A month in Aarhus, in numbers
| Item | Monthly (DKK) | Approx. EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flat or kollegium | 3,000-5,000 | 400-670 |
| Food | 1,800-2,600 | 240-350 |
| Transport | 300-450 | 40-60 |
| Phone and internet | 150-300 | 20-40 |
| Personal and other | 700-1,300 | 95-175 |
| Total | 6,500-9,000 | 870-1,200 |
Where students actually live
Trøjborg and Aarhus's own Nørrebro sit close to campus and are the main student areas. Åbyhøj, Viby and Brabrand are cheaper, 15-25 minutes by bus. The city centre is convenient and dearer. Registering with a central housing list is the normal Danish practice, and queue position runs from the date you register — so the earlier the better.
The universities
- Aarhus University — one of Denmark's largest, across sciences, engineering, business and humanities
- VIA University College — applied and vocational programmes with integrated internships
Work, honestly
Fewer openings than Copenhagen, but also less competition. Wages are at Denmark's general level, which is to say among the highest in Europe, so a job makes a real difference to your budget. Learning Danish is the single biggest factor in whether you get one.
The honest bits
- 1Still expensive. Cheaper than Copenhagen does not mean cheap.
- 2Long, dark winters.
- 3On the other side: a real student-town character, easier housing, high wages, and English used widely.
Before you fly
- 1Register on the housing lists as early as you can.
- 2Fund the full year — see proof of funds.
- 3Compare the three Nordics first — see Finland, Sweden and Denmark compared.
Official sources — check for yourself
Rules and figures change. We review these articles periodically and show the date above, but always confirm the current requirement with the official source before you act on it.
Common questions
Is Aarhus cheaper than Copenhagen?+
Yes, roughly DKK 1,000-1,500 a month less, mostly in rent. Housing is also considerably easier to find, which in Denmark is a major advantage.
How do I find housing in Aarhus?+
Registering with a central housing list is standard practice in Denmark, and your place in the queue depends on when you registered — so check whether you can register before your offer arrives. The university's housing office also helps international students.
Does part-time work cover costs in Denmark?+
Wages are among the highest in Europe, so a job makes a genuine difference. But work is competitive and Danish is a significant advantage, so do not build first-semester earnings into your budget.
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