Introduction:
Studying abroad is a transformative journey. The choice of study destination, such as Denmark, can significantly contribute to a life of fulfilment and expanded knowledge. Moving from the bustling streets of Lagos to the tranquil cities of Denmark or from a homogenous country to one with ethnic diversity can open up a world of new experiences and opportunities.
In this post, I share my experience moving to Denmark as an international student. I learned to manage culture shock and deal with cold temperatures. Still, more importantly, I found a strong sense of community. Whether through community involvement, culinary activities, or career advancement opportunities, I was never alone in this journey. This vibrant community made my transition smoother and more enjoyable.
As a prospective student considering studying in Denmark, this post will help you and provide a source of assurance that you will not be going through this journey alone. This blog aims to help you navigate your studying experiences in Denmark, from the best moments to the worst times and everything in between.
Whether just starting your research or packing your bags, this blog offers real talk, helpful tips, and encouragement for the future. Let’s dive in.
Why Denmark? My Personal Journey from Lagos to Scandinavia
Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, it is known that everyone who graduates high school or what we call senior secondary school desires to gain admission into a tertiary institution as quickly as possible. However, a problem that may disrupt the dream of getting a good education is that Nigeria’s university system is plagued by incessant strike actions and unpredictable school calendars, which can easily stretch a four-year degree into six.
So, I started nurturing the idea of studying abroad even though I didn’t have the finances. But then, a close friend introduced me to studying in Denmark. At the time, higher education was free for international students. Though tuition for students outside the EU is no longer free in Denmark, various scholarship opportunities are available. Make sure you research before you come, and scholarships can be taken advantage of from home.
The possibility of getting a tuition-free education opened a door in my mind in this quiet, faraway Nordic country, which paved the way for me on my new path. With bravery and a bit of innocence, I jumped in, applied, was accepted, and got on a plane to a spot I’d never seen before. Little did I know the trip ahead would be full of experiences I had never dreamt of, but every one of these experiences would make me a tougher, more self-reliant person.
First Impressions:
Nice Infrastructure, Beautiful Architecture
As soon as I left the airport, the atmosphere was fresh and tranquil, aside from the smell of coffee. Trees were planted even in densely populated areas. Though these trees were already losing their leaves because of the time of year, they stood tall, well-maintained, and picturesque.
The Danish Infrastructure was nothing compared to what we had in my home country. I was awed by the road network; there were minimal to no potholes, and no electricity wires or telephone cables were visible anywhere. I was told that everything was underground.
Transportation works like magic. I would stand and look at the time by counting down to see if the trains kept to time, but they did. These were the things I was not used to. No car honking; everywhere was peaceful. You join the queue for everything. Banking was smooth. It felt like Eldorado, a legendary South American city known for wealth and opportunity. You get good service wherever you need it because people are generally polite.
Denmark’s buildings are a wonder to behold. They perfectly blend old and new, uniquely complementing each other. As I often hear people say, it is truly “beautiful Copenhagen”, a city that amazes me with its architectural marvels.
Cold Weather, Colder People
I landed in late September because my visa was not yet issued to meet the resumption date, usually in August. The cold weather hit me like a brick, but what shocked me more was the cultural coldness. Danes seemed distant, formal, and reserved. Smiles were rare, except that there was an abundance of plastic smiles, and small talk was almost non-existent. Outside class, I mostly mingled with other International students.
Bus rides and train rides made me feel even more like the alien the Danish people would usually call foreigners, in that they would rather not sit beside you but stand even if there is a space to sit. It has been improving since this was some twenty years ago. I do not know about the rural areas, though.
But this experience, coupled with my experience in the classroom, was one of the first times I truly felt like a foreigner. It was even at this point that I learned that I was “Black”. This phrase was unknown in Nigeria, where people are not addressed by the colour of their skin.
While the culture shock was unexpected and challenging, it marked the beginning of a journey that would shape me into a more resilient and self-reliant individual. Overcoming these challenges broadened my horizons and made me more adaptable and open-minded. It’s a journey of personal growth that you, too, can embark on.
