Roskilde University
trusts
HousingAnywhere
with accommodation for their students since 2014

• Founded in 1972

• 8.800 students

• 250 exchange students every year

• 4 departments (institutes) specializing in different areas from Mathematics to International Development

• Courses in English

• Partner with Housing Anywhere since June 2014

Campus Facilities

Situated to the north-east of Roskilde City, the university campus is one huge space, with all the teaching and research buildings on site. In addition, there’s the university bookshop (where you can get all your reading materials), the RUCsport centre (for all your weightlifting and rec basketball needs!) and of course, the on-campus canteen.

The campus bar can be found at the Student House, the headquarters of all student organizations and activity, while the library sits overlooking the lake. It’s a lovely campus, modern yet scenic. Since it’s only a 5-minute bus journey from the centre of Roskilde, the campus is a sweet spot between the "normal" world and the student one!

Courses

Roskilde University offers 3 separate bachelor-level schemes for international students, all taught in English:

• International Bachelor in Humanities

• International Bachelor in Social Sciences

• International Bachelor in Natural Sciences

The larger portion of international students come to Roskilde for Master’s courses. These are exceptionally popular and the level of teaching in Roskilde is well-known as being top quality. Master’s programmes are available in the following subject areas:

• Chemistry

• Environmental Biology

• Communication Studies

• Economics and Business Administration

• Cultural Encounters

• Environmental Risk

• Computer Science

• Mathematics

• Global Studies

• International Development Studies

• Social Entrepreneurship and Management

• Spatial Designs and Society

International Dimension

With exchange agreements across the entire globe, RUC takes on around 250 exchange students every year, with many home students choosing to travel abroad at the same time. However, if you can’t get a place on a strict exchange programme, you can also go to Roskilde as a guest student.

Getting Here

The town of Roskilde is only five minutes from the university by bus or train, while Copenhagen Airport is a 45-minute journey. The city of Copenhagen is also just 22 minutes by train, so if you’re anywhere in the area you can access the university with ease. If travelling from the Copenhagen area, hop off the train at Trekroner Station and enjoy the 10-minute walk onto campus.

RUC also provides a campus map and a whole bunch of directions you can use to find your way around.

Student neighbourhoods

Nørrebro

Since Denmark is a very expensive country - particularly for students whose home countries don’t have the same high standard of living - most students flock to areas with the cheapest rent. One such place is Nørrebro, home largely to immigrants. There are loads of artisanal and ethnic shops and eateries, making Nørrebro a real cultural melting pot. It’s not the fanciest part of the city, but it’s (relatively) inexpensive and known for its raucous nightlife!

Nyhavn

This is the most heavily gentrified area of the city, though its cobbled streets and eloquent restaurants once served as the feral hunting grounds of passing-by sailors in need of ale and a fistfight. It’s probably out of budget for many students, but if you have the means or get lucky on a cheaper property, this would be the coolest place to land an apartment by far.

Common Housing Practices

Since accommodation can be a bit scarce around Roskilde, there are scam artists around who do their best to take advantage. To avoid falling into a trap, make sure you:

• Never pay for a property you haven’t seen, or before you have the keys

• Sign a contract

• Verify the person is real, by talking in person or over Skype

• Be alert if pressured to pay or sign a contract quickly, and consider ditching that lead

Most Danish students like in shared flats with their peers, though occasionally studio flats will be rented - these will cost an awful lot more.

HousingAnywhere are always updating their Roskilde listings when new places become available. Since we offer secure payment methods and you’re usually renting from another student in the property, you can trust these apartments and know your money (and possessions) are in safe hands.

You will also be emailed by Roskilde about on-campus accommodation. There are very few rooms, but some students will manage to get a place on-site - this is the simplest method of finding a flat, and you should consider jumping at the opportunity as it could save you a lot of headaches!

The Student Council is a university group whose purpose is to make RUC a better university for its students. It is led, of course, by your peers at the university! Whether it’s academic aid or trying to arrange a huge party, the Studenterrådet will do everything they can to help you make a difference. Check them out once you’re on campus!

Distortion

Often referred to as organized chaos, this "dance in the street" event is not one that you’ll want to miss!

Originating back in 1998, Distortion has really found its niche, including pushing boundaries and raising some of the most massive "street parties" that the city has ever seen. If you want to completely immerse yourself in the party culture of the area, then this is undoubtedly the place to do it! This mobile party offers completely new music each night, along with Distortion Club, offering a more intimate experience, and Distortion Ø, a full two-day rave that is held at the Copenhagen Harbour.

Of course, cleanup for such an event is paramount, so guests can purchase the "Gadearmbånd" to assist with the financing of this. Those attending events at Distortion Club or Distortion Ø require tickets or the purchase of the Distortion Pass for all-inclusive access to the fun.

Distortion happens every year in Copenhagen, with this year’s event occurring on May 31th through June 4th.

Roskilde Festival

Beginning in 1971, Roskilde Festival is the largest cultural and musical event of its kind throughout all of Northern Europe. This massive event grows in both attendance and popularity each year, now drawing in over 80,000 attendees from all across the globe, hungry for arts, music and even the experience of overnight festival camping.

You can expect to see big names like Bob Marley, Kanye West, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Radiohead, Metallica, Rihanna and U2 at the Roskilde Festival. It also offers stage space to new acts, as well as to more established artists.

This festival is almost a ritual for many Danes, and it attracts a crowd merely for the uninhibited spirit surrounding the campsites as well.

The all-inclusive ticket will grant you access to the camp sites and the musical stages, along with other amenities. Plus, you can feel good about your purchase, as that it is put together by a non-profit organization, giving all proceeds to cultural and humanitarian efforts.

NorthSide

This gigantic music festival is just steps away from the city center, and you will pass a myriad of attractions along the way. Beginning back in 2010, this festival is still pretty new, but it is growing in popularity each year, drawing in attendees from all over Scandinavia, as well as from all across Europe and beyond.

This bustling urban festival offers something new every year, so be prepared to provide exciting "firsts" to both your food and musical palettes.

Food Festival

This aptly named festival has become a hub for anyone who is a "foodie" at heart. With nature at the forefront, expect to find both Danish and Nordic chefs, growers and breeders who draw their inspirations from providing quality food that contains a balance of locally sourced products. Be prepared to leave with a full stomach, as well as a happy heart and a fulfilled mind.

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