full -degree

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 – FOR FULL-DEGREE STUDENTS COMING TO UNIVERSITY TABLE OF CONTENTS

04 A WARM WELCOME

06 PLANNING YOUR STAY IN AARHUS

12 TRAVELLING TO AARHUS

14 SETTLING IN AARHUS

18 TRAVELLING AROUND AND AARHUS

22 STUDYING AT

26 WORKING IN DENMARK

28 LIVING IN AARHUS

32 GOING OUT IN AARHUS

34 LEARNING DANISH

36 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES

38 USEFUL LINKS Credits Text: International Centre Layout & design: Mio Schrøder & Marcia Allison Photo: AU

Version: 2011/2012

International Centre Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4, bldg. 1650 DK-8000

E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +45 8942 2320 Web: www.au.dk/ic INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 4 2011/2012

A WARM WELCOME

Welcome to Aarhus University! We are de- The IC acts as the central service point for all lighted that you have decided on our Univer- incoming international students, where you sity as your future study institution and we look can get non-academic guidance both prior to forward to greeting you in Aarhus. your arrival and throughout your studies at the University. All of us at the International Centre Year after year Aarhus University (AU) wel- aim to provide you with the best services we comes an increasingly large and diverse can offer and we look forward to assisting you group of international students. The Univer- in making this the best experience possible. sity believes in the growing importance of students having an international dimension Sincerely, in their education and is a strong supporter of international mobility. The International Centre Aarhus University Arriving in a new country and enrolling at a new and different university can seem con- fusing and overwhelming at times. This Stu- Where are we located? dent Guide caters to international full-degree Aarhus University students and aims to make your transition International Centre Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4, bldg. 1650 from home to here as easy and pleasant as DK-8000 Aarhus C possible. Read the guide carefully and make sure to bring it with you when you leave for How can you contact us? Denmark. This guide will cover everything Phone: +45 8942 2320 you need to know to in preparation for your Fax: +45 8942 2329 Email: [email protected] arrival in Aarhus. Remember, the more thor- www.au.dk/ic ough your planning, the less confusing your arrival will be. Facebook Search for our page: The International Centre (IC) is proud to be International Centre, Aarhus University. based in the Dale T. Mortensen Building, a Chat profile: Internationalcenter Aarhus new home dedicated for international stu- This is specifically for chatting about your up- dents and named after Aarhus University’s coming stay. 2010 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 6 2011/2012

PLANNING YOUR STAY IN AARHUS

RESIDENCE you are active and enrolled in an educational programme. If this is not the case, the Immi- PERMIT/CERTIFICATE gration Service can revoke your residence permit/certificate. The University is obliged As an international student, you need to apply to inform the Immigration Service if you are for a residence permit (non EU students) or not actively following the educational pro- certificate (EU/EEA students) for your right to gramme. reside in Denmark. Furthermore, it is a condi- tion of the residence permit/certificate that We encourage you to check www.new- todenmark.dk, a Danish government website, to see if there are any special requirements Checklist for applicants from your country. Read the following sections to find out what further Practicalities before arrival steps you must take to apply for a residence c Visa and residence permit (non-EU only) permit/certificate. c Health insurance c Personal and belongings insurance c Housing Nordic citizens If you are a Nordic citizen, you are free to enter, What to bring with you for your stay in reside, study and work in Denmark. You do Aarhus not need a visa, residence permit/certificate c Passport and/or ID card or work authorisation. For further information, c 3 copies of passport and/or ID card c Passport photos please see www.newtodenmark.dk under EU c Insurance documents and Nordic citizens. c Letter of admission c Marriage certificate (if applicable) EU/EEA citizens c Bank cards/travellers cheques/Danish Since you will be in Denmark for more than currency c Adaptor for electrical appliances (220V) three months, you will need to apply for a c Laptop and computer equipment residence certificate. To obtain it, you must c Mobile phone submit an application to the Regional State c Dictionary, books, and study materials Administration after your arrival. With the residence certificate, you will gain work au- thorisation. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 7

Please take note that representatives from the mentation along with your application: Regional State Administration will be at the • Copy of your passport (all pages includ- University at the beginning of the semester ing the front page). Your passport must to receive your application. be valid for 6 months longer than your When applying, you need to bring the fol- intended stay in Denmark. lowing documents: • Two passport-sized photos • Completed residence certificate applica- • Proof (original documents) that you can tion form (collected from IC upon arrival) support yourself financially while in Den- • Valid passport or ID card mark. This should include documentation • A photocopy of your passport/ID card from your own bank account or a receipt • One passport-sized photo of scholarship certifying that you have • Letter of admission to Aarhus University. the equivalent of DKK 4,200 per month The residence certificate is valid as long during your intended stay. as you are actively enrolled as a student at We recommend that you check with the Dan- Aarhus University. ish Embassy in your country of residence for any additional requirements such as fees, Non EU citizens additional copies of the application form Since you will be in Denmark for more than and work permit application procedures (see three months, you will need to obtain a resi- page 26 for more information about working dence permit. You are expected to apply for in Denmark). and receive the permit prior to your arrival If you have not received your residence per- in Denmark. mit before arriving in Denmark, contact the Upon acceptance to the University, you will International Centre as soon as you arrive. receive the appropriate application form. The University completes part 2 of the original Please note that as of May 20 2011, all stu- ST1 form and sends the application to you. dents applying for a resident permit will now You then complete your part (part 1) of the also receieve a residence card which holds form, attach the required documents, and their biometric prints. When you submit your submit the entire original application to the Danish resident permit application in your Danish Embassy in your country of residence. home country, you will have your biometric You must apply for a Danish residence per- prints taken (photo and fingerprints) which mit before you leave for Denmark. It takes will then be sent to the Immigration Service in approximately three months to obtain your Denmark. You will then receive your residence permit, therefore you should apply at least card once you have registered in Denmark three months prior to arrival. with a Danish address. You will need to submit the following docu- INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 8 2011/2012

