Aarhus University Seal

Preparing your stay

When preparing for your stay, we advise you to carefully read the information on this website and be especially aware of:

  • The earliest possible moving-in date and time
  • When and where you can collect your key
  • You might need to take out additional insurance 
  • You need a payment card to pay your monthly rent (bank transfer is not possible)
  • What furniture and kitchen equipment is provided and what you must bring or buy
  • The latest possible moving-out date and time
  • Our terms and conditions 

We advise you to bring or buy:

  • Bed sheets for a 90 x 200 cm bed (NB: this is mandatory)
  • Duvet and pillow* as well as covers
  • Towels, dishcloths and kitchen towels
  • Hand soap, dish soap, cleaning supplies and toilet paper (some residences provide this)
  • Internet router and cable if relevant (find more information under the tab "Internet")
  • Decorations to make it feel like home (note that not all residences allow drilling in the wall)

*For environmental reasons, we encourage our departing tenants to leave behind their duvet and pillow. You are free to use these items, if you bring a duvet- and pillow cover. If you do not wish to use the left-behind duvet and pillow, we encourage you to bring your own.

In addition to this, we advise you to read the relevant information on how to prepare for your stay in Denmark and at Aarhus University in general.

This includes information about the following:

  • Applying for a residence permit
  • Applying for a Danish Social Security Number
  • Ordering an AU student ID card 
  • Money and banking
  • Tak out an insurance 

Arrival and moving in

Before your arrival it is very important that you complete these steps:

  • Submit your key collection date no later than 7 days before your arrival (this is a prerequisite to collect your key)

Upon your arrival it is very important that you complete these steps:

  • Collect your key at the International Centre
  • Submit the moving-in checklist within 3 working days of your arrival
  • Sign and return your contract within 7 days of your arrival
  • Ask your caretaker if you need any instructions to the residence 
  • Make sure that your insurance covers any loss you might have

Additional instructions and relevant information can be found in the tabs below.

Additionally, we recommend that you:

  • Thoroughly read the information provided under "During your stay" and "Moving out"
  • Get to know your landlord/caretaker and fellow dorm-/housemates
  • Make sure that you are aware of and adhere to the house rules
  • Read the maintenance regulation guidelines (if applicable)
  • Protect your bed by using bed covers
  • Make sure that you are aware of and adhere to the cleaning rules

Key collection

You can collect your key from 1  pm on the first working day of your leasing period. You can also collect your key any following workday during our opening hours. 

As an example, if your contract begins on Tuesday 1 August, you can collect your key from 1 pm on this date. However, if your contract begins on Saturday 15 July, you can collect your key from 1 pm on Monday 17 July. You will receive a pre-arrival email providing the exact date. 

You can collect your key at the reception at the International Centre during opening hours

The address to International Centre is:

Dale T. Mortensen Building
Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4A
8000 Aarhus C

 

Submit key collection form

Please be aware that it is a prerequisite to collect your key that you submit your key collection date via the key collection form. You will receive a pre-arrival email with a link to the form approximately 14 days before your contract starts.

Please submit the form no later than 7 days before your arrival.

The correct room

When you move into a shared apartment it is very important that you move into the correct room which is the one offered by AU Housing. You can find your room number or letter in the address on your residence folder, in your contract and in your housing offer. If you are in any doubt regarding the room number og letter, please contact your caretaker or AU Housing.

NB: If you do not move into the correct room it may have extensive consequences when you are moving out. 

Moving-in checklist

Upon arrival at your residence, please conduct a thorough inspection of your housing as you must submit a moving-in checklist within 3 working days after your arrival.

Please note that any damages or necessary repairs that are not documented in the "Moving-in checklist" or occur during your stay may result in deductions from your deposit upon moving out.

Cleaning of common areas in shared apartments

Your roommate might have moved in before your arrival and used the common areas. If this is the case, the common areas might not be as clean as they were when your roommate moved in.

We ask both of you to keep the common areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, clean and tidy at all times. Please do not leave any dishes unwashed. It is your responsibility, in cooperation with your roommate, to clean the kitchen, fridge, oven, and bathroom weekly. 

