Getting settled in Denmark

Welcome to Denmark. Once you arrive, there are a few practical things to take care of before you start your studies.

Some tasks should be completed shortly after arrival, such as registering with the authorities, setting up digital access and organising your accommodation. Use the guide below to make sure everything is in place during your first days and weeks in Denmark.

Upon arrival

Your first steps in Denmark

Your next actions depend on your housing situation, citizenship and whether you plan to work during your stay. Expand the sections below to find the information relevant to you.

1. Attend the introduction days

Check when your study programme's introduction days and SDU's orientation days take place, and make sure to arrive in time to attend them.

Read more about orientation days at SDU

2. Plan your journey to SDU

We recommend planning your journey to SDU or your accommodation before you leave your home country.

You can find general information about travel itineraries, timetables and prices of public transport on the Danish online journey planner rejseplanen.dk (available in English and German).

Public transport in Denmark is secure and reliable, and it is safe to travel alone.

Visit the journey planner (rejseplanen.dk)

3. Get settled in your accommodation

Read your tenancy agreement thoroughly before moving in and check your accommodation for defects and damage. It may be a good idea to compile a list of defects with photo documentation and hand a copy to your landlord within the first 14 days of your tenancy.

4. Get your CPR number

The CPR number is your personal civil registration number in Denmark.

You need a CPR number to communicate with the Danish authorities and access healthcare. You will also need it to open a bank account and get insurance.

Read how to get a CPR number

When you receive your permanent CPR number, update it in SDU's SPOC system. The CPR number you received when you applied to SDU is temporary.

Go to the system SPOC to change your CPR number

5. Apply for MitID

MitID is an app which provides a digital verification of your identity.

MitID gives you a secure login to internet services such as banking, accessing mail from public authorities and logging into public self-service solutions.

In Denmark, most services and communication with authorities is digital, which makes the MitID very important. You can apply for MitID in connection with your CPR registration.

MitID is your digital ID in Denmark. You use it to login to services such as online banking, public self-service solutions and digital mail from the authorities.

You can apply for MitID when you register for your CPR number.

6. Open a bank account

If you intend to work during your stay in Denmark, it is a good idea to open a Danish bank account and register it as your NemKonto to receive your salary.

To open a bank account, simply contact a Danish bank of your choice. Many Danish banks have accounts that are specially designed for young people or students.