Arriving in Copenhagen
We recommend that you arrive in Copenhagen a few days prior to commencing your studies. This will give you time to settle in, and to get acquainted with the city before starting classes. If you feel lost, or just want to inquire about the easiest way to get where you are going, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance and directions: practically everyone speaks English!
Copenhagen is relatively small (1.2 mill) and compact compared to other capitals, and you will quickly know your way around. However, to help you when you arrive, we have provided some guidelines to get you from the airport or train station to where you need to go.
Arriving by plane
If you arrive by plane, you arrive in Copenhagen International Airport Kastrup, which is located 8 kilometres south of the city centre on the island of Amager. It is easy to get from the airport to the city centre by train or metro. The ride from the airport to the city centre takes about 15 minutes. Before getting on the train or metro, you need to purchase a ticket at the ticket stand (DSB) located in the airport terminal. The ticket costs around DKK 35. When you arrive in the city centre, you may decide to continue by public transportation or taxi depending on where you are going to stay.
If you are going to live in the southern part of Copenhagen, it may be more convenient to get a bus from the airport, as you do not need to get all the way to the city centre. Bus number 250S runs from the airport. A ticket costs around DKK 25 (for 2 zones) and can be purchased on the bus. Note that busses do not accept credit cards; you need cash.
Arriving by train
Copenhagen has three large train stations and a number of smaller stations. Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården) is located in the western part of the city centre. Nørreport is located in the northern part of the city centre, while Østerport is located east of the city centre. From either of the stations it is easy to get to your destination by metro, s-train, bus or taxi. Tickets for the metro and S-trains are purchased on the platform or in the train terminal, while bus tickets can be purchased on the bus. You use the same ticket for both busses and trains. A two-zone ticket, which is probably what you will need, costs around DKK 25.
Taxi
A taxi fare from the airport to the city centre costs around DKK 250. Note that in taxis in Denmark, the meter will start at a certain fixed rate and run as you drive. It is not possible to negotiate the price of the fare. Be aware that tipping is only customary in Denmark when service has been particularly good. Taxi fares include service charges and therefore you are not expected to tip.
Getting around
Getting around Copenhagen is easy. The city has a well-developed public transportation system of:
Busses: www.moviatrafik.dk
Metro: www.m.dk
Trains: www.dsb.dk
To plan your route, you may wish to visit www.rejseplanen.dk.
Cycling is, in fact, the most popular, quickest and cheapest way to get around. There is an extensive network of cycling paths throughout Copenhagen. Many students choose to buy a bicycle when they arrive in Copenhagen.
Finding accommodation
RMC does not offer student housing facilities and has no formalized access to halls of residence (kollegier). If you are looking for accommodation in Copenhagen, we have listed some tips and Internet sites below to help you.
The Housing Situation
The housing situation in Copenhagen can be difficult particularly in the period around August and September which is the beginning of the academic year. However, if you invest some time in going room-hunting, you should be able to find a place to live. Most students rent rooms in private homes or share flats with other students.
Tips when Searching and Finding Housing
Include the suburban areas just outside the centre of Copenhagen in your search. They are often slightly cheaper and it is still very easy and fast to get to RMC and into town by public transportation or on your bike.
Be aware that many buildings in Copenhagen date back one or two hundred years. Most of them have been renovated recently and are kept in very good condition, but quite a few of them still have small bathroom facilities or share bathroom facilities with other flats in the building. While Copenhageners are used to this, it may be different from what you are used to at home.
Because housing is in great demand, prices have gone up in Copenhagen as in other major international cities. Most rooms in Copenhagen cost between DKK 3,000 and 4,800 per month. When enquiring about a room, remember to ask if all costs (electricity, heating and water) are included in the monthly rent.
Enquire about “house rules” to make sure that you and your landlord/landlady agree on possible terms and conditions. You should also make sure to get a signed housing contract which includes the rental period and the conditions of notice to terminate the lease.
We strongly recommend that you do not accept illegal rental agreements, for instance if the landlord/landlady asks you to pay more than stated in the contract or will not allow you to register the address at the civil registration office (Folkeregistret).
