, milk and bottle of yoghurt for under $5. Otherwise check out Netto which is sometimes even cheaper!
5. The Gym: If you like going to the gym or are simply worried about putting on the much dreaded exchange weight, there are a number of great gyms in Copenhagen. I was lucky enough to live across the road from FitnessDK. They offer amazing facilities and a number of fitness classes. A membership for students is 289kr/month. The instructors were very helpful and always tried to communicate as much as possible in English.
6. Pre-semester Danish Language Course: I really recommend if you can spare the time to enroll in the three week pre-semester Danish Language Course to do it. Although it was 9am-12pm every day for three weeks it was well worth the time and effort as I met the majority of my friends on exchange just before or during this course.
7. The Weather: Copenhagen is known for being cold and windy. It really does live up to its expectations. Be as prepared as you can be for the cold. Get a big jacket and thermals before you go! It proved rather difficult trying to get my parents back in Australia to send me supplies! I also recommend either snow boots or gumboots for when it snows. I was constantly falling over!