Undergraduate
Student Experience
1) Course Registration Process
A. Course Registrations
Before arriving in Denmark, it’s crucial to note all application deadlines, particularly for course additions/drops and dorm applications. At Copenhagen Business School(CBS), the process differs significantly from KUBS. Regardless of whether you are a bachelor or master’s student, you must register for at least four courses to meet FULL-TIME student visa requirements, even if you already have sufficient credits from KUBS and need no additional ones. Additionally, you should choose four backup courses in case any of your primary selections are fully booked.
One crucial detail is that Copenhagen Business School(CBS) does not announce the timetable during the course registration period. This means there is a high possibility of schedule conflicts. Students usually resolve this in two ways: if the conflict is infrequent (only once or twice during the semester), they choose one class to attend and skip the other. Otherwise, they need to adjust their courses during the add/drop period, detailed below.
*According to Copenhagen Business School(CBS) administration, each class has a limited number of exchange student spots. Therefore, even if a class isn't fully booked, exchange students may still be unable to register.0
**As a master’s student, I got into all four of my chosen courses. However, I’m unsure if bachelor’s students experience the same situation.
B. Course Adjustments
Unlike initial course registration, adjustments must be done manually. Students submit a request through the “helpdesk” platform during the adjustment period, and the administration will check for available spaces and respond within three business days. Therefore, it is essential to submit your request as soon as the adjustment period begins, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and responses can take up to three days.
*Even if a course is tagged as “fully registered,” there is a high chance you can add it during the adjustment period as other students may drop it. However, slots are limited, so submit your request as early as possible.
2) Dormitories
Due to the high cost of living in Copenhagen, securing a student dorm is the most affordable option. I highly recommend it.
While bachelor’s students can list their preferences for the five student residences, master’s students have six options, including Nimbuspark Residence, a master-only dorm located next to the Graduate House. As it is exclusive to master’s students, it has comparatively lower competition, and I highly recommend listing it as your first preference.
*If you are a bachelor student and didn't secure a dorm, try reaching out to the school afterward. Some of my roommates are bachelor students who received rooms in Nimbuspark Residence because Copenhagen Business School(CBS) offered them available spaces due to vacancies.
A. Facilities
Nimbuspark Residence has five floors and two connected buildings. Each floor has two separate kitchens shared by about ten students each. The rooms include a private bathroom, bed, closet, and desk. The welcome pack includes a blanket, pillows, and even hangers, so check what is provided before shopping at nearby supermarkets.
B. Location
Nimbuspark Residence is near the Fasanvej St. metro station. Major supermarkets like Netto, Rema 1000, Lidl, and Føtex are within a ten-minute walk. There’s also a gym offering great deals for Copenhagen Business School(CBS) students nearby. From Nimbuspark, you can walk to most campuses.
*I recommend exploring the area on foot before deciding if you need to rent a bike. I didn’t rent a bike for the entire semester.
3) Daily Life and Other Tips
A. Buddy Program
Copenhagen Business School(CBS) offers various welcome programs and a buddy system. However, I didn’t meet my buddy, which seems to vary by case. The welcome programs include cultural experiences and parties, available for a fee. If you’re not living in a dormitory, these are good opportunities to meet people. However, I made closer friends in the dorm than through these programs. Consider your expectations before deciding.
There is also a Danish Crash Course before the semester starts, offered by a partner language school, not Copenhagen Business School(CBS). I don’t recommend it as the teaching wasn’t very effective.
*The Danish Crash Course is a paid, pre-semester program. However, there is a free 7.5 ECTS Danish course during the semester for both bachelor’s and master’s students, taught by an experienced Copenhagen Business School(CBS) professor, which I highly recommend.
B. Korean Student Community
There aren’t many Asian students in Denmark, so I met other Korean students through private contacts and introductions rather than a formal Korean Student Union. Instead, I recommend joining exchange student WhatsApp groups and dormitory WhatsApp groups. These groups are useful for sharing information and finding gym or travel partners.
C. Cost of Living
Eating out is very expensive, so I cooked most of my meals in the dorm. Grocery prices are similar to or only slightly higher than in Korea, which is manageable. Bring some medicines from home as they are costly in Denmark. However, items like soap, shampoo, and lotion are cheaper, so buy those locally.
*All supermarkets sell bathroom items, but I recommend the “Normal” shop for a wide selection at reasonable prices.
