Pre-arrival guide

For exchange & full degree students coming to BSS, Aarhus University - Campus

2017-2018 2 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 3

Welcome to Aarhus BSS

Congratulation on your acceptance to Aarhus The Pre-Arrival Guide will cover material in BSS, Campus Herning. This Pre-Arrival Guide the following areas: will help you prepare for your journey to Welcome to Aarhus BSS Page 2 Aarhus University, Herning, and . Visit us when you arrive Page 3 We look forward to greeting you on campus. The Pre-Arrival Guide is meant to be read Planning your stay: before you arrive, which means that you will Checklist Page 4 not be receiving a copy of it once you arrive. Residence permit/certificate Page 5 Insurance and healthcare Page 5 Arriving in a new country and enrolling at a Housing Page 6 new and different university can be a busy, Finances and budget Page 6 overwhelming, and exciting time. We want to Special needs Page 7 Visit us when you arrive provide you with some guidance on collect- Weather Page 7 ing the correct documentation, making your Arriving in Herning: travel arrangements, and taking the steps One of the first things you should do upon How to get from Herning Central Station to Traveling to Denmark Page 8 necessary to start your adventure off on the your arrival in Herning is to check in at Re- the Campus (2 zones) Recommended bus: Arrival and check-in Page 10 right foot. Please read this guide carefully and ception at Campus. Before and during the 5 (towards Hammerum via Birk Centerpark) make use of the information before you leave. Intro Days Page 11 first weeks of the semester, the Reception The bus stops just outside the main entrance Remember, the more thorough your plan- Getting a CPR number Page 12 and Study Service in Herning will be avai- of the university. ning, the less confusing your arrival will be! For your smartphone Page 15 lable to welcome and assist you when you Learning Danish Page 16 arrive. When you check in, you will receive Another option is to take a train and get off The Study Service in Herning acts as the Career services Page 17 your information package which will contain at Birk Centerpark st. From there you have a central service point for all incoming inter- Studying at BTECH Page 18 the documents you need to register with the 5 minutes’ walk to the university. national students in Herning. Here you can get City of Herning Page 20 Danish authorities. For that reason, checking non- academic guidance, both prior to your Danish culture Page 22 in and visiting us is very important, and we To get a university map and directions di- rectly on your smartphone, download the arrival and throughout your studies. Please do Making friends Page 24 encourage you to do so as soon as possible not hesitate to contact us if you have ques- upon your arrival. AU Find app. Important addresses Page 26 tions or need assistance. We provide you Useful links Page 28 with the best services we can offer and we Exchange students will receive their informa- For more information about taking the bus look forward to assisting you in making this tion package during the information meeting in Herning, visit: the best experience possible. Contact at semester start. www.midttrafik.dk/in-english/ Phone: +45 8715 1908 Sincerely, Email: [email protected] Read more about the arrival and check-in Aarhus BSS Study Service, Campus Herning Web: btech.au.dk procedures on page 10.

Facebook pages: @BTWCH.Herning, Find us here (the red circle above) @AarhusBSS Aarhus University, Campus Herning Twitter: @AarhusBSS, @AarhusUni Birk Centerpark 15, Instagram: @AarhusBSS, @AarhusUni 7400 Herning 4 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 5

Planning Your Stay: Checklist Planning your Stay RESIDENCE PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE residence permits/certificates can be found To do before arrival: Make sure to bring: As an international student, you need to apply on the Study Portal. c Apply for Visa and Residence c Valid Passport and/or National or a residence permit (non-EU/EEA students) Permit (non-EU students ID Card (and copies!) or a residence certificate (EU/EEA students) INSURANCE & HEALTHCARE for your right to reside in Denmark. Further- The Danish Health Security Act covers foreign only) c Bank cards / travellers more, it is a condition of the residence permit/ students staying for more than three months. c cheques / Danish currency Arrange for insurances certificate that you are active as a student This means that once you have received your (see page 5) c Adaptor for electrical and enrolled in an educational programme. yellow Health Insurance Card, also known as c Apply for the Blue Health appliances (230V) If this is not the case, the Danish Immigration your CPR card, you will be allowed to receive Card (EU students only) c Laptop/computer equipment Service can revoke your residence permit/ free medical treatment in Danish clinics and hospitals. c Make travel arrangements c Mobile phone certificate. The university is obliged to inform See page 12 for more information the Immigration Service if you are not actively about the CPR card and registration. (see page 8) c Appropriate clothes (see page 7) following the educational programme. c Find housing However, please note that the CPR card and We encourage you to check the Danish gov- Aarhus University do not cover the costs of ernment website www.newtodenmark.dk to medical evacuation back to your home Temporary housing: Important: see if there are any special requirements for country, emergency repatriation, personal If you need temporary accom- In the beginning of the semester, applicants from your country. liability, or any losses that may occur while modation in Herning, see the you will need copies of a number of you are studying in Denmark. For this reason, links below. Please note that you documents in order to register with the Non-EU students are expected to apply for we strongly encourage you to take out the cannot move into AU accommo- and receive their residence permit prior to following insurance policies, either before or dation before the beginning of a Citizens’ Service and State Administra- lease. You may therefore need tion. Most of these documents must be their arrival in Denmark. You will receive your immediately after arrival: • Third-party/liability insurance (“ansvars- temporary housing if you plan sorted BEFORE you arrive in Denmark. ST1 application and information on how to apply via email. EU/EEA students can apply forsikring”): Covers expenses if you have to arrive before your lease starts: For a complete list of the documents for their residence certificate in the beginning to pay compensation to another person • Hotel Birkegården you need to bring, see the CPR regis- of the semester. Nordic students (Finland, • Accident insurance (“ulykkesforsikring”): • Danhostel Herning tration checklist on pages 13-14. Iceland, Norway, Sweden) do not need a Covers the financial consequences of • Billig B og B residence certificate or permit to reside in an accident • Airbnb Denmark. • Home insurance (“indboforsikring”): In- surance for your personal belongings in Exchange students will receive the ST1 appli- case of theft or a break-in If you have housing through AU cation from BTECH’s international coordinator. Housing, remember to bring: If you decide to buy insurance in Denmark, International students arriving in the Autumn contact some of the larger insurance com- c Bed linen semester will be able to register at an event panies to find the one that best suits your at Campus Herning at the beginning of the needs, or ask your fellow Danish students semester. what they do.