🧠 Tip: Be mentally prepared for culture shock. It is real, but remember, it’s temporary. You’ll adapt.
Education in Denmark:
Group work is heavy but still significantly individualised and Not Easy.
The Danish educational system is significantly individualised but very group-oriented. This means that while you are an individual contributing your own quota in your capacity, you are still part of a larger group. Although different from what you may be used to, this system is designed to prepare you for the real world, where individuals work in a group for the greater good of an institution or company that serves everyone in the long run.
Now that I have teenagers in high school, I understand what Danish education entails. It trains you for the world outside school, so you are ready. Children from primary school, called “Folkeskole”, work in groups, so they are used to this system. If you are new, try to adapt as quickly as possible.
I enrolled in a Multimedia Design program. The learning approach was unlike anything I had experienced, contrary to most people in Nigeria’s belief that studying in Europe is easier than in Nigeria; it is a significant change in studying and educational practises.
In Nigeria, we are used to studying individually. If you come here with that mentality, you will probably perform poorly. This is why adapting quickly to the study system here is crucial for great results. It only takes getting used to it, and you will excel.
How to Adapt to the Danish Education System
Be proactive:
You’re expected to manage your learning. This means that the curriculum you have been given from the beginning of the semester is your best friend. It is not for decoration. If you work with your study curriculum and follow the instructions, you will have no problems.
Attend classes and study before each class; this allows you to note down some questions you can ask. Participating in class discussions means setting yourself out to be noticed by the lecturers. It is called self-directed learning, which means no spoon-feeding.
Get used to group work:
It’s central to the learning process. You must treat your group as the most crucial aspect of your studies. Be punctual and present at all group meetings. Contribute significantly; do not be passive. Danish students quickly drop anyone in a group who is not performing optimally and contributing to their quota without batting an eyelid. It may then be challenging to get into a group easily. When you eventually find one, it may not be the highly functioning group you initially wanted.
Your teachers want you to succeed:
Ask questions after class if you have doubts about what you have just learned or have problems with anything else. They are approachable and appreciate the initiative. Do not be shy.
You will be on a first-name basis with your teachers. This is the norm in Denmark. It has its roots in the jante loven, where no one is better than the other. This may initially feel disrespectful; at least, that was what I felt, but I overcame it.
Practice critical thinking
It is not about memorisation. You must be able to apply what you are learning to real-life situations. You will get open-book examinations. Do not think this will be easy; prepare appropriately; otherwise, you may not like the result.
Use resources
Libraries, writing centres, and academic support services are available in your respective municipality, which is called “kommune” in Danish, and your schools. If your municipality does not have specific books, you can always get them from the central library; they usually send the books or materials to your municipality.
Denmark’s quality of education stands out. It emphasises critical thinking, practical skills, and innovation.
More Than Just Books: The Art of Adapting to a New Life.
Everything felt different, from the food to the silence on buses. I missed the street food, like ewa agonyin, mama put, and the like, the street chatter, and even the chaos of Lagos.
But I gradually began to adapt. I became an avid baker and cake decorator! I learned to make my own hair since African hairdressers were not in the surplus. The few ones are also quite expensive. The Danish system gave me safety, structure, and a chance to grow. It is the beginning of a much larger journey.
Thinking of Studying in Denmark? Here’s How to Apply
If you’re considering the same journey, here’s a step-by-step guide:
🎯 Step 1: Choose Your Program
- Visit Study in Denmark for English-taught programs.
- Choose a university that aligns with your career goals.
- If your ethnicity is not European, choose universities in more urban areas like Copenhagen and Arhus.
📝 Step 2: Meet Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or relevant bachelor’s degree.
- English tests (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Personal statement/motivational letter.
- Recommendation letters (sometimes).
💻 Step 3: Apply Online
- Use Optagelse.dk for undergraduate studies.
- Graduate programs typically use each university’s own portal.