Extension of residence permit be allowed to receive free medical treatment An application for extension can be submit- in clinics and hospitals. However, please note ted no earlier than four months and no later that this does not cover the costs of medi- than one month prior to the expiration of your cal evacuation back to your home country, current permit. All application forms can be emergency repatriation and personal liability. found on the relevant websites. Nordic students The application must be submitted to the You are automatically covered by the Danish Immigration Office (Udlændingekontoret) Health Security Act. at the Aarhus Police Station along with the documentation required for your original EU/EEA students permit. Make sure all of this documentation You should get your European Health Insur- is up-to-date, especially the confirmation that ance Card from your local authority before you are currently enrolled at the University. travelling to Denmark. This card is proof that you are entitled to health insurance in your The Regional State Administration home country. Above all, it gives you access www.statsforvaltning.dk Tel: +45 7256 8456 to free medical care in Denmark until you are Telephone hours: Monday–Wednesday 9–15, covered by Danish Health Insurance. To be Thursday 12.30–17, Friday 9–12 covered by the Danish Health Security Act, Email: [email protected] you need to have received your CPR number.

The Danish Immigration Service www.newtodenmark.dk Other foreign students Tel. students: +45 3530 8750 As an international student from a country Telephone hours: Monday–Friday 9–15 other than the above mentioned, you are Email: [email protected] covered by the Danish Health Insurance Scheme as soon as you receive your CPR number from the Borgerservice. You must INSURANCE register at the Borgerservice as soon as you arrive in Denmark. Health insurance The Danish Health Security Act covers health Other insurance insurance for foreign students staying more It is your responsibility to insure yourself and than three months. It means that once you your belongings while you are staying in have your yellow Health Insurance Card, Denmark as AU does not cover any losses. showing your name, address and personal We highly recommend that you take out the registration number (CPR number), you will following insurance policies either before or INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 9

immediately after arriving in Denmark. of residence in Aarhus are run by the Central Housing Office called Kollegiekontoret. How- Third-party insurance/liability insurance ever, in order to get housing at the peak time (ansvarsforsikring) is a must: this insurance at the start of the semester, you will need to covers any losses you might have if you have apply several months in advance. The ap- to pay compensation to another person. plication process is done online: www.studenthousingaarhus.dk. Accident insurance (ulykkesforsikring): this insurance covers the financial consequences Another option is to apply for a special type of of an accident. housing in Denmark called “leje bolig”, which is rental housing run by a housing association. Home insurance (indboforsikring): insurance This is very popular so waiting lists for accom- of your personal belongings. modation can be several years. In Aarhus, you can apply for over 45000 homes owned, run If you decide to buy insurance in Denmark, and maintained by over 40 housing associa- the University recommends that you contact tions across the from a single different insurance companies to find the one website: www.aarhusbolig.dk. It costs DKK that best suits your needs. The large insurance 100 per year and certain accommodation companies such as TRYG, Alm. Brand For- prioritises students. The website is in Danish sikring and Top Danmark have homepages but use an internet translator. in English. You can also find a private room or appart- ment to rent or sublet: www.sr.au.dk/web/component/option,com_ HOUSING wrapper/Itemid,215/ www.boligportal.dk (fee) As full-degree students, you are classed in the www.lejebolig.dk (fee). same category as Danish students in regards to housing and are therefore responsible for Hotel bookings (temporary housing) finding your own accommodation. Unfor- If you need temporary accommodation these tunately, it can be difficult to find housing in are a few options within Aarhus. Please note Aarhus. We therefore strongly recommend that you cannot move into accommodation that you start looking for a place to live as soon in Aarhus before the beginning of a lease. as you have been accepted to the University. www.citysleep-in.dk The easiest and quickest way is to apply for a www.aarhus-danhostel.dk room at a hall of residence. The student halls www.cabinn.dk

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 12 2011/2012

TRAVELLING TO AARHUS

Depending on where you are travelling from, credit cards and currencies such as US Dol- the most common ways of reaching Aarhus lars and Euros. are: www.aar.dk • Flying to Copenhagen Airport, taking a connecting flight to Aarhus Airport (30 Billund International Airport minutes) and then taking the airport bus Location: 100 km south-west of Aarhus, next to downtown Aarhus (45 minutes) to Legoland • Flying to Copenhagen Airport and then This is a larger international airport that serv- taking a train direct from the airport to ices Aarhus. There is an airport bus from the Aarhus (3-4 hours) airport to downtown Aarhus (stopping at the • Flying to Billund International Airport and Scandinavian Center) which takes 90 minutes then taking the airport bus to Aarhus and costs DKK 180. (1.5 hours) www.billund-airport.com • Taking the train all the way to Aarhus • Taking the bus all the way to Aarhus. Copenhagen International Airport – Kastrup Location: Copenhagen There is a free shuttle service between the AIRPORTS international and domestic airport if you are taking a domestic flight from Copenhagen to Aarhus. This costs approximately DKK 400- Aarhus Airport – Tirstrup 500 one way but is often cheaper if booked Location: 45 km north-east of Aarhus with your ticket to Denmark. Aarhus airport is mainly a domestic airport with connections to Copenhagen, but there are a few direct flights from some European cities, including London. TRAINS

The airport bus is linked to many incoming From Copenhagen and outgoing flights and stops both close to You can either take the airport bus to Copen- the University and downtown Aarhus at the hagen’s central train station or, more conven- central train station. It takes approximately iently, take a direct train from the airport to 45 minutes to Aarhus city centre and costs Aarhus. The train ride takes 3–4 hours and DKK 95. It is possible to pay with major debit/ there are trains leaving for Aarhus every half INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 13

hour during the day and the evening. When Bus travel within Denmark travelling in Denmark, there are special dis- Abildskou Coaches operates within Denmark count tickets for people below the age of 26, and offers a cheaper alternative to the train, but you must obtain a Wild Card (ID card) from with an additional discount for students. The DSB first. Please see page 18 for more infor- service between Copenhagen and Aarhus mation about DSB and trains within Denmark. is the Line 888 which runs several times a www.dsb.dk day, with certain buses going directly from Copenhagen Airport. The central bus sta- International connections to Aarhus tion in Aarhus is only 5 minutes walk to the Aarhus is relatively easy to access by train train station. from a variety of cities and European coun- www.linie888.dk tries. The Danish network of trains (run pri- marily by DSB) is well-developed, and there are good connections from Sweden and to How can I get from Aarhus central train the south (such as Germany). Please bear in station to the International Centre? mind that when you book tickets on Danish The most regular buses are: 3 (towards trains, you need to pay a small additional Trige or Aarhus Nord), 6 (towards Åkro- fee to book a specific seat, which may be gen), 9 (towards Lystrup), 11 (towards necessary if you are travelling on a weekend Vest) and 14 (towards Syge- or with lots of luggage. hus).

Get off the bus at the stop Norreport from Aarhus Central Train Station the train station – the journey should take Aarhus central train station (Hovedbanegår- around 5 minutes. den) is centrally located in downtown Aarhus at the very end of the main shopping street. Outside the station, you will find a taxi rank How much does the bus fare cost? and bus stops for most city buses. A single ticket costs DKK 20. A 10-ride ticket for two zones costs DKK 120. A 1-month ticket costs DKK 345. BUS Single tickets are purchasable on the bus International connections to Aarhus from ticket machines (on yellow buses) or For international bus connections, Eurolines from the driver (blue buses). is a possible choice: www.eurolines.dk. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 14 2011/2012

SETTLING IN AARHUS

REGISTERING AT THE IC ter. If you do not apply for your CPR number with the Borgerservice when they visit AU, As soon as you arrive in Aahus, you will need you will have to go directly to the City Hall. to register at the IC. Amongst other items, you Once you apply for your CPR number it takes will receive your student card and documents approximately 2 weeks to arrive. in order to apply for your CPR number. Your CPR number card is also your health insurance card or ’yellow card’. If you need medical attention before you receive your CIVIL REGISTRATION (CPR) CPR number, please contact the IC (if not an emergency) or the emergency room at NUMBER Aarhus University Hospital.

After you have obtained your residence per- Nordic students mit or certificate, you must apply for your Dan- You must apply for a CPR number if you are ish CPR number. This is something that every- staying in Denmark for more than 3 months one who lives in Denmark has. The number – if so, you should visit the Borgerservice as is used to identify yourself when dealing with soon as you arrive. public authorities, health authorities, libraries, banks and the like. If you need to identify EU/EEA students yourself for any reason your CPR number is Please note that if you apply for your resi- your primary source of identification. dence certificate on the days the authorities are invited onto campus at the beginning Your address in Denmark, bank account, of the semester, you can apply for your resi- phone number and so on is linked to your dence certificate and your CPR number at CPR number. It is therefore issued both as the same time. You will be informed of when a 12-digit number which acts as electronic the authorities will be visiting at a later date. identification and also as a physical card However, if you do not register with the au- which is swipeable. thorities on campus, you will have to apply for them seperately. In this case, once you The CPR number is issued by the Borgerserv- have received your residence certificate, you ice (Citizen Service) and they will be invited to must apply for your CPR at the Borgerservice. the University at the beginning of the semes- INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 15

Other foreign students CHOOSING A DOCTOR You must register at the Borgerservice as soon as you arrive in order to apply for your CPR. When you fill in the application form for your CPR number, you will receive a list of general practitioners (GPs) within Aarhus. INTRO WEEK You are free to choose any GP who is ac- cepting new patients – this is indicated on This event is designed to give new students an the list. introduction to the University and to the city of Aarhus. The introduction programme of- fers talks, tours and a welcome party to allow students to get to know each other and the MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE surroundings. You will receive further informa- If you are married you must bring your original tion about the programme at a later date. marriage certificate as well as a copy of an official translation into Danish or English. You What you receive when you register at the IC must present this when applying for a CPR • Student ID card • Form for CPR application number and bring this even if your partner • Aktiv Attest is not with you in Denmark. • EU students also receive an application form for the residence certificate

What to bring with you when registering with HOUSING – FURNITURE the authorities on campus . Unless you are subleasing, rental accomo- All students • Passport/ID card and copy of photo page dation comes unfurnished in Denmark. The • Completed CPR form easiest place to buy cheap furniture from • Aktiv Attest is IKEA in the north of the city. You can also buy secondhand furtniture on the website EU/EEA Students www.dba.dk. • Another copy of photo page of passport • Passport photo • Completed residence certificate form http://www.ikea.com/dk/da/store/aarhus

Non-EU Students • Copy of visa in your passport (which is your residence permit) INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 16 2011/2012

When you arrive in Aarhus, you will need to register with the Danish authorities (for residency) as well as with Aarhus University for your studies. The various steps take a few weeks to complete, after which you will have full access to facilities within Denmark and the University. Although this may seem daunting at first, the IC are here to help make this process go as smoothly as possible.

Registering with the Danish Authorities

There will be an option to register with the authorities on campus at AU during specific days in the first few weeks of the semester.

