How to get off to a good start in your studies
There are countless ways to be a student. Perhaps you thrive with a fully packed calendar – or maybe you feel overwhelmed by your new lifestyle and need more guidance. Both are entirely normal.
The academic demands and daily structure are on a completely different level than you might be used to, so give yourself time and space to get off to a good start.
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Make a checklist
If you take into consideration what you want and need in the start of your new course in advance, you can reduce the pressure when you begin. Here are some points to look at beforehand.
New to Denmark
We have a page for when you are a new in Denmark, that can help you with all the practicalities:
Financial support
Expect average living costs of around DKK 5,000 to 7,000 depending on your living situation – it can also be more costly to live in the major cities. Danish students can apply for SU. If you are an international student your access to the Danish grant system is dependent on certain criteria. If you live outside the EU, you are not eligble. EU citizens who have a contract for 10-12 work hours a week may be eligble. The SU-office will be able to guide you. You can check out if your visiting educational institution offers scholarships.
Get an overview of your campus
Minimise the time you spend running around looking for lecture rooms, the canteen, good study spots, and the toilets by familiarising yourself with the campus before you start. If you arrive before the semester starts, you can visit the university, and you can always research campus facilities on the university’s website, and find out about departments and relevant student organisations.
Academic support services
If you need support services due to physical or mental disabilities, find out what services are available at your place of study. Contact the SPS adviser at your educational institution if you haven’t already indicated your need during the application process. Sort out if there is some consideration for visiting students.
Find student accomodation
Finding accommodation before starting university can be a significant task – so we’ve gathered a number of tips for you if you’re looking for student housing.
Housing benefits
Whether you can get housing benefits depends on the type of accommodation you move into and how many people are living there. You can apply for housing benefit on borger.dk.
During the start of university, there are many instances of housing scams. If you’re unsure about your rights as a tenant and want to avoid being left with keys to a non-existent four-room flat in central Copenhagen, read our FAQ about the Danish Rent Act.
Insurances
Lastly, it’s also a good idea to insure yourself and your belongings. And yes, it’s important. It’s incredibly frustrating to have to spend money on a new bike when the old one is stolen, or to send your laptop for urgent repairs a week before exams (true story).
If you’re worried about whether you can afford contents insurance, you don’t need to worry anymore. If you’re an IDA student member, you get it for free! And you can even use it as a selling point if you’re looking for a shared flat, as your contents insurance covers up to three roommates!
Join a union
Get started on the right foot by joining a union at the beginning of your new course. Here, you become part of a large community and gain access to many aspects of your new life. A union offers everything from counselling for your future job market, courses, discounts, special member benefits, and social events. And you can also use a union during your studies if you want to get a salary check or someone to read through your contract for a student or part-time job.
If you’re not already an IDA student member, read more about what we can offer you in your time as a student from cash discounts to online courses and much more. Read more about benefits here:
Familiarise Yourself with Your New Course
Make it a priority to read your course regulations, where you can get information on teaching plans, deadlines, course descriptions, and how the teaching is structured. You don’t need to understand everything about your new course straight away, but having an overall overview will give you more peace of mind and time for other things. If you are not used to the Danish education stucture, this is also a very helpful guide to learn about requirements.
Especially the competence sections and course descriptions for the semesters can give you a good insight into what is expected of you and, conversely, what you can expect from your new course.
If you need to brush up on your study techniques, your educational institution most likely offers both courses and guidance in study techniques. At IDA, we also offer webinars and events on study techniques and hold academic courses on campus and online throughout the year. Check the event calendar to see if there is one near you.
Learn more about IDA events here: Events for students
Study in your own time and at your own pace
If you need upskilling to follow along on a course, chances are you will find it on IDA Campus. Here you will find popular courses taught by certified teachers and skilled instructors. Read more here:
Find Your Preferred Study Habits
Finding good study habits often requires a bit of experimentation. Everyone is different, so what works for you will also be different.
Almost every university will tell you after you enrol that your studies are a full-time job. And that’s true. But just as working people aren’t expected to be productive every hour of the week, as a student, you also need to create time and breaks in your daily routine.
A crucial thing for new students is to plan and structure their day. You can write in your calendar when you plan to study, when you have classes, and possibly work. Doing so ensures that you get some free time where you can let your mind rest.
If you never structure your day, you can end up being a student 24/7. Figure out how you thrive as a new student. Is it, for example, by reading in the study hall, in a library, or perhaps at home? Do you work best in the morning or the evening?
Many factors can affect how well you thrive and stay motivated, so it’s important to pay attention and figure out what works best for you.
Get more tips for student life here:
Student Life
Participate in Social Activities
It’s not just the books that give you academic strength during your studies. Universities are filled with opportunities and student organisations – whether you’re into MakerSpace, interdisciplinary (and credit-bearing) projects, yoga, or basketball, campus is a great place to pursue your interests.
We advise, especially in the beginning, to say yes more often than you normally would, as it’s an investment in getting to know your university and city, and most importantly, meeting your new fellow students in a more casual setting – giving you the opportunity to learn more about Danish culture and social settings, so you minimise the feeling of isolation and loneliness.
Check your university’s website; they often have a section focusing on student life and leisure activities.
In addition to the many opportunities at your university, with your IDA membership, you can attend many student budget-friendly events, with and without your study group. Think about the long term and don’t burn the candle at both ends. Choose wisely and give yourself time and space to get off to a good start.
Read more about our custom events for students: Events
Final tips from a student
Academic quarter
At university, there is the concept of the academic quarter, which means if your class is scheduled to start at 9, it actually starts at 9:15. It’s good form to arrive at 9, so you can use the time to chat with your fellow students.
Intro week
Before your first real day of classes, there is usually one or more weeks dedicated to orientation. Here, tutors, in collaboration with the university, have put together a great programme for new students, including social events and essential information about your new course.
You will have the chance to meet many of your future fellow students and learn everything from where to buy textbooks to details about an introductory trip.
Since this orientation programme may take place a few days before your first official day, it’s a good idea to keep your calendar relatively free before the official start so you can participate in these activities.
Reading rooms and libraries
The cities are full of great reading rooms and libraries – did you know some even have small kitchens where you can heat or store your packed lunch?
Especially at universities with little classroom teaching, it’s a good idea to make it a routine to find a place to study outside your home, as it can keep your motivation up.
In reading rooms, there aren’t the same tempting distractions as at home, so you’ll read much more efficiently – win-win!
Set deadlines in your calendar
Having the deadlines for your upcoming assignments easily accessible in your calendar can be very helpful. This way, you can plan your time in advance and avoid unnecessary stress and pressure.
Part-time job?
There’s no need to stress about getting a part-time job from the start if it is not an important part of your budget for your stay in Denmark. It’s much more important to settle into your course and find your new routines. Everything else will fall into place.
Boring subjects
Regardless of which course you start, there will be subjects you find extremely uninteresting or struggle with. This is entirely normal and no reason to despair. If it affects your motivation, talk to your fellow students or the student counsellor.
Lecturers
At university, you often have a more impersonal relationship with your lecturers, as they may be lecturing to hundreds of students at the same time. Depending on what you are used to from your own home educational institution, this can take some time getting used to.
Best of luck with your studies. We look forward to seeing you on campus and at our events.
