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Should I live in a dorm or not?

  • Should I choose a dormitory or an apartment on the private market?
  • Are dormitories old buildings with a lot of noisy young students?
  • Where in Aarhus is the best place to live?
  • Is it possible to find an apartment where I can live with my friend?

These and many other questions we will try to answer in the following.


What is a dormitory?

There are many different types of dormitories in Aarhus. Some dormitories offer single rooms with shared kitchens and a strong social community, while many other dormitories consist of individual apartments where you have your own private kitchen and bathroom. If you are new to the city and want to meet new people, we recommend applying for a dormitory where students share a kitchen. This gives you the opportunity to settle in quickly and build a social circle.

If you prefer more privacy, you might want to consider one of the many dormitories consisting of small apartments (studios) where you have your own kitchen and bathroom. There are also dormitories that consist of apartments with 2, 3, or 4 rooms where residents share a  kitchen. These are also perfect if you want to live with a friend.

If you wish to live with your partner, many dormitories offer one-bedroom apartments, which include a bedroom, a living room with a kitchen, and a private bathroom. In Danish, we call these “two-room apartments,” while in English, they are referred to as “one-bedroom apartments.”

Overall, there is a wide variety of dormitories, making it possible to find one that suits you and your needs.

Who can live in a dormitory

You can live in a dormitory if you are an active student (checked twice a year) and between 18 and 35 years old. Interns (not taking exams at AU), PhD students, post docs and other staff members can not apply for housing through Student Housing Aarhus.

What is the difference between a dormitory and a regular apartment building?

Since dormitories are built with government subsidies, it is cheaper to live in a dormitory than in an apartment on the private market. In a dormitory, your neighbors will all be students (both Danish and international), and many dormitories offer common areas (such as a gym, bar, etc.) and social events.

In regular apartment buildings, your neighbors will primarily be non-student Danish residents, and there are usually no common areas or much interaction between tenants.

Is it important to live close to campus?

Aarhus is a relatively small city with good public transportation and bike lanes, so getting around is easy. You don’t necessarily have to live right next to campus or in the city center—living a bit further away won’t be inconvenient.

What if I don’t like my accommodation?

You can always terminate your lease and move if you find another place to live. Before signing your rental contract, check the notice period. In dormitories, it is typically 1-3 months, while in the private market, it is usually 3 months.

Is there a long waiting time to get housing?

No, in Aarhus, you will find many dormitories with short waiting lists, where you can get accommodation within 1-3 months.

How much does a dormitory room cost?

Most dormitory accommodations cost between 3,000 and 4,000 DKK. You can also find some that are a bit cheaper and others that are more expensive.

Are dormitories old, worn-out, and with inadequate facilities?

No. All dormitories, regardless of when they were built, are well-maintained, and the facilities are up to date.  In Aarhus, you will find both old dormitories and brand-new ones. There can be advantages to both types, so you’ll need to consider which type of accommodation you prefer.

Are dormitories only for the youngest students?

No, in the dormitories of Aarhus, you will find students aged 18-35. The majority of students living in dormitories are between 21 and 26 years old.

Are there international dormitories?

No, dormitories in Aarhus have a mix of both Danish and international students.

What about food and cleaning?

There are no dormitories in Aarhus where meals are provided. This means you have to cook for yourself, either in your own kitchen or in the shared kitchen.

You are also responsible for cleaning your own accommodation and any shared areas (together with the other residents).

Is there a lot of noise in dormitories?

In dormitories with shared kitchens, there will be social events, which can result in more noise. However, all dormitories have house rules and regulations regarding quiet hours. In dormitories with individual apartments, there is no more noise than in other residential buildings.