Student halls of residence in Copenhagen

The student residences in Copenhagen are one of the most popular accommodation alternatives in the Danish capital. If you want to know more about them, you’ve arrived at the right article! Here we tell you a variety of details, such as their advantages and disadvantages, differences between private and university residences, and how to find affordable options, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Copenhagen

Some of the most relevant pros and cons of this type of accommodation are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Copenhagen

They have strategic locations: close to the city centre or universities. Furthermore, they're generally well connected by public transport with the rest of the city, including leisure and cultural areas such as Nyhavn or the Tivoli gardens.
By living in a multicultural environment, it allows you to interact with students from all over the world, enriching your cultural experience.
Many of them offer amenities and common use spaces such as gyms, study rooms, laundry, and recreational spaces. These are designed to foster community among residents, something very important in Denmark, especially during the winter months when there are few hours of daylight.
The residence staff is in charge of the cleaning, repairs, and maintenance of facilities, which avoids arguments or problems between those who live there.
Normally the service costs such as water, Internet, and electricity are included in the monthly rental price.
They're well insulated and heated! Remember that, during winter, the average temperature is around 0-1ºC each day.

Cons of living in student dorms in Copenhagen

Some accommodations in the residences aren’t furnished, which means you have to incur in extra expenses when entering.
In some cases they don’t include bed linen, towels, and kitchen utensils. You have to decide whether to take it from home or buy it when you arrive in Copenhagen.
They may have priority students who’re going to stay there for a full year. This makes it difficult to get a place in some residences.
They tend to have stricter coexistence rules than private apartments. This may be in relation to, for example, times of use of common spaces, noise times, and reception of visitors.
In the case of those with many residents, it may be difficult to concentrate on studies when necessary. Be careful if you're prone to FOMO!
Some private student residences in Copenhagen may be more expensive than other accommodation options, like sharing a flat with other students.
Shared areas, such as kitchens or laundry rooms, may be busy during peak hours, which generates discomfort and waiting.

Private student residences in Copenhagen

In the Danish capital, private residences are a very popular option among students, both local and international. They're normally strategically located in central areas or areas close to universities, including the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, among others.

In these private residences, there are two very common types of accommodation: single rooms and shared rooms. Many of these rooms (especially the shared ones) have a private bathroom and a small kitchen. Besides, if you prefer to have more independence and privacy, you’ll also find some studio apartments available.

Something important you have to pay attention to is whether the accommodation is furnished or not. If you plan on staying in Copenhagen for a short time, it’s probably not very convenient to have to invest in furniture upon arrival. In some cases you only have to bring your own bedding, towels, and kitchen utensils. Also, keep in mind that you should carry some decoration objects (such as photos, prints or small objects) to make your space a more welcoming place.

Private residences in the Danish capital generally have a wide variety of common use spaces. For example, among them you can find a gym, laundry, storage space, co-working and study, a cinema, and resting areas with sofas and games.

Regarding the length of the contracts, they're normally flexible, adapting to your needs. Of course, some of the residences prioritise students who’ll be there for a full year.

It should be noted that in Copenhagen you can also find the so-called “co-livings”. They're buildings that function as student residences, but they're aimed at both students and young professionals. This makes the vibe more mature and not as youthful, but still very fun!

University student halls of residence in Copenhagen

In this section we refer to residences offered by the institutions themselves, that is, they belong to each one of them. In fact, the first thing to highlight is that in these university residences, the students that live there are typically all from the same university. Therefore, it limits the possibility of expanding your circle of friends.

Regarding the type of accommodation that you can find in each of them, the most common thing is to find single rooms in which the bathroom and kitchen are shared with the other residents. These rooms can be part of large residential buildings or even houses or apartments. This’ll make you live with more or fewer people in your daily life.

The first thing you have to keep in mind about this type of accommodation is that normally they have established periods to make the request. That is, you have to communicate your desire to receive a place until a certain date, which is generally several months before the start of classes. For example, some have a deadline of November for those who start in February, or May for those who start classes in September.

Another fact to keep in mind is that these university residences may be modern and have been remodelled, or they may be older. The latter tend to have a cheaper monthly cost, also taking into account that spaces may be smaller. However, all the accommodation offered has an acceptable standard for a student to live in.

University Residences of the University of Copenhagen

This institution doesn’t have its own residences, but it does offer the possibility of accessing a large number of private residences that are conveniently located near their campuses.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Copenhagen, read this article.

University Residence Halls of the University of Southern Denmark

This institution offers places in residences located on its different campuses. In fact, they guarantee exchange students the possibility of accessing one of them. However, remember that you have to apply on specific dates, so pay attention to that.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Southern Denmark, read this article.

University Residences of the Copenhagen Business School

The CBS Housing Team helps students find places in residences with which they have agreements. That is, they don’t have their own residences. Keep in mind that you have to submit your application within a set deadline, and that student demand far exceeds availability.

If you want to know about housing near Copenhagen Business School, read this article.

University Residence Halls of the Technical University of Denmark

This institution offers accommodation to students through the Boligfonden DTU foundation (BDTU). Two facts to keep in mind: priority goes to first-year international students who will study a full degree, and their cost is usually higher than that of private residences.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Technical University of Denmark, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Copenhagen

In our search Erasmus Play you’ll find a wide variety of student residences, which are verified and available for your stay in the Danish capital. There’s availability in different parts of the city, so you can choose the ideal location for you easily, according to the university where you’re going to study.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Copenhagen

How much does a student residence in Copenhagen cost?
The cost typically varies between DKK 4,000 and DKK 8,000 per month (approximately €530 to €1,070), depending on the location, type of accommodation and facilities offered. The cheapest options tend to be shared rooms or small studio apartments, while private apartments and residences with more amenities tend to be more expensive.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Copenhagen?
Yes, there are scholarships that can help cover accommodation costs. International students, especially those participating in programs such as Erasmus+, can access financial aid. In fact, the Erasmus scholarship offers a monthly subsidy that varies depending on the country of origin, and can be used for accommodation costs. Additionally, some local universities and organisations offer specific scholarships for students in financial need or high academic achievers.
Which is cheaper, a room in an apartment or a student residence in Copenhagen?
In general, renting a room in a shared apartment is cheaper than living in a student residence in the Danish capital. Residences offer additional amenities and included services, which increases their cost. However, prices may vary depending on location, facilities, and room type.
When to apply for a student residence in Copenhagen?
It’s advisable to apply several months in advance, ideally between three and six months before the start of the academic year. Demand for accommodation is high, especially for international students, so applying early increases your chances of getting a place. In addition, some university residences have established deadlines, such as November for those who start in February, or May for those who start classes in September.
Are there male and female university residences in Copenhagen?
In the Danish capital, university residences are generally not segregated by gender, as they promote an inclusive and co-ed environment. That is, most residences offer accommodation for all students, without distinction of gender. However, some may offer spaces reserved for women if requested for reasons of comfort or privacy.