Whenever I get stressed, I tell myself to breathe because I am an adult and that is basically being a superhero. However, despite my superhero status, I had difficulty with many of the pre departure steps. Below, I have accumulated some stories and advice that have come out of my struggles:
Obtaining your residence permit on your first try
Read this page before going to hand in your paperwork: http://canada.um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/permits/going-to-denmark-faroe-islands-or-greenland/student-permit/
Unfortunately, I can confirm that the Danish consulate in North Vancouver is not the correct place to go to.
Student housing
Copenhagen Business School ( CBS) likes to operate on a first come first serve basis. This sounds perfectly reasonable to me, except of course when I don’t make it onto the list of firsts. Despite trying to pulling an all nighter to accommodate the time difference and secure myself a spot in housing, I didn’t manage to get in. I was devastated and for a few dramatic moments wondered if exchange was even worth going on anymore (kind of like when the kid in My Super Sweet 16 gets the wrong car for their birthday.)
But keep an open mind! As my brother helpfully suggested, things happen for a reason and I may end up living in the basement with a starving artist who I end up marrying!! Really though, if you don’t get student housing, don’t let it get you down. It may make it more difficult to meet other students, but tons of other students are probably in the same situation and will be able to relate. HOWEVER, housing IS very difficult to find, especially at a decent price because the demand for it greatly outstrips the supply. I high recommend being at the computer the second CBS releases the housing application ( at a predetermined time).
Luckily, I was able to find a landlord under CBS private housing. While I won’t be getting the dorm room experience, I think staying with a Danish family will be a great way to learn about and experience local culture.
Booking flights
I have never booked my own flights before. I decided to buy a one way ticket, because I wanted flexibility on where to go and when to come back. Apparently this was not a smart move, because booking a round trip is significantly cheaper and prices will skyrocket near the holidays. I don’t know which option I recommend yet, but I’ll update you when the time comes.
*UPDATE: many of my fellow exchange students who have booked round trip tickets have unfortunately now found out that their exams dates are after their flights.
Strategically buying foreign currency
What I should have done: compared different banks and financial institutions for the best exchange rate. Try checking out VBCE !
What I did: headed to the closest bank
Keep in mind that most banks don’t keep all types of foreign exchange on hand, so allow for about a week to place an order and have it arrive. For convenience, I decided to expand my credit card limit to use as my main source of transactions instead of ordering 4 months’ worth of kroners.
Packing
My most current struggle sits before me as I look sadly into my half packed suitcase that is already definitely more than 50 lbs. What do you mean I can’t take everything I own with me?? As I type, my father is kindly suggesting that I not be stupid and take out the heavy shampoo and conditioner bottles. Yeah right, I scoff to myself, as I cram even more bottles into the suitcase, shampoo is a necessity , how could you even suggest I not bring an entire bottle with me. But of course, I can’t expect someone who also told me that I only needed to pack 3 pairs of shoes to possibly understand.
Thankfully, I come to my senses and tighten my grasp on reality as I realize the cost of buying shampoo in Denmark is probably a lot less than the overweight charges I would have to pay. When I purchased my flight, there was the option to pay for a second suitcase at half the original price . I decided not to because I didn’t want the burden of lugging 2 suitcases myself, but Herbal Essences, I will see you again soon.