INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011
Transcription
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 - FOR FULL-DEGREE STUDENTS COMING TO AARHUS UNIVERSITY TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 A WARM WELCOME 06 PLANNING YOUR STAY IN AARHUS 12 TRAVELLING TO DENMARK 14 ARRIVING IN DENMARK 18 TRAVELLING AROUND DENMARK 19 GETTING AROUND AARHUS 22 STUDYING AT AU 26 WORKING IN DENMARK 28 LIVING IN AARHUS 32 GOING OUT IN AARHUS 34 LEARNING DANISH 36 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES 38 USEFUL LINKS Credits Text: International Centre Layout & design: Mio Schrøder Photo: AU Version: 2010/2011 International Centre Fredrik Nielsens Vej 5, 2. 8000 Århus C E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +45 8942 2320 Web: www.au.dk/ic 4 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 A WARM WELCOME Welcome to Aarhus University! We are pleased that you have decided on our university as your future study institution and we look forward to greeting you in Aarhus. Year after year Aarhus University welcomes an increasingly large and diverse group of international students. The University believes in the growing importance of students having an international dimension in their education and is a strong supporter of international mobility. Arriving in a new country and enrolling at a new and different university can seem confusing and overwhelming at times. This Student Guide caters to international full degree students and aims to make your transition from home to here as easy and pleasant as possible. Read the guide carefully and make sure to bring it with you when you leave for Denmark. The guide will cover everything you need to know to prepare your arrival in Aarhus. Remember, that the more thorough your planning is the less confusing your arrival will be. The International Centre is here to help you throughout your stay. All of us at the International Centre aim to provide you with the best possible services and we are looking forward to assisting you in making this the best experience possible. Sincerely, The International Centre Aarhus University Where are we located? Aarhus University International Centre Fredrik Nielsens Vej 5, 2. 8000 Aarhus C How can you contact us? Phone: +45 8942 2320 Fax: +45 8942 2329 Email: [email protected] www.au.dk/ic INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 6 PLANNING YOUR STAY IN AARHUS RESIDENCE Checklist Practicalities before arrival c Residence certificate, permit or visa and work authorisation (page 6) c Insurances (page 8) c Housing (page 9) Checklist What to bring with you The following is a list of items you should consider bringing with you. c Tickets and insurance papers c Passport and passport sized photos/ID card c Letter of admission c Marriage certificate (if applicable) c Credit card/traveller’s cheques/Danish currency c Cell/mobile phone c Adaptor for electrical appliances (220V) c Laptop c Good dictionaries PERMIT/CERTIFICATE It is a condition for the residence permit/certificate that you are active and enrolled in an educational programme. If this is not the case, the Immigration Service can revoke your residence permit/certificate. The University is obliged to inform the Immigration Service if you are not actively following the educational programme. We encourage you to check www.newtodenmark.dk to see if there are any special requirements for applicants from your country. Read the appropriate section to find out what further steps you must take to apply for a residence permit/certificate. Nordic citizens If you are a Nordic citizen, you are free to enter, reside, study and work in Denmark. You do not need a visa, residence permit/certificate or work authorisation. For further information, please see www.newtodenmark.dk under EU and Nordic citizens. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 EU/EEA citizens Since you will be in Denmark for more than three months, you will need to apply for a residence certificate. To obtain it, you must submit an application to the Regional State Administration immediately after your arrival. With the residence certificate, you will gain work authorisation (See page 24 for more about working in Denmark). Please take note that representatives from the Regional State Administration will be at the University at the beginning of the semester to receive your application. When applying, you need to bring the following documents: • Residence certificate application form • Valid passport or ID card • A photocopy of your passport • One passport-sized photo • Letter of admission to Aarhus University The residence certificate is valid as long as you are actively enrolled as a student at Aarhus University. Other foreign citizens Since you will be in Denmark for more than three months, you will need to obtain a residence permit. You are expected to apply for and receive the permit prior to your arrival in Denmark. Upon acceptance to the University, you will receive the appropriate application form. The University completes part 2 of the original ST1 form and sends the application to you. You then complete your part (part 1) of the form, attach the required documents, and submit the entire original application to a Danish 7 diplomatic mission in your country of residence. You must apply for a Danish residence permit before you leave for Denmark. It takes approximately three months to obtain your permit therefore you should apply at least three months prior to arrival. Documentation required to be submitted