Choose the Kollegium Stay

The kollegium stay is one of our most popular housing options. Living in a kollegium allows you to be independent, while also giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Danish culture by living side by side with Danes as well as international students.

A kollegium is the Danish equivalent of an American residence hall, although there are some significant differences. European universities usually do not have campuses – the kollegiums used by DIS are shared between many Danish universities and colleges and thus allow you to meet a variety of students from many disciplines and backgrounds. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the inner city of Copenhagen, because this is where you will be taking a lot of your classes. It will also show you the surrounding neighborhoods and cities in the greater area of Copenhagen, as this is where you will be living.

Kollegiums are run by independent administrations, and are characterized by being very self-governed. To make sure that you are safe and comfortable at the kollegium, DIS has employed a resident at each kollegium as a contact person for DIS students. Your kollegium contact person is a link between you, DIS, and the kollegium. He or she will help you with the practicalities of kollegium life, and will also arrange a couple of social events for DIS students each semester. More about DIS contact persons.

The kollegium housing option is right for you if:

• • You are interested in meeting and socializing with Danish and international students
• You are outgoing and good at taking the initiative in meeting new people
• You are independent and self-reliant
• You are willing to commute
• You want to go grocery shopping and cook for yourself, since kollegiums do not have cafeterias or meal plans!
• You are responsible and willing to clean up after yourself and interact with the other residents about cleaning responsibilities (kollegium kitchens are self-governed, and it is up to the residents to work out a cleaning schedule)

Frequently asked questions – and answers

• What is it like living in a kollegium?
• Will I meet any Danes at the kollegium?
• I have heard that food is expensive in Denmark, how will I cope?
• How much time will I spend on commuting?

What is it like living in a kollegium?

In most cases, you will have your own room and bathroom and share a kitchen (including cleaning responsibilities) with about 15 other students. This will allow you to have privacy and company at the same time. Some students will share a kollegium apartment, including a bathroom and a kitchen, with another DIS student. Others will live in a single room with a kitchenette and bathroom.

Will I meet any Danes at the kollegium?

Staying at a kollegium gives you the unique opportunity of getting to know young Danes and international students who study a wide variety of subjects. In some cases, the other residents will mostly be Danes, in other cases there will be a majority of international students. Depending of the type of rooming, the level of your interaction with the other residents on a day-to-day basis will vary. Some kollegiums are very social, in other places people mostly keep to themselves. In any case, the responsibility lies with you to be persistent and make an effort in getting to know your neighbors. Living in a kollegium will be a great opportunity to learn to be outgoing!

Most kollegiums offer different social events that you will be invited to participate in, like parties and homemade dinners. To help you get adjusted to kollegium life, DIS has employed a resident at each kollegium as a contact person for DIS students. In addition to helping you with the practicalities, your contact person will plan social events for DIS students living at the kollegium. More about DIS contact persons.

In addition, you can sign up for a Danish Visiting Family. The Visiting Family program is flexible and it is up to you and your family to decide the frequency of visits as well as the types of activities. Usually a visiting relationship starts with a nice dinner at the family´s house. You can sign up for the program on the registration form.

I have heard that food is expensive in Denmark, how will I cope?

Food is expensive in Denmark, in particular if you have any food restrictions. To help offset your food costs, DIS offer kollegium students a partial food stipend. This amount is intended to go towards your food costs, but will not cover them completely. You can ask us at the Student Services office for inspiration for grocery shopping in cheap places, or look in the student handbook.

How much time will I spend on commuting?

You will commute to school using the convenient, frequent, and safe commuter trains, metros and busses that run day and night. Expect at least a 30-60 minute commute to school. This may be a big change from life on your home campus, but commuting is a natural and defining part of European life, and safe and reliable public transportation is one of the most significant differences between typical European and American cities. Studying at DIS means living like the Danes - and getting around the city the same way that they do. Once you get adjusted to it, you will start to enjoy the ride and be able to use the peace and quiet on the train for either a nap or for catching up on homework.

Note that the cost of commuting from your kollegium to school and within central Copenhagen is included in the Comprehensive Housing Fee.

Attention Summer students:

Please be aware that many students go home for vacation during the summer and therefore you may find to be quieter than during a regular semester.