Hey guys! This week I’ll be describing what life is like in a Residential Community, one of the 5 housing options here at DIS. So below, I’m going to answer a few questions I had when I was deciding where I wanted to live for this semester. 

Is a RC just a dorm?

No! Though there are some similar aspects between residential communities here in Copenhagen and dorms back home there are actually a lot of differences too. For instance, there is no full time RA in your residential community. Instead, each RC has a Community Advisor who comes in about once a week to help residents with anything they need. In an RC, you’re given more freedom and responsibility than maybe your used to in your home university’s dorm. There’s no one doing dorm checks but there also isn’t a staff member around to let you in if you’ve forgotten your keys. Back in the states, common spaces like kitchens and lounges might have been cleaned by your school’s custodial team but in an RC your responsible for keeping those spaces neat and tidy. That includes taking out your floors recycling or wiping down the counters in the kitchen. 

I’ve found that living in an RC feels more like living in an apartment than dorm. There’s more freedom and responsibility and a bit less structure than a traditional American dorm.

Am I going to be thousands of miles away from my classes/city center?

Every RC is different, but from my personal experience most DIS students who live in an RC live anywhere between 10-40 minutes away from DIS. For me, I live about 3 Metro stops away from Norreport (the Metro stop nearest DIS). That translates to about 10 minutes on the train and another 10 minute walk, and I wouldn’t want it any different. I like that I am getting to know two very different areas of Copenhagen. It’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle of Vestergade St and come home to a more residential/calm area of Copenhagen at night. 

What is my room going to be like?

I can’t speak for all RCs but I can tell you what my room is like. My roommate and I each have a bed, a desk, and a small wardrobe. We share a kitchenette that has a stove, microwave, and full size fridge and freezer. We also share a bathroom. One thing to prepare for if you decide to live in an RC is that there can be a strange lack of drawers! Other than some under-the-bed storage and some drawers for utensils in the kitchenette, there aren’t any drawers in the room, wardrobe, or in the desk. My roommate and I have both had a hard time finding a space to keep all of our luggage because it can’t fit under the bed. But the room is clean, spacious, and overall a nice place to live for the next few months!  

Will I get to know my neighbors?

I was honestly surprised by how social all of the students are being. In my dorms back home, people rarely used the common lounges/spaces and if they did, it was only with their group of friends. Here, people tend to hang out in the common room a bit more and it’s a great spot to ask people where their class is going for Core Course week or if they’ve found a good Thai place yet. It’s been nice getting to know other students from all across the US. You’ll also get to know your neighbors/floor mates through hygge dinners. These weekly dinners are prepared by you (paid for by DIS) and shared with your whole floor. A group of 6 students is in charge of preparing the meal, cleaning the kitchen, and ensuring the night is relaxing for all the students. The recipes can be a bit unusual at times, like a coconut cauliflower soup, but half the fun is trying new things! 

Will I get to meet Danes/locals?

Yes, but it’s going to be a different experience than what other students might have. Since the floor or building your RC is located in will only have other DIS students, you’re going to have to put in the effort to meet Danish people. But don’t be afraid! Soon enough you’ll be a local at your nearest cafe, grocery store, or kebab place and getting to know people won’t be that hard.

I’m nervous about my roommate!

Though, everyone’s experience is different, all my friends and I have been lucky enough to have some really great roommates. We are not all best friends with our roommates but I have to say DIS did a great job with pairing us up. From what I’ve seen most roommates have similar life styles (level of cleanliness, room expectations, etc). I know it can be intimidating to think of living in a new country with someone you’ve never met before but have some faith and be open to meeting new people. 

Things you’ll need to buy/bring for room

• A hamper 
• Desk organizers/bins
• Pictures to decorate with/remind you of home
• Ziploc bags/foil 
• Tupperware
• A top sheet for the bed (they don’t have these in Europe!)

Hope this quick rundown put your mind at ease! I’ve been really happy with both the people I’ve met through my RC and the accommodations themselves. Overall, I would definitely recommend living in an RC while in Copenhagen!