along with your application: • Copy of passport (all pages including the front page). Your passport must be valid for 6 months longer than your intended stay in Denmark. • Two passport-sized photos • Proof (original documents) that you can pay tuition fees and support yourself financially while in Denmark. This should include documentation from your own bank account or a receipt of scholarship certifying that you have the equivalent of DKK 4,200 per month during your intended stay. We recommend that you check with the Danish diplomatic mission in your country of residence for any additional requirements such as fees or additional copies of the application and work permit application procedures (See page 24 for more about working in Denmark). If you have not received your residence permit before arriving in Denmark, contact the International Centre as soon as you arrive. Extension of residence permit An application for extension can be submitted no earlier than four months and no later than one month prior to the expiration of your current permit. All application forms can be found on the relevant websites. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 8 The application must be submitted to the Immigration Office (Udlændingekontoret) at the Århus Police Station along with the documentation required for your original permit. Make sure all of this documentation is up-to-date, especially the confirmation that you are currently enrolled at the University. medical treatment in clinics and hospitals. However, please note that this does not cover the costs of medical evacuation back to your home country, emergency repatriation and personal liability. For this reason, we encourage you to purchase travel insurance as well. Nordic students You are automatically covered by the Danish Health Security Act. The Regional State Administration www.statsforvaltning.dk Tel: +45 7256 8456 Telephone hours: Monday-Wednesday 9-15, Thursday 12.30-17, Friday 9-12 Email: [email protected] The Danish Immigration Service www.newtodenmark.dk Tel. students: +45 3530 8750 Telephone hours: Monday-Friday 9-15 Email: [email protected] INSURANCE Health Insurance If you plan to stay in Denmark for less than three months, you should purchase private health insurance to cover any medical treatment that you might require during your stay. The Danish Health Security Act covers foreign students staying for more than three months. It means that once you have your yellow Health Insurance Card, showing your name, address and personal registration number (CPR number), you will be allowed to receive free EU/EEA students You should get your European Health Insurance Card from your local authorities before travelling to Denmark. This card is proof that you are entitled to health insurance in your home country. Above all, it gives you access to free medical care in Denmark until the Danish Health insurance covers you. To be covered by the Danish Health Security Act, you must register at the Borgerservice (Citizen Service) immediately upon receiving your residence certificate. Other foreign students As an international student from a country other than the above mentioned, you are covered by the Danish Health Insurance Scheme as soon as you register at the Borgerservice (Citizen Service). You must register at the Borgerservice within five days after your arrival in Denmark. Other insurance It is your responsibility to insure yourself while you are staying in Denmark as Aarhus University does not cover any losses that may occur. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 We highly recommend that you take out the following insurance policies either before or immediately after arriving in Denmark. Third-party insurance/liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring) is a must: this insurance covers any losses you might have if you have to pay compensation to another person. Accident insurance (ulykkesforsikring): this insurance covers the financial consequences of an accident. Home insurance (indboforsikring): insurance of your personal belongings. If you decide to buy insurance in Denmark, the University recommends that you contact different insurance companies to find the one that best suits your needs. The large insurance companies such as TRYG, Alm. Brand Forsikring and Top Danmark have homepages in English. HOUSING It can be difficult to find housing in Aarhus. We therefore strongly recommend that you start looking for a place to live as soon as you have been accepted to the University. The easiest and quickest way is to apply for a room at a hall of residence. You can apply for a room at a hall of residence at the Central Housing Office called Kollegiekontoret. www.studenthousingaarhus.dk. 9 You can also find a private room or flat to rent or sublet. www.sr.au.dk/web/index.php?option=com_ wrapper&Itemid=215 (free of charge) www.boligportal.dk (fee) www.lejebolig.dk (fee) You can read more about housing in Aarhus here www.au.dk/exchange Hotel bookings (temporary housing) If you arrive in Aarhus prior to the start of your lease you will not be able to move into your accommodation. Below you can find a few resources with temporary housing options. www.citysleep-in.dk www.aarhus-danhostel.dk www.cabinn.dk 12 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 TRAVELLING TO DENMARK BY AIR To Copenhagen Airport There are direct flights to Copenhagen Airport from most European cities. When you arrive at Copenhagen Airport, you can either continue your flight to Aarhus, Karup or Billund or