Practical matters

University insurance requirements

The University of Copenhagen does not require students to take out insurance. However, we strongly encourage you to take out insurance.

Students are not covered by any insurance policies taken out by the University of Copenhagen.

General insurance recommendations

We recommend that students take out accident and liabilty insurance. With regard to general insurance (personal possessions, home contents, accident and liability), you may want to contact Danish insurance companies if you are not able to take out an insurance prior to your departure. Danish companies are good at providing information in English if you give them a call.

Health insurance in Denmark

The Danish Health Security Act covers international students at the University of Copenhagen staying for more than three months. However, you are not covered until you have registered for your CPR number with the Citizen Service office in Copenhagen. It may take up to two weeks from the day you register until you receive your personal health insurance card. In case you need medical treatment during this period, you are welcome to consult the doctor you were assigned upon your registration.

Be aware that the Danish Health Insurance does not cover the costs of medical evacuation back to your home country, emergency repatriation and personal liability. For this reason we encourage students to purchase insurance prior to their departure for Denmark; including health insurance to cover you until you are covered by the Danish Health Insurance.

If you have chronic medical problems requiring prescriptive medicine, it is a good idea to bring copies of your medical history issued by your local doctor. Please note that medicine is not free in Denmark.

Please refer to the information below for specific rules applying to the Danish Health Insurance depending on your citizenship. 

Non-EU/EEA and Non-Nordic students

Students from non-EU/EEA and non-Nordic countries staying for more than three months should apply for a Health Insurance Card upon arrival. The certificate is valid immediately after you have registered with the local Citizen Service. It is therefore strongly recommended that you register as soon as possible upon your arrival in Denmark. 

EU/EEA and Swiss students

EU/EEA and Swiss students should bring with them their European Health Insurance Card (the blue card), which they can apply for in their own country. This card is free and gives you access to state-provided healthcare. It also entitles you to free medical care in Denmark until the Danish health insurance covers you. For information about healthcare for EU/EEA/Swiss students, click here.

Nordic students

Nordic students are covered for up to six months by the Danish Health Security Act. If you are staying for more than six months, you must bring the "internordiske flyttepapirer" and use these when applying for a Health Insurance Card. For more information about moving within the Nordic countries, please refer to the Nordic Co-operation website. 

Even though Copenhagen is a safe city, crime does occur. We therefore urge you to pay attention and act with care as you would do in any other big city.

Precautions

Assaults often occur when people are intoxicated or agitated. It is important to keep one's head clear, and not lose one's temper. If possible, pull away from the situation. The following precautions may help to get you out of an uncomfortable or potentially violent situation:

• Do not lose your temper - instead, use a kind, but assertive voice
• Apologise if you have been a part of the episode and avoid further discussion
• Do not answer back
• If there are others present, let them in on what is happening
• Leave the place

Violent incidences and theft

Violent incidences are rare. However, if you have been exposed to physical violence or had your property stolen, you should contact the police immediately. The more details you are able to provide, the more the police have to work with in the effort to solve the crime.

Police contact details.

Remember that it is possible to bring another person to the station to report the crime. This person will be allowed to sit in on all questioning and can therefore be of great support. Please note that if you bring another person to report the crime this person will be bound to professional confidentiality.

You may also want to contact International Education & Grants or your faculty. The case will be a police matter, but we will assist you in every way we possibly can.

Sexual assault

It is very unlikely that you should be exposed to a sexual assault. However, in the event that this occurs, it is possible to receive both medical and psychological counselling at the local rape centre or hospital. It is very important to go to the nearest rape centre (or hospital) to be examined, if you have been subject to a sex crime. Do not clean yourself up/wash before going. Remember that it is not a shame, and not something you need to hide. It is not your fault, and it does help to talk about it.

Rigshospitalet has a Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault. The centre is open 24 hours a day. You do not need an appointment, but it may be a good idea to contact the centre before going there, so they know you are coming, and are able to give you advice on what to do and what to bring. Remember that the centre will help you irrespective of whether you want to report the assault to the police or not.

Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault
Entrance 5, 3rd floor, section 5032
Blegdamsvej 9 – also entrance from Juliane Maries Vej
DK-2100 Copenhagen East
www.rigshospitalet.dk

In case of an emergency such as fire, a traffic accident or acute health problems, call 112. Remember to provide as many details as possible:

• Where are you?
• What has happened?
• How many are injured and what is their condition?
• What telephone number are you calling from?

For further information about what to do and who to contact in case of emergency, or if you are looking for information about emergency care, see here.

If you need to get in touch with the police in a non-life-threatening situation, call 114.

Medical helpline

If you don't feel well and it is not an emergency, call Denmark’s emergency medical advice line, 1813. The line is open 24/7 and monitored by trained nurses. If you are using a phone service based outside Denmark, remember to use Denmark’s country code +45 before dialling 1813.

Doctor

With the Danish Health Insurance you can see a doctor without charge. When you receive your Health Insurance Card, a general practitioner (GP) will be assigned to you. His/her contact details are printed on your Health Insurance Card if you need to make an appointment. Remember to bring your yellow Danish Health Insurance Card when you go to see the doctor.

If you do not have a CPR number and a yellow health card card yet, you can still visit af doctor. Go to www.sundhed.dk and search for a doctor in you city. The website is in Danish, so please follow these steps:

1. Choose "behandlere"

2. Choose "praktiserende læge"

3. Choose "København" in the field "region"

4. Press "Åben for patienttilgang" in the box on the right hand side. 

You will now be able to call one of the doctors on the list and ask when they can see you. Remember to let them know that you are an international student at University of Copenhagen and that you are waiting to receive your yellow health card.

You can always call the medical advice line at 1813 and go to the emergency room. 

Specialists

If you need to see a specialist, please make an appointment with your GP to get a referral to see the specialist.

Helpline

If you are uncertain what you should do in the event of sudden illness or injury, you can call a medical helpline on 1813. If you are using a phone service based outside Denmark, remember to use Denmark’s country code +45 before dialling 1813.

Confidentiality

Patients and patient journals are treated confidentially in Denmark. Hence the only people who have access to the information are you and your doctor/medical advisers. However, in case of serious illness or accident during your study abroad period in Denmark, we encourage you to contact International Education & Grants or your faculty. You are always welcome to talk to one of the international advisors if you have personal or health related issues that you are concerned about.

Dentist

If you need to see a dentist, you are free to choose any dentist and call to make an appointment. Be aware that dental treatment is not free of charge in Denmark. You will find a list of dentists in the yellow pages under "tandlæger". 

In case of an emergency outside of office hours (8-16), you can visit the emergency dental service.

Emergency Dental Service (Tandlægevagten) Oslo Plads 14, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø (by Østerport station). Tel: (+45) 35 38 02 51. Opening hours: Weekdays 20-21:30, weekends and public holidays 10-12

Pharmacies

You are able to buy a few types of medicine in supermarkets. However, if you need medicine, even just painkillers, we recommend that you always buy them in a pharmacy, where specialists are able to give you professional advice.

If you need medication outside regular opening hours, there are a few pharmacies that are open 24 hours.

Copenhagen Steno Pharmacy
Vesterbrogade 6C
DK-1620 Copenhagen V
Tel: (+45) 33 14 82 66

Copenhagen Sønderbro Pharmacy
Amagerbrogade 158
DK-2300 Copenhagen S
Tel: (+45) 32 58 01 40

Hospitals and emergency admissions

The greater Copenhagen area has a number of hospitals, some of which have emergency medical services. For further details, please refer to the information below provided by the Capital Region of Denmark:

• Map of hospitals (in danish)
• Emergency medical services

Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault

Rigshospitalet
Entrance 5, 3rd floor, section 5032
Blegdamsvej 9 – also entrance from Juliane Maries Vej
DK-2100 Copenhagen East
Tel: (+45) 35 45 50 32

Confidentiality

Patients and patient journals are treated confidentially in Denmark. Hence the only persons who have access to the information are you and your doctor/medical advisers. However, in case of serious illness or accident during your study abroad period in Denmark, we encourage you to contact International Education & Grants or your faculty. You are always welcome to talk to an international advisor if you have personal or health related issues that you are concerned about. 

