Name: Sascha

Study program: Organization & Management Studies

Exchange location: Odense, Denmark

Accommodation 

• Was it easy to find a room?

In Odense, as long as you apply on time, housing is guaranteed. I found this to be very reassuring, with no worries about whether I would be able to find a place to live

• Did the university provide housing?

The student housing complex where I live is not managed by the university, but the university does play a role in connecting tenants with landlords.

• How expensive is housing?

290 euros per month, including everything. (be aware that fellow students sometimes paid 2 times as much as me and that Denmark is an expensive country!)

Public transport

• Is public transport well organized?

I believe so, but due to the excellent organization of cycling infrastructure, I haven’t had the opportunity to explore public transportation in Odense extensively. There are bike paths everywhere, facilitating easy access to every corner of the city. Denmark’s train system is well-managed, but it’s advisable to book train journeys in advance for a more affordable price.

• How expensive is public transport?

I believe the cost of a one-way bus ticket within Odense is around 3.50 euros. If you book in advance and avoid traveling during peak hours, you can reach Copenhagen for about 12 euros.

Study

• What is your experience with choosing the courses?

There was a clear overview of courses from which I could choose. I selected courses that energize me or ones that I consider a valuable addition to my current set of courses as part of my Bachelor’s program.

• Were the courses easier, comparable or harder than at Tilburg University?

The lectures are structured similarly, and so are the assignments. However, normally (not for me) the exams are a bit different, as they prefer take-home assignments and oral exams over written on-campus exams. I didn’t necessarily find the content of the courses easier, but it wasn’t more difficult either.

General

• How is the student life in the city?

In Tilburg (especially at POLIS), I fully enjoyed my student life. Therefore, I chose not to solely focus on student life in Odense, but rather, to immerse myself in the Danish community and engage in activities that bring me the most joy. I, started playing active sports again at local clubs and I went on many trips with fellow exchange students. I got a lot of energy from this, and honestly, I enjoyed my student life in Tilburg so much that it is hard to match. 

However, this does not mean that student life in Odense is boring. There are plenty of pubs and cafes, also aimed at students. Furthermore, there are regular activities organised by the university and ESN.

• Is there an introduction day/week? 

Unlike the orientation week in the Netherlands, there are two formal introduction days: one for international students in general and another specifically for international students within each faculty. Additionally, the Semesterstartfesten is organized, a two-day festival right next to the campus, which was incredibly enjoyable.

• What are things people should definitely do/visit when they are there?

In Odense, you are centrally located in Denmark, making it very easy to explore other Danish cities. I have visited Svendborg, Aalborg, Aarhus, and, of course, Copenhagen. It’s really nice to get to know Denmark in this way.

Additionally, ESN organizes three trips: to the fjords in Norway, to Lapland, and to Iceland. I went to Lapland, and it was undoubtedly the highlight of the semester for me. Not only is Lapland incredibly beautiful and unique, but we also participated in some amazing activities, and it was great to venture out with a group of fellow students.

• Do you have any general tips/ experiences you want to share?

One key piece of advice is to carefully consider your expectations for the exchange period, as it greatly influences your overall experience. In my case, feeling at home in Odense was crucial, and I found it to be an ideal fit – akin to my Danish Tilburg. However, if you’re seeking a more immersive experience outside your comfort zone, Odense may not be the perfect match.

Another tip is to actively engage with the local community. I personally achieved this by joining the local tennis and water polo teams, which not only enriched my experience but also allowed me to break away from the international or Dutch student bubble. While it’s tempting to stick with familiar faces, embracing local traditions and customs can offer a more rewarding experience in the long run.

So to conclude, my advise is to embrace the unfamiliar, actively connect with the local community, and stay true to yourself to create a truly enriching and unforgettable experience! My time in Odense has become a cherished memory, and I’m grateful for the choices I made. Taking the leap and staying true to my heart made all the difference in creating a meaningful and memorable exchange period.