catch a train. To Aarhus Airport There are direct flights to Aarhus Airport from some European cities and Copenhagen. It is a 45-minute drive from Aarhus to the airport. When you arrive at the airport, you can take the airport shuttle (SAS), which stops close to the University and at the railway station in Aarhus. www.aar.dk To Billund Airport Aarhus is also serviced by another international airport, Billund Airport, which is located about 75 km south-west of Aarhus. A 90-minute shuttle bus ride takes you to Aarhus. www.billund-airport.com To Karup Airport Karup airport is closest to Viborg. There are direct flights to Karup from Copenhagen. For further information, please visit www.karup-airport.dk BY TRAIN If you travel by train all the way from your home country, your local railway station will inform you about prices and schedules. Remember to ask for discount tickets. By train to Aarhus If you want to travel from Copenhagen to Aarhus by train, you can either take the airport shuttle to Copenhagen’s central railway station or, more conveniently, take a direct train from the airport to Aarhus. The train ride takes 3–4 hours and there are trains leaving for Aarhus every half hour during the day and the evening. When travelling in Denmark, there are special discount tickets for people below the age of 26, but you must obtain a INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 Wild Card (ID card) from DSB first. www.dsb.dk BY BUS For international bus connections, Eurolines is a possible choice: www.eurolines.dk 13 How can I get from the train station to the International Centre? You can take one of the following buses: 3 (towards Trige or Århus Nord), 14 or 17 ( towards Skejby Sygehus) and get off the bus at the stop Nordre Ringgade/Randersvej. How much does bus fare cost? By bus to Aarhus Abildskou Coaches operates within Denmark and is often a cheaper alternative to the train for travel between Copenhagen and Aarhus: www.abildskou.dk. A single ticket costs DKK 19. A 10-ride ticket for two zones costs DKK 120. A 1-month ticket costs DKK 345. 14 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 ARRIVING IN DENMARK Checklist What to do when you arrive You should contact the following institutions: c Regional State Administration (EU citizens only) (page 7) c Borgerservice (CPR number and choosing a doctor) (page 12) c Bank (opening a bank account & pay back the housing deposit) (page 26) c Tax authorities (tax registration, if applicable) (page 24) c Regional customs and tax authorities (car registration, if applicable) (page 18) You need to carry out the following tasks at the University: c Attend the Introduction Week (page 13) c Contact your coordinator to sign up for courses and exams (page 20) c Sign up for a membership at Studenterhus Århus (page 26) CIVIL REGISTRATION (CPR) NUMBER After you have obtained your residence permit or certificate, you must apply for your Danish CPR number. This number is used when dealing with public authorities, health authorities, libraries, banks and the like. The CPR number is issued at the Borgerservice (Citizen Service). The card with your CPR number is also referred to as your health insurance card or ’yellow card’. If you need medical attention before you receive your CPR number, please contact the IC or the emergency room. Nordic students You must apply for a CPR number if you are staying in Denmark for more than three months. As soon as you arrive, you should INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 15 visit the Borgerservice, bringing your passport or other photo ID, in order to obtain a CPR number. INTRODUCTION WEEK/ EU/EEA students Once you have received your residence certificate, you must apply for a CPR number at the Borgerservice. It takes approximately 1-2 weeks before you receive your CPR number. This event is designed to give new students an introduction to the University and to the city of Aarhus. The introduction programme offers talks, tours and a welcome party to allow students to get to know each other and the surroundings. You will receive further information about the programme at a later date. Other foreign students You must register at the Borgerservice within five days after your arrival. Bring your residence permit with you. It takes approximately 1-2 weeks before you receive your CPR number. CHOOSING A DOCTOR When you fill in the forms for a health insurance certificate, you receive a list of general practitioners (GP) in your area of residence, and you can choose your own practitioner. You are free to choose between the GPs who accept new patients which are indicated on the list. MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE If you are married you must bring your original marriage certificate as well as an officially translated copy (Danish or English). You must present this when applying for a CPR number and bring this even if your partner is not with you in Denmark. INTRODUCTION DAYS 18 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 TRAVELLING AROUND DENMARK TRAINS JOURNEY PLANNER DSB is the Danish railway network that runs to all regions of the country. You can get discount tickets, called DSB Orange, which are considerably cheaper than the regular prices. You can also purchase a Wild Card which offers discounted tickets to students. For information on ticket prices and timetables, contact the DSB Customer Centre at +45 7013 1415 or book your tickets online at www.dsb.dk. You can buy either electronic tickets or paper tickets that you have to pick up at the