Housing
DIS strives to find the best possible housing match for each student and we work hard to ensure that they have a wonderful and hospitable stay in their housing. We realize that their home in Denmark is where they prepare for classes and recharge their batteries. It should also, to the extent possible, immerse students into Danish culture.
DIS offers a variety of housing options that promote cultural immersion. It is important that your son or daughter considers all of our housing options, and then chooses the option that best matches their level of independence and desired level of cultural interaction. Many of our housing options cannot easily be compared to housing found in the US, therefore, we encourage students to research our options and contact the staff at the North American Office with any questions.
After students register for housing, our on-site housing office will work to place them with a compatible host or in a room that meets their needs. It is important to note that some housing options have limited availability and are filled on a first come first served basis. Therefore, we encourage students to register for housing as soon as they have been accepted. Each semester, over 90% of students receive housing in their first preference.
Unless otherwise required by student’s home institutions, they can choose among the following DIS arranged housing options:
For more information on the amount of cultural immersion, commuting time and other information, please refer to the housing grid on the General Housing Information page.
DIS expects the Danish hosts and Social & Residential Advisors to be open and welcoming to students, and to establish a positive inter-cultural relationship with them to mutual benefit. We put a great deal of effort into preparing our hosts and contact persons for the intercultural encounter by visiting each family and Danish roommate in their own homes and inviting them to workshops and other social activities at DIS. They are committed to DIS because they want to open up their home to DIS students and to enter into a relationship where students and hosts learn from one another.
In larger residential facilities, there is a Social & Residential Advisor, which is similar to an RA in an American dorm. He or she is a Danish or international student, living at the kollegium or in the DIS Residential Communities, who is employed by DIS. Social & Residential Advisors are specially trained to work with American students. They are there to help students adjust to life in Denmark and helps students find opportunities for immersion in Danish culture.
Occasionally, students and hosts do not match. In most cases, this is no one’s fault. We ask students to give their housing assignment a fair chance, especially after just arriving and being tired, jetlagged and going through the initial adjustment process. Thereafter, if concerns still exist, students should contact the housing office and look into moving.
All housing options require that students commute to DIS. The commutes vary in length from 30-70 minutes door to door. As most of our students live on campus at their home universities, commuting via public transportation is a new concept. Students are provided with a transportation pass, which is covered under the comprehensive housing fee. Commuting in Copenhagen is a daily activity for all and we ask our students to accept this as part of their new Copenhagen lifestyle and use it to their advantage to catch up on homework, people watch, discover new parts of Copenhagen or simply to daydream and reflect.
Students are e-mailed their address, around 10 days prior to the beginning of their term. However, if you wish to send mail to your son or daughter, you should use the DIS address as we will be able to claim and sign for packages during office hours. See “When Students Are Abroad” for further information.
