1. Travel Outside of the Schengen Region in countries like the UK, Ireland, and Scotland

 

For traveling outside of Denmark and the European Union (EU), you must have your residence permit card that has a photo of yourself on it. At the time, I only had the insurance card, which is also provided after you get your CPR number. When I returned from London and tried to get back into Denmark, they asked for the residence card, but I only had the insurance card. They hesitantly let me back in; however, if they hadn’t, I could have been facing heavy consequences such as deportation.

 

2. Exchanging Money

 

Denmark uses the Danish Kroner, and you do not need to exchange cash when in Denmark. Almost all stores and vendors accept credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa. Most countries do not accept Discover. However, I do highly suggest exchanging cash for Euros if you are thinking about traveling around the EU; some cash-only street vendors in cities such as Prague accept Euros (even though the Czech Republic has its own currency).

 

3. Don’t Fret about Housing

 

Housing can be a huge stress when considering the costs of studying abroad. For Copenhagen Business School (CBS) and most schools under the MIX Program, housing on campus is not guaranteed. For CBS, although I did the housing application early on, I was unable to get housing at one of the dorms. However, CBS offers a private housing option that pairs you with a landlord/lady. I was stressed about this process. However, I ended up subletting from another CBS student and had my own room, kitchenette, and bathroom. It also was relatively cheaper than some of the dorms that CBS offered!

 

4. Getting Your Residence Permit (Visa)

 

Although I have a page on my website about the documents needed when going to the VFS Global Application Center, I have other info that may help when planning on going to the application center. I suggest making your appointment earlier in the day so you can get out earlier. I had an appointment at 11 am, but due to staffing issues, I did not get out until 4 pm. I also had not eaten then and was hungry at the end. Also, bring a passport photo. They require a passport photo, and you can get one at the application center or bring your own. To take the picture at the application center costs $14, but they let you keep the rest of the copies so you can use them for other matters.

 

5. Transportation: How to Get Around Denmark

 

Denmark is relatively easy to get around with public transportation. For navigating, I used a transportation app called CityMapper, which also considered transportation arrival times. Denmark has two sets of train systems: the Metro (central Copenhagen and neighboring cities) and the DSB (trains that go outside the city). While traveling by train or bus, be sure to tap in and out of the stations and buses as transportation officers hop on trains to check. If you get caught, you can get fined around $100.

 

6. Safety in Denmark and other countries

 

Denmark is very safe. Even when I arrived home late from a study session at the library or from a late-night flight, I felt safe walking around at night. However, I suggest doing some research about the countries you travel to as some countries may be different. For example, cities such as Paris and London may not be as safe. Although it is perfectly fine to leave your phone in your back pocket in Copenhagen, you will be a heavy target for pickpockets in London and Paris.

 

7.Bring Clothes for the Next Season Over

 

This one is essential. When I went to London in the Spring semester, it was freezing since it was January! I thought I would be okay with long sleeves in the summer since I thought it would still be cold. However, when I went to Italy in May, I had to buy a whole bunch of summer clothes. It turns out that the sun is intense in Europe and when the sun is out during the summer, it gets extremely hot. My friends and I went to a beach in our bathing suits, and it was extremely hot. Come to find out, it was actually 60 degrees. In Hawaii, that is unheard of! If you don't want to spend extra money, pack clothes for the next season. Other packing tips are in the Pre-Departure section of my website!

 

8. Academics in Europe

 

Academia in Europe is very different from that in the US. First, attendance is not mandatory, and professors cannot legally make attendance count towards the final grade. This was a lifesaver for me when I got sick in the middle of the semester and couldn’t get out of bed. While there is excitement in traveling around Europe, attending your classes is necessary as it is part of MIX and scholarship policies. Additionally, final grades are determined by a single exam taken at the end of your course. Depending on the school, these exams may be due within a specific time frame, or you may have the entire semester to complete them.

 

9. Have All Documents Handy While Traveling

 

This is especially vital when going through immigration and customs. When I arrived in Denmark, my visa was not yet approved. However, when I told the customs officer that I had applied and it was processing, they thankfully took my word for it. However, that cannot be said for other countries, which may be stricter. Documents such as a copy of your passport, visa letter, or confirmation of visa application can help your case if an officer investigates you.

 

10. Have Photocopies of Your Passport

 

When traveling anywhere, have photocopies of the photo page and barcode on the back of your passport. These will make it easier to get a replacement when you are abroad. Although you think it will not happen to you, it is better to be safe than have delays that can affect your travels. When I was studying abroad in London, my friends went to Paris, and one of them accidentally washed their passport with the rest of their clothes and had to go to the US Embassy to get a new one. So, although we try our best to prevent it, it can happen to you.