So Long, Copenhagen: Reflections on Study Abroad

By Rudy Cone, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

As I write this, I’m surrounded by four blank white walls and a year’s worth of belongings packed into two measly suitcases. On the one hand, I’m riding the high of an amazing final month in Copenhagen, soaking up the sun after surviving another exam season; on the other, I’m feeling a creeping sense of doom as I realise that this city will soon no longer be mine to call home. So, I wanted to take a moment during my final week, to reflect on my study abroad year at the University of Copenhagen.

2 things I recommend

1. Mobile Pay

As I started to think about what I would do differently, one reoccurring issue was not having MobilePay. This is a unique payment method in Denmark, only available to those who have a Danish bank account. It opens a myriad of possibilities, including buying drinks at campus bars and shopping at flea markets. When I first moved to Denmark, it felt like a big faff to set up a bank account just to close it 10 months later. However, what turned out to be an even bigger faff was trying to survive on cash alone. I also suspect I might have had an easier time entering the Danish social scene and making Danish friends with MobilePay. So, if I have one practical recommendation: get MobilePay (and make your friends get it too as there’s nothing worse than chasing up new friends for money).

2. Document everything

On a more sentimental note, I would highly encourage you to start a social media account dedicated to your study abroad. I did this as part of my global ambassador duties (@rudyincopenhagen) but ended up posting weekly updates far beyond the requirements. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! I’ve managed to digitally immortalise all my memories from the year, so that I can remember where I visited or even what I was doing on a seemingly insignificant Thursday in November. Because as it turns out, nothing is insignificant when looking back on your study abroad experience.

2 things that surprised me

1. Weather

Manchester may be notoriously rainy, but I would argue that Copenhagen’s winds give it a run for its money. The Danes have an expression: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. While funny, it is also completely true. Learning to swallow my pride and chuck on windproof and waterproof clothes has made biking around Copenhagen something I actually look forward to. I’ll never forget the snowy week in February where I joyfully biked to the library, scraping a set layer of snow off my jacket upon arrival.

2. Nightlife

While I loved my time in Copenhagen, I was surprised to find that Manchester outshines it when it comes to nightlife. In Manchester, it is so easy to find your niche in the club scene. In contrast, Copenhagen felt to be one of two extremes: hardcore techno or 256 vibes (Proud Mary’s, I’m looking at you). Personally, I found this hard to adjust to, but I did enjoy the chill night outs with good company.

2 things I’ll miss

1. Slowing down

Living in Copenhagen for a year, I really learnt to appreciate a slow-paced lifestyle. I’ve never prioritised work-life balance as much! It was also amazing to be able to disconnect from academics and the online world, just to enjoy biking around or swimming in the harbour. Thinking back to the chaos and intensity of second year in Manchester, I know I’m going to miss the opportunity to slow down. Still, I hope I can take back some of what I learnt, like the concept of hygge, and apply it back in Manchester.

2. Social life

Lastly, the most amazing part of my study abroad experience has been the friendships. Initially, I was worried it would be hard to make friends on exchange. But I don’t think I’ve ever been surrounded by so many friendly, open-minded people who are genuinely willing to get to know you, invite you into their friendship groups, and even invite you to visit their home countries! It honestly felt like getting a second chance at freshers, but with everything I knew from two years at Manchester. While I love the social scene back home, I’ll really miss how easy it is to befriend other international students in Copenhagen.

All in all, I can’t even begin to express how incredible this study abroad year has been. I’m sure I’ll have even more to say once I’m home and can properly reflect on it all. But for now, here are six reflections that I hope can paint a picture of just how rich, rewarding, and life-changing exchange in Copenhagen can give to you.