Non–EU EU students EU students and Nordic who register NOT registering students with authori- on campus ties on cam- Apply for pus: Apply for resi- CPR: takes dence certif- approx. 2 Apply for resi- cate: takes weeks dence certifi- approx. 2 cate and CPR at weeks same time

Receive Collect resi- CPR dence certifi- card at cate at IC Receive your ad- CPR dress in Then apply card at Aarhus for CPR: takes your ad- approx. 2 weeks dress in Aarhus

Receive CPR card at your ad- dress in Aarhus What you need a CPR number for: • Danish bank account • Access to University State Library (but you will re- ceive a temporary card in the meantime) • Access to public libraries • Contract mobile phone • Home internet and TV connection • Gym membership (plus Danish bank account) • Danish Health Insurance

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 18 2011/2012

TRAVELLING AROUND DENMARK & AARHUS

TRAINS BICYCLES

DSB is the Danish railway network that runs Cycling is the easiest way to get around to all regions of the country. You can get Aarhus. Most places are reachable within discount tickets, called DSB Orange, which cycling distance and you can find bike facili- are considerably cheaper than the regular ties everywhere. prices. You can also purchase a Wild Card which offers discounted tickets to students New bicycles aged 26 years old or under. You can buy both Major supermarkets such as Bilka, Kvickly electronic tickets and paper tickets that you and Føtex offer new, but cheap bikes from have to pick up at the station. around DKK 1,000.

For information on ticket prices and timeta- Second-hand bicycles bles, contact the DSB Customer Centre at You can purchase a second-hand bike at the +45 7013 1415 or book your tickets online: police auction held on the first Wednesday www.dsb.dk. of every month. You can take a look at the bikes from 12 and the auction starts at 13.

www.1-auktion.dk LONG DISTANCE COACHES 1-Auktion A/S Skanderborgvej 104-106 There are a number of bus companies that 8260 Viby J offer transportation within Denmark and to larger European cities. See some of the fol- Another possibility is to look for a second- lowing websites: hand bike in newspapers such as Gul & Gratis and Den Blå Avis (in Danish only). www.abildskou.dk www.guloggratis.dk www.eurolines.dk. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 19

Renting bicycles Buses that travel further out of the city are Studenterhus Århus rent bikes for students at run by the five regional bus companies in DKK 650 per semester. It is also possible to Denmark and are usually blue. You enter rent a bicycle for a shorter period of time in the bus at the front and buy your ticket from Aarhus. Companies such as bikes4rent and the bus driver. BikeMe offer special rates for students. Travel by bus within Aarhus is split into 4 zones, www.bikes4rent.dk and single tickets (which you purchase on the www.bikeme.dk bus) can be used within 2 zones for up to 2 hours. Alternatively you can buy a 10-ride City bicycles ticket from most kiosks or a season card from During the summer, Aarhus provides city bikes the bus station, which is much cheaper if you which you can use free of charge. You release are frequently taking the bus. There are va- the bike from its stand by depositing DKK 20, lidation machines on all buses for the 10-ride which you get back when you return the bike tickets and a single stamp lasts for an hour. to one of the 58 designated parking places in the city. For further information, please see Night buses operate on Friday and Saturday www.aarhusbycykel.dk. City bikes can also night, departing from downtown at 01.00, be found in Viborg and Copenhagen. 02.30 and 04.00. They are double the price of a regular fare, which means that if you are riding with a multi-ride ticket, you must stamp it twice. Be sure to check the schedule since BUSES there are fewer bus routes at night. The main city buses within Aarhus are yel- Midtraffik run the yellow city buses and the low and numbered from 1–92. The bus route night buses: www.midttrafik.dk. number is indicated at the front and the back of the bus and the destination is displayed at the front and above the rear door. JOURNEY PLANNING Aarhus is the only city in Denmark where passengers enter through the back door (or in The Rejseplanen website provides informa- the middle on bendy buses) and exit through tion on travel within Denmark. Amongst other the front. All of these buses are equipped features is the journey planner (in Danish, with ticket machines either at the back or English and German). This can help you find in the middle. the best possible travel options by bus, train INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 20 2011/2012

and walking when you type in departure and Converting your driving licence destination points. You do not need to convert a drivers licence issued in an EU country, Iceland, Lichtenstein www.rejseplanen.dk or Norway. Driving licences issued in other www.journeyplanner.dk countries are valid for 14 days after estab- lishing permanent residence in Denmark. Another useful website is www.midttrafik. After this time, you must convert your licence. dk (in Danish or English) which gives you Contact the nearest driving licence office information on public transportation within and bring along your: the mid- (Midtjylland) area, including • National driving licence individual bus timetables. • CPR card • Passport, original baptismal record or birth You can also get a free bus timetable (Kø- certificate replan) for all the city buses in Aarhus at the • Valid residence permit/certificate bus station (rutebilstation). • Passport photo • Medical certificate • DKK 260.

CAR

Because of the 25% VAT, and a high registra- tion duty (60–63 % of the market price), cars are expensive to run in Denmark and so many people choose public transportion instead. If you wish to use your foreign car within Denmark, you must register it within 14 days of your arrival in Denmark. Registration of vehicles is administered by SKAT, where you can also find rules and tax rates for imported cars. Please check all the information before bringing your car to Denmark. www.workindenmark.dk

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 22 2011/2012

STUDYING AT AARHUS UNIVERSITY WORKLOAD Organisation Just like any other university, Aarhus University As of January 2011 Aarhus University is now has high academic standards. Students are divided into four main academic areas. These expected to complete 30 ECTS credits per are: semester and complete at least the equivalent number of study hours. The Aarhus Faculty of Science and Technol- ogy, which incorporates the National Environ- mental Research Institute, the Faculty of Agri- cultural Sciences and the Faculty of Science. STUDY METHODS

Teaching at Aarhus University is generally The Aarhus Faculty of Arts, consisting of Hu- structured around lectures, tutorials (teaching manities, Theology and the Danish School of in small groups) and practical exercises. Ac- Education. tive participation is expected from students. Students regularly organise guest lectures and The Aarhus School of Business and Social Sciences often form study groups amongst themselves to discuss class topics and to help each other.