NB: You are responsible for cleaning of common areas before your moving-out inspection no matter when you moved in – before or after your roommate. 

Contract

When you collect your key, you will receive two copies of your contract.

One of the copies must be signed and returned to AU Housing within 7 days of your arrival, while the other copy is intended for your own keeping.

Please note that the English version of the contract, which can be accessed below, is not authorised, but can be used as a translation of the authorised Danish contract.

Caretaker

The caretaker is responsible for electricity, water, heat, drains and the general condition of the residence. 

AU Housing is responsible for furniture and kitchen equipment.

*If you reach an answering machine, please only leave a message if the matter is urgent. If the matter isn't urgent, please call again within the telephone hours. 

Insurance

It is your responsibility to insure yourself and your belongings while you are staying in Denmark as Aarhus University does not cover any losses that may occur. We highly recommend that you take out the following insurance policies either before or immediately after your arrival.

Third-party insurance/liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring) This insurance is a must! The insurance covers any losses you might have if you have to pay compensation to another person.
Accident insurance (ulykkesforsikring This insurance covers the financial consequences of an accident.
Home insurance (indboforsikring) This type of insurance covers you and your personal belongings in cases of loss, damage, re-housing due to water or fire damage, as well as the costs associated with changing the locks if you lose your key. Be aware that housing provided via AU Housing doesn't include insurances and you must take out the necessary insurances yourself.  Be aware that yours or your family's home-insurance in your home country doesn't cover your eventual loss in Denmark.

We recommend that you contact different insurance companies to find the one that best suits your needs. Large insurance companies such as TRYG, Alm. Brand Forsikring and Top Danmark have websites in English.

When buying an insurance, the insurance company requests your Danish CPR number. If you have registered for CPR, but have not received it yet, simply tell the company that you are waiting for it, and you should still be able to buy an insurance.

During your stay

During your stay, you are required to:

  • Make sure to remember your keys and keep them safe 
  • Make sure to pay your rent (and deposit)
  • Get to know your landlord/caretaker and fellow dorm-/housemates 
  • Make sure that you are aware of and adhere to the house rules
  • Read the maintenance regulation guidelines (if applicable)
  • Make sure that you are aware of and adhere to the cleaning rules
  • Learn how to properly sort your waste and "pante" 
  • Protect your bed by using bed covers

Additional instructions and relevant information can be found in the tabs below.

Additionally, we advise you to be aware of the following: 

  • The notice of termination deadlines (in case you need to shorten your contract)
  • The latest possible moving-out date and time
  • The moving-out procedures 

Additional instructions and relevant information can be found under "Moving out".

Keys and chips

You have received (minimum) 2 keys which are for the apartment, the mailbox and the shared shed.

When you move out the original keys noted in the signed key agreement must be returned. If you lose any keys or the returned keys are copies of the original, you must pay for lock conversion and/or key replacement (up to 6000 DKK).

What is the key tag for?

Make sure to remember your keys and keep them safe

When leaving your room and residence, please be aware that the doors might automatically lock behind you. If this is the case, please remember to bring your keys with you at all times. 

Please note, that if you lose your key, you will be charged up to 6000 DKK to cover the expenses of lock conversion and/or key replacement.

If you lose your key, please find relevant information under the tab "In case of emergency". 

Rent and deposit

Rent payment

You must pay your first month's rent when you accept your housing offer (before arrival). If your contract starts on the 15th you will only be charged half a month’s rent for your first month. When accepting a housing offer from AU Housing, you must also pay a booking fee of 600 DKK. 

At the end of each month, you will receive an e-mail with information about the next month's rent payment. The rent can only be paid with a payment card via our online self-service system.


Deposit

You must pay a deposit of one to three months’ rent (see your contract).

The deposit payment will be charged as a separate payment at the same time as the second month's rent.

The deposit (minus possible deductions) will be reimbursed after the moving-out inspection. The processing time for reimbursement of the deposit is 6 weeks to 3 months.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding payment and reimbursement of rent and deposit please contact Housing Accounts. 