D. Scholarship Benefits
There are no scholarships for non-EU citizens at Copenhagen Business School(CBS). However, you can look for remote jobs or paid internship to cover a part of your expenses. Finding a job as an international student can be challenging but not impossible.
4) Pre-Departure Preparations
Make sure to follow all deadlines provided by Copenhagen Business School(CBS), and you will be fine.
I highly recommend applying for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) before searching for an airfare. I applied for my ISIC card using a debit card from Hana bank, and the process took around 20 days, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible. Once you have your ISIC card, I suggest booking your flight through the KISES official website, which offers student discounts. For example, I booked a flight with LOT Airlines and, thanks to my ISIC card, received one extra piece of free luggage, which was extremely useful.
Another important tip is to ensure all your credit cards are enabled for overseas payments. In Denmark, most transactions can be made with credit cards, but failing to notify your bank in advance may result in restrictions. I do not recommend exchanging a lot of Danish Krone in cash, as credit cards are widely accepted for most payments. Instead, bringing some Euros might be helpful if you plan to travel around Europe during the holidays.
*The regular ISIC card issuance fee is 17000 won. Occasionally, there are promotional events that waive the card issuance fee, details of which can be found on the official ISIC website or KU website. You can also just call the school or the association to check.
5) Insurance and Visa
Korean passport holders have a 30-day tourist visa for Denmark. You can choose to apply for a visa in Korea (which costs more) or after arriving in Copenhagen (which takes longer). I applied after arriving, but you need to prepare a few things in advance:
i. Have your official Copenhagen Business School(CBS) admission letter and dormitory contract printed and ready, as airport staff may ask for them.
ii. Make an appointment with SIRI for visa application in advance. I visited SIRI three days after arriving in Copenhagen. Since the process can take up to two months, it’s better to start as soon as possible.
iii. Check your mailbox regularly for important information. I received a letter to pay an additional fee to proceed with my application.
6) Overview of Copenhagen Business School(CBS)
Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a renowned public university situated in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in business and economics. Established in 1917, CBS has grown into one of the largest business schools in Europe, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, CBS integrates business education with social sciences and humanities. The university boasts a diverse international student body and faculty, fostering a global learning environment. CBS is known for its innovative research, industry partnerships, and vibrant campus life, making it a premier destination for students seeking a comprehensive business education. Other information can be found on the official website.
A. Course Registrations
Before arriving in Denmark, it’s crucial to note all application deadlines, particularly for course additions/drops and dorm applications. At Copenhagen Business School(CBS), the process differs significantly from KUBS. Regardless of whether you are a bachelor or master’s student, you must register for at least four courses to meet FULL-TIME student visa requirements, even if you already have sufficient credits from KUBS and need no additional ones. Additionally, you should choose four backup courses in case any of your primary selections are fully booked.
One crucial detail is that Copenhagen Business School(CBS) does not announce the timetable during the course registration period. This means there is a high possibility of schedule conflicts. Students usually resolve this in two ways: if the conflict is infrequent (only once or twice during the semester), they choose one class to attend and skip the other. Otherwise, they need to adjust their courses during the add/drop period, detailed below.
*According to Copenhagen Business School(CBS) administration, each class has a limited number of exchange student spots. Therefore, even if a class isn't fully booked, exchange students may still be unable to register.0
**As a master’s student, I got into all four of my chosen courses. However, I’m unsure if bachelor’s students experience the same situation.
B. Course Adjustments
Unlike initial course registration, adjustments must be done manually. Students submit a request through the “helpdesk” platform during the adjustment period, and the administration will check for available spaces and respond within three business days. Therefore, it is essential to submit your request as soon as the adjustment period begins, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and responses can take up to three days.
*Even if a course is tagged as “fully registered,” there is a high chance you can add it during the adjustment period as other students may drop it. However, slots are limited, so submit your request as early as possible.
2) Dormitories
Due to the high cost of living in Copenhagen, securing a student dorm is the most affordable option. I highly recommend it.
While bachelor’s students can list their preferences for the five student residences, master’s students have six options, including Nimbuspark Residence, a master-only dorm located next to the Graduate House. As it is exclusive to master’s students, it has comparatively lower competition, and I highly recommend listing it as your first preference.
*If you are a bachelor student and didn't secure a dorm, try reaching out to the school afterward. Some of my roommates are bachelor students who received rooms in Nimbuspark Residence because Copenhagen Business School(CBS) offered them available spaces due to vacancies.