railway station. You can book your trip online by using the Journey Planner (Rejseplanen), which finds the possible travel options (buses and trains) when you type in departure and destination points. It is an easy way to plan your travels until you get an understanding of the transportation network. www.rejseplanen.dk LONG DISTANCE COACHES There are a number of bus companies that offer transportation within Denmark and to larger European cities. See some of the following web sites: www.abildskou.dk www.eurolines.dk INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 19 GETTING AROUND AARHUS BICYCLES Cycling is the easiest way to get around in Aarhus. Everything is reachable within cycling distance and you can find bike facilities everywhere. It is possible to rent a bicycle for a shorter stay in Aarhus. Companies such as bikes4rent and BikeMe offer special rates for students. www.bikes4rent.dk www.bikeme.dk You can also purchase a second-hand bike at the police auction held on the first Wednesday of every month. You can take a look at the bikes from 12:00 and the auction starts at 13:00. www.1-auktion.dk 1-Auktion A/S Skanderborgvej 104-106 8260 Viby J. Another possibility is to look for a secondhand bike in newspapers such as Gul & Gratis and Den Blå Avis (in Danish only). www.guloggratis.dk www.dba.dk Major supermarkets such as Bilka, Kvickly and Føtex offer new, but cheap bikes from around DKK 1,500. During the summer, Aarhus provides city bikes which you can use free of change. You release the bike from its stand by depositing DKK 20, which you get back when you return the bike to one of the 58 designated parking places in the city. For further information, please see www.aarhusbycykel.dk. City bikes can also be found in Viborg and Copenhagen. BUSES Regional buses are run by the five regional bus companies in Denmark. The buses are usually blue. You enter the bus at the front and buy your ticket from the bus driver. Multi-ride tickets and season cards are much cheaper 20 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 than ordinary tickets, and you can purchase them in most kiosks and department stores. Midttrafik – the municipal bus company – runs the yellow buses in the city. The bus route number is indicated at the front and the back of the bus and the destination is displayed at the front and above the rear door. Aarhus is the only city in Denmark where passengers enter through the back door and exit through the front. Every bus is equipped with a ticket machine and a validation machine at the back of the bus. You can purchase single and multi-ride tickets, as well as season cards if you are planning on taking the bus more frequently. Night buses operate after hours and run every hour on the hour. They are double the price of a regular fare, which means that if you are riding with a multi-ride ticket, you must stamp it twice. Be sure to check the schedule since there are only a few bus routes at night and most only operate until 03.00 in the morning and do not run all year round. www.midttrafik.dk and www.midttrafik. dk/Kundeservice/In+English CAR Because of the 25% VAT, cars in Denmark are very expensive. Add to that a high registration duty – 60–63 % of the market price – and you will understand why many people choose alternative means of transportation in Denmark. If you wish to register your car in Denmark, you must do so within 14 days of your arrival in Denmark. Registration of vehicles is administered by SKAT, where you can also find rules and tax rates for imported cars. For further information, please see www.workindenmark.dk under Information > Information for jobseekers > Life in Denmark > Transport > Car in Denmark. Converting your driving licence You do not need to convert a drivers licence issued in an EU country, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Norway. Driving licences issued in other countries are valid for 14 days after establishing permanent residence in Denmark. After this time, you must convert your licence. Contact the nearest driving licence office and bring along your: • national driving licence • officially issued identification and your CPR number • passport, original baptismal record or birth certificate • valid residence permit or certificate of registration, unless you can legally reside in Denmark without a permit • photo • medical certificate • DKK 260 22 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 STUDYING AT AU PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2010/2011 Christmas Eve 24 December Christmas Day 25 December Boxing Day 26 December New Year’s Day 1 January Maundy Thursday April 21 Good Friday April 22 Easter Day April 24 Easter Monday April 25 Labour Day May 1 Store Bededag May 20 Ascension Day June 2 Constitution Day June 5 Whit Sunday & Monday June 12-13 Academic semesters start at the end of August/beginning of September and the end of January/beginning of February. COURSE REGISTRATION EXAM REGISTRATION You should sign up for courses at your department as soon as possible. This is usually done at your coordinator’s office, but ask your mentor or buddy for any specific procedures. It is very important to register for exams in advance. You may not be allowed to take your exams if you fail to sign-up in due time. In most cases, it can be done online or at the departmental secretary’s office. We encour- INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 age you to ask your coordinator, mentor or student counsellor about this as soon as the semester starts. WORKLOAD