Caretaker

The caretaker is responsible for electricity, water, heat, drains and the general condition of the residence. 

AU Housing is responsible for furniture and kitchen equipment.

*If you reach an answering machine, please only leave a message if the matter is urgent. If the matter isn't urgent, please call again within the telephone hours. 

In case of emergency

Lost your key? Electrical problems? Plumbing, sewer or drain problems? Broken window? Heating problems? Another emergency related to your residence?

Within working hours:

Please contact the caretaker.

*If you reach an answering machine, please only leave a message if the matter is urgent. If the matter isn't urgent, please call again within the telephone hours. 

Outside working hours:

Lost your key? Locksmith (Byens Låseservice): +45 8610 6500
NB: Be aware of the costs

Other urgent** matters? The fire department (Østjyllands Brandvæsen):  +45 8676 7676

**You can call the fire department with matters of the utmost urgency e.g. water damage or fire. 

Cleaning

We advise you to clean your room weekly as this helps to limit damages and excessive wear. 

Cleaning of common areas in shared apartments 

If you are living in a shared apartment, you must keep the common areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, clean and tidy at all times. Please do not leave any dishes unwashed. It is your responsibility, in cooperation with your roommate, to clean the kitchen, fridge, oven, and bathroom weekly. 

Please note that if you move out before or after your roommate, you will have full responsibility for the cleanliness of the common areas during your moving-out inspection.

Waste sorting and "Pant"

Waste sorting

In Denmark, sorting and recycling waste and garbage is an everyday practice. By sorting our waste properly, we can contribute towards its reuse. Materials such as glass, plastic, metal, paper and small cardboard items can be recycled and transformed into new products.

Residual waste should always be disposed of in trash bags, securely tied with a knot.

Please ensure that you are familiar with the waste sorting process. If needed, you can ask the caretaker or your dorm mates to locate the appropriate containers.


"Pant" (the Danish deposit and return system)

"Pant" is a Danish system for recycling cans and bottles. Each time you buy drinks in cans or bottles with a deposit mark, you pay a deposit named 'pant'. 

You get your deposit back by returning empty cans and bottles using reversed vending machines in your local supermarket.

The Danish deposit mark is a series of dots under two arrows in a circle. The letter in the deposit mark indicates how much you pay and therefore, how much you will get back when returning the bottle.

Protecting your bed

On top of your bed, there is a top mattress and waterproof cover. In addition to this, you will be provided with a mattress protector when you pick up your keys. These covers are designed to protect your bed and maintain hygiene standards. You can find the names of the covers and their proper order in the image below. 

Please note, that for hygienic reasons it is mandatory to use a bed sheet on top of the mattress protector.

How to put on bed linen

Fire alarms

Due to the safety of all our residents, we want to make sure that our residences have at least one fire alarm in the common area and one fire alarm in the bedroom

In this regard, we will kindly ask you to inform housing@au.dk if you do not have a fire alarm in your bedroom or the common area.

Please remember to test the fire alarms regularly to make sure they work. If the fire alarms do not work, please contact housing@au.dk and we will provide you with new batteries/a new fire alarm.

Furniture and kitchen equipment

The furniture and kitchen equipment in your residence is provided by AU Housing.

If any of the furniture or kitchen equipment is missing or damaged, please contact AU Housing. If you have not yet submitted the moving-in checklist, please inform us about any missing or damaged furniture or kitchen equipment through the moving-in checklist.

The furniture and kitchen equipment must be left in the same condition and quantity as when you moved in (except for normal wear and tear). The cost of missing or damaged items will be deducted from your deposit.

Furniture:

  • Ceiling lamp
  • Window blinds
  • Bed (90x200 cm) with a top mattress and waterproof cover
  • Bed table or similar
  • Desk
  • Chair
  • Desk lamp
  • Storage

In addition to this, you will be provided with a mattress protector when you collect your keys.

Kitchen equipment:

  • 4 plates
  • 4 bowls
  • 4 glasses
  • 4 cups
  • Set of cutlery (24 parts)
  • 2 cutting boards
  • 3 trivets
  • 1 pan
  • 2-3 pots
  • Set of 3-4 knives
  • Set of kitchen utensils (palette knife, spoon, kitchen pliers) 

We do not provide kitchen equipment such as coffee machines, rice cookers, boilers or similar. If you need this type of equipment, you must buy or bring it. 

