Danish Student Unions & Community Support: ESN Denmark Guide

Join the Community & Student Support (ESN Denmark)

ESN Denmark

The Erasmus Student Network operates active local chapters across all major university cities (Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg), supporting both EU and Non-EU international students.

- The ESNcard: Make sure to secure your official ESNcard immediately upon arrival. It is your ultimