GETTING STARTED a GUIDE for DEGREE and EXCHANGE STUDENTS Contents
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GETTING STARTED A GUIDE FOR DEGREE AND EXCHANGE STUDENTS Contents WELCOME TO ROSKILDE UNIVERSITY 3 WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL AT RUC 18 Email account 18 ABOUT DENMARK 4 Student Card 18 Course Registration 18 ABOUT ROSKILDE UNIVERSITY 5 Information about Roskilde University 5 STUDENT LIFE AT ROSKILDE UNIVERSITY 19 Principles of Learning 5 Facilities on Campus 19 Academic Culture 5 Administration and Services 20 Academic Calendar 5 Student Clubs, Associations and Social Events 20 Foundation Course 6 Language Courses for International Students 21 Examination Fraud and Misconduct 6 The Danish Evaluation and Grading System 6 TRANSPORTATION 22 Directions to Roskilde University 22 PREPARING FOR YOUR STAY IN DENMARK 7 Public Transportation 22 Residence Permit/Registration Certificate 7 Bicyckle 22 Residence Permit Extensions 8 Work Permit 10 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION 23 Accomodation 10 Budget 12 EXPERIENCE DENMARK 25 Student job 12 Clothing 12 CONTACT INFORMATION 26 Computer 13 Mobile Phone 13 Mentor Programme 13 WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL IN DENMARK 14 Registering in Denmark 14 Health Insurance: Coverage when registering with the Danish Civil Registration System 15 Welcome to Roskilde University It is our pleasure to welcome you as one of the more than 300 interna- tional students, which Roskilde University receives every year. This handbook is meant for both exchange students and full degree students, who have been admitted to study at Roskilde University. It in- cludes specific and general information that we hope you will find helpful when planning your stay and during the first period of time as you settle into your new surroundings at Roskilde University and in Denmark. The staff of the International Team is here to help you if you have any questions about academic or practical matters. We understand that when you go abroad to study you can at times feel confused and overwhelmed, so please feel free to drop by if you have any problems or questions. We hope you will enjoy your studies at Roskilde University and your experience as a student in Denmark making new friends and having new cultural experiences. Wishing you all the best! The staff of the International Team 3 ABOUT DENMARK Your study abroad destination will change your life - Denmark has a lot to offer. Denmark is located in the Northern part of Europe called Scandinavia. Denmark is north of Germany, south of Norway and southeast of Swe- den. This geographic position makes Denmark an excellent gateway for those, who want to explore Europe and Scandinavia. Denmark is the oldest monarchy in the world, yet it is a modern welfare state. The country has a high standard of living and has often been noted for its high level of social security and free public services, including a high quality educational sector. Danish higher education is famous for its innovative teaching approach and high international standards. The Danish institutions offer a dynam- ic study environment with an emphasis on independent study, initiative and project-oriented learning. People who have visited Denmark often emphasise how safe the country feels. The statistics confirm this image of Denmark as a safe place: the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Denmark's official language is Danish. Approximately 80 percent of the population understand and speak English and many speak German, French or Spanish. The Danes emphasise equality, individuality and democracy. The tone between Danes is relatively informal. Hygge is an important element of the Danish culture. The word is difficult to translate, but those seeking to grasp its meaning will quickly realise that it is closely associated with having a good time together with friends or family and with eating and drinking. 4 discussions, which in turn requires a sufficient level of English. RUC also ABOUT ROSKILDE UNIVERSITY (RUC) offers a large number of courses. Courses and project work usually each compromise 50% of a degree programme. Graduates from Roskilde Uni- Information about Roskilde University versity have as a result acquired skills for doing collaborative work, and Located in a beautiful landscape close to the town of Roskilde and just they are characterised by being responsible, innovative, creative thinkers 25 minutes from central Copenhagen, Roskilde University offers an and having leadership skills. international study and learning environment. Bachelor and Master Programmes are offered in Social Sciences, Humanities and Natural Academic Culture Sciences. The relationship between students and teachers in Denmark may seem informal to many foreign students, as they like to treat each other as 9000 Bachelor and Master students are enrolled at RUC. About 10 % of equals, and students are not expected to address the teachers by using these students have another nationality than Danish