Please note, that previous tenants sometimes leave kitchen equipment that we do not provide behind. If these break, we will not replace them. 

For environmental reasons, we encourage our departing tenants to leave behind their duvet and pillow. You are free to use these items, if you bring a duvet- and pillow cover. If you do not wish to use the left-behind duvet and pillow, we encourage you to bring your own.

Please be aware that duvet and pillow covers, towels and bed sheets are not provided. We kindly ask that you bring these items with you or buy them upon your arrival. For hygienic reasons, it is mandatory to use a bed sheet during your stay. 

Please also be aware that some in residences you might need to bring or buy a network cable (LAN) to connect to the internet and a router if you have a wireless internet connection (Wi-Fi). 

Shared facilities

Indoor shared facilities: common room with kitchen, laundry facilities

Outdoor shared facilities: bicycle shed, tool shed

Laundry

The laundry room is located in the basement.

Please follow the instructions provided in the laundry room.

If you need further information about the laundry facilities, please contact the caretaker.

*If you reach an answering machine, please only leave a message if the matter is urgent. If the matter isn't urgent, please call again within the telephone hours. 

Internet

You have internet access from Bolignet-Aarhus via a wall socket. Connect your computer to the socket in the wall using a network cable (LAN) and type mit.bnaa.dk in your browser. An order page will appear, where you can register as a customer. Shortly after you have registered, you will be online.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact Bolignet-Aarhus customer service.

When calling, please press:

1: If you accept that the call is being taped for educational purposes, or

2: If you do not want the call to be taped

After this, you must wait until a person answers your call. If there are other callers before you, this might take some time.

Network cable and router
Please note that you must bring or buy a network cable (LAN) to connect to the internet. Additionally, if you wish to access the internet wirelessly (Wi-Fi), you must bring or buy a router.

Please contact Bolignet-Aarhus, if you need advice on what to bring or buy. 

Getting around

In Denmark, 50% of the population are active cyclists and around 80% own a bike. Read more about the second most cycle-mad country in Europe and other ways to get around in Aarhus. 

For your smartphone

  • Rejseplanen - Journey planner
    The easiest way to find your way around both Aarhus and Denmark is with the “Rejseplanen” (Journey Planner) app.
  • DSB 
    Finding and buying train tickets with Denmark’s national train service (DSB) is quick and easy with the DSB app.
  • Midttrafik
    The Midttrafik app allows you to buy single tickets and multiride tickets for the city buses (yellow), the regional buses (blue), and the light rail (L1 & L2) in Aarhus.
  • AU Find
    You can use the AU Find app to find information about a person, a building or a unit at Aarhus University.
  • Midttrafik live
    This app allows you to see the buses in real time and you can see updated departure times and information about the traffic. 

Getting to know Aarhus

Aarhus is situated on the Eastern coast of Jutland, the large peninsula in Denmark. The city is surrounded by the coastline and beaches to the east, forests to the south, and beautiful hills with lakes and streams to the west.

The city of Aarhus is home to more than 350,000 people, and around 14% of the city's population are students. That might explain why Aarhus was ranked as Denmark's best student city in 2021, 2022, and 2023!

Socialising and well being

Socialising and making friends

Below you can find information on how and where to socialise and make new friends. 


Well being

Below you can find help if you are struggling or need someone to talk to regarding your well-being. 

Moving out

Moving-out procedures:

  • Check the latest possible moving-out date and time
  • Arrange a moving-out inspection
  • Clear out and clean your residence
  • Return your keys
  • Deregister your address and CPR
  • Inform your Danish bank of your departure
  • Remove your name tag from the mailbox

Please review the details presented in the tabs below for additional instructions.

Latest moving-out date and time

You must move out before 9 am on the latest moving-out date, which is 3 working days before your contract ends (maintenance period).

You can find more information via the links below. 

