Aarhus University

Aarhus – Denmark

www.au.dk

City

Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark and was founded in 900 by the Vikings.  It now has a population of 280,000 and a higher education student population of 50,000.  Aarhus, in spite of its age, is a young and vibrant city which offers all the advantages of urban life, including charming cafes, great shopping and a lively nightlife. At the same time, the city is located on the waterfront and one is never far from beaches or woods.  It is easy to get around the city as public transport is very good.

One of the transformations in Aarhus has been the uncovering of the Aarhus River which had been buried under concrete for many years.  The river bank is now lined with restaurants, cafés and pubs and has a great vibe.

Practically everyone speaks English, as is the case in most of Scandinavia.
The cost of living is better than in Copenhagen, although it is still quite expensive.  Copenhaagen is still accessible by train in around 3.5 hours. Ryan Air runs direct flights from Aarhus to London (although the airport is about 40km from the city centre - access is by bus).

The city is the perfect size for an exchange study experience and has many cultural attractions including theatre, opera, art and concerts and is famous as a thriving centre of music.  There are many leisure and sporting activities available and there are sporting facilities for virtually all sports from boxing clubs to sailing to riding centers. The city has two premier football clubs AGF  and FC Aarhus – which play in the top Danish leagues. The third largest fun exercise run in Denmark – Marselisløbet – is held every September and regularly attracts in excess of 15,000 participants.

University

Aarhus University is the second oldest (founded in 1928) and second largest university in Denmark and is the only ‘campus style’ university in the country.  The main part of the University is situated in a lush green parkland site called the Venelystparken. The campus is very attractive complete with a lake, ducks, rolling hills and sculptures.  The buildings with the park campus are all of a rather attractive yellow brick that is reserved for buildings within this site.

The University has 23,000 students studying in five faculties – Humanities, Health Sciences, Science, Social Science and Theology.  The Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences are the most popular faculties and with Law and European Studies being very popular areas of study.  Psychology is very keen to attract exchange students.   Classes are offered in English in more than 20 departments throughout the University.

The whole university and city are friendly and personal. Studying here would be a charm, and the university has the possibility of designing flexible study programs for students as it is smaller and less rigid than the larger universities elsewhere.

Orientation – Language and Culture Course: Denmark Today
Denmark Today is a 3½ week pre-semester intensive introductory course consisting of languages classes, cultural arrangements, social activities and practical guidance.  The course is free of charge for exchange students.

For those exchange students who do not participate in Denmark Today the International Secretariat and the International Student Centre organise an Orientation Day usually held on the first Friday of the semester.  The day’s program includes practical, academic and social elements and concludes with a welcome party.

Accommodation

Accommodation is guaranteed to exchange students provided they submit their accommodation applications before the deadlines which are 1st June for the Fall Semester and 1st November for the Spring Semester.  Rooms are single study bedrooms, some with private bathroom and others with shared bathroom.  All rooms have access to kitchen and laundry facilities. The dormitories can be shared with Danes or international students depending on the dormitory.  The majority of the dorms are on campus. The prices range from DKK1,600 – 2,500 ($A345.00 - $A539.00 approximately).  Students should also be aware that they must pay a deposit of 2-3 months rent which is held in case there should be any damage or unpaid bills when students finish their lease.  The deposit will be returned to each student after departure provided the room has been left in an acceptable condition.

Exchange students have access to a Travel Grant for reimbursement of air travel, insurance and train travel of up to $US1,000.00 ($A1,363 approximately).  The Grant is given to almost all exchange students upon application following arrival in Aarhus and on presentation of documentation, i.e. air ticket and receipts.  Applicants must be studying a full time load.

International Secretariat and General Information
The International Secretariat (IS) at Aarhus provides registration and support for international and exchange students, accommodation arrangements, orientation, organising a mentor, etc. The Secretariat is on the Main Campus and the staff are extremely helpful, warm and friendly.

The IS organises a free month long Danish Course which starts in August and January each year.   The IS is also responsible for the International Student Centre which is both a meeting place and a social centre which organises “Mellow Café evenings” popular films, live music, parties, E.A.T. (Exchange at the Table) evenings where students from different nationalities cook for each other and outings and field trips such as kayaking, hiking and trips to Copenhagen.

Department of Law