Useful Internet Sites
- Apply for a room through the Student- and Youth Accommodation Office Copenhagen (KKIK).
- Apply for a room through the Central Nomination Committee (CIU). Download application guidelines
- The Blue Newspaper (Den Blå Avis) online carries adds on a range of things including rooms and flats for rent. The site is only available in Danish, but may be useful if you use our dictionary. You pay a small fee to log on to the Blue Newspaper adds.
The Internet is full of housing services and by doing a search on Copenhagen and housing related words, you will get a number of hits. While there are many good and useful sites, we also advise you to show caution particularly if the sites demand substantial fees for their services.
Residence Permit
The Danish residence permit - including work permit - rules depend on your citizenship. Find the category you belong to and read the information carefully.
Citizens of Nordic Countries
(Nordic countries are nationals of: Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
If you are a Nordic citizen, you do not need a residence permit. However, if you are staying for more than 6 months, you need to register with the Danish authorities. For more information about moving within the Nordic countries, please see www.norden.org/da. Students from the Scandinavian countries will not need a work permit for regular student jobs.
Citizens of EU/EEA Countries and Switzerland
(EU citizens are nationals of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus (only the Greco-Cypriot territory), the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. EEA citizens are nationals of: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway)
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you will need a residence permit, if you are staying in Denmark for more than three months. The permit may be obtained at the Regional State Administration Statsforvaltningen upon arrival in Denmark. Bring your passport, one passport photo (two if you are not an EU citizen) and your 'Letter of Admission' when you apply.
The Regional State Administration for Greater Copenhagen/
Statsforvaltningen Hovedstaden
Borups Allé 177 (map)
2400 Copenhagen NV
Tel.: +45 72 56 70 00
Email: hovedstaden@statsforvaltningen.dk
Note that it may take up to three weeks for Statsforvaltningen to process your application and issue your residence permit. You need to obtain your residence permit before you can register with the Danish Civil Registration Office/Borgerservice and be covered by Danish Health Security.
Students from EU member states will not need a work permit for regular student jobs.
Citizens of Non-EU/ EEA and Non-Nordic Countries
Students who are citizens of other countries than the EU/EEA or Nordic countries need a residence permit to study in Denmark.
Along with your letter of admission from RMC, you will receive an application form called ST1 as well as instruction on how to apply for the residence permit. You cannot apply for a residence permit until after you have received the letter of admission and the ST1.
The Application
The application process for a residence permit usually takes a considerable length of time (2-3 months). You should start the application process immediately upon receipt of the letter of admission and the ST1. Contact the Danish consulate or embassy in your country, or affiliated with your country, for information on how to apply for the residence permit. You can usually find the information you need on their websites.
Application Fee
Prior to submitting an application for the residence permit, students must create a case order ID online and pay a fee online according to the guidelines from The Danish Immigration Service.
Please make sure that any possible bank fees in connection with the transfer are added to the amount and not deducted from it. If full payment is not received, the residence permit application will not be processed. It is therefore essential for the processing of the application that students ensure that the full amount reaches The Danish Immigration Service. For information on the current fee please see HERE
The fee will be raised once a year, usually in January. Therefore we recommend that students from visa free countries pay the fee the same calendar year as they are turning in the ST1 application. Otherwise, they risk rejection by the Danish Agency for Labour Retention and International Recruitment.
The embassy or consulate processing the application may require payment of additional fees.
Financial Documentation
The Danish Immigration Authorities require documentation of your ability to support yourself financially during the length of your stay. You must be prepared to provide documentation, for example from your bank, verifying that you have the equivalent of DKK 4,200 per month during your intended stay.
Biometric Features
All non-EU citizens over the age of 18 applying for residence permits under the terms of the Aliens Act must have their biometric features recorded.
Individuals who submit an application at a Danish embassy or consulate abroad must submit it in person and will have their biometric features recorded at that time.
Individuals who submit an application at another country’s embassy or consulate, such as a Norwegian or Swedish consulate which has agreed to process Danish applications, will be required to have biometric features recorded after arriving in Denmark.
Individuals who submit their application at the Immigration Service/Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment in Denmark will have their biometric features recorded at that time. This only applies to applicants who can enter Denmark legally without a visa or residence permit, i.e. citizens from visa free counties.