How to change the end date of your contract

Shorten your contract

You can shorten your contract by submitting the notice of termination form before the notice deadline. Please, be aware of the latest moving-out date. 


Extend your contract

You can request an extension of your contract by contacting AU Housing a minimum of two months before your current contract ends. 

Please note, that extensions are granted in exceptional cases only. 

Moving-out inspection

You must contact AU Housing at housing@au.dk as soon as possible and at least 14 days before you move out to inform us about the date you will return your key so that we can plan the moving-out inspection accordingly.

The residence must be cleared and cleaned for the inspection. To avoid unnecessary expenses, we ask you to follow the guidelines carefully (find more information in the tabs below).

When the residence has been inspected, you can no longer access it.

Return your keys

Please return your keys to our mailbox at the International Centre (Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4A). The mailbox is located to the right of the main entrance. Put your key in an envelope clearly marked with your name and housing address and leave your residence folder in your room.

When you move out the original keys noted in the signed key agreement must be returned. If you lose any keys or the returned keys are copies of the original, you must pay for lock conversion and/or key replacement (up to 6000 DKK).

Clear out and clean your residence

When you move out, your caretaker performs an inspection. To avoid unnecessary expenses, we ask you to follow the instructions below.

Please note, that the responsibility lies with the tenant to clear out the residence, regardless of the initial state upon arrival.

Clear out your residence

  • You must throw out or take all personal belongings (including the mattress protector) with you.
  • For environmental reasons, we encourage you to leave your duvet, pillow and bed linen for the next tenant. It must be clean and in good condition. Make sure to wash it and leave it on the bed. 
  • If there is any items (e.g. food items such as spices, flour, oil etc., cleaning products, electrical devices or home decorations) that you wish to pass on to the next tenant, please leave it on the table with a note saying: "This has been left by the previous tenant. Keep what you want and discard the rest".
  • If you have your own kitchen (e.g. in studios and shared apartments) you must remove all kitchen equipment from cupboards and drawers. Make sure to clean it, put it in bags and place them on the kitchen table. Hereafter, clean all the cupboards and drawers thoroughly. If you do not remove and clean the kitchen equipment you will be deducted the cleaning costs from your deposit.
  • If you leave anything behind (aside from a clean duvet, pillow, bed linen and items on the table) you will be deducted a garbage fee of a minimum of 500 DKK (500 DKK for the first hour, hereafter 350 DKK/hour).

What to do with the bed covers, duvet, pillow and bedlinen?

Mattress protector: Make sure to take it with you or throw it out when you move out. If you don't, you will be deducted a garbage fee.

Waterproof cover: Make sure to wash it and put it back on your bed in the order shown in the image. If you don't, you will be deducted a cleaning fee. 

Top mattress: Make sure to leave it on the bed in the order shown in the image.

Duvet, pillow and bed linen: For environmental reasons, we encourage you to leave your duvet, pillow and bed linen for the next tenant. It must be clean and in good condition. Make sure to wash it and leave it on the bed. 


Clean your residence

  • You must thoroughly clean your room and the common areas according to the cleaning guidelines below.
  • If the cleaning is insufficient you will be deducted the cleaning costs from your deposit.
  • If you have your own kitchen (e.g. in studios and shared apartments) you must remove all kitchen equipment from cupboards and drawers. Make sure to clean it, put it in bags and place them on the kitchen table. Hereafter, clean all the cupboards and drawers thoroughly. If you do not remove and clean the kitchen equipment you will be deducted the cleaning costs from your deposit.

On the day we inspect your room, you are responsible for the cleanliness of the common areas. This also applies when the other tenant still lives in the apartment. 

Cleaning of common areas in shared apartments 

If you are living in a shared apartment, you must keep the common areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, clean and tidy at all times. Please do not leave any dishes unwashed. It is your responsibility, in cooperation with your roommate, to clean the kitchen, fridge, oven, and bathroom weekly. 

Please note that if you move out before or after your roommate, you will have full responsibility for the cleanliness of the common areas during your moving-out inspection.