and they come from their last name or Mr/Mrs. In classroom situations you are encouraged more than 90 different countries. to participate actively in discussions. You are welcome to disagree with your teacher in academic matters. Disagreement is in no way punished Since its foundation in 1972, the university has focused on new ways of with lower grades. In fact having a critical attitude towards your chosen learning based on high-quality academic research and interdisciplinary subject and putting forward a well-reasoned argument is highly valued, bachelor and master programmes. RUC is in the lead among European instead of simply reproducing information from books and lectures. It is universities in the field of education and has in many ways broken with in fact an important part of the study culture. The teachers will guide you traditional educational thinking and practice to develop a unique model in the right direction, they will give you references and advice and dis- for teaching principles. Graduates and research results from Roskilde cuss the theories and methods, but they will not provide the final answer. University are thus in great demand both nationally and internationally. You should feel free to ask your teacher questions during and after class; however, the teachers do not have the obligation to monitor everything Principles of Learning you do. You have to contribute in every way in the relationship, asking What sets Roskilde University apart from other universities in Den- questions about whatever you do not understand, making appointments mark and abroad is our emphasis on problem-oriented project work. for meetings and submitting your papers. In general courses, project The project work is done in groups where students play an active role work and meetings with the teacher are offers that you should accept and and decide, within a certain framework set by the teacher, the areas and participate in actively. research problems they want to work with. You might find this form of study socially challenging at first, as you have to organize work, make Academic Calendar decisions and evaluate the process in collaboration with other students; The Academic year is divided into two semesters: however, most students end up being enthusiastic about it. The nature and development of the project is negotiated in a continuing dialogue Spring semester Autumn semester and discussion within the group under the supervision of a teacher. From February 1 to July 1 From September 1 to January 31 This implies that students are expected to be very actively involved in designing their projects and to take active part in group and academic 5 Foundation Course The foundation course is a great way to familiarise yourself with your Grade Description ECTS Old scale new surroundings at Roskilde University and in Denmark. We highly (00-13) recommend this course, as it provides a helpful introduction to Roskilde 12 For an excellent performance displaying a high A 13 University including the campus, the university library, the study culture level of command of all aspects of the relevant 11 and academic English. You will also become acquainted with different material, with no or only a few minor weak- nesses. aspects of culture in Denmark and the Danish language. In addition, it is a great way to meet other international students. In the autumn semes- 10 For a very good performance displaying a high B 10 ter the course runs in August. In the spring semester the course runs in level of command of most aspects of the rele- vant material, with only minor weaknesses. January. More information at www.ruc.dk/foundation 7 For a good performance displaying good com- C 9 Examination Fraud and Misconduct mand of the relevant material but also some 8 weaknesses. As any other university RUC has rules about how to act in your study work and how to handle sources and quotes. Make sure to read the rules 4 For a fair performance displaying some com- D 7 concerning examination fraud and misconduct, so mand of the relevant material but also some major weaknesses. you do not get in trouble. More information at: 02 For a performance meeting only the minimum E 6 www.ruc.dk/en/about-the-university/organisation/ requirements for acceptance. rules-and-regulations/uddannelse/eksamenssnyd/ 00 For a performance which does not meet the Fx 5 minimum requirements for acceptance. 03 The Danish Evaluation and Grading System -3 For a performance which is unacceptable in all F 00 In Denmark two evaluation systems are used in all respects. State-regulated education. Some courses are evaluated by the 7-point grading scale - others are evaluated as passed or failed. The 7-point grading scale was implemented in 2007 and is compatible with the ECTS-grading scale. 02 is the minimum grade for passing an exam. For courses evaluated by the pass/fail evaluation system student will not receive a grade. If you are an exchange student, please note that not all universities accept the pass/fail assessment when you have to transfer the credits.