All the necessary information concerning 6 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 7

international students to find a student job if HOUSING WEATHER Sample prices in supermarkets they don’t speak Danish. This is why it is best Because of the warm Gulf Stream on the west If you have applied for housing via AU Hous- • Milk - DKK 6 / litre to plan your finances in a way that allows you coast, Denmark’s climate is relatively mild ing, you will be informed via email if and • Bread - DKK 5-30 / loaf to support yourself without a job, at least for compared to its Scandinavian neighbours. when a room has been allocated to you. To • Butter - DKK 10-18 / pack the first semester. accept your housing offer, please log into your • Cheese - DKK 50 / 600g Nevertheless, expect all year self-service account (mit.au.dk), confirm the • Beef - DKK 30 / 400 g rain and wind See page 17 for tips on where to find a round. While it does not tend to snow a lot during housing offer and pay the first month’s rent • Chicken - DKK 35 / 400 g student job. winter, heavy rains and strong winds are typical with a credit card. • Rice - DKK 18 / kg • Newspaper - DKK 30 for this time of year. Temperatures range from • Wine - DKK 30-150 / bottle in December/January to There is a shortage of rooms and unfortu- Good to know freezing point 20-25 • Beer - DKK 6-10 / 33cl degrees Celcius in July/August. A waterproof nately, not all students will receive a housing • Rules for working hours and work and windproof jacket (as well as waterproof offer. In case we can’t find a room for you, a letter of enrolment/admission may also be permits in Denmark vary depending on pants if you plan to ride a bike as your main you will receive an email about two months required. Ask the bank beforehand if they which country you are from. Visit www. mode of transportation), light sweaters and before your requested moving-in date. charge a fee for opening an account and studyindenmark.dk/live-in-denmark/ cardigans for layering, a warm scarf, a thick whether they offer online banking in English. working-in-denmark/ to learn more. coat and winter boots are all recommended Exchange students in Herning are guaranteed • If you have a salary in Denmark, items to bring with you for your stay in Denmark one Housing offer. SU you may have to pay taxes. We if you want to stay comfortable during the colder SU is the Danish Students’ Grant, a public recommend contacting your local months. For more housing information, visit the Hous- monthly grant meant to support Danish tax authorities (SKAT) if you take up ing Office website. students’ further education. All Danish students enrolled at a recognised university are eligible employment in Denmark. Find their FINANCES AND BUDGET to receive SU. contact information on page 27. Living expenses • If you work illegally in Denmark, you Living expenses for the average student in As an international student, you are eligible to risk deportation as well as a prison Herning are estimated at DKK 5,000/month, receive SU only if: sentence or a fine. including travel expenses. However, this may • You are an EU/EEA citizen vary depending on your own spending habits • You are a full-degree student (i.e. not an and living situation. The prices of housing, exchange student) food, transport and leisure are relatively high STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS • You work at least 10-12 hours a week in Denmark in comparison with many other If you are facing study-related challenges due countries. However, salaries are also relatively to learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) or any If you receive SU, please be mindful that there high, and many services, such as medical physical, mental or neurological disabilities, is a limit to how much you are then allowed to reach out to The Counselling and Support earn at your student job (see the next page). treatment and schools, are paid for via taxes Centre at Aarhus University. You can get in and the Danish welfare system. You can keep touch with them via email ([email protected]) or fiind Read more about SU and how to apply at expenses down by borrowing books from the more contact information on page 26. To learn Aarhus University’s SU Office. library, cooking meals at home, shopping at more about what The Counselling and Support discount supermarkets and looking for sales Centre offers international students: Student job and student deals. studerende.au.dk/en/internationalstudents/ A lot of Danish students have part-time jobs, studyinformation/ and getting a student job is certainly a good Bank account way to make some extra money and expand All Danish banks require your CPR number in your network. However, it can be difficult for order to open a bank account. Photo ID and 8 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 9