Just like any other university, Aarhus University has high academic standards and requires that exchange students keep up with these standards. Students are expected to complete 30 ECTS credits per semester and complete at least the equivalent number of study hours. STUDY METHODS Teaching at Aarhus University is generally structured around lectures, tutorials (teaching in small groups) and practical exercises. Active participation is expected from students. Students regularly organise guest lectures and often form study groups among themselves to discuss class topics and to help each other. There is considerable interaction between students and professors, and students often make group presentations in class. LIBRARIES Almost every department has its own library where you can take out specialized books. You can find more information regarding the location and the opening hours on the websites of the departments. 23 The State and University Library is the main library of the University. You need your yellow health insurance card to take out books, but you are allowed to consult books in the reading room without it. There are photocopiers and printers available to students. The State and University Library also subscribes to all major newspapers around the world. Furthermore, it has an extensive electronic journal database, which you can use by logging on as a student or researcher at the library or from home. For further information on how to become a user of the many online facilities of the library, see www.statsbiblioteket.dk or visit the State and University Library on campus. Aarhus has a network of municipal libraries, where the main library is called Hovedbiblioteket and is located in the centre of town. To get a library card, you need to show an ID card obtained in Denmark, such as your health insurance card. Both the State Library and the municipal libraries provide free internet access. STUDENT SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT HOUSE Here you will find the offices of the Student Council as well as various student organisations. There are also a number of facilities available to students such as exercise, music and coffee rooms. 24 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 See www.au.dk/exchange for on-campus activities and services for students Student Counsellor Student counsellors are experienced students who advise other students in their department. This is the first place to go when you have questions, and they will be able to help or advise you on where to go for additional help. You can find the contact information for your student counsellor on the website of your department. Århus Student’s Film Society The Århus Student’s Film Society is one of the oldest clubs at the University. Each semester they show about forty films in their original language with Danish subtitles. filmklub.au.dk Aarhus University Sports (AUS) The AUS is open to all University students and organizes a wide range of activities, from badminton to fencing to chess. www.aus.dk Legal Aid Office (Studenterrådets Retshjælp) The office provides free legal advice to students on all matters. If they are not able to provide you with an answer right away, they are likely to investigate the matter further for you. The office is located in the University Student House. www.sr.au.dk (Danish page) Student Advisory Office This group of social workers and psychologists is employed by the Danish State to assist students with personal matters. The service is free of charge and completely confidential. www.studraadgiv.dk CSC The Counselling and Support Centre offers counselling and assistence for international students who facing difficulties caused by dyslexia, physical, mental or behavioral disabilities. We offer free counselling and full professional secrecy. please contact the Counselling and Support Centre by email [email protected] or phone 8942 2375 Studenterlauget at ASB Studenterlauget strives to create the best possible social and professional opportunities for the students at ASB. The organisation is comprised of eight business units which cover a wide range of activities, including fitness and social events. You can learn much more about the different units and their specific activities on the website www.studenterlauget.dk 26 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 WORKING IN DENMARK As a foreign student following a higher educational programme, you are allowed to work 37 hours per week (EU & Nordic citizens) or 15 hours a week (other foreign citizens), as well as full-time during the months of June, July and August. For full-degree students, the same applies during the job-seeking period after the completion of your educational programme. Apply for a work permit at the same time as applying for a residence permit/ certificate. If you are a Nordic citizen, you can work without a permit. TAX REGISTRATION All residents of Denmark, as well as people staying in Denmark for more than six months, are fully liable to taxation in Denmark. This means that any income earned in Denmark is subject to taxation in Denmark. Any income earned in another country is subject to tax in that particular country. Denmark has entered into double taxation agreements with a number of countries in order to avoid tax being paid on the same income in both countries. Prior to departure you should contact the local tax authorities in your home country to settle this matter. As soon as you arrive in Denmark and accept employment, you must contact the local tax authorities