Police stations

Police Station Amager (covers Amager)
Kamillevej 3
DK-2750 Kastrup
Tel: (+45) 33 14 14 48

Police Station Bellahøj (covers Nørrebro, Østerbro and Frederiksberg)
Borups Allé 266
DK-2400 Copenhagen NV
Tel: (+45) 33 14 14 48

Police Station City (covers City, Vesterbro and Valby)
Halmtorvet 20
DK-1700 Copenhagen V
Tel: (+45) 33 14 14 48

The Student Counselling Service provides advice for students who need help in relation to social, psychological and psychiatric issues. Staff includes psychologists, medical consultants and social workers. The main office is placed in the centre of Copenhagen.

For further information and contact deails, please refer to the Student Counselling Service website.

If you are in doubt about where to receive counselling or advice regarding your studies, you can always contact the faculty or department-based student advisors. Check with your faculty or department to get further information about their services.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs' Copenhagen Diplomatic List has contact details for your embassy in Denmark or the embassy accredited to your country.

Below you will find information to help you manage situations where living in a new country can be difficult due to cultural differences.

Experiencing a New Culture

One of the attractions of studying abroad is living in a new country and experiencing a new culture, not as a tourist but as someone having an everyday life in a new place. Establishing new routines in a different culture is exciting and challenging at the same time, and it takes you through a learning process. At the end of their stay abroad, many students will return to their home universities or move on to a professional career with greater self-confidence and the ability to manage in an intercultural environment.

Possible Challenges

Most students will experience some challenges when moving abroad: The food is different, familiar greetings such as 'hello' may give other responses than you are used to, people talk in an unfamiliar language, and have other norms and traditions than you are used to. At the same time, university rules and student life may be different. Sometimes the small differences are the most frustrating, as you think you know how to behave and do things, but you get a strange response.

In some cases, students experience what is called culture shock.

Culture Shock

Culture Shock is the name given to a feeling of disorientation or confusion that may occur when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar place. The reaction may be both physical and psychological. 

Research has shown that culture shock often develops in different stages:

• Arrival: Everything is new and exciting 
• Culture Shock: You start to experience difficulties with everyday things, as they are different from home, such as the language barrier, getting the right food etc.
• Adapting: You slowly start to understand the new culture and feel more in balance. You feel an urge to belong.
• Re-entry Shock: This stage takes place when you return to your home country and suddenly find out that you have brought back something with you, namely something that suddenly makes you see your own culture with more critical eyes. This can be difficult to come to terms with. 

Symptoms

To minimise the effect of culture shock, it is important to acknowledge the existence of it, and to know and pay attention to the symptoms, as well as to keep in mind that it is occurring as part of a learning process. Some of the typical symptoms of culture shock are:

• Sleeplessness, excessive need of sleep
• Mood changes, depression, powerlessness
• Anger, animosity against other people
• Loss of self confidence, insecurity and feeling overlooked
• Identification and idealisation of home culture
• Development of stereo-types in the new culture
• Strong longing for family and friends back home

Dealing with Culture Shock

If you experience some of the above mentioned symptoms and have a sudden feeling of loneliness or sadness, here are some ideas that may be helpful in dealing with culture shock:

• Accept that you cannot know everything about the new country and the language  
• Keep an open mind - remember that people in Denmark act according to their own set of values. Try to avoid evaluating their behaviour using the standards you would use in your own country
• Try to do things that you did at home, listen to your favourite music and/or eat familiar food
• Stay in touch with family and friends at home
• Talk to a friend about your experiences
• Stay active – physical activity often helps!
• Learn from experience – moving to a new culture can be the most fascinating and educational experience of your life. There is no better way to become aware of your own values and attitudes or to broaden your point of view.