International connections to Herning CAR

Aalborg Herning is relatively easy to access by train Cars are expensive to run in Denmark, so Airport AU Locations Klim from a variety of cities and European coun- many people choose public transportation Airports tries. The Danish network of trains is well de- Rønbjerg veloped. Please bear in mind that when you instead. If you wish to use your foreign car in book tickets on Danish trains, you need to pay Denmark, you must register it within 14 days Mønsted Foulum Aarhus Tirstrup a small additional fee to book a specific seat, of your arrival in Denmark. Registration of Airport Karup Kalø which may be necessary if you are travelling vehicles is administered by SKAT, where you Aarhus during peak times! can also find rules and tax rates for imported Herning cars. Some countries must also convert their Billund Airport Emdrup Aarhus Central Station (Hovedbanegården) driving license within 14 days after establish-

Roskilde Aarhus Central Station (Hovedbanegården) ing residence. Please check all the informa- Copenhagen Kastrup is located in downtown Aarhus at the very tion before bringing your car to Denmark at Askov Airport end of the main shopping street. Outside the Jels Årslev Flakkebjerg www.skat.dk. station, you will find a taxi rank and bus stops for most city buses. Sandbjerg Jydevang BUS For cheap bus connections between Copen- hagen and Herning and within Denmark in general, please check: Travelling to Denmark Depending on where you are travelling from, Location: Copenhagen. Copenhagen Airport www.abildskou.dk the most common ways of arriving are: is Denmark’s main international airport and www.rødbillet.dk • Fly to Copenhagen, take a connecting there are direct flights to Copenhagen Airport flight to Billund, take the bus to Herning from most European cities. When you arrive at International connections to Herning • Fly to Copenhagen, take a train from Copenhagen Airport, you can either continue For international bus connections, the afore- the airport to Herning your flight to Aarhus or Billund Airport or catch mentioned Abildskou, Rødbillet, are possible • Fly to Billund, take the bus to Herning a train or bus towards Herning. choices. • Take the train all the way to Herning • Take the bus all the way to Herning TRAINS If you wish to receive a student discount, it From Copenhagen is very important that you bring a certificate AIRPORTS You can either take a bus or a train from Co- of enrolment from either AU or your home Billund Airport: www.billund-airport.com penhagen Airport to Copenhagen’s central university with you on the bus! 55 km south of Herning, next to Legoland. train station, and change here to a direct train Herning is also serviced by another inter- to Herning. The train takes 3–3.5 hours and national airport, Billund Airport. There is an they leave for Herning twice per hour. For airport bus from the airport to downtown more information on train departure times, Aarhus (bus 912X; from the Aarhus Bus Sta- please visit the website of DSB, Denmark’s tion) which takes 1 hour 30 minutes and costs State Railway company, at www.dsb.dk. around DKK 150. Copenhagen Airport – Kastrup: www.cph.dk 10 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 11

Arrival and Check-in

CHECKING IN AT CAMPUS HERNING OPENING HOURS Once you have arrived in Denmark, you will In the beginning of the semester, the recep- need to check in at the reception on campus. tion will have extended opening hours check- When you check in, you will receive your ing in, Monday – Thursday 8.00-16.00 and information package, which will contain your Friday 8.00-14.00. Please note: you will be student card (if you have submitted every- able to pick up your key during the extended thing online) as well as documents you need opening hours once your lease starts. to register with the Danish authorities in the beginning of the semester. Checking in with PICKING UP YOUR KEY is very important and we encourage you to However, please note that you cannot pick do it as soon as possible. up your key before your contract starts. For example, if your contract starts on a Saturday or Sunday, you will have to collect your key on the following Monday. If you arrive before your What you get when you check contract starts, you will need to arrange short- in: term accommodation yourself. See page 4 for temporary housing suggestions. Information package contents: • AU Enrolment Letter / Aktiv Attest • Application Form for CPR We highly encourage you to send an email • Residence Certificate Application Form to the reception at [email protected] with your (EU students only) expected date and time of arrival. Intro days • Information from Herning • Map of Herning • A prepaid SIM card As a full-degree student, you are invited to par- You can find the specific programme at your • How to sign up for free Danish classes ticipate in the intro days at the beginning of the study portal: • Information about exams at AU semester. studerende.au.dk/ btech/introductionweek

The Intro Days provide a great opportunity to get Exchange students will be invited to an intro- to know campus, classmates and other students duction meeting at the first day of the semester. before classes start. You can read more about the different events We highly recommend that you participate in for students throughout the semester at page 25. the introduction for your study programme for full-degree students. 12 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 13