Return your keys

Please return your keys to our mailbox at the International Centre (Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4A). The mailbox is located to the right of the main entrance. Put your key in an envelope clearly marked with your name and housing address and leave your residence folder in your room.

When you move out the original keys noted in the signed key agreement must be returned. If you lose any keys or the returned keys are copies of the original, you must pay for lock conversion and/or key replacement (up to 6000 DKK).

Deregister your address and CPR

You must contact The National Register (Folkeregistret) which is a part of Citizen Service (Borgerservice) in order for them to deregister your address and CPR.

Please state your name, CPR number, present address, your moving date and your new address.

NB: Be aware that there is a fee of 570 DKK if you do not contact The National Register in order to deregister your address and CPR. 

Terms and condition

Booking fee

1. I accept to pay a booking fee of 600 DKK when I accept a housing offer from AU Housing.  

Rent, deposit and cancellation policy

1. I accept to pay the first month’s rent and possible service agreement fee with a payment via the online system when I accept my housing offer.

2. I accept that I must pay a deposit of one to three months’ rent. More information here.

3. I accept that I will pay my rent every month on or before the last weekday before the turn of the month by credit card only via the online system. In case I don’t pay the rent on time, I accept that a fee will apply and that I will pay any costs in connection with the termination of my contract (legal fee, court costs etc.). More information here.

4. I accept that I will pay possible service agreement expenses (covering costs such as utilities, laundry, internet and furniture) every month with my rent.

5. I accept the following cancellation policy:

  • I can cancel my housing without any costs up to 14 days after I have accepted my housing offer and paid the first month’s rent.
  • I can, at any time, terminate my housing before the notice termination deadline. Find the notice termination deadline for your dorm in the online residence information (under the tab "Moving out" and sub-tab "How to change the end date of your contract"). 

6. The only way to terminate my contract is to send the notice of termination through the online form found here.

7. I accept that I must pay rent during the termination period. 

8. I accept that AU is not responsible for my possible delay due to visa, health or any other problems and that I must pay my rent until my housing is terminated even though I haven’t collected my key.

Moving in and out

1. I accept that I can move into my room on the first working day after my contract starts. If my contract starts on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday I can’t move in until the following Monday.

2. I accept that it is a prerequisite to collect my key that I submit my key collection date no later than 7 days before my arrival.

3. I accept that different moving-out dates apply to different residences depending on my leasing contract. The moving-out dates are:

  • The last working day before the contract ends, OR
  • Three working days before the contract ends, OR
  • 8 working days before the contract ends (only at Universitetsparken collegium 1, 2, 3 and 6) OR
  • Up to 2 weeks before the contract ends (maintenance period) 

4. I agree that I have read and understood the information about which of the above-mentioned moving-out dates applies to my contract. Find the notice termination deadline for your dorm in the online residence information (under the tab "Moving out" and sub-tab "Latest moving-out date and time"). 

5. I accept that I must pay rent during the maintenance period.

6. I agree that I will leave my housing in the same condition as found apart from normal wear and tear.

7. I agree to pay for neglect of my home, damaged and missing inventory, and insufficient cleaning of my room and adjoining common areas.

8. I agree that I will return the same number of keys and laundry card to the caretaker or to AU Housing as noted in the signed key agreement. If I lose any keys or the returned keys are copies of the original, I accept that I must pay for lock conversion and/or key replacement (up to 6000 DKK).

Behavior

1. I am obliged to adhere to the house rules.

2. I am obliged to pay attention to neighbours and take part in weekly cleaning of common areas (if any) and half-yearly general cleaning of common areas.

3. I am fully responsible for the room/apartment that I rent. I will pay repair costs for damages caused by me or any person visiting me.

4. I am aware that AU doesn’t provide any insurance and it is my own responsibility to acquire suitable insurance to cover any loss of my belongings.

5. I accept that my housing is a single occupancy (unless otherwise explicitly informed about in my housing offer) and that it is only permissible for the contract holder to live there.

6. I accept that I am not allowed to sublet my housing

7. I accept that smoking is not allowed neither in my room/apartment nor in any common areas.

8. I accept that I am not allowed to paint, alter or make any permanent alterations in my room/apartment.