Where to seek Help

However, this may not be enough, and you are always welcome to come and talk to the staff at International Education & Grants. Talking things through with one of the advisors can help in achieving a perspective on culture shock, and the learning possibilities it implies.

Contact details for faculties and International Education & Grants

Another possibility is to contact the student counselling, Studenterrådgivningen. Please be aware that the waiting time for a consultation with Studenterrådgivningen is up to 2-3 weeks but you can always get a consultation in a critical situation.

You can also contact your personal doctor and set up an appointment. Please refer to your yellow health card for contact details.

The Housing Foundation is an independent organisation that assists international students coming to the University of Copenhagen in finding accommodation.

For more information about housing options, how to apply for housing, and practical information regarding your arrival, your stay, and also your departure, please visit Housing Foundation Copenhagen's website.

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

While it is possible to find accommodation in the city centre, it is typically difficult (as well as expensive). However, the suburban area offers slightly cheaper accommodation and it is still very easy and fast to get to the university or the city centre by bike or public transport.

Because housing is in great demand, prices have gone up in Copenhagen. Most rooms in Copenhagen cost 4,000-8,000 DKK a month. When enquiring about a room, remember to check if all costs (e.g. electricity, heating, and water) are included in the monthly rent.

You should always make sure to get a signed housing contract, which includes the rental period and the conditions of notice to terminate the lease.

It is important that you take out home contents insurance.

The following are rough estimates of what it costs for a single person to live in Copenhagen:

Housing, including utilities: typically 4,000–10,000 DKK/month
Food and daily expenses: 2,000–3,000 DKK/month
Books and other study materials: 1,500–2,000 DKK/semester
Local public transportation: 380–1,000 DKK/month if you travel every day*
Leisure activities: 2,000 DKK/month

*To save money, we recommend that you consider buying a used bicycle, which you can get for around 800-1,500 DKK.

Tipping
Tipping is only customary in Denmark when service has been particularly good. Taxi fares and restaurant bills include service charges and therefore you are not expected to add extra to that.

To open an account, you must remember to bring your CPR number, which is printed on your health insurance card along with your passport, your letter of admission, and your housing contract. Note that you may be required to pay a fee.

If you are wondering about which bank to choose, it’s a good idea to ask your fellow students for recommendations. They will know where the good deals are for students and which banks have great service and good online banking options.

Your first opportunity to check your student record will be upon receipt of your letter of admission and information on how to login to KUnet - Student Self Service. When you login to Student Self Service, you will be able to check your personal information. If you spot an error with your personal details, please contact int-admission@adm.ku.dk to ask for your record to be corrected.

When you are admitted to UCPH, you will be able to:

• Attend your course (programme of study)
• Check you have been correctly entered for any examinations and assessments
• Gain access to your results
• Obtain your student ID card 

You will be able to access Student Self Service for 11 months following the completion of your course/student ID card expiry.

The name that is recorded in the University's student records will be used throughout your time as a student at the University of Copenhagen. It will be used on all documentation including visa information, your University card and your transcript of records. The name must be your official name as provided on your University application and must match formal documentation such as your passport. If your name changes while you are a student you should inform the University so that your records can be updated to reflect your new name.

The gender that is recorded in the University's student records will be used to create your personal identification number. The gender provided will thus be reflected on most documentation including your transcript of records. The gender must be provided on your University application and must match formal documentation such as your passport. The University of Copenhagen respects all transgender students, staff and alumni and will take steps to meet individual requests for changes to name and gender identity wherever possible.

All data contained within your student record is held in accordance with data protection laws. The University need to process your personal data in order to perform educational and administrative purposes and responsibilities to you and others. This processing will take place before, during and after your studies at the University of Copenhagen. Information is available to help you to understand the purposes for which the University will process your personal data.