CHOOSING A DOCTOR MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE Getting a CPR Number On the day of the ”CPR and Residence Cer- If you are married/divorced, you must bring tificate Registration”, there will be a list of your original marriage certificate as well as general practitioners (GP) within Herning. a copy of an official translation into Danish or After you have obtained your residence per- All the necessary information concerning the You are free to choose any Herning GP who English. You must present this when applying mit (non-EU/-EEA) or certificate (EU/EEA), you CPR number and card can be found on the is accepting new patients. We recommend for a CPR number, even if your partner is not must apply for your Danish CPR number (and Current Student Portal. choosing a practitioner in the area of the city with you in Denmark. CPR card). This is something that everyone where you will live. who lives in Denmark has. The number is used Both the Citizens’ Service and State Adminis- Read more about marriage and divorce. to identify yourself when dealing with public tration will be present in the beginning of the MOVING FROM ANOTHER NORDIC authorities, healthcare, libraries, banks etc. If autumn semester, helping you apply for your COUNTRY you need to identify yourself for any reason, CPR number and, in the case of EU students, If you move to Denmark from another Nordic your CPR number is your primary source of ID. the residence certificate as well. In the spring country (as a non-Nordic citizen), you must semester, students must travel to Aarhus to bring documentation of your Nordic social Your personal information is linked to your register with the State Administration. You security number to the registration. CPR number. It is therefore issued both as will receive and email about the exact date, a 12-digit number, which acts as electronic place and time. identification, and also as a physical card, which is swipeable. The CPR-number is is- There are a number of documents you should sued by the Citizens’ Service. Once you have make sure to fill out and bring with you, along applied for your CPR number, it takes up to with a number of copies you need to have CPR registration checklist 5-6 weeks to arrive. During these first weeks, made in advance. Needless to say, the more you will receive a temporary AU CPR number prepared you are, the faster the lines will What to bring with you when registering with the authorities on campus in for the university system. Please note that the move on the day, so please do your best to the beginning of the semester: temporary AU CPR number is only used to bring all of your copies and fill out the forms register you in the AU system and cannot be beforehand. The checklist on the next pages EU/EEA STUDENTS used in place of an actual CPR number. Once will guide you to make sure you bring all the you receive your CPR number and card from appropriate documents. Be aware that the c Original (valid) Passport / National ID Card the Citizens service you will have to replace university cannot copy or print for you! c 2 copies of all pages in your passport including the front and back cover the temporary AU CPR number yourself. Fol- c 1 Passport Photo* low this link to replace your temporary CPR Please note: if you do not apply for your CPR number. number during the scheduled event, you will c 1 copy of Letter of Enrolment / Aktiv Attest have to apply on your own! c 1 copy of the Blue EU Health Card (front and back) NemID c Completed Residence Certificate Application (in your Arrival Pack) NemID (”Easy ID”) is the Danish digital log-in solution, which consists of a user ID, a password and c Completed Application Form for CPR (in your Arrival Pack) a code-card. It is used for online banking, taxes and SU, as well as access to the digital platforms for most Danish public services and authorities. c 1 copy of Danish Housing Contract with address • We highly recommend obtaining a NemID if you are staying in Denmark for a longer period c If you move to Denmark with children or if you are married/divorced, see above of time, as having one will allow you to handle most interactions with the Danish authorities digitally. c If you move to Denmark from another Nordic country, see above • You need a Danish CPR number to obtain NemID. • You can obtain NemID at Dokk1 Citizens’ Service or via your Danish bank. Read more about NemID at www.nemid.nu/dk-en/ Continues on the next page... 14 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 15

NON-EU STUDENTS For your smartphone c Original (valid) Passport / National ID Card c 1 copy of Passport (photo page) / National ID Card (front and back) c Completed Application Form for CPR (in your Arrival Pack) Rejseplanen (Journey Planner) c 1 copy of Residence Permit The easiest way to find your way around both Aarhus and Denmark c 1 copy of Danish Housing Contract with address is with the Rejseplanen (Journey Planner) app, which allows you to search the connections of trains and buses to help you get to where c If you move to Denmark with children or if you are married/divorced, see page 13 you are going. The app allows you to search for an address from your current position, c If you move to Denmark from another Nordic country, see page 13 and thus shows you the appropriate bus, train and/or walking directions to get to your final destination. The app can be downloaded via the app/play store, on NORDIC STUDENTS (FINLAND, ICELAND, NORWAY, SWEDEN) the Rejseplanen website (only available in Danish), or by clicking the icon above. c Original (valid) Passport / National ID Card c 1 copy of Passport (photo page) / National ID Card (front and back) DSB c 1 copy of the Blue EU Health Card (front and back) Finding and buying train tickets with Denmark’s national train service (DSB) is quick and easy with the DSB app. The app allows c Completed Application Form for CPR (in your Arrival Pack) you not only to search for the next train connection, but also to c 1 copy of Danish Housing Contract with address purchase your tickets and seat reservations all in one place. When c If you move to Denmark with children or if you are married/divorced, see page 13. travelling, all you have to do is show the ticket on your phone to the conductor when they check tickets. The app can be downloaded via the app/play store or on DSB’s website (only available in Danish). When you receive your CPR number, If you are registering on your own, remember to bring (EU/EEA Students): you can buy a Wild Card, which offers you a 50% discount. c Completed Application Form for CPR (in your Arrival Pack) Midttrafik The Midttrafik app allows you to buy single tickets and multiride tickets for the city buses (yellow) and the regional buses (blue) in Aarhus. The app is unfortunately only available in Danish, but Midttrafik’s website has a guide in English that explains how to set up an account and buy tickets. The app can be set up with your payment card, which is helpful if you find yourself without coins for the bus. Download it it via the app/play store or on Midttrafik’s website. AU Find You can use the AU Find app to find information about a person, a building or a unit at Aarhus University. All the addresses are shown on a map, and they are integrated with the Google Maps Directory, which gives you directions. You can also add a person directly to your contacts for quick reference later. Download the AU Find app by clicking the appropriate links on this page. 16 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 17