Further information about residence cards with biometric features is available from the Danish Immigration Service website "New to Denmark".
Receiving your Residence Permit prior to departure for Denmark
If you apply in due time through a consulate or embassy, you will receive a reply from the embassy or consulate prior to your departure. The estimated processing time is 2-3 months. When you have arrived in Copenhagen and have registered with the Danish authorities, you will receive your residence permit (residence card type Z) by mail to your Danish address. The residence card serves as proof that you have been granted a Danish residence permit.
Entering Denmark without a Residence Permit
As a general rule you should apply for and receive your residence permit before entering Denmark. Citizens from countries were a visa is required to enter Denmark cannot enter without a visa or residence permit at hand. It is not possible to apply after entering Denmark.
Citizens from specific countries are allowed to enter Denmark without a visa for short term stays (visa exemption). Citizens from those specific countries can enter Denmark under this visa free status and apply for the residence permit in Denmark. This may be relevant for students who live far from a Danish consulate or embassy. Students who live close to a Danish consulate or embassy should apply prior to departing for Denmark. Applying after arrival in Denmark will delay getting registered with the Danish authorities for a CPR number which gives access to a range of services in Denmark. Whenever possible, it is therefore preferable to apply prior to arrival. If you go to Denmark before you get the residence permit you are responsible for informing the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment of your address in Denmark.
Find out if you need a visa prior to departure from the Danish Immigration Service website "New to Denmark".
Contact information and visiting address for the Danish Immigration Service in Copenhagen.
Non-EU/EEA and non-Nordic students are allowed to work in Denmark, 15 hours a week from September to May and 37 hours a week from June to August. Permit for this extent of work is automatically granted with the residence permit.
Further information about work regulations is available from the Danish Immigration Service website "New to Denmark".
Cpr-number
When you have arrived in Copenhagen, you are required to register with the local Citizens Service office (Borgerservice). To do so you must have your residence permit and a permanent address in Denmark. When you register, you will be provided with a personal identity number, called a cpr-number, as well as a Health Insurance Card.
Detailed information is available from Copenhagen International Service.
Health and Safety
We hope that your stay in Copenhagen will be a pleasant experience without any major problems or difficulties. Still, there are some practical issues to be aware of, and should you find yourself in a situation where you may need help or special guidance, the links below provide useful information.
Danish Health Insurance
The Danish Health Security Act covers international students at the University of Copenhagen staying for more than three months. However, you are not covered until you have registred with the Citizen Service office in Copenhagen. It may take up to two weeks from the day you register until you receive your personal health insurance card. In case you need medical treatment during this period, you are welcome to consult the doctor you were assigned upon your registration.
Be aware that the Danish Health Insurance does not cover the costs of medical evacuation back to your home country, emergency repatriation and personal liability. For this reason we encourage students to purchase insurance prior to their departure for Denmark; including health insurance to cover you until you are covered by the Danish Health Insurance.
If you have chronic medical problems requiring prescriptive medicine, it is a good idea to bring copies of your medical history issued by your local doctor. Please note that medicine is not free in Denmark.
Please refer to the information below for specific rules applying to the Danish Health Insurance depending on your citizenship. You can also refer to the information available from the Copenhagen Citizens Service website.
Non EU/EEA and Non-Nordic Students
Students from non-EU/EEA and non-Nordic countries staying for more than three months should apply for a Health Insurance Card upon arrival. The certificate is valid immediately after you have registered with the local Citizen Service. It is therefore strongly recommended that you register as soon as soon as possible upon your arrival in Denmark.
EU and EEA Students
EU/EEA students staying for more than 3 months should bring the European Health Insurance Card from their local health insurance office. This card is proof that you are entitled to health insurance at home, and therefore it entitles you to apply for Danish Health Insurance upon arrival in Denmark. It also entitles you to free medical care in Denmark until the Danish Health Insurance covers you.
Nordic students
Nordic students are covered for up to six months by the Danish Health Security Act. If you are staying for more than six months, you must bring the "internordiske flyttepapirer" and use these when applying for a Health Insurance Card. For more information about moving within the Nordic countries, please refer to the Hallo Norden website.