The Aarhus Faculty of Health Sciences There is considerable interaction between students and professors, and students often Within these four faculties you will find make group presentations in class. twenty-six departments and various centres of research which may be of interest to you. These are the grades that you can be aw- dered under the Danish system from lowest to highest: -3, 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 12. The pass mark is 2. COURSE REGISTRATION The academic calendar is often referred to If you need to sign up for courses, you should in weeks, beginning on January 1. do this at your department as soon as pos- sible. This may be done via self-service or your department secretary: ask your mentor or buddy for the specific procedures. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 23

LANGUAGE where the main library is called Hovedbibli- oteket and is located in the centre of town. To OF INSTRUCTION get a library card, you need your CPR number. Both the State Library and the municipal li- You should be aware that you are expected to braries provide free internet access. be proficient in both oral and written English at a sufficient level for academic study. STUDENT SERVICES AT LIBRARIES STUDENTERNES HUS

Almost every department has its own spe- This building is where you will find the of- cialised library, plus there is the State Library fices of the Student Council as well as various (Statsbiblioteket) which is the main library of other student organisations. There are also the University. You can find more information a number of facilities available to students regarding the location and opening hours of such as exercise, music and coffee rooms. the various libraries on the different depart- ment websites. All of the University’s libraries Århus Student’s Film Society are on the same borrowing system and you The Århus Student’s Film Society is one of the need your yellow health insurance card to oldest clubs at the University. Each semester take out books. However, you will be given they show about forty films in their original a temporary library card until you receive language with Danish subtitles. your CPR card. All of the libraries have pho- www.filmklub.au.dk tocopiers and printers available to students and the State Library subscribes to all major Aarhus University Sports (AUS) newspapers around the world. Furthermore, it The AUS is open to all University students and has an extensive electronic journal database, organises a wide range of activities, from which you can use by logging on as a student badminton to fencing to chess. or researcher at the library or from home. For www.aus.dk further information on how to become a user of the many online facilities of the library, see Legal Aid Office (Studenterrådets Retshjælp) The office provides free legal advice to stu- www.statsbiblioteket.dk or visit the State and dents on all matters. If they are not able to University Library on campus. provide you with an answer right away, they are likely to investigate the matter further for Aarhus has a network of municipal libraries, you. The office is located in the University INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 24 2011/2012

Student House: http://sr.au.dk/ (Danish page). wide range of activities, including fitness and social events. You can learn much more about CSC the different units and their specific activities The Counselling and Support Centre offers on the website: www.studenterlauget.dk. counselling and assistance for international students who are facing difficulties caused by dyslexia, physical, mental or behavioural OTHER SERVICES disabilities. They offer free counselling and full professional secrecy. Please contact the Student counsellors Counselling and Support Centre by email Student counsellors are experienced students [email protected] or phone +45 8942 2375. who advise other students in their depart- ment. This is the first place to go when you Stakbogladen have questions, and they will be able to help This is the University bookshop where you can or advise you on where to go for additional buy course materials and stationary. help. You can find contact information on the website of your department. Studenterlauget at ASB Studenterlauget strives to create the best Student Advisory Office possible social and professional opportunities This group of social workers and psychologists for students at ASB. The organisation is com- are employed by the Danish State to assist prised of eight business units which cover a students with personal matters. The service is free of charge and completely confidential. www.studraadgiv.dk PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2011/12

Christmas Eve December 24 Christmas Day December 25 Boxing Day December 26 New Year’s Day January 1 Maundy Thursday April 5 Good Friday April 6 Academic semesters start at the end of August/beginning of September and the Easter Sunday April 8 end of January/beginning of February Easter Monday April 9 Labour Day May 1 Store Bededag May 4 Ascension Day May 17 Whit Sunday & Monday May 27-28 Constitution Day June 5

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 26 2011/2012

WORKING IN DENMARK

As a foreign student following a higher edu- As soon as you arrive in Denmark and accept cational programme, you are allowed to work employment, you must contact the local tax 37 hours per week (EU & Nordic citizens) or authorities in your municipality. They will issue 15 hours per week (other foreign citizens), as an electronic tax card, which your employer well as full-time during the months of June, needs in order to calculate your taxes. The July and August. Work authorisation is granted Danish tax rules are quite complicated so it is when you apply for a residence permit/cer- important that you talk to the local tax admin- tificate. If you are a Nordic citizen, you can istration before taking up work. If you do not work without a permit. have an electronic tax card, your employer must withhold 60% of your salary. If you work illegally in Denmark, you risk de- portation, and you and your employer risk a fine or imprisonment. How to contact the tax authorities (SKAT) Phone: +45 7222 1818 Phone hours: Monday–Wednesday 9–14, Thursday 9–18, Friday 9–14 TAX REGISTRATION Address: Lyseng Alle 1, 8270 Højbjerg Opening hours: Monday–Wednesday All residents of Denmark, as well as people 10–14, Thursday 10–17, Friday 10–14 staying in Denmark for more than six months, are fully liable to taxation in Denmark. This means that any income earned in Denmark is subject to taxation in Denmark. Any income To bring when registering at the tax authori- earned in another country is subject to tax ties (SKAT) in that particular country. Denmark has en- • Information about salary and pension (con- tered into double taxation agreements with tract of employment) a number of countries in order to avoid tax • Your purchase agreement if you have pur- being paid on the same income in both coun- chased a property tries. Prior to departure you should contact the • Information about free benefits (free car or local tax authorities in your home country to free board and lodging settle this matter. • Credit information about income, expenses,

