11 Student halls of residence in Aarhus

Staying in a student residence in Aarhus, known as the City of Smiles (“Smilets By”), is a practical option for those planning an exchange or studies in this small Danish city. These residences combine comfort, access to modern facilities, and an environment designed to support student life. In this article, you’ll find key information about residences in Aarhus, including their advantages, disadvantages and an overview of private and university options. We’ll also give you tips on how to find affordable alternatives and answer frequently asked questions about this type of accommodation. Velkommen til Aarhus!

Advantages and disadvantages of living in a residence in Aarhus

Below we mention the most notable pros and cons of living in this type of housing:

Pros of living in student residences in Aarhus

• Living in a hall of residence allows you to socialise easily and become part of the active university life in Aarhus, a city known for its young and dynamic atmosphere.
• The games rooms, bars, saunas, and social areas in the residences are key places for having fun with other residents on those cold days when you don't feel like going out.
• In a city with cold winters like Aarhus, residences usually include heating in the rent, ensuring comfort without additional costs. Likewise, you don't need to worry about contracting Wi-Fi or paying water and electricity bills, as these are also usually included in the rent.
• Aarhus is a popular destination among international students, allowing you to live alongside people from different cultures and enrich your experience.
• Activities such as clubs and events in the residences help to keep life active and entertaining.

Cons of living in student residences in Aarhus

• Although many include services, prices in Aarhus can be significantly higher than renting a room in a shared flat.
• High demand and Aarhus's growing student population make it difficult to find places in halls of residence, especially at the start of the semester.
• Some have rules about noise, guests or pets, which can be restrictive for those who prefer greater freedom in their lifestyle.
• Students must adapt to the pre-installed furniture and decorations, which can be inconvenient if you’re seeking to create a more personalised environment.
• If you live in neighbourhoods such as Brabrand, you’ll probably need to use public transport regularly, which involves additional costs and schedule planning.
• In many of these residences, especially university-owned options, residents depend on the commitment of others to keep common areas clean.

Private student residences in Aarhus

Private residences in this Danish city are usually located in neighbourhoods such as Christiansbjerg and Aarhus N, close to educational institutions and with easy access to the city centre.

Among the types of accommodation available in these residences are: single rooms (a private space where the kitchen, bathroom and shower are shared with one or more roommates), studio flats or one-bedroom flats (independent, with kitchenette and private bathroom), and two-bedroom flats (where the kitchen and bathroom are shared between two people).

Common facilities in these residences typically include:

• Common rooms: spaces to encourage community building and leisure time, with board games, table football, projectors, and sound system.
• Outdoor areas: shared gardens with games and barbecues.

The services that are included in the rent usually cover water, heating, electricity, and internet. Some residences allow pets, while others prohibit them. In addition, certain residences are smoke-free indoors.

University halls of residence in Aarhus

In Aarhus, university residences (those offered by the institutions themselves through partnerships) are located in various neighbourhoods, offering students a variety of accommodation options depending on the locations of their different campuses. For example, some are located in Brabrand, a green and welcoming area, while others are located in Aarhus N, to the north of the city.

An important fact to bear in mind is that some of these residences not only accommodate students, but also young professionals and even tourists.

These residences offer different types of accommodation to suit different preferences. These include:

• Single rooms: private spaces where residents share a kitchen, bathroom, and shower with one or more flatmates.
• One- or two-bedroom flats: self-contained units with private kitchen and bathroom, ideal for those seeking greater privacy.

University residences in Aarhus offer various facilities to encourage interaction and student wellbeing. Shared areas include lounges with communal kitchens, gyms, saunas, cinemas, rooftop terraces, and workspaces. In addition, there may be television rooms, bars with table football, billiards and beer pong, party facilities, laundries, and grocery stores.

Among the included services are access to common areas, Wi-Fi (in some cases limited or subject to fees after a few months), electricity, water, and heating. Options such as community activities and clubs are also offered, although some may require additional fees. Services that aren’t included vary by residence and may include laundry, parking, and the rental of private spaces such as event bars.

Residences at Aarhus University

The main university in the Danish city doesn’t have its own halls of residence, but it has agreements with some organisations through which accommodation can be sought.

If you’d like to know about accommodation near Aarhus University, read this article.

Residences at VIA University College

This institution doesn’t offer places in halls of residence to full-time undergraduate students in Aarhus, but it does offer a limited number of places to exchange students for a maximum period of six months. However, these aren’t in its own hall of residence, but rather a collaboration.

If you’d like to know about accommodation near VIA University College, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Aarhus

With our comparison tool Erasmus Play, you can explore a wide variety of verified private residences in Aarhus. The platform allows you to filter by characteristics such as price, location, and included services, making it easier for you to find the perfect option for you. What's more, you can make your booking entirely online and securely! This leaves you more time to organise unforgettable activities, such as exploring the lively Latin Quarter, visiting the iconic ARoS museum or strolling around the picturesque harbour of Aarhus.

FAQ about student residences in Aarhus