A. Facilities
Nimbuspark Residence has five floors and two connected buildings. Each floor has two separate kitchens shared by about ten students each. The rooms include a private bathroom, bed, closet, and desk. The welcome pack includes a blanket, pillows, and even hangers, so check what is provided before shopping at nearby supermarkets.
B. Location
Nimbuspark Residence is near the Fasanvej St. metro station. Major supermarkets like Netto, Rema 1000, Lidl, and Føtex are within a ten-minute walk. There’s also a gym offering great deals for Copenhagen Business School(CBS) students nearby. From Nimbuspark, you can walk to most campuses.
*I recommend exploring the area on foot before deciding if you need to rent a bike. I didn’t rent a bike for the entire semester.
3) Daily Life and Other Tips
A. Buddy Program
Copenhagen Business School(CBS) offers various welcome programs and a buddy system. However, I didn’t meet my buddy, which seems to vary by case. The welcome programs include cultural experiences and parties, available for a fee. If you’re not living in a dormitory, these are good opportunities to meet people. However, I made closer friends in the dorm than through these programs. Consider your expectations before deciding.
There is also a Danish Crash Course before the semester starts, offered by a partner language school, not Copenhagen Business School(CBS). I don’t recommend it as the teaching wasn’t very effective.
*The Danish Crash Course is a paid, pre-semester program. However, there is a free 7.5 ECTS Danish course during the semester for both bachelor’s and master’s students, taught by an experienced Copenhagen Business School(CBS) professor, which I highly recommend.
B. Korean Student Community
There aren’t many Asian students in Denmark, so I met other Korean students through private contacts and introductions rather than a formal Korean Student Union. Instead, I recommend joining exchange student WhatsApp groups and dormitory WhatsApp groups. These groups are useful for sharing information and finding gym or travel partners.
C. Cost of Living
Eating out is very expensive, so I cooked most of my meals in the dorm. Grocery prices are similar to or only slightly higher than in Korea, which is manageable. Bring some medicines from home as they are costly in Denmark. However, items like soap, shampoo, and lotion are cheaper, so buy those locally.
*All supermarkets sell bathroom items, but I recommend the “Normal” shop for a wide selection at reasonable prices.
D. Scholarship Benefits
There are no scholarships for non-EU citizens at Copenhagen Business School(CBS). However, you can look for remote jobs or paid internship to cover a part of your expenses. Finding a job as an international student can be challenging but not impossible.
4) Pre-Departure Preparations
Make sure to follow all deadlines provided by Copenhagen Business School(CBS), and you will be fine.
I highly recommend applying for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) before searching for an airfare. I applied for my ISIC card using a debit card from Hana bank, and the process took around 20 days, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible. Once you have your ISIC card, I suggest booking your flight through the KISES official website, which offers student discounts. For example, I booked a flight with LOT Airlines and, thanks to my ISIC card, received one extra piece of free luggage, which was extremely useful.
Another important tip is to ensure all your credit cards are enabled for overseas payments. In Denmark, most transactions can be made with credit cards, but failing to notify your bank in advance may result in restrictions. I do not recommend exchanging a lot of Danish Krone in cash, as credit cards are widely accepted for most payments. Instead, bringing some Euros might be helpful if you plan to travel around Europe during the holidays.
*The regular ISIC card issuance fee is 17000 won. Occasionally, there are promotional events that waive the card issuance fee, details of which can be found on the official ISIC website or KU website. You can also just call the school or the association to check.
5) Insurance and Visa
Korean passport holders have a 30-day tourist visa for Denmark. You can choose to apply for a visa in Korea (which costs more) or after arriving in Copenhagen (which takes longer). I applied after arriving, but you need to prepare a few things in advance:
i. Have your official Copenhagen Business School(CBS) admission letter and dormitory contract printed and ready, as airport staff may ask for them.
ii. Make an appointment with SIRI for visa application in advance. I visited SIRI three days after arriving in Copenhagen. Since the process can take up to two months, it’s better to start as soon as possible.
iii. Check your mailbox regularly for important information. I received a letter to pay an additional fee to proceed with my application.
6) Overview of Copenhagen Business School(CBS)
Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a renowned public university situated in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in business and economics. Established in 1917, CBS has grown into one of the largest business schools in Europe, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, CBS integrates business education with social sciences and humanities. The university boasts a diverse international student body and faculty, fostering a global learning environment. CBS is known for its innovative research, industry partnerships, and vibrant campus life, making it a premier destination for students seeking a comprehensive business education. Other information can be found on the official website.