foreign accounts, etc. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 27

• Personal identification, e.g. a passport. tional Centre at AU: www.au.dk/interresource E-mail: [email protected] Read more about taxation: There is also a facebook group: AU or ASB Ca- www.workindenmark.dk under: reer Guidance for International Students. Information>Informationforjobseekers>Tax rules www.skat.dk Job search resources The following websites offer job listings in Den- mark. The IC will also post job listings on the JOB RESOURCES website when available. • ASB career center: www.asb.dk/corporate/ InterResource Project karrierecenter_old/jobbanken.aspx Specifically aimed at benefiting international • Temp agencies can offer periodic office and students, the project aims to increase the cleaning work: www.moment.dk, awareness of Danish companies in regards www.aarhusvikarservice.dk, www.adecco.dk to the value of international students within a • Large job databases such as www.jobindex.dk company. and www.jobnet.dk • Work import offers job postings in English The goal is to help create a professional network www.workimport.dk in Denmark for international students, and to • www.projektzone.dk guide them in finding study-relevant positions during their education, and afterwards in the CV & interview tips form of a full-time job. Involved in the project An application normally consists of a cover is the entire University as well as the Institute of letter and CV (Curriculum Vitae). In Denmark, Business and Technology in Herning, the Aarhus the cover letter is very important. It is one School of Architecture and Studenterhus Århus. page long and should include reasons why you are suitable for the position and what The InterResource project organises a variety you can offer the company with respect to of different events, such as: your previous experience. The CV should be • CV and cover letter seminars at least one page long and give an outline • Lectures about the Danish culture of your educational and work experiences. • Networking events for internationals • Entrepreneurship events for internationals It is difficult to find a job in Denmark with- • Informative events for students who are out adequate Danish language skills. The about to graduate most important thing you can do when job searching is to ask your network of friends Students can drop in at ASB or at the Interna- and acquaintances. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 28 2011/2012

LIVING IN AARHUS

MEETING OTHER Currency and Taxes The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (DKK) and one krone equals 100 øre. For the latest exchange rate: www.xe.com/ucc/. Studenterhus Århus (Aarhus Student House) Aarhus University offers a free membership to There is 25% consumer tax (moms) on all Studenterhus Århus to all full-degree students. goods and services sold in Denmark. In stores, Studenterhus Århus organises a number of this consumer tax is always included in the activities throughout the semester for inter- price (incl. ‘moms’). national and Danish students, ranging from parties to road trips to language classes to Tips are automatically included in all bills so weekly international nights. it is uncommon to tip in Denmark. www.studenterhusaarhus.dk Danish Bank Account All banks require a CPR number to open a bank account. You will need to bring photo MONEY & BANKING ID in order to open a bank account and it is also wise to bring your admission letter along, Living expenses for the average student confirming your student status. Once you in Aarhus are estimated at DKK 5,000 per have opened a Danish bank account, you month, including travel expenses. However, will be able to have your rent as well as other expenses vary depending on your own similar payments debited from your acount spending habits and your living situation. automatically – this is called PBS. You can The price of housing, food, transport and lei- also then handle your finances via internet sure activities are relatively high in Denmark banking, which is the most common and in comparison with many other countries. cheapest way to bank in Denmark. However, salaries are also relatively high, and many services such as medical treatment and schools are paid for via taxes and the Danish welfare system. Normal banking hours in Denmark Please note that the amounts listed on the Weekdays: 9.30–16, Thursdays: 9.30–18 page opposite are an estimate and expenses Weekends closed will vary according to individual needs. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 29

BUDGET AND SAMPLE PRICES

Living expenses on average per month Accomodation/rent: DKK 1,900–3,200 (dorm room/student residence) + three month’s deposit Food and daily expenses: DKK 1,700–2,400 Telephone: DKK 200 Leisure activities: DKK 500–1,500 Transportation (10-trip bus pass): DKK 120 Insurances (accident and personal belongings): DKK 2000 / year Total (approximately): DKK 4,600–7,600

Further information, see www.workindenmark.dk under Information>Information for jobseekers>Life in Denmark>Living expenses

Sample prices

Milk: 6 DKK / litre Bread: 5-30 DKK / loaf Butter: 8 DKK / package Cheese: 50 DKK / 600g Beef: 30 DKK / 400g Chicken:z 35 DKK / 400g Eggs: 12-20 DKK / half dozen Rice: 18 DKK / kg Newspaper: 15 DKK Wine: 30–150 DKK / bottle Beer: 3–10 DKK / 33cl Cinema: 100 DKK

You need to pay a media license if you are watching Danish TV, listening to the radio or using a com- puter. This costs DKK 2260 per year: www.dr.dk/OmDR/About+DR/20060703144527.htm

International City Cost Guide: www.tefl.com/home/col_survey.html?ci_id=cou-58&tefl_session=9fad1 961fc581111f947e98b26b81f3d&x=1&y=1

You can keep expenses down by borrowing school books from the library, cooking your own meals, shopping at discount supermarkets and looking out for sales and student deals. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 30 2011/2012

Debit and Credit Cards Travellers Cheques Dankort is the most widely used debit card It is really easy to convert travellers cheques in Denmark, but it is only available for inter- in Denmark but it might be an expensive op- national students once you are working in tion as there is a substantial fee for cashing Denmark. However, all major credit cards them. Most international students only use such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, travellers cheques to open a Danish bank Euro Card and Diner’s Club are widely ac- account as personal cheques are not ac- cepted in large stores, international chains cepted in Denmark. and cash machines. Smaller stores, cafés and University canteens may not accept a foreign card so having a Danish bank account will help. However, as you will be initially issued NEM ID a Danish Visa/Mastercard and not the Danish NemID is a Danish internet security system Dankort, these cards will still not be accepted that allows you to access internet banking, in all stores. Therefore be prepared to pay in public authority and private websites, all using cash in some places. the same Internet ID. Many students first set this up when they register for a Danish bank International Bank Cards account, but you will receive a letter through Denmark, like the majority of Europe, issues the post once you have a CPR number invit- credit and debit cards with chips. Therefore, in ing you to create a NemID. Your NemID is order to use a bank card in Denmark, whether compromised of a user ID, password and charging to the card directly or withdraw- code card. ing money from a cash dispenser, you need to have a pincode in order to use it. If your For more information check the website bank card only has the magnetic strip or you https://www.nemid.nu/ usually sign in order to use the card, you will www.nemid.nu/om_nemid/about_nemid/ only be able to use it in Denmark if you have (English information) a pincode. If you do not, you will not be able to use the card in Denmark, so please make sure you check this before you arrive and SUPERMARKETS contact your bank/credit card company if necessary. Also, be aware of transaction fees Food is quite expensive in Denmark com- if using a foreign card. pared to other countries. However, there are a variety of supermarkets depending on your budget. The cheaper ones include Netto, Rema 1000, Lidl, and Fakta, whilst ones at the INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 31

higher end but with more choice are Føtex, all the University campuses.In some towns, Super Brugsen, SuperBest and Bilka. However, eg. Viborg, and cities such as Aarhus and all supermarkets have different deals each Copenhagen you can also find numerous week so it is worth checking these out in the internet cafés where you can go online for free weekly magazines. a reasonable price.

