I moved to Denmark in August 2024 and had two weeks before university started, which helped me settle in. The Business School checked in with us regularly, and before moving the study abroad team had given us a clear checklist, so I felt prepared. Denmark did not feel like a huge culture shock, but the differences were refreshing. Danish people are incredibly calm and patient. For example, people wait at a red crossing even if no cars are coming. The cycling culture was a big part of everyday life, so I bought a bike for the year, something I hadn’t needed to do in Loughborough.
Aarhus was the perfect place for me. It is a smaller city with a strong student atmosphere, and although people often assumed I would be in Copenhagen, Aarhus suited me because it felt manageable while still being lively. It also felt comforting knowing that Denmark was not too far from home, especially compared to somewhere like Canada, which I had also considered.
I was mostly nervous about making friends, but it turned out to be just like starting university again. The university organised international student events, and even though people naturally grouped with others from their own countries at first, everyone was open and friendly. I was surprised that many students stayed for only one semester, but this ended up being one of the best parts of the experience. I made one group of friends in my first semester, then returned after Christmas and made another group in my second semester. It felt like getting two experiences in one year, and in the second semester I enjoyed being the person who could show others around.
Living in a shared house also helped, because you meet your housemates’ friends as well as your own. The fact that almost everyone in Denmark speaks excellent English made day to day life much easier, and I always felt like help was available if I needed it.