🛂 Step 4: Visa & Residence Permit
- Apply via New to Denmark. if you are already living in Denmark. If you are outside Denmark, please read the instructions on your country’s embassy web page or call them for proper inquiries. Be properly informed.
- Prepare proof of admission, financial means (~DKK 6,500/month), and housing.
Living on a Student Budget in Denmark
Denmark can be expensive, but here are the things you will be spending your money on
💸 Finances
- Budget DKK 6,500–8,000/month.
- Scholarships are limited but available for exceptional students.
- For graduate students, universities usually determine eligibility using their credentials, so there is no need to apply separately.
🔗 Check each university’s scholarship page.
🏠 Accommodation
- Student housing costs DKK 2,500–4,500/month. It may be a collegium (hostel in Danish) or a shared apartment, which may be more expensive.
- Before leaving your respective countries, contact the school’s international department for enquiries about accommodation. Schools usually have hostels for students. Use a friend or relative contact for help to get accommodation.
- Useful platforms:
- Studiebolig.dk
- Lejebolig.dk
- Facebook groups like Copenhagen Housing or Expats and Foreigners in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Your group members can help you get accommodation if you are religiously inclined. In fact, it is usually the fastest means of getting accommodation here in Denmark.
(Disclaimer: These provided platforms must be used with caution. Verify and be sure of their authenticity before making payment.)
🚲 Transport
- Biking is king. A used bike costs DKK 500–1,000.
- Public transport is efficient but pricey; get a student pass.
- Try DBA.dk or Facebook Marketplace for bikes.
🍲 Food
- Danish food may initially seem bland, but you will get used to it with time. It is also cheaper than imported African food. You will save substantial money and can always tweak it to make it your own.
- You’ll find African shops in cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg.
- Use discount stores: Netto, Rema 1000, and Fakta.
- Use apps like Too Good To Go to grab cheap meals.
Dealing with Culture Shock: What No One Told Me
❄️ The Silence
Danes don’t do small talk. They value privacy.
🌑 The Weather
The Danish weather is quite unpredictable, though there are distinct four seasons: Spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Winter is long, dark, and gloomy.
Invest in:
- Thermal wear, raincoats, winter jackets
- Waterproof shoes, boots
❝There’s no bad weather — just bad clothing.❞
🍞 The Food
You’ll crave your home cuisine. Be open to trying new things (hello, rye bread! It is called rugbrød in the Danish language. It is commonly eaten with cold cut meats, fish, etc. It does take getting used to. It is an acquired taste).
😔 The Loneliness
Isolation is real. Combat it by:
- Joining student groups
- Volunteering
- Attending cultural events
Working as an International Student In Denmark: What’s Realistic?
💼 Work Rights
- Up to 20 hours/week during semesters.
- Full-time during holidays.
⚠️ Do not exceed the allowed hours. It can affect your residence permit.
🧹 My First Job?
I cleaned the office three nights a week. It was not glamorous, but it paid the bills, and I was proud.
Common Student Jobs:
- Cleaning, dishwashing, warehouse, newspaper delivery.
- Tutoring or freelancing (if skilled).
🌐 Where to Look:
- Jobindex.dk
- Studenterguiden.dk
- University job boards
🗣️ Learn Danish!
- You can start learning Danish from wherever you are using these resources. Learn Danish online here also on this YouTube channel DanishClass101
- Even basic skills open doors.
- Join free language classes offered in many cities.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Denmark tested me with its silence, cold, and loneliness. But it also gave me power, freedom, and a worldview. I learned some Danish recipes and improvised with what I could find whenever I craved food from Nigeria. I wrote school papers in groups and spoke Danish. I also felt happy making new pals, seeing a new culture, and feeling like I belonged in a place far away from home.
If you’re an African student thinking about Denmark, take the leap. It won’t be simple, but you will grow! Embrace the challenges, and you’ll come out of them stronger, wiser, and more aware of who you are, ready to take on the world.
Denmark was the starting point of my international journey and could be yours, too.
Have questions or want to share your own experience? Drop a comment below, and let’s connect! 💬