POSTAL, PHONE AND WEATHER

INTERNET SERVICES Because of the warm Gulf Stream on the west coast, Denmark’s climate is relatively mild The public communication network in Den- compared with its Scandinavian neighbours. mark is highly developed. The postal service Nevertheless, expect rain and wind all year is efficient and you can find a post office in round. While it does not tend to snow a lot every suburb. You can buy stamps in kiosks during winter, heavy rains and strong winds and department stores. The mail boxes in are typical for this time of year. Temperatures Denmark are bright red and they are emptied in winter are often around freezing and dur- four times a day. ing summer around 20-25 degrees Celsius. www.dmi.dk Just as everywhere in the world, mobile phones are widely used in Denmark. If you plan on buying a new mobile phone with a talk plan, these are offered in 6 month con- HEALTH AND WELL-BEING tracts once you have a CPR. Otherwise, you can buy just a mobile phone (without a sim) In addition to the University’s own sports clubs, from supermarkets such as føtex and bilka, there are a number of community sport cen- or from a communications company on the tres open to the public, as well as private high-street such as TDC. It is then easy to buy health clubs. The municipality regularly pub- a prepaid SIM card, including in kiosks or on lishes a guide to sports clubs in Aarhus called the Internet. ’Idrætsforeninger i Århus’. www.cbb.dk and www.telmore.dk www.aarhus.dk/aa/portal/fritid Fitness World: www.fitnessworld.dk Most residences have internet connections Aarhus Softball: www.aarhus-softball.dk and there is access to computers at your de- Aarhus Tigers American Football: www.tigers.dk partment and internet access in all librar- Ultimate Frisbee: www.aarhusultimate.dk ies. There is also wireless internet access at Aarhus Water Polo: www.ass.dk. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 32 2011/2012

GOING OUT IN AARHUS

EATING OUT Some clubs and bars charge admission, de- pending on the event that night, which can There are many restaurants and cafés within cost up to DKK 60. Most of these places will Aarhus that offer a variety of food such as Chi- ask for ID and the minimum age varies from nese, Danish, Greek, Italian and Sushi. A main 19 to 23 years of age. Some places like Social meal in a restaurant/café will cost around Club have a much younger crowd. DKK 100 upwards. There is also a variety of takeway options and lunch/sandwich bars You may also want to check out the Aarhus all over the city, as well as buffet restaurants. Culture Guide for concert listings as bars often serve as musical venues: www.kultunaut.dk. www.gaffa.dk/live NIGHTLIFE

Like many other university towns, Aarhus has MUSIC AND THEATRE a bustling nightlife. Danes go to cafés all week to meet for a coffee or beer and generally Musikhuset, the city’s concert hall, boasts a reserve Friday and Saturday for big nights wide range of performances all year round out. Many bars and cafés are open until late from international pop concerts, to ballet, with DJ’s or live music, and from Irish pubs to to performances by the city’s symphony or- jazz cafés, you can easily find something to chestra. fit your taste in Aarhus. www.musikhusetaarhus.dk

There are a few big nightclubs in Aarhus Another option for musical entertainment including Train and Gaz Station, as well as is VoxHall on Vester Allé, which showcases numerous bars with dancing areas. A popular music acts from around the world. A monthly area in Aarhus is alongside the canal, but program is distributed around Aarhus. these places tend to be more expensive with www.voxhall.dk prices up to DKK 50 for a beer. If you wish to find something cheaper, we recommend that The Arhus Theatre has some performances you check out the numerous neighbourhood in English every year and is worth visiting bars, residence hall bars, or visit one of the for its decorative facade and interior alone. ’Friday Bars’ at the University. www.aarhusteater.dk INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 33

Most of these places offer student discounts, is set in beautiful sur- as well as particularly good savings if you rondings in the south of Aarhus. The mu- buy tickets on the day. seum houses archaeological and ethno- graphic collections, reconstructed viking houses and the world’s most preserved bog body. CINEMAS www.moesmus.dk There are four cinemas in Aarhus that show movies in their original language with Dan- ish subtitles: SHOPPING Metropol and BioCity: www.kino.dk Øst for Paradis: www.paradisbio.dk The main shopping street in Aarhus goes from Cinemaxx: www.cinemaxx.dk. the Cathedral to the central train station. You The average ticket price is DKK 75 but Cine- can find a variety of shops from high-street maxx offers a 10% discount Monday–Thursday stores to designer boutiques. There are two and BioCity offers DKK 15 discount all week. large department stores, Salling and Magasin Be sure to check before you go. and through the central train station is Bru- uns Galleri, which is a large indoor shopping centre with shops, restaurants, cafés and a MUSEUMS cinema.