No RMC Insurance
RMC does not have a mandatory insurance policy which students are required to take out, and students are not covered by any insurance policies taken out by RMC.
Other Insurance Policies
If you do not take out insurance with a company in your home country, you may take out insurance with International Health Insurance (IHI) in Denmark. The IHI Study Abroad insurance covers for periods up to 24 months, and gives full protection in case of acute illness and injury. It also covers medical evacuation back to your home country, emergency repatriation and personal liability, among many other things. For further information please contact:
International Health Insurance Danmark a/s
Tel.: (+45) 33 15 30 99
E-mail: ihi@ihi.com
www.global.ihi.com
General Insurance with Danish Providers
With regard to general insurance (personal possessions, accident and liability), you may contact the following Danish insurance companies if you are not able to take out an insurance prior to your departure. The companies provide information in English if you give them a call. Please note that it is also important that you take out House Contents Insurance. The companies listed below will cover students on short term stays in Denmark.
Alm. Brand
Tel.: (+45) 33 30 60 10
www.almbrand.dk
Tryg Forsikring
Tel.: +45 70 11 20 20
www.tryg.dk (in Danish)
Emergency
In case of an emergency such as fire, a traffic accident or acute health problems, call 112. Remember to provide as many details as possible:
Where are you?
What has happened?
How many are injured and what is their condition?
What telephone number are you calling from?
For further information about what to do and who to contact in case of emergency, or if you are looking for information about emergency care, please refer to the following site provided by the Capital Region of Denmark:
Emergency Medical Services
If you need to get in touch with the police in a non-life-threatening situation, call 114.
Medical Helpline
If you are uncertain what you should do in the event of sudden illness or injury, you can call a medical helpline on 1813. If you are using a phone service based outside Denmark, please remember to use Denmark’s country code +45 before dialling 1813.
Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacies
Doctor
With the Danish Health Insurance you can see a doctor without charge. When you receive your Health Insurance Card, a General Practitioner will be assigned to you. His/her contact details are printed on your Health Insurance Card if you need to make an appointment. Remember to bring your Danish Health Insurance Card when you go to see the doctor.
If you need to see a doctor before you have registered with the Danish authorities to obtain health insurance, you can make an appointment with Citydoctors. They welcome English-speaking patients. The clinic is located in central Copenhagen close to Kongens Nytorv at Lille Strandstraede 20, ground floor to the right. Tel.: (+45) 70 20 15 46 or(+45) 38 69 38 69. Visit the Citydoctors website.
If you have a medical history, it is always a good idea to bring with you the accurate and complete physical and mental health information to secure a safe and healthy study abroad experience.
Specialists
If you need to see a specialist, please make an appointment with your General Practioner to get a referral to see the specialist.
Helpline
If you are uncertain what you should do in the event of sudden illness or injury, you can call a medical helpline on 1813. If you are using a phone service based outside Denmark, please remember to use Denmark’s country code +45 before dialling 1813.
Outside Opening Hours
If you need medical assistance outside of your doctor's opening hours, please call the emergency medical service to make an appointment. If you live in the municipality of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg or on Amager the telephone number is (+45) 38 69 38 69 Monday to Friday from 16 pm to 8 am, and during weekends and on national holidays all 24 hours. If you live in the greater area of Copenhagen, call (+45) 44 53 44 00.
Confidentiality
Patients and patient journals are treated confidentially in Denmark. Hence the only persons who have access to the information are you and your doctor/medical advisers. However, in case of serious illness or accident during your study abroad period in Denmark, we encourage you to contact the International Office or your faculty. You are always welcome to talk to one of the international advisors if you have personal or health related issues that you are concerned about.
Dentist
If you need to see a dentist, you are free to choose any dentist and call to make an appointment. Be aware that dental treatment is not free of charge in Denmark. You will find a list of dentists in the yellow pages under "tandlæger". Yellwo pages website.
Outside Opening Hours
In case of an emergency outside office hours (8-16), you can visit the emergency dental service.