in your municipality. They will issue an electronic tax card, which your employer needs in order to calculate your taxes. The Danish tax rules are quite complicated so it is important that you talk to the local tax administration before taking up work. If you do not have an electronic tax card, your employer must withhold 60% of your salary. How to contact the tax authorities Phone: +45 7222 1818 Phone hours: Monday-Wednesday 9-16:00, Thursday 9-18:00, Friday 9-14:00 Address: Lyseng Alle 1, 8270 Højbjerg Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 1014:00, Thursday 10-17:00, Friday 10-14:00 Things to remember when registering at the tax authorities You need to bring: • Information about salary and pension (contract of employment) • Your purchase agreement if you have purchased a property INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 • Information about free benefits (free car or free board and lodging) • Credit information about interest income and expenses, foreign accounts etc. • Personal identification, e.g. a passport Read more about taxation at www.workinden mark.dk under Information>Information for jobseekers>Tax rules or on the SKAT website, www.skat.dk. Job search resources The following websites offer job listings in Denmark. The IC will also post job listings on the website when available. • ASB career center www.asb.dk/corporate/ karrierecenter_old/jobbanken.aspx • Temp agencies can offer periodic office and cleaning work: www.moment.dk, www.aarhusvikarservice.dk, www.adecco.dk • Large job databases such as www.jobindex.dk and www.jobnet.dk • Work import offers job postings in English www.workimport.dk • www.projektzone.dk • www.workindenmark.dk 27 CV & interview tips An application normally consists of a cover letter and CV (Curriculum Vitae). In Denmark, the cover letter is very important. It is one page long and should include reasons why you are good for the job and what you can offer the company with respect to your previous experiences. The CV should be at least one page long and give an outline of your educational and work experiences. Depending on the job, the application may require additional documentation. It is difficult to find a job in Denmark without adequate Danish language skills. The most important thing you can do when job searching is to ask your network of friends and acquaintances. 28 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 LIVING IN AARHUS MEETING OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Studenterhus Århus (Aarhus Student House) Studenterhus Århus organises a number of activities throughout the semester for international and Danish students, ranging from parties to road trips to language classes to weekly international nights. www.studenterhusaarhus.dk MONEY & BANKING Living expenses for the average student in Aarhus are estimated at DKK 5,000 per month, including travel expenses. However, expenses vary depending on your own spending habits and your living situation. The prices of housing, food, transport and leisure activities are relatively high in Denmark in comparison with many other countries. However, salaries are also relatively high, and many services such as medical treatment and schools are paid for via taxes and the Danish welfare system. Please note that the amounts below are an estimate and that expenses may vary according to individual needs. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 BUDGET AND SAMPLE PRICES Living expenses on average per month Accomodation/rent: (dorm room/student residence) + three month’s deposit DKK 1,900-3,200 Food and daily expenses: DKK 1,700-2,400 Telephone: DKK 200 Leisure activities: DKK 500-1,500 Transportation (10-trip bus pass): DKK 115 Insurances (accident and personal belongings): DKK 2000 / year Media licence: DKK 200 Total (approximately): DKK 4,600-7,600 Further information, see www.workindenmark.dk under Information>Information for jobseekers>Life in Denmark>Living expenses Sample prices Milk: 6 DKK / litre Bread: 5-30 DKK / loaf Butter: 8 DKK / package Cheese: 50 DKK / 600g Beef: 30 DKK / 400g Chicken: 35 DKK / 400g Eggs: 12-20 DKK / half dozen Rice: 18 DKK / kg Newspaper: 15 DKK Wine: 30-150 DKK / bottle Beer: 3-10 DKK / 33cl Cinema: 100 DKK International City Cost Guide: www.tefl.com/home/col_survey.html?ci_id=cou-58&tefl_session=9f ad1961fc581111f947e98b26b81f3d&x=1&y=1 You can keep expenses down by borrowing school books from the library, cooking your own meals, shopping at discount supermarkets and looking out for sales and student deals. 29 30 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 Currency and Taxes The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK) and one krone equals 100 øre. For the latest exchange rate: www.finance.yahoo.com/currency Tips are automatically included in all bills, but it is common to leave a small tip if you are at a good restaurant and think the service has been good. There is 25% consumer tax (moms) on all goods and services sold in Denmark. In stores, this consumer tax is always included in the price (incl. ‘moms’). Danish Bank Account All banks require a CPR number to open a bank account. It is also wise to bring your admission letter along. Once you have opened a Danish bank account, you will be able to have your rent debited from your acount automatically and make other similar payments. Another benefit of having a Danish bank account is that you will be able to use a Dankort to make payments in most stores. Debit and Credit Cards Dankort is the most widely used debit