While the opportunities for higher education in Denmark are attractive, the lifestyle, culture, and rules here are unfamiliar to many. Every year, 15% of international students drop out of school due to a lack of preparation (Source: Danish Ministry of Education, 2023). So, everyone should pay more attention to what things to keep in mind before studying in Denmark and what to avoid. Today, in our article, we will discuss these topics.
Some Costly Mistakes Every International Student in Denmark Should Avoid
Knowledge about certain subjects is beneficial for international students in Denmark. We discuss that below.
1.Making fun of Danish language learning
- According to a 2023 Danish Ministry of Higher Education survey, 62% of international students fail to get part-time jobs or internships due to language barriers.
- A KKIK (Copenhagen Student Housing) report shows Danish-speaking students are 40% more likely to get student housing.
Why avoid:
56% of the job and 80% of internship advertisements in Denmark are published only in Danish.
2. Delaying student housing applications
According to KKIK’s 2022 data, 70% of international students in Copenhagen have to wait an average of 4-6 months to get housing.
A report by Aarhus University says that private rental prices are increasing by 9% yearly.
Why avoid:
Denmark’s average waiting list for a student dorm (Kollegie) is 12-18 months.
3.Not knowing visa rules
According to 2023 data from the Danish Immigration Service (SIRI), 22% of student visas are rejected due to lack of financial proof.
35% of students exceed the 20-hour work-week limit, resulting in visa renewal problems.
Why avoid:
An average of 56% of applicants fail to submit proof of income to obtain an Establishment Card (post-study work permit) after studying in Denmark.
4. Neglect of winter preparations
According to a 2023 report by the Nordic Council, 58% of international students experience depression or “winter blues” during the winter.
According to the Danish Health Authority, 43% of students suffer from vitamin D deficiency in December-January.
Why avoid:
Copenhagen has an average of only 7 hours of sunlight in January.
5. Forgetting Academic Integrity
According to 2023 data from Aarhus University, 15% of international students receive low grades due to plagiarism.
In Denmark, 90% of universities use Urkund software to check plagiarism
Why avoid:
Turnitin’s report says that if there are more than 10% quotations, the grade can drop below 7 (C).
6.Failing to understand Danish culture
According to a 2022 study by the University of Copenhagen, 34% of students experience social isolation due to a lack of understanding of “Janteloven” (the rules of politeness and equality).
Why avoid:
Danes criticize directly, which 40% of students find offensive.
7. Ignoring health insurance
According to the Danish Health Authority, a dental emergency without insurance costs 5,000 DKK.
40% of international students do not seek mental health help due to fear or cost.
Why avoid:
If you are not covered by student health insurance, an emergency room visit can cost you up to DKK 2,500.
8.Making a mistake in filing a tax return
According to a 2023 report by SKAT (Danish Tax Authority), 30% of students are eligible for a tax refund but do not apply.
Even after paying 8% tax on part-time income, 50% of students pay additional penalties.
Why avoid:
Incorrect information in the tax file can result in a fine of up to DKK 5,000.
9.Underestimating networking
According to Workindenmark, 65% of jobs are filled solely through referrals or networks.
Students with a Danish profile on LinkedIn are 50% more likely to receive interview calls.
Why avoid:
80% of internship ads in Denmark are not posted publicly
11.Not Knowing the rules of cycling
90% of students in Denmark ride Bicycles regularly.
There are 350+ bicycle accidents in Copenhagen annually,r ,15% of which involve international students.
Why avoid:
A fine of 500 DKK is imposed for walking in a cycle lane or not wearing a helmet.
12.Avoiding the university’s “student counseling” service
According to a 2023 report by Aarhus University, 70% of international students do not seek counseling to reduce stress.
The average wait time for a free therapy session at the University of Copenhagen is 2 weeks.
Why avoid:
Student counseling can also address migration stress, cultural shock, and academic pressure.
13.Ignorance of the Danish banking system
A study by Danske Bank says that 40% of students have trouble opening a bank account because they don’t have a CPR number.
MobilePay (Danish payment app) is used in 95% of Danish daily transactions
Why avoid:
You won’t get paid for a part-time job without a bank account, and it’s difficult to pay shared bills without MobilePay.
14.Budgeting without knowing the prices of local food
According to a report from Coop Supermarket, a pizza in Denmark costs an average of 80 DKK, but is available for just 30 DKK on the Too Good To Go app.
Netto sells meat at a 50% discount on weekends (Saturday-Sunday).
Why avoid:
Eating out at restaurants every day will cost you 6,000 DKK a month!
15.Not reading the fine print of public transport
According to DSB (Danish Railways), 20% of students face a fine of 750 DKK if they travel without a ticket.
Fares are 20% cheaper when using a Rejsekort (travel card).
Why avoid:
Sitting in first class on a train with a second-class ticket carries a fine of 1,000 DKK.
16.Avoiding the University’s “Buddy Program”
According to a report from Aalborg University, students who participate in the buddy program make 60% more local friends.
65% of students do not know about this program.
Why avoid:
With guidance from the buddy program, learning about campus life, library facilities, or part-time job opportunities is easy.
17.Not knowing about Denmark’s “silent discount”
According to Studenterguiden.dk, the 30% student discount is only available as an in-store coupon or in the app.
Discounts on 200+ Danish brands (e.g., H&M, Sephora) at Unidays and Studentbeans.
Why avoid:
Get a 50% discount at museums, cinemas, and gyms by showing your student ID.
Conclusion
If you go to study abroad from your own country, you will face some challenges, but don’t be discouraged. Meiji Education can help you navigate these difficulties smoothly. Around 55% of international students struggle in their first year but ultimately succeed. If you avoid common pitfalls and stay prepared, you can solve many problems on your own. Best of luck!