Top 10 Helpful Things

1. CPR Registration

   1. After getting your Resident Permit, you must register for a Danish CPR number. After you arrive in Denmark, you must make appointment on International House Copenhagen.

   2. This is crucial to have if you plan on staying more than 3 months. You also need it if you plan on opening a bank account or plan on working in Denmark.

   3. In addition to CPR, there is also MitID which is where you can access mobilepay—to receive or send money. Personally, I did not need it, but it is good to have it if you go to flea markets.

2. eSims & Internet Connection

   1. I used Holafly and bought a 3-month subscription for Europe. You can buy it before going and then activate it once you land in Copenhagen. Make sure to get the Europe one and not the Denmark one. If you do plan to travel, it works anywhere in Europe.

   2. In addition to Holafly, my phone carrier, T-Mobile also assisted me in providing cellular data during my time abroad. Depending on what phone carrier you have, I would check with them to see if it is covered.

3. Credit Card & Anything related to money

   1. Most credit cards charge a fee if you purchase something internationally. Personally, I used Capital One for all my purchases and billing. There is no international fee, and you can earn points and use it to reimburse your travel purchases.

   2. I would take out $200 minimum for cash. Most places I traveled to took card but some places in Denmark are cash only. So it is good to have some but not too much money.

   3. When checking the conversion rates between DKK and USD, you don’t need to download any app. In the Calculator App, you can set it to Convert from DKK to USD. It is pretty accurate and was a life saver when I was traveling.

4. Apps to Download

   1. Rejseplanen: I use this for planning routes to get from point A to point B. I ideally use this when taking the S-trains or Buses because the app tells you what platform to go to and the ETA. It gives you the fastest route too.

   2. Rejsekort: Initially, I used this app for transportation. But Denmark is trying to switch users over to the DSB app.

   3. DSB: This app allows you to check in on the metro, bus, or train. It charges you by distance depending on what zone you are in. I find it easy to use when I must do multiple transfers. Plus, you can earn deals at 711 and redeem them at the Central Station.

5. Things to Pack: Clothing

   1. Since I did a Spring semester in Denmark, I packed warm winter clothes and just a few spring/summer options. Denmark is unpredictable when it comes to weather. I didn’t find Denmark to be super cold during the winter. For example, I packed Heat Tech but didn’t use it once. But it depends on your tolerance for the cold.

   2. Trench Coat: it is perfect for winter and spring. Especially if you want to blend in, this will help you and it is good to have as everyday attire.

   3. I wish I brought more clothes from home. I thought I would thrift a lot, but I didn’t because the thrifting here is expensive. Just something to consider when packing.

   4. Bringing more than one pair of shoes: I packed four different pairs. I liked interchanging between styles and comfort levels. For example, I had one for walking, every day, casual, and water/snow proof.

6. Things to Pack: Essential

   1. Any plug-in devices from the states won’t work in Denmark without a travel adapter. Especially if you plan on traveling, get multiple travel adapters for certain countries. For example, I got a travel adapter for Europe. But if you go to the U.K., they use a different plug.

   2. Water bottle: in Denmark it is common for places to charge you for water. So, if you are on a budget, reusing a water bottle with save you $3. Some places just assume you will order water and don’t tell you they charge for it. So, make sure you are aware and double check that they don’t charge you.

   3. Extra pairs of glasses, retainer, or contacts. I have glasses and a retainer. I suggest getting a backup, just in case because you never know what would happen.

7. Housing

   1. Do your housing applications early. If you want guaranteed housing, make sure you apply ASAP.

   2. Make sure to do your research ahead of time. Price is good to consider but also look at location as well.

8. Bike Culture in CPH

   1. Copenhagen recently ranked as the most livable city in the world. Biking is very popular here. At first, I wasn’t planning on getting a bike because it looked intense. But after learning road etiquette, it gets easier with practice.

   2. The easiest way to get a bike is renting one. I recommend using Swapfiets because they have flexible subscription plans. I paid approximately $35 every month for four months and insurance covered. In other words, if the bike is stolen or something breaks, it will be covered, and you can get in contact with them and proceed as usual.

   3. Biking is a great way to see Copenhagen through the eyes of a local. Plus, you save money on transportation.

9. Too Good To Go

   1. In Denmark, they have this service where you can buy a bulk of food items for a discounted price. Most of this bulk comes from bakeries, convenience stores, and restaurants where they can sell the remaining food, they have left over after operating for the day instead of throwing it out.

   2. Food gets expensive in Denmark, but I find this to be a great way of saving money on food expenses.

   3. Plus on Wednesday, they have a thing called Onsdagssnegl. Where bakeries/cafes sell cinnamon rolls for a cheaper price.

10. The Danes

    1. My experience with the Danes has been positive. Most people say people are mean here, but I beg to differ. They are direct, so be open-minded.

    2. They speak English. But I think you should learn some Danish phrases like “tak” which means thank you. CBS offers a language course at the beginning of the semester, I recommend going. It is a great way to dip your toes and meet people from around the world.

    3. Danes are on the taller side. So, if you plan on shopping, just remember that pants might need alterations because the jeans run very long compared to the United States.

List of places to go:

1. Black Diamond Library (Det Kgl. Bibliotek): free WiFi and place to study

2. Louisiana Museum of Art

3. Dragør: small town in Kastrup

4. Frederiksberg Have

5. Nyhavn (colorful buildings)

6. Rosenborg Castle

7. Roskilde (spend the day there) Fun fact: was the capital of Denmark.