Learning Danish Career services

LÆRDANSK AARHUS BSS Join the alumni network To improve your Danish skills or simply learn You will find more about it in your informa- At Aarhus BSS, we aim to ease your transition Activate your free membership already as the basics, you might consider joining classes tion package. from student to alumnus (former student) by a student to receive exclusive invitations to offered by Lærdansk Herning. Lærdansk has helping you prepare for your future career. events and access the insights, expertise and great experience with organising Danish For general questions about Danish classes You can benefit from a range of services and resources of more than 25,000 alumni. classes for international students from Aarhus in Herning. activities, such as: University, both at the centre’s premises and • Online networking Access AU Alumni at alumni.au.dk or Aarhus on campus. The language courses are free • Career and CV counselling BSS’s services for alumni at bss.au.dk/en/ of charge and you will be learning a new Duolingo • Career events alumni. language in an international and multicultural To get a head start on the Danish lan- • Contact to a range of companies environment with people from all over the guage, try the free language learning world, who have also come here to study. platform Duolingo. If you speak English, Find all the events and offers at: AU Job and Project Bank Duolingo lessons in over 20 languages, studerende.au.dk/en/career/bss/events/ Find your new full-time job, student job, Signing up including Danish. You can take the lessons Or follow us on Facebook @AarhusBSS or internship, project or volunteer work at Once you receive your letter of enrolment online on Duolingo’s website or download @AarhusBSSCareerherning jobbank.au.dk from Aarhus University, you can sign up very their app to your smartphone via the app/ quickly in the reception. play store. 18 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 19

STUDY CULTURE Unlike written exams, oral exams generally As an international student, you may be sur- take the form of a verbal presentation and prised by the study culture at Aarhus Uni- discussion between you, your course lecturer versity. The study culture Denmark is pretty and a co-examiner. To find out whether any informal, and the hierarchy between lecturers of your courses have an oral exam, check and students is flat and not very strict. your academic regulations.

Lecturers are addressed by their first name For more tips on how to get the most out of Rather than Ms., Mrs., Mr., Dr. or professor, your studies at Aarhus University, check out lecturers will ask you to call them by their studiemetro.au.dk or studentwelfare.au.dk first name.

Active participation in class Academic Calendar Most courses use a combination of big lec- The academic calendar for the Autumn tures and smaller classroom-based seminars. Semester 2017 will run from around late In the seminars you are expected to partici- August/early September to late January. pate, for instance by asking questions, taking Studying at BTECH part in discussions or doing presentations. Public Holidays Critical thinking and freedom of speech are Christmas Day: December 25 important at Aarhus University, and it is okay Boxing Day: December 26 Aarhus University was founded in 1928, mak- BSS, one of the four faculties at Aarhus Uni- New Year’s Day: January 1 ing it the second-oldest university in Denmark. versity and is situated in Herning. not to share all of your lecturer’s opinions. Today, it is the second-largest university in The study programmes offered by BTECH Denmark and has several campuses, both are based on interaction across professional Taking responsibility for your own learning in and around Aarhus as well as in Herning boundaries as well as close interaction with A large part of the learning process at Aarhus University will not take place in a classroom, The Danish 7-point marking scale and other cities. students and the surrounding business com- For an excellent performance but through reading and studying by yourself. 12 munity. All study programmes have an inno- 10 For a very good performance Lecturers will rarely check whether you do Most of Aarhus University’s main buildings are vative and international perspective. 7 For a good performance located in and around the scenic University your readings or even whether you show up 4 For a fair performance Park. Danish architect C.F. Møller is responsible The department was originally founded in to class. However, for your own sake, make 02 For an adequate performance for the university’s characteristic yellow-brick 1995 as a result of a merger between the En- it a priority to do both! You will need it to ------buildings (pictured above), the first of which gineering College of Western and the do well in your exams. Also, many courses 00 For an inadequate performance For an unacceptable perfomance were built in the 1930s. The architecture of Central Jutland Business School. The merger include group work with other students who -3 Aarhus University is internationally renowned with Aarhus University in 2006 resulted in count on you to do your work. and included in the Danish Culture Canon. an even higher academic level and an in- Group work Please note creased focus on research and development. • The Danish top mark ’12’ is given out Courses will often include mandatory group Since 2011 Aarhus University has had four only half as often as the top mark major academic faculties: The Faculty of Arts, BTECH has approximately 1,650 students work with other students. Many Danish stu- ’A’ in other countries. Consequently, The Faculty of Science and Technology, The (about 1,150 are full-time students and 500 dents also use small study groups as a way the ”middle/average” mark ’7’ is not Faculty of Health Sciences, and The School part-time students). Approximately 15% of the to stay motivated and take a break from considered a bad grade, but is given of Business and Social Sciences (Aarhus BSS). full-time students come from other countries studying alone. for an overall good performance. The Department of Business Development than Denmark. • ’02’ is the minimum mark required for passing an exam. and Technology (BTECH) is part of Aarhus Oral exams Oral exams are common at Aarhus University. 20 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 21