Emergency Dental Service (Tandlægevagten) Oslo Plads 14, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø (by Østerport station) Tel: (+45) 35 38 02 51 Opening hours: Weekdays 20-21:30, weekends and public holidays 10-12
Pharmacies
You are able to buy a few types of medicine in supermarkets. However, if you need medicine, even just pain killers, we recommend that you always buy them in a pharmacy where specialists are able to give you professional advice on what you are buying, possible side effects and how much to take.
Outside Opening Hours
If you need medication outside regular opening hours, there are a few pharmacies that are open 24 hours.
Copenhagen Steno Pharmacy
Vesterbrogade 6C
DK-1620 Copenhagen V
Tel: (+45) 33 14 82 66
Copenhagen Sønderbro Pharmacy
Amagerbrogade 158
DK-2300 Copenhagen S
Tel: (+45) 32 58 01 40
Hospitals and Police Stations
Hospitals and Emergency Admissions
The greater Copenhagen area has a number of hospitals, some of which have emergency medical services. For further details, please refer to the information below provided by the Capital Region of Denmark:
Map of hospitals (note that some hospital sites are only available in English by Google translation)
Emergency medical services
Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault
Rigshospitalet
Entrance 5, 3rd floor, section 5032
Blegdamsvej 9 – also entrance from Juliane Maries Vej
DK-2100 Copenhagen East
Tel: (+45) 35 45 50 32
www.rigshospitalet.dk
Confidentiality
Patients and patient journals are treated confidentially in Denmark. Hence the only persons who have access to the information are you and your doctor/medical advisers. However, in case of serious illness or accident during your study abroad period in Denmark, we encourage you to contact the International Office or your faculty. You are always welcome to talk to an international advisor if you have personal or health related issues that you are concerned about.
Police Stations
Police Station Amager (covers Amager)
Kamillevej 3
DK-2750 Kastrup
Tel: ( +45) 33 14 14 48
Police Station Bellahøj (covers Nørrebro, Østerbro and Frederiksberg)
Borups Allé 266
DK-2400 Copenhagen NV
Tel: (+45) 33 14 14 48
Police Station City (covers City, Vesterbro and Valby)
Halmtorvet 20
DK-1700 Copenhagen V
Tel: (+45) 33 14 14 48
Student Councelling Service
The Student Counselling Service provides advice for students who need help in relation to social, psychological and psychiatric issues. Staff includes psychologists, medical consultants and social workers. The main office is placed in the centre of Copenhagen.
For further information and contact deails, please refer to the Student Councilling Service website.
Money and Banking
Living Costs
These are rough estimates of what it costs a single person to live in Copenhagen:
Housing: typically DKK 3,000 - 4,800/month
Food and daily expenses: DKK 1,500 - 2,500/month
Books and other study materials: DKK 1,500-2,000/semester
Local public transportation: DKK 600-1,000/month if you travel every day1
Leisure activities: DKK 2,000/month
1) To save money, we recommend that you consider buying a used bicycle, which you can get for around DKK 800-1,500.
Tipping is only customary in Denmark when service has been particularly good. Taxi fares and restaurant bills include service charges and therefore you are usually not expected to add extra to that.
The Danish currency is the krone (DKK). 1 euro is around 7.5 DKK. Well-known international credit cards are widely accepted, but as they might be inconvenient for every-day shopping, you might consider opening a Danish bank account and get a Dankort (Dan-Card) or credit card with the Danish bank.
Dankort is a debit card that is accepted everywhere except perhaps in very small shops that only take cash. Note, however, that you may be required to show documentation of your financial means or a steady income to get the card. To open an account and get a debit card, you must remember to bring your cpr-number, which is printed on your Health Insurance Card. It is also a good idea to bring copies of your passport, your Letter of Admission and your housing contract, as you may be asked for these documents. Note that Danish banks are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Language courses
UCplus usually offers free Dansish lessons at RMC (or at another school at Holmen). This is announced by email and a visit from UCplus shortly after semester start in August/September.
Other possible language courses in Copenhagen can be found at:
Voksenuddannelsescenter Frederiksberg, www.vuf.nu
Studieskolen, www.studieskolen.dk
University of Copenhagen, www.ku.dk
If you have further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact international coordinator Morten Tandrup at mta@rmc.dk