Housing in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has positioned itself comfortably among the most liveable cities in the world. According to the Global Liveability Index, education and infrastructure are parameters where Denmark’s capital stands out as excellent. Students know this and flock to the city. Consequently, the housing situation – especially in July, August and September – tends to be a bit challenging. However, a range of options exist. Flexibility and starting your room hunt early will get you far.

01

Apply for student housing in advance

Copenhagen ranks as one of the world’s most popular cities, both as a metropolis and a student city, attracting large numbers of students. Therefore, it’s important to prepare your housing search thoroughly - as much as possible. 

If you plan to study in Copenhagen and need student housing, it’s advantageous to start early. You can apply for a dorm room, rent an apartment, sublet, or invest in your own apartment.

02

Dormitories

As a student at the University of Copenhagen, you have the option to move into a dormitory, where you’ll live alongside other students. 

Find a dormitory

As a student, you have the opportunity to live in a dormitory. There are many dormitories available for all students, regardless of the educational institution. 

However, there are also many dormitories where KU students have a higher chance of getting a room. Additionally, some dormitories offer rooms specifically for students in certain fields of study.

On KUnet, UCPH's intranet (accessible only to enrolled students and staff), students receive regular updates when rooms become available in several dormitories affiliated with the University of Copenhagen. At S.dk and Kollegiernes Kontor (KKIK), you can find more than 11,500 student accommodations and dormitories in Copenhagen and the surrounding areas. Both places allow you to apply for housing online.

03

8 tips for finding housing in Copenhagen

Finding student accommodation in Copenhagen can be difficult and time-consuming. Competition is high as there are many students in Copenhagen. 

At the same time, there is a shortage of affordable housing. Although new homes are constantly being built, supply and demand do not match. Especially if you are a student looking for cheap accommodation.

Therefore, we have included 8 tips for finding affordable student accommodation in Copenhagen. Please take a look at them below.

1

Start your search early

Searching for a new home takes time and hard work. It often pays off to invest time in your search.
The earlier you start, the better.
Make sure to sign up on various housing platforms, explore options for dorm rooms, student housing, and youth housing. Set up notifications from these platforms to stay updated on housing opportunities that match your preferences.

2

Utilise your network

When starting a housing search, always involve your network if you have such in Denmark. If you know other international students in Copenhagen, ask them for help.  Don’t hesitate to reach further out.
Use social media and post about your housing search. You never know who holds the key to your next student accommodation in Copenhagen.

3

Sign up for waiting lists

Are you planning to stay in Copenhagen for a longer period?  Then you should make sure to register as a user on various housing portals, sign up on waiting lists for student housing and youth housing.

Also make sure to get notifications from various housing portals when there are homes that suit your wishes.

See a list of housing websites where you can sign up

4

Share rent and expenses with others

Consider moving in with others. Look into opportunities to share an apartment with other students. This way, you can save money on everything from rent to internet, water, heating, etc. 

At the same time, it is a good way to get to know more people. 

5

Urgent need of housing?

If you don’t find a permanent housing solution when you first move to Copenhagen, start with a short-term sublet. This gives you time to find a better and more permanent solution as you get to know the city better. Many students live in several different places during their studies.

Are you approaching the start of your studies and in urgent need of housing? Then Startup Housing might be something for you. Otherwise, advancing on waiting lists for student housing may be possible.

Through Startup Housing, the City of Copenhagen, byStudents, and Studenterhuset offer temporary housing on Vesterbro for up to 2 weeks during the start of your studies.

As a student, you may be able to move up on the waiting list for student housing if you meet a number of specific requirements. For example, if you a...

6

Apply for a dormitory

Interested in living in a dormitory? There are many different dormitories in Copenhagen—new and old, cheap and expensive, some with communal dining several times a week and others without. Likewise, there are dormitories with many social events and others with fewer.
Regardless, plan your application and check if students in your field of study have priority access to specific dormitories. 

Ask other students for advice. You can often find information on KUnet (requires login from current students). Here, we advertise vacant rooms in dormitories that collaborate with the University of Copenhagen. You can also visit Studenterhuset to look for post'its about dormitories.

7

Look for housing outside central Copenhagen


Include areas outside the most central parts of Copenhagen in your search. It’s usually cheaper to live in more remote areas, and from most of these areas, you can reach the university campuses within 30 minutes by public transport or bike. This applies to places like Vanløse, Brønshøj, Rødovre, Hvidovre, Sydhavn, Ydre Amager, and Søborg.

8

Avoid being scammed

Make sure to view the property before signing a rental contract. Transfer the deposit and rent via your bank and never pay in cash. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true on social media, especially those with urgent deadlines.
Remember to read the rental contract thoroughly before signing. Use your judgment and, if possible, have family or friends review the contract with you.

04

Housing Foundation Copenhagen

Housing Foundation Copenhagen

Housing Foundation Copenhagen is an independent organisation that helps international students enrolled at the University of Copenhagen to find .

For more information about housing options, renting and practical information about your arrival, stay and departure, please visit Housing Foundation Copenhagen's website. 

All questions about the Housing Foundation should be directed to contact@housingfoundation.ku.dk

05

Students with disabilities

Housing Foundation Copenhagen offers special attention to people with disabilities. 

Find out more about housing for students with disabilities

06

Popular districts in Copenhagen

Copenhagen consists of many different districts. 

The more popular districts are Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro, North West, Frederiksberg, Indre By (The city center), Christianshavn and the inner part of Amager. 

Even though Copenhagen has many residence halls, it will probably be easier to find a place to live in Vanløse, Brønshøj, Valby, or Ørestad.

Most suburban areas are only 20 minutes away from the city centre by bicycle or public transport.

See map of Copenhagen

Learn more about living in Copenhagen

07

Finances, student discounts, and book expenses

Rent is a significant expense for most students. Therefore, we have gathered a few good tips on how to save money while you are studying.

Check out Uniavisen's guide to student discounts