City of Herning Bike culture

In a little more than 100 years Herning has you find the Herning Mall (Herning Centret) Bikes are the preferred method of transporta- developed into a center for dynamic busi- with 80 stores and numerous cafes and res- tion in Aarhus. It is cheaper and more flex- Safety first! ible than taking the bus, which is why most nesses, varied culture and sports facilities. taurants. • Wearing a bike helmet is not Danish student opt for it. Taking the bike is And also a great place to live. required by law, but strongly re- CULTURE AND ATTRACTIONS also a practical way to get some fresh air commended in case something Herning is a young city - it was founded as a Herning has a rich cultural life. Whether you and exercise! happens. market city in 1913. It has strong influences are looking for theater, concerts or museums, and expanded rapidly due to the textile indus- Herning has it. With several renowned art You can choose to buy a used bike or rent • Be aware of your surroundings. try. Nowadays, these traditions are still present museums, Herning has most art per citizen one. Buying a used bike is often cheaper. Always respect road signs and with some textile companies left and with the in Denmark. signals. design educations based at VIA Design in Birk. • Always ride your bike on the right The theatres in Herning arrange traditional side of the road, going in the same With 86.864 citizens, Herning Municipality is and experimental performances all year - direction as the cars. Going in the 14th largest municipality in Denmark meas- as well as ballet, opera and musicals. Sev- opposite direction can be very ured by population. By area, Herning is the eral stages offer music experiences in every dangerous. 3rd largest municipality. genre. Herning offen hosts massiv national and international music and sports events. • Remember to signal when you stop SHOPPING IN HERNING Many of these take place in “Jyske Bank or make a turn. In the city centre you find a varied selection Boxen”, the largest multi-arena in Denmark of shops, not only on the main street, but also outside Copenhagen. • Turn on your bicycle light when it is on the side streets.The city square is right dark outside. in the center, and a few steps further down Our Tourist Office VisitHerning guides you • Cyclists are not allowed to ride their Østergade you find the awarded library. The to all the wonderful attractions in our area. bikes on the sidewalk or across pe- building is worth a visit for it’s unique archi- Download visit Herning app destrian crossings in Denmark. tecture, if not for finding a book, reading a magazine or having a coffee in the café. Download Herning Tourist Magazine 2017/18 • Be mindful of trucks, especially if Between the city centre and the Campus they’re turning right. Trucks (and other large vehicles) have a blind spot on their right side, so the dri- ver may not be able to see you if you are right next to them. When waiting at a red light, it is therefore always safer to stay behind trucks and give them extra time and space to make their maneuver.

• People in Aarhus are used to riding their bikes and tend to go quite fast. Don’t let it stress you out. Go at your own pace. 22 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 23

