Information and tips for Erasmus students in Aarhus

Thinking about your Erasmus in Aarhus? This Danish city is an ideal destination for international students. It’s the second largest city in the country and it has a large student community thanks to Aarhus University (Aarhus Universitet). Its university atmosphere, its proximity to nature and its quality of life make it a very attractive destination. It’s located next to the sea and surrounded by forests, allowing you to enjoy many outdoor activities.

The cost of living in Aarhus can be high compared to other Erasmus cities, but with good planning it’s possible to stick to a reasonable budget. Transport is efficient and the bicycle is a means of transport that’s widely used by students. Discover everything Aarhus has to offer!

Cost of living in Aarhus, Denmark

The cost of living in Aarhus varies depending on each student's lifestyle, although living in Denmark typically entails a high cost. Adding up accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment, a student can expect to spend between 6.000 and 9.000 DKK (800-1,200 €) per month.

The biggest expense for students each month is usually accommodation. Rooms in shared apartments cost from 4.500 DKK (600 €) per month, depending on the location and amenities. A room in a residence hall, on the other hand, costs between 2.460-4.100 DKK (330-550 €) per month.

Transportation in the city is efficient, with a network of buses and trams connecting the entire city. A monthly transport pass costs around 225 DKK (30 €). In addition, the bicycle is a widely used option by students, especially in spring and summer.

When it comes to food, the cost can vary between 1.800-2.980 DKK (250-400 €) per month, depending on where you shop and whether you eat out frequently.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Aarhus

The city of Aarhus offers a wide variety of nightlife options. On the one hand, as in every city, you can find pubs, bars, and nightclubs. A well-known site is the Studenterhus Aarhus, which is quite close to the universities and has drinks at very affordable prices (compared to those in the pubs and bars in the city). Other popular places to party are Der Kuhstall or V58. Also, the parties that international students never miss are the ones that are organised in the universities.

If you prefer quieter plans, there are many options to enjoy the city. You can walk around the Aarhus Ø port, take a walk through the Riis Skov park, or relax on the Den Permanente beach, very popular among students in summer.

Aarhus also has festivals and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most important is the Aarhus Festival Week, a ten-day festival that brings together music, art, and culture throughout the city.

Culture and gastronomy in Aarhus, Denmark

Although it’s a lesser-known city than Copenhagen, Aarhus has many cultural sites to visit.

If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Moesgaard Museum (Moesgaard Museum), which offers exhibitions on Viking prehistory and culture. Another interesting option is the ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, famous for its rainbow walkway with panoramic views of the city.

For nature lovers, Aarhus offers many green spaces and hiking trails. If you're looking for a getaway, the Mol's Mountains National Park (Mols Bjerge Nationalpark) is an excellent option to enjoy the outdoors and Danish nature.

As for gastronomy, there are several typical dishes that you can try. One of the most popular is the "smørrebrød" (rye bread with different ingredients such as herring, salmon or cold meat). Other traditional dishes include "stegt flæsk" (fried pork with potatoes and parsley sauce) and "rødgrød med fløde" (red fruit dessert with cream).

Some affordable restaurants for students are Aarhus Street Food, where you can find a variety of food at a good price, Havnens Perle or Gestgivergaarden.

Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Aarhus

Here are some of the most important pros and cons of studying in this Danish city:

Advantages

• Don't worry if you don't know the official language, the vast majority of Aarhus residents will be able to communicate with you in English. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn the basics of a new language.
• The student vibe in Aarhus is very active thanks to Aarhus University and its international community.
• The city is safe and quiet, ideal for focusing on studies and enjoying the surroundings.
• If you love nature, Aarhus offers beaches, parks and trails where you can walk, play sports or relax outdoors.
• Another advantage is its location. From Aarhus, you can travel easily to Copenhagen by train in about three hours, and there are also cheap flights to other European countries from its airport.

Disadvantages

• The weather can be a challenge, especially in winter when temperatures can drop below 0°C and there’s little sunlight.
• The cost of living is high compared to other Erasmus destinations, but with good organisation it’s possible to stay within a budget.
• Although many people speak English, Danish is the main language, which can make some procedures more complicated if you don't have prior knowledge.
• For those looking for a non-stop party destination, Aarhus may not be the best option, as its nightlife is more relaxed compared to other cities.

Cheap student accommodation in Aarhus, Denmark

On the Erasmus Play platform you can find apartments, rooms, and residences for Erasmus students in Aarhus simply and securely. Find the best student accommodation deals, compare prices, and choose the option that best suits your needs. It's that easy!

FAQ about an Erasmus in Aarhus

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