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Study at SDU

Student Housing

Will you be joining SDU as an international student? Find out how and when to apply for student housing, who is guaranteed housing, and what to expect when you arrive in Denmark.

Housing guarantee

SDU offers a housing guarantee if you apply before the deadline. The guarantee depends on city and student type:

  • Odense, Kolding, Esbjerg: Full-degree and exchange students are guaranteed housing.
  • Sønderborg: Exchange students are guaranteed housing. Full-degree students are not guaranteed housing and should apply as early as possible.

The guarantee means you will receive one housing offer if you apply by the deadline. Your choice of residence may be limited, and you cannot expect to receive your first choice.


How to apply

  • Full-degree students: you can apply 3 days after submitting your admission application.
  • Exchange and guest students: you can apply immediately after submitting your admission application.

If you are not starting a programme at SDU, your housing application will be cancelled automatically. You can only apply for housing in one city, but if you are admitted to a different campus than expected, the Accommodation Office can change your application — just contact them at housing@sdu.dk.

Deadlines

To keep your housing guarantee, you must apply before:

1 May (23:59 CET) – for September intake

1 November (23:59 CET) – for February intake

To secure your housing guarantee, you must apply before the deadline — even if you are not yet enrolled to SDU.

Apply now

Explore housing in our campus cities 

Application process

  • After you are enrolled to SDU, you will receive a housing offer. It may take a few weeks before the offer is sent. The offer will include details about the residence, its location and the rent.

  • You must respond quickly. Once you receive the offer, you have 6 days to accept it. If you do not accept within this period, the offer will be withdrawn and given to another applicant.

  • Yes. When you accept the offer, a 14-day cooling-off period begins. This means you can withdraw your acceptance if you change your mind, as long as it is within 14 days from the date you received the offer.

  • You are not liable for rent until both conditions are met: you have accepted the offer and the 14-day cooling-off period has ended.

Frequently asked questions 

  • Yes. International students must cover any transfer fees charged by their bank. Make sure the full rent or deposit amount reaches the landlord or housing association.

  • Report the issue immediately to the local housing office or landlord. You will receive contact details with your housing offer. It is important to document problems right after arrival to avoid being held responsible later.

  • You cannot choose a specific residence or guarantee that you will live with a particular student. Housing is allocated based on availability, and the housing guarantee only covers one offer. However, you are welcome to note your preferences in the application form, and the Accommodation Office will do their best to take them into account.

  • Most student rooms are furnished with basic items such as a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe. Kitchens are usually shared and equipped with essential appliances. You will need to bring or buy smaller items like bedding, kitchenware and lamps.

  • You will receive detailed instructions with your housing offer. Keys are normally collected at the local housing office during opening hours. If you arrive outside opening hours, you must arrange collection in advance.

  • Notice periods vary depending on the housing provider, but are usually 1–3 months. Always check your contract for the specific terms.

  • If you return to SDU for another exchange semester or programme, you must apply for housing again. Returning students are not covered by the housing guarantee and should apply early to improve their chances.

  • Student Housing is designed for individual students. If you plan to bring your spouse or children, you will need to look for family housing on the private market. Pets are generally not allowed in Student Housing.

Contact

For practical questions about your accommodation, please contact the housing office or landlord directly. Their contact details will be included in your housing offer.

For general questions about Student Housing at SDU, you can email the Accommodation Office at housing@sdu.dk.

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