Danish Culture

Culture shock is a completely natural part paid job in Denmark, you have to pay taxes. of moving to a new country. However, the Read more about students jobs on page 7. shock may seem less intense if you know a little bit about the country and its culture JANTELOV before you arrive. And although the best way Known in English as “The Law of Jante”, Jante- to really understand Danish culture is prob- lov is a cultural concept related to the general ably to experience it for yourself, here are a anti-elitist mentality in Denmark (and the rest few pointers to mentally prepare you for any of Scandinavia). In brief, the Jantelov states cultural differences between Denmark and that people should not believe themselves your home country. to be better than others. Jantelov is mostly used to describe a negative social dynamic, THE DANISH WELFARE STATE where people may be resented or criticised Denmark is internationally known for its for being too ambitious or accomplished. welfare state. The underlying philosophy of the welfare state is that all citizens have FORENINGSKULTUR equal right to social security. Consequently, Denmark has a strong foreningskultur or, a number of services such as education and roughly translated, “organisation culture”. healthcare are free of charge in Denmark. Many Danes are involved in foreninger, Humour Hygge These services are instead funded publically which are democratic and membership- The Danish sense of humour is typically If you are staying in Denmark for a longer by heavy income taxes. The Danish welfare based organisations centred on a common dry and characterised by sarcasm, satire period of time, you are bound to run into state is characterised by economic equality theme, goal or activity. They can be volunteer and relatively high social mobility. Read more organisations, sports clubs, interest-based and self-deprecation. Much in accord- the Danish concept of hygge more than at denmark.dk/en/society societies etc. Danes use foreninger to pur- ance with the Jantelov (described on the once. A concept that roughly translates sue their interests and to socialise outside of previous page), it is considered okay to to “cosiness”, Danes love to hygge - and TRUST school and work. poke fun at everyone, regardless of their there are many different ways to do it. It Compared to other countries, Danes have status: authority figures, your friends, your- can mean going out for a beer with friends a high level of trust, both in the system and self... Self-deprecating humour, known as or reading a good book by yourself. It can in other people. Overall, Danes tend to think selvironi (“self-irony”), is very common. also mean having a picnic in the summer of their system as relatively transparent, with Danes value their freedom of speech and or lighting lots of candles in the winter. courts and law enforcement that are fair and generally do not take anything too seri- The most important thing is that you relax free of corruption. The crime rates in Denmark ously - especially not themselves. Conse- and enjoy yourself. As an icebreaker, try are low, but you should of course always use quently, some Danes may come across asking a Dane what they find hyggeligt common sense to stay safe and look after your valuables. as more direct and less politically correct (“hygge-like”). You may get some new than what you’re used to. And while it is of inspiration for how to embrace this vital TAXES course completely fine not to find Danish aspect of the Danish lifestyle. The tax rate in Denmark is one of the highest humour funny, try to keep in mind that any in the world. Approximately 40-45% of a Dan- sarcastic or irreverent jokes directed your ish salary goes towards taxes. If you have a way are rarely meant as an insult. 24 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 25

Friday Bar Making Friends The Friday Bar at Campus Herning is located next to the book store. The bar is open on most Fridays during the year with a wide selection of beverages at student-friendly As an international student arriving in Den- “The right not to speak” prices, and remember we are already open from 12 at noon. The first Friday Bar is held mark, you can expect to hear a lot of talk If the Danes seem closed off or distant to you, the 1st of September. about the “antisocial” Danes and how dif- please keep in mind that it is not because they ficult it is to make Danish friends. For that rea- are antisocial or don’t want to hang out with son, it may seem easier to hang out with the international students. They are probably just If you want to hear more about the FridayBar or are considering joining us, send us a mes- other international students and be content politely trying to respect your personal space. sage on our Facebook page: @FridaybarAuH. Here you can also follow opening dates with simply observing the Danes from afar. But In Denmark, it is not very common to small- and all events throughout the semester! please don’t write off the possibility of making talk with strangers in public places such as the Danish friends! A local network can be very bus stop or the supermarket. Instead, Danes useful and also give you a unique opportunity consider it polite to respect other people’s to experience Danish culture first-hand. privacy by not expecting them to engage Student Activity Association (SAA), the Student House & in conversation all the time. If you decide to Friday Bar These pages aim to give you an idea of how approach a Dane anyway, don’t be surprised The students in Herning can join a number of organisations that and where to meet the Danes and get you when their closed-off expression turns into a you can get involved in. Or you can just participate in the events on the right track towards making some new big friendly smile. Once engaged, Danes are they arrange. friends. generally very open and helpful.

SAA SAA is an organisation representing the social aspect of the students. The mission of SAA is to make the student life in Herning as diverse Getting to know the Danes and exciting as possible, and especially to provide an unforgettable start and experiences for the new students. Make the first move: Danes will rarely approach you themselves, but more often than not, they will be very friendly if you ask them a question. And most of them are very good at Our goal is not only to offer fun teamwork and party events, speaking English, so don’t be afraid to reach out. but also organize events widening students’ professional ex- perience and improving their study-related professional skills. Join a club or an organisation that you find interesting:This is a great way to meet new Find SAA: @SAA.AUHE people and bond over a shared hobby.

