I spent my Erasmus semester in Copenhagen from January 2026 until June 2026, studying at KP – Københavns Professionshøjskole. Looking back, I can honestly say that it was the best experience of my life. I met incredible people from all over the world, learned so much about myself and teaching, and made memories that I will never forget. If you’re thinking about choosing Copenhagen for your Erasmus semester, I can only encourage you to do it.

Living in Copenhagen

One thing you should definitely know before coming to Copenhagen is the weather. From January until around May, it was honestly freezing cold. There were many grey, foggy days, strong winds and temperatures that sometimes dropped to -10°C. At one point, it was even so cold that parts of the sea froze. During winter you really need warm clothes, because the wind can make the cold feel much worse.
However, this also makes you appreciate the summer even more. Summer in Copenhagen is easily a 10/10. As soon as the sun comes out, the whole city changes. People spend their afternoons at the harbour, swimming, having picnics, listening to music or simply enjoying the atmosphere. Copenhagen suddenly feels incredibly alive.
There are also countless free events happening throughout the city. I would highly recommend following local Instagram pages because they regularly post concerts, festivals, outdoor cinema nights and community events. One of my absolute highlights was Distortion Festival, which takes place every year at the beginning of June. It lasts for about five days and transforms different neighbourhoods into huge street parties, with many events being completely free. If possible, I would definitely recommend staying in Copenhagen long enough to experience Distortion – it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my semester.
Even during winter there are unique things to do. The Danes absolutely love saunas and winter bathing, and there are many beautiful places where you can try it yourself. It is definitely something you should experience at least once during your stay.

University and internship

I studied at KP – Københavns Professionshøjskole, where I attended two university courses: Music and Physical Education, both focusing on teaching children. My third course was my teaching internship.
I completed my internship at a Danish school, where I taught English in a sixth-grade class. Since I normally study to become a primary school teacher, teaching older students was quite different from what I was used to. Personally, I enjoyed working with younger children more, but it was still an incredibly valuable experience. I learned a lot about the Danish school system, gained confidence in teaching in English and experienced a completely different classroom culture. The school was very well organised, and everything worked smoothly throughout my internship.

Accommodation

I lived in the student residence UMEUS, and although it was quite expensive, I would absolutely recommend it.I paid around 900 € per month and had a room with a shared kitchen. Even though I didn’t have my own kitchen, the accommodation was modern, centrally located and well connected to public transport.
The biggest advantage, however, was the people. Living in a student residence makes it so much easier to meet other international students. I met some of my closest friends there, and sharing everyday life together created friendships that I know will last far beyond Erasmus.

Costs of living

One thing you really have to be prepared for is that Copenhagen is expensive. Everyday life costs much more than in Austria, and this should definitely be part of your financial planning.
Even simple things like grabbing a coffee can surprise you, you’ll rarely find one for less than 7 €. Eating out, groceries and leisure activities are generally quite costly. Nevertheless, there are also many free activities throughout the city, especially during summer, which helps balance the high living costs.

Public transport

The public transport system in Copenhagen is one of the best I have ever experienced. The Metro runs approximately every five minutes, is extremely clean, reliable and even operates throughout the night. Getting around the city is incredibly easy, whether you are travelling to university, meeting friends or coming home late after an event. Many people also choose to cycle everywhere, as Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

Final thoughts

Looking back, choosing Copenhagen for my Erasmus semester was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It challenged me personally, helped me grow professionally and introduced me to amazing people from all over the world.Yes, the winter can be long, dark and very cold, and yes, living in Copenhagen is expensive. But once summer arrives, the city becomes something truly special. The atmosphere, the people, the harbour, the festivals and the countless opportunities to experience something new make it all worthwhile.

If I had the chance, I would choose Copenhagen again without any hesitation. It gave me memories, friendships and experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Photos & Text: Mara Rainer