card in Denmark. We therefore highly recommend you to get one when you open an account. All major credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Euro Card and Diner’s Club are widely accepted in large stores and international chains. However, most of your day-to-day grocery shopping in smaller stores cannot be carried out with your foreign credit card. In those places you can either pay cash or use a Dankort. Electronic money transfer Today, many types of payments are increasingly transferred electronically to people’s bank accounts. These include wages and salaries, cash payments, child benefits and pensions. Most people therefore have a bank account. Money Withdrawals Contact your local bank in order to obtain a credit card, which you can use in all cash dispensers in Aarhus. Be aware of transaction fees. Travellers’ Cheques It is really easy to convert travellers’ cheques in Denmark but it might be an expensive option as there is a substantial fee for cashing them. Most international students only use travellers’ cheques to open a Danish bank account as personal cheques are not accepted. Normal banking hours in Denmark Weekdays: 9.30 - 16.00 Thursdays: 9.30 - 18.00 Weekends closed INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 ALL CITIZENS MUST HAVE A NEMKONTO A NemKonto (Easy Account) is an account into which all payments from the state, such as wages, the State Education Grant and Loan Scheme (SU in Danish), tax rebates, pensions, etc. are paid. When you open a bank account, you therefore also need to choose a NemKonto. A NemKonto is an ordinary bank account – one you already have. It is just necessary that you nominate an account to be your NemKonto, if you have an existing account you may nominate that one, you do not need to open a new account. www.au.dk/about/digital/nemkonto POSTAL, PHONE AND INTERNET SERVICES The public communication network in Denmark is highly developed. The postal service is efficient and you can find a post office in all towns. You can buy stamps in kiosks and department stores. The mail boxes in Denmark are bright red and they are emptied four times a day. Just as everywhere in the world, mobile phones are widely used in Denmark. If you plan on buying a new mobile phone, be aware that most companies offer six-month contracts. Otherwise, it is easy to buy a prepaid SIM card in kiosks or on the Internet. www.cbb.dk and www.telmore.dk 31 Most residences have Internet connections and there is access to computers at your department and Internet access in all libraries. There is also wireless internet access at all the University campuses. In some towns, eg. Viborg, and cities such as Aarhus and Copenhagen you can also find numerous Internet cafés where you can go online for a reasonable price. WEATHER Because of the warm Gulf Stream on the west coast, Denmark’s climate is relatively mild compared with its Scandinavian neighbours. Nevertheless, expect rain and wind all year round. While it does not tend to snow a lot during winter, heavy rains and strong winds are typical for this time of year. Temperatures in winter are often around freezing point and during summer around 20-25 degrees Celsius. www.dmi.dk HEALTH AND WELL BEING In addition to the University’s own sports clubs, there are a number of community sport centres open to the public, as well as private health clubs. The municipality regularly publishes a guide to sports clubs in Aarhus called ’Idrætsforeninger i Århus’. www.aarhus.dk/aa/portal/fritid Århus Softball www.aarhus-softball.dk Århus Tigers American Football www.tigers.dk Ultimate Frisbee www.aarhusultimate.dk Århus Water polo www.ass.dk 32 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 GOING OUT IN AARHUS The city of Aarhus offers a variety of cultural experiences, and for a complete listing of the activities and events, visit: www.visitaarhus.dk NIGHTLIFE Like many other university towns, Aarhus has a bustling nightlife. From Irish pubs to jazz cafés, you can probably find a café or bar to fit your taste. Down by the canal, in the pedestrian zone, there are a number of bars and cafés, but these tend to be a bit expensive with prices up to DKK 50 for a beer. For cheaper places, we recommend that you check out the numerous neighbourhood bars, residence hall bars, or visit one of the ’Friday Bars’ at the University. You may also want to check out the Aarhus Culture Guide for concert listings as bars often serve as musical venues. Culture Guide: www.kultunaut.dk and www.gaffa.dk/live There are a number of dance clubs around the city, where the admission is around DKK 60. The minimum age for these clubs varies from 19 to 23 years of age, although you may find that some venues have a much younger crowd. CULTURAL EVENTS The Århus Theatre is worth a visit if only to take a look at its decorative facade and interior. Located near the Cathedral in the centre of town, it has five stages and its own theatre troop which gives performances from September to mid-June. www.aarhusteater.dk INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 You might also want to check out Musikhuset, the city’s Concert Hall. A wide range of performances are presented all year round from international pop concerts to ballet to performances by the city’s symphony orchestra. www.musikhusetaarhus.dk Another option for musical entertainment is VoxHall on Vester Allé, which showcases music acts from around the world. A monthly program is distributed around the cafés in Aarhus. www.voxhall.dk 33 MOVIES There are four movie