Take initiative: Most Danish students probably already have very busy schedules with school, jobs, old friends, family and hobbies, so they may not actively be looking for new Student House friends in the same way that you are. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they The Student house is a bar, community, and Fitness Center. The bar is open the first Tues- don’t want to get to know you! It just means that you may have to take a little more initiative day every month and all Thursdays from 20.00 – 23.00. Furthermore, the Student house is than you’re used to. Be interested in getting to know the Danes and, once you’ve talked hosting one large party and one Friday Late Night Lounge per month. The Student house to them a few times, maybe even suggest doing something together. provides you with lots of chill and fun. The Student house also has events throughout the year – so please follow The Student house & Birk Campus on Facebook to stay updated: Be patient: It takes a long time for a Dane to consider someone a friend (and not just an @BirkCampus. acquaintance), so be patient and don’t expect to become besties right away. 26 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning 27

Important Addresses

EMERGENCY Student Counselling Service Studenterrådgiv- The Regional State Administration - Tax Office In case of an emergency, dial 112 (medical) or ningen Ryesgade 23, 1 8000 Aarhus C (SKAT) 114 (police). It is free from all phones. Tel: +45 7026 7500 www.srg.dk Statsforvaltning Lyseng Allé 1 8270 Højbjerg Police IMMIGRATION, RESIDENCE, PERMIT/ Tel: +45 7256 7000 Midt og Vestjyllands Politi (Herning) CERTIFICATE AND REGISTRATION Telephone Hours: Monday - Wednesday and Nørregade 1, 7400 Herning Danish Agency for Labour Market and Friday: 09–15 Thursday: 12–15 Tel: +45 96 14 14 48 Recruitment www.statsforvaltningen.dk. Njalsgade 72A Hospital 2300 Copenhagen S LIBRARIES Herning Sygehus Monday, Wednesday: 10–17 There are various libraries around Aarhus Univer- Gl Landevej 61, 7400 Herning Tuesday, Thursday: 8-12 sity. The Campus in Herning has it’s own library: Tel: +45 78 43 00 00 Friday: Closed www.star.dk http://library.au.dk/en/ You will have access 24 hours a day with your Emergency Dentist Please note that there are different telephone student identification card. Tandlægevagten numbers and email addresses for the different Lægaardsvej 12 areas in which the Danish Agency for Labour The Royal Danish Library (in Aarhus) 7500 Holstebro Market and Recruitment service. Please check Det Kgl. Bibliotek Viktor Albecks Vej 1 8000 Tel: +45 40 51 51 62. the website above for the correct number and Aarhus C Tel: +45 8946 2022 Opening hours contact information. Monday–Friday: 8–18 Saturday, Sunday and public holidays Saturday: 10–16 [email protected] kl. 12.00-15.00 Foreign Police Udlændingesektionen / Foreign Office Main Library, Herning After Hours Doctor Fredensgade 41 Østergade 8 Tel: +45 7011 3131 8000 Aarhus C Tel: +45 96 28 88 00 Monday-Friday: 16-8 Saturday and Sunday: 24/7 Tel: +45 8731 1448 https://www.herningbib.dk/ Monday-Thursday: 9-11 HEALTH AND SAFETY STUDENT RESOURCES Cough syrup, painkillers, anti-histamines, etc. In order to set up an appointment, you must book International Centre may be bought in small doses from supermarkets, an appointment by calling +45 8731 1584 during Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4 7-Eleven, etc. the opening hours above. It is also an option to 8000 Aarhus C send an email and book an appointment at Tel: +45 8715 0220 Pharmacies are usually open between 9-17:30 [email protected]. [email protected] www.au.dk/ic during the week and 9:30-13 on Saturdays. AU Housing [email protected] www.au.dk/housing Citizens’ Service 24 Hour Pharmacy Herning Løve Apotek Torvet Accounting Office Bredgade 45 Tel: +45 96 28 2828 AU Regnskabskontor Katrinebjergvej 89F, Building Tel: +45 97 12 00 22/+45 40 27 74 24 www.herning.dk/ 5132 8200, Aarhus N Tel: +45 8715 0000. 28 Pre-arrival guide - Campus Herning Useful Links

AARHUS UNIVERSITY Denmark.dk Aarhus University main website www.denmark.dk www.au.dk International Community Faculties www.internationalcommunity.dk http://www.au.dk/en/about/organisation/faculties/ New in Denmark Departments and Schools www.newtodenmark.dk www.au.dk/en/about/organisation/departments/ Study in Denmark International Centre (IC) www.studyindenmark.dk www.au.dk/ic The Copenhagen Post Arriving in Denmark http://cphpost.dk/ http://studerende.au.dk/en/internationalstudents/ arriving-in-denmark/ Work in Denmark www.workindenmark.dk Living in Denmark http://studerende.au.dk/en/internationalstudents/ Tax in Denmark living-in-denmark/ www.skat.dk

Prospective Exchange Student Portal TOURIST INFORMATION www.au.dk/exchange Denmark www.visitdenmark.com Prospective Master’s Student Portal kandidat.au.dk/en/ Herning www.visitherning.dk BTECH Study Portal studerende.au.dk/btech Aarhus www.visitaarhus.com Student Welfare Portal studentwelfare.au.dk Copenhagen www.visitcopenhagen.com Course Catalogue coursecatalogue.au.dk

AU Job & Project Bank jobbank.au.dk Get your student ID GENERAL INFORMATION Herning Kommune studerende.au.dk/en/ www.herning.dk studentid

Aarhus Kommune www.aarhus.dk DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY Aarhus BSS Aarhus University Birk Centerpark 15 DK-7400 Herning btech.au.dk/en/