Accommodation
Finding a place to live is an important part of preparing for your studies in Denmark. Housing options, availability and prices vary depending on where you study and the type of accommodation you are looking for.
As a student, you may choose to live in student housing, rent a room in a shared apartment or private home, or rent your own apartment.
University College Absalon does not provide or allocate student accommodation. You are responsible for finding your own place to live, so we recommend starting your search as early as possible.
Below, you can find information about housing options, typical costs and some of the things you should be aware of when renting accommodation in Denmark.
International students in Denmark live in many different types of accommodation. Your options will depend on where you study, your budget and whether you prefer to live alone or with others.
Student housing
Student residences and dormitories are popular among students. You will typically have your own room and share facilities such as a kitchen with other students. Some residences have shared bathrooms, while others offer private bathrooms or small studio apartments.
Student housing can be a good way to meet other students, but availability may be limited, so it is important to apply early.
A room in a shared apartment or private home
Another option is to rent a room in a shared apartment or in a private home. Sharing accommodation can help reduce your housing costs and can also be a good way to meet people when you are new to Denmark.
Make sure you understand what is included in the rent, such as electricity, heating, water and internet.
Your own apartment
If you prefer to live alone, you can look for a private apartment. This will generally be more expensive than renting a room or living in student housing.
When comparing accommodation, remember to consider not only the monthly rent but also utilities, transport costs and the amount you will need to pay before moving in.
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How much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation will normally be one of your largest monthly expenses while studying in Denmark.
Rental prices vary considerably depending on the city, location, size and type of accommodation. In the towns and cities where University College Absalon has campuses, accommodation may generally be less expensive than in Copenhagen.
As a rough guide, you may find:
- Student housing: approximately DKK 2,500–5,000 per month
- A room in a shared apartment or private home: approximately DKK 3,000–6,000 per month
- A private one-bedroom apartment: approximately DKK 5,500–10,000 per month
These prices are only indicative. You may find both cheaper and more expensive accommodation.
When comparing prices, always check whether expenses such as heating, electricity, water and internet are included in the monthly rent.
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When should I start looking for accommodation?
Start looking as early as possible. Finding suitable accommodation can take time, particularly around the beginning of the academic year when many students are looking for housing.
We recommend looking for accommodation 2 - 4 months before your arrival.in Denmark. You can explore housing options while waiting for your final admission and intensify your search once your place at Absalon has been confirmed.
If you are looking for student housing, remember that some residences have waiting lists or application deadlines.
Do not wait until you arrive in Denmark to start looking for a place to live.
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What should I know before signing a rental agreement?
Before agreeing to rent a room or apartment, make sure you understand the terms of the rental agreement.
Check the monthly rent, the amount you need to pay before moving in and whether expenses such as heating, water, electricity and internet are included.
You should also check:
- when the tenancy begins and ends
- the notice period
- whether the accommodation is furnished
- which utilities are included in the rent
- whether you are allowed to register the address as your permanent address
- the conditions for getting your deposit back.
Having an address where you can register as living may be important when applying for a Danish CPR number.
Always ask for a written rental agreement and make sure you understand the conditions before signing.
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Do I have to pay a deposit?
Most landlords require you to pay money in advance when you sign a rental agreement. This may include a deposit, prepaid rent and the first month's rent.
The deposit is held by the landlord and may be used to cover costs when you move out, for example if repairs or maintenance are required. You should therefore not automatically expect to receive the full deposit back.
Before moving in, inspect the accommodation carefully and document its condition. Taking dated photos of rooms, walls, floors and any existing damage can be useful if there is later disagreement about the condition of the accommodation.
Always make payments using a traceable method such as bank transfer, and keep your rental agreement, receipts and other documentation.
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Can I receive housing benefit?
Some people renting accommodation in Denmark may be eligible for housing benefit (boligstøtte), which is a public subsidy towards the cost of rent.
Whether you can receive housing benefit depends on several factors, including your income, the rent, the type and size of your accommodation and who lives with you.
To apply for housing benefit, you must be registered at the address and have a Danish CPR number.
Not all types of student accommodation qualify for housing benefit, so check whether you are eligible before including housing benefit in your budget.
You can check the current rules and apply for housing benefit at Life in Denmark.
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How can I avoid housing scams?
Unfortunately, housing scams do occur in Denmark, particularly around the beginning of the academic year when many students are looking for accommodation.
Be cautious if an offer seems unusually cheap or if you are pressured to transfer money quickly.
Be particularly careful if:
- the landlord will not provide a written rental agreement
- you are asked to pay a large amount before receiving proper documentation
- the landlord insists on payment in cash
- you cannot verify that the accommodation exists or that the person is entitled to rent it out
- the offer seems too good to be true.
Never transfer money simply to "reserve" accommodation without first checking who you are dealing with and what you are paying for.
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Does University College Absalon provide accommodation?
No. University College Absalon does not provide, allocate or guarantee student accommodation.
You are responsible for finding and arranging your own accommodation before starting your studies.
Local housing options and services vary depending on where you study. If you are going to study at our campus in Kalundborg, you can find additional information about accommodation and local services on our page about living and studying in Kalundborg.
Studying in Kalundborg?
If you are moving to Kalundborg to study at University College Absalon, there are local services and housing options that can help you get settled.
Kalundborg Municipality offers information and support for students looking for accommodation, including a roof-over-your-head guarantee for eligible students who have not found permanent accommodation before starting their studies.
You can also find information about student housing, finding a roommate and who to contact if you need help finding accommodation in Kalundborg.
Find student housing in Kalundborg
There are several student housing options in and around Kalundborg, including student rooms and apartments as well as private rental accommodation.
Go To Kalundborg – Student Housing provides an overview of current student housing options and information about how to apply.
Roof-over-your-head guarantee
If you are moving to Kalundborg to start a higher education programme and have not been able to find permanent accommodation, you may be eligible for Kalundborg Municipality's roof-over-your-head guarantee.
The guarantee provides temporary accommodation at the beginning of your studies, giving you time to continue your search for a permanent place to live.
Looking for a roommate?
Sharing a home can be a good way to reduce your living expenses and meet other students. In the Student Housing Kalundborg Facebook group, you can
Need help finding accommodation?
If you have questions about accommodation or moving to Kalundborg, you can contact Kalundborg Municipality's Settlement Team for help and guidance.
Contact the Settlement Team at moveto@kalundborg.dk.
Studying in Vordingborg?
If you are moving to Vordingborg to study at University College Absalon, there are different housing options available, including student accommodation and rental housing through local housing associations.
We recommend that you start looking for accommodation as early as possible.