theatres in town that show movies in their original language with Danish subtitles. During the week there are student discounts and matinee tickets. Metropol and BioCity www.kino.dk Øst for Paradis www.paradisbio.dk Cinemaxx www.cinemaxx.dk 34 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 LEARNING DANISH The University offers new international students two options to learn Danish. Destination DK Destination DK is a two week pre-semester Danish language and culture course that takes place in August. The course consists of language lessons in the morning and cultural arrangements of various sorts in the afternoon. The lectures and excursions will give you a sense of the city and the political, social and cultural life in Denmark. Many former students have emphasized that Destination DK was a great way to meet other students and get a good start to their stay in Aarhus. The aim of the language lessons is to provide participants with sufficient Danish language skills to communicate with fellow students and cope with everyday life in Aarhus. However, the course will not give participants enough knowledge of Danish to match an academic working level. The course fee for Destination DK is currently 500 DKK. ww.au.dk/ic LærDansk LærDansk also offers Danish language courses but without the cultural activities. If you choose not to participate in Destination DK you have the option of taking one module at LærDansk during the semester free of charge. Further modules cost about 500 DKK. www.laerdansk.dk Other Language Courses To improve your Danish skills or simply learn the basics, you may join one of the various off-campus classes. Studenterhus Århus Studenterhus Århus, in cooperation with FO Århus, organise English and Danish courses for beginners and intermediates each semester. Each course costs approximately 550 DKK. www.studenterhusaarhus.dk Online language resources If you would like to learn some Danish before your arrival in Denmark, try some of these free online resources. netdansk.asb.dk www.dansk.nu www.speakdanish.dk www.eulanguages.net www.grammarexplorer.eu 36 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES Emergencies In case of an emergency, dial 112 (medical) or 114 (police). It is free from all phones. Police Politiet Ridderstræde 1 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8731 1448 After Hours Doctor Tel: +45 7011 3131 Hospital Århus Sygehus Tel: +45 8731 5050 They will direct you to the closest emergency room. The Regional State Administration Statsforvaltning Lyseng Alle 1 8270 Højbjerg Tel: +45 7256 8300 Monday-Wednesday & Friday: 10-14 Thursday: 10-17 Foreign Police Udlændingekontoret Fredensgade 19 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8731 1448 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 9-12 Thursday: 12-17 Health and Safety Pharmacies are usually open between 9 and 17.30 during the week and from 9.30 to 13.00 on Saturdays. Immigration, Residence Permit/Certificate and Registration Danish Immigration Service Udlændingeservice Ryesgade 53 2100 København Ø Tel: +45 3536 6600 Monday-Friday: 9-12 www.newtodenmark.dk National Registry Office Borgerservice, Town Hall, Park Allé Tel: +45 8940 2222 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 8-15 Thursday: 10-17.15 24 Hour Pharmacy Aarhus Løve Apotek Store Torv 5 Tel: +45 8612 0022 Emergency Dentist Tel: +45 4051 5162 All nights: 16-8 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 Student Resources Studenterhus Århus Nordhavnsgade 1 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8618 3021 www.studenterhusaarhus.dk University Student House Studenternes Hus Nordre Ringgade 3 8000 Århus C Student Advisors Studenterrådgivningen Ryesgade 23, 1 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8619 0488 www.studraadgiv.dk Libraries State Library Statsbiblioteket Universitetsparken 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8946 2022 Monday-Friday: 9-18 Saturday: 11-14 Main Library Hovedbiblioteket Mølleparken 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8940 9300 Monday-Thursday: 10-19, Friday: 10-17 Saturday-Sunday: 10-14 University Studies Office Studiekontoret Fredrik Nielsens Vej 5 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8942 1025 www.au.dk/en/adm/studkont Shopping Central Housing Agency Kollegiekontoret Nordhavnsgade 1, 1.th 8000 Århus C Tel: +45 8613 2166 Monday-Wednesday: 10-14 Thursday: 10-17, Friday: closed www.kollegie8000.dk Bruuns Galleri M.P. Bruuns Gade 25 8000 Aarhus C www.bruunsgalleri.dk Accounts Office AU Regnskabskontor Katrinebjergvej 89F Building 5132 8200 Århus N Tel: +45 8942 1111 Storecenter Nord Finlandsgade 17 8200 Århus N www.storcenternord.dk CityVest Gudrunsvej 7 8220 Braband www.cityvest.dk 37 38 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE 2010/2011 USEFUL LINKS Aarhus University General Information Aarhus University Denmark.dk www.au.dk www.denmark.dk International Centre (IC) New in Denmark www.au.dk/ic www.newtodenmark.dk Work in Denmark Faculties Humanities www.humaniora.au.dk www.workindenmark.dk Study in Denmark www.studyindenmark.dk Health Sciences www.health.au.dk Tourist Information Social Science Denmark www.samfundsvidenskab.au.dk www.visitdenmark.com Theology Aarhus www.teo.au.dk www.visitaarhus.com Science www.samfundsvidenskab.au.dk Agricultural Science www.agrsci.org Environmental Research Institute www.dmu.dk/International Aarhus School of Business www.asb.dk School of Education www.dpu.dk Aarhus University Nordre Ringgade 1 8000 Aarhus C Denmark www.au.dk