Shared DIS Housing

Would you like to live with other DIS students and take part in a Cultural Immersion?

The rooms are all located relatively close to the Copenhagen city center and come fully furnished. The room sizes vary and most often two students share a room, but up to four people may share a room and common area including a kitchen and bathroom facilities.

In Shared housing you will be living in a residential area regardless of whether you will be living in a complex with other DIS students or in a separate apartment. This is very common for Danish students, and very different from American dorm style living.

The Shared DIS option is right for you if:
  • You want to live with your fellow students and discover Copenhagen
  • You are social, independent and self-reliant
  • You do not consider living with Danes to be a high priority while studying abroad
  • You want to cook and go grocery shopping for yourself
Shared Housing Rules!!

Students considering Shared Housing should understand the rules and culture of this housing option. Please find the rules of the Shared Housing option below:

  • Drinking alcohol is prohibited after 10PM on weekdays and after 11PM on weekends. Overnight guests are prohibited without express written consent of the Housing office
  • Drug use including but not limited to marijuana, hash, ecstasy, cocaine, speed, etc. is illegal and strictly forbidden in the Shared Housing premises, as in Denmark
  • Smoking is prohibited in the Shared Housing buildings. When smoking outside, please do so at least 10 meters from entrances
  • Music and loud entertainment must not disturb the other residents, and all loud noise is prohibited after 10PM on weekdays and after 11PM on weekends. When playing music, always close your window

Students in violation of these rules may face disciplinary action from the DIS Housing Office or your home university, whom we may contact as necessary regarding your behavior. Serious offenses can lead to expulsion. Please, be smart, be safe, and be considerate!

Students who choose to consume alcohol do so with the knowledge that they remain responsible for their actions at all times. Alcohol misuse is prohibited and does not constitute an excuse for irresponsible behavior or misconduct. Disorderly conduct, property destruction, intimidation or other infringements on the rights of others as a result of alcohol are prohibited.

Most often asked questions – and answers

How will I live?

You will either share a kitchenette/kitchen and a bathroom with a roommate or with several roommates living in a building with many other DIS students, or you will share an apartment, which is not located within a building with other DIS students. These separately located apartments all have a common area, a kitchen and bathroom that you will share with 1-3 other DIS students.

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 Shared Housing 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 supermarkets, or look in the Student handbook.

How will I meet the Danes if not through my housing?

DIS offers some courses together with Danish students and we also arrange special events, where we invite Danes. In the bigger shared housing options, DIS has employed young Danes to serve as Social & Residential Advisors for DIS students. They will help you with the practicalities of life in Denmark, and will also arrange a couple of social events for DIS students each semester. More about DIS Social & Residential Advisors.

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 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.

 
Independence!

“Shared DIS housing is definitely the best choice if you want to meet a lot of great people and make friends quickly. Also, the bus ride to school is only about 25 minutes or you can walk in about 45 minutes. You must like cooking your own food, but be prepared for limited cooking utensils and preparation area. Another thing to note is that this style of living can be very noisy and it is more difficult to meet the locals. However, if you are energetic and outgoing, you will be able to meet locals on your own! I am very happy I chose this form of living because it was a comfortable transition from my home university!”

JENNIFER COLLINS
University of Denver,
IBE, Fall 2007
City life!

“I love the Østerbro neighbourhood of Copenhagen! Shopping is extremely convenient and I love the bike ride over the lakes to get to DIS in the mornings. There's so much life here, it's easy to feel at home. It's also great to know that I can get groceries in the same building I live in when I want ice cream at night!”

MICHELLE HOLST
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo,
AD, Fall 2007
So much fun!

“Shared DIS housing is like living in a dorm, but only better! Although there are more than 60 of us on the floor we all became friends very quickly and have so much fun together. If a lot of noise and people bothers you, this is not the option you should choose. However, if you like to have fun, meet a lot of people, and always have someone to talk to, shared housing is perfect! From cooking dinner together, watching movies, getting ready to go out, or simply just lounging around or doing homework, there is always something to do and someone to do it with. I have made the best friends and had the best experiences at my shared housing. I am so happy with my housing option and wouldn’t change it for the world.”

KELLI OWEN
Trinity University,
CMM, Fall 2007