ARoS is the main art museum in Aarhus, lo- cated in the city centre. It offers both traditi- onal and contemporary art with changing exhibitions. A student ticket is DKK 75 but Aarhus has its own Arts festival which takes you can also buy a season ticket for the over the city at the end of the summer. This year.: www.aros.dk. year it takes place from 26.08–04.09 and the theme is “Beautiful Mistakes”. Many events The Old Town () is a world- are free and it is a great way to begin your renowned open-air museum with historical time here in Aarhus. Be sure to check it out: houses from all over Denmark, recon- http://www.aarhusfestuge.dk/en/home. structed to create an old city right in the heart of Aarhus. Student tickets start at DKK 25 depending on the time of year. www.visitaarhus.dk www.dengamleby.dk INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 34 2011/2012

LEARNING DANISH

DANISH LESSONS LærDansk LærDansk also offers Danish language The University offers new international stu- courses but without the cultural activities. dents two options to learn Danish. These language courses are provided for free by the Danish government for three years and Destination DK they take place during the academic year. Destination DK is a two week pre-semester www.laerdansk.dk Danish language and culture course that takes place in August. The course consists of Other language courses language lessons in the morning and cultural To improve your Danish skills or simply learn arrangements of various sorts in the after- the basics, you may join one of the various noon. The lectures and excursions will give off-campus classes. There are also language you a sense of the city and the political, social exchanges offered throughout the University. and cultural life in Denmark. Many former students have emphasized that Destination Studenterhus Århus DK was a great way to meet other students Studenterhus Århus, in cooperation with FO and to get a good start to their stay in Aarhus. Aarhus, organise English and Danish courses for beginners and intermediates each semes- The aim of the language lessons is to provide ter. Each course costs approximately 550 DKK. participants with sufficient Danish language www.studenterhusaarhus.dk skills to communicate with fellow students and cope with everyday life in Aarhus. How- Online language resources ever, the course will not give participants enough knowledge of Danish to match an If you would like to learn some Danish academic working level. before your arrival in Denmark, try some of these free online resources:

The course fee for Destination DK is currently netdansk.asb.dk 500 DKK. www.dansk.nu www.speakdanish.dk www.au.dk/exchange/learndanish www.eulanguages.net www.grammarexplorer.eu INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 35 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 36 2011/2012

IMPORTANT ADDRESSES

Emergencies The Regional State Administration (SKAT) Statsforvaltning In case of an emergency, dial 112 (medical) or Lyseng Alle 1 114 (police). It is free from all phones. 8270 Højbjerg Tel: +45 7256 8300 Monday–Wednesday & Friday: 10–14 Police Thursday: 10–17 Politiet Ridderstræde 1 Foreign Police 8000 Aarhus C Udlændingekontoret Tel: +45 8731 1448 Fredensgade 19 8000 Aarhus C After Hours Doctor Tel: +45 8731 1448 Tel: +45 7011 3131 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9–12 Thursday: 12–17 Hospital Aarhus Sygehus Tel: +45 8731 5050 They will direct you to the closest emergency room. Health and Safety

Pharmacies are usually open between 9 and 17.30 during the week and from 9.30 to 13 on Saturdays.

Immigration, Residence 24 Hour Pharmacy Permit/Certificate and Registration Aarhus Løve Apotek Store Torv 5 Danish Immigration Service Tel: +45 8612 0022 Udlændingeservice Ryesgade 53 Emergency Dentist 2100 København Ø Tel: +45 4051 5162 Tel: +45 3536 6600 All nights: 16–8 Monday–Friday: 9–12 www.newtodenmark.dk

Citizen’s Service Borgerservice, Town Hall, Park Allé Tel: +45 8940 2222 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 8–15 Thursday: 10–17.15 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 37

The Regional State Administration (SKAT) Student Resources Libraries Statsforvaltning Lyseng Alle 1 Studenterhus Århus State Library 8270 Højbjerg Nordre Ringgade 3 Statsbiblioteket Tel: +45 7256 8300 8000 Aarhus C Universitetsparken Monday–Wednesday & Friday: 10–14 Tel: +45 8618 3021 8000 Aarhus C Thursday: 10–17 www.studenterhusaarhus.dk Tel: +45 8946 2022 Monday–Friday: 9–18 Foreign Police University Student House Saturday: 11–14 Udlændingekontoret Studenternes Hus Fredensgade 19 Nordre Ringgade 3 Main Library 8000 Aarhus C 8000 Aarhus C Hovedbiblioteket Tel: +45 8731 1448 Mølleparken Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9–12 Student Advisors 8000 Aarhus C Thursday: 12–17 Studenterrådgivningen Tel: +45 8940 9300 Ryesgade 23, 1 Monday–Thursday: 10–19, Friday: 10–17 8000 Aarhus C Saturday–Sunday: 10–14 Tel: +45 8619 0488 Health and Safety www.studraadgiv.dk

Pharmacies are usually open between 9 and 17.30 AU Study Administration Shopping during the week and from 9.30 to 13 on Saturdays. AU Studieadministration Fredrik Nielsens Vej 5 Storecenter Nord 24 Hour Pharmacy 8000 Aarhus C Finlandsgade 17 Aarhus Løve Apotek Tel: +45 8942 1025 8200 Store Torv 5 www.au.dk/en/adm/studkont www.storcenternord.dk Tel: +45 8612 0022 Central Housing Agency Bruuns Galleri Emergency Dentist Kollegiekontoret M.P. Bruuns Gade 25 Tel: +45 4051 5162 Nordhavnsgade 1, 1.th 8000 Aarhus C All nights: 16–8 8000 Aarhus C www.bruunsgalleri.dk Tel: +45 8613 2166 Monday–Wednesday: 10–14 CityVest Thursday: 10–17, Friday: closed Gudrunsvej 7 www.kollegie8000.dk 8220 Braband www.cityvest.dk Accounts Office AU Regnskabskontor Katrinebjergvej 89F Building 5132 8200 Aarhus N Tel: +45 8942 1111 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 38 2011/2012

USEFUL LINKS

Aarhus University Aarhus University www.au.dk

International Centre (IC) www.au.dk/ic www.au.dk/exchange

Restructure of the University and Faculty links www.au.dk/en/about/changes

General Information Denmark.dk www.denmark.dk

New in Denmark www.newtodenmark.dk

Work in Denmark www.workindenmark.dk

Study in Denmark www.studyindenmark.dk

Tourist Information Denmark www.visitdenmark.com

Aarhus www.visitaarhus.com INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2011/2012 39 Aarhus University Nordre Ringgade 1 DK-8000 Aarhus C www.au.dk