Find the perfect student accomodation and avoid the housing pitfalls

Are you moving out for the first time? Or maybe you are starting a master’s degree in a new city and are therefore looking for accommodation?

The start of the academic year is generally an exciting time filled with new experiences, and for many, it is also the first time they will move into their own home. This means that the housing market in larger student cities, particularly Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg, comes under extra pressure during this period.

Some are lucky and quickly find accommodation, but generally, the housing market at the start of the academic year is a hectic affair that can be overwhelming and time-consuming. But where do you start when looking for accommodation?

Danish universities don´t have campus dormitories or housing, so you need to look elsewhere for accomodation. They would however be helpful, if you need information about the right housing for you.

It’s always a good idea to sign up for all college and youth housing lists you can find. Places like borger.dk, kkik.dk, s.dk, and general housing portals are good places to start. As you might know or will soon find out, finding an affordable and accessible place in major student cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg can be a challenge; especially during and around introweeks and months. Searching on general housing portals (which might also require a fee for access) rarely yields results that fit within a student budget.

However, there are opportunities. Consider contacting youth accommodations that are located further from the city center and inquire about available units. These are often also more affordable than inner city accomodation. Also, take into consideration how long you will have to travel to get to your studies, and the cost of this travel if it is by public transportation or bike.

Another possibility is to check if your new municipality offers a housing guarantee – there might be an option to get something temporary if things look dire. In a pinch, you could rent a room in a hostel, but do be wary of the costs. Some students try couchsurfing for a short period, even though it’s not designed for housing situations.

However, be extra cautious, as being a guest in someone else’s home and living out of your suitcase during the time you should focus on your studies and getting settled can be stressful. Some municipalities also provide container homes specifically for students, which could be a cozy alternative to dormitories.

The housing you end up in ultimately depends on your financial situation. Making your search more manageable involves creating a list of wants and needs and combining it with a budget.

Consider questions like:

• • Do I want to live with others?
  • Am I open to living in a collective, container home, or alternative places?
  • How much can I afford to pay for rent and deposit?
  • How much do I need for other expenses?
  • Does there need to be a kitchen or laundry room?
  • Do I have special needs, etc.?
  • How far can I commute, and can I get to and from my study by bike or public transport?
  • Is this a temporary starter home, or do I need to find something permanent now?

Keep an open mind when going through these questions, but don´t become desperate.

It’s all about catching the attention of the right people. So, think beyond the digital realm. If you already in the country, and have not been lucky with finding proper housing before moving, you can go the paper route. Create an A4 poster with contact details that can be torn off at the bottom, and hang them in cafes, on lampposts, bulletin boards at dormitories and student accommodations.

The sky is the limit, but if you want a genuine chance with a landlord, perhaps downplay how many ciders or beers you can chug in 30 seconds, and stick to words like responsible, positive, and cat lover (if applicable). Everyone appreciates sincerity and honesty, and if you can capture the right person’s attention, it might be the key to having a lease agreement in a not so distant future. Just remember to keep your eyes and ears open and approach offers that seem too good to be true with skepticism.

Don’t let the hunt for housing consume all your attention. Finding peace in your own home is important, but so is the initial period of your education.

This is where you lay the foundation for friendships, academic growth, and good study habits. It affects your motivation to complete your education and how much time you spend studying if you don´t give yourself time to settle in and focus on your introductory weeks.

1. 1. Investigate who owns the property. You can see who owns the property you’ve been offered on boligejer.dk
   2. Investigate if the property is on the market. You can contact the owner listed on boligejer.dk
   3. Request photo identification from the landlord.
   4. Consider the reference and don’t pay for a property you – or someone you trust – haven’t seen. This includes deposits and special list fees.
   5. No cash payments, and preferably transfer money to a Danish financial institution.
   6. Be extra cautious if the landlord asks you to transfer money to a foreign account. It might be legitimate, but be critical.
   7. If you found the property through a housing platform, be extra cautious if the landlord contacts you outside the platform to save money.
   8. Communicate through the housing platform if that’s where you found the property. These platforms often have security measures to prevent fake accounts and listings.
   9. Insist on a viewing. This is a must. Check if the name matches the mailbox, the name on the door, etc.
   10. Get a valid lease contract. Many use a standard template for renting, but if you’re not comfortable with the wording or if it is in Danish, have someone who understands rental contracts read through it. Don´t take the rentors word for its validity.
   11. Don’t succumb to pressure. You might be impatient or even desperate, but keep your cool and never sign a contract on the spot.

If you have been the victim of housing fraud, contact the police.

If you’re moving away from home and it’s the first time you’ll be responsible for all necessities yourself, it’s a good idea to create a budget as one of the first steps. Expenses may include rent, including electricity and heating, food, insurance, streaming subscriptions, mobile phone, gym, clothing purchases, and social activities. Income sources include student financial aid (SU) if applicable, part-time jobs, and housing subsidies if eligible.

Also, remember to notify the local authorities of your move no later than five days after relocating.

Have you insured your laptop and mobile phone? Don’t forget about home contents insurance if you’re moving into your own place. Apart from being useful in case your bike gets stolen or an energy drink spills on your computer, it also includes liability coverage. This is handy if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or belongings. The home contents insurance from IDA is free for student members – which is truly exceptional. Even better, if you have flatmates, they can be included in the policy as well. Use this as an added bonus when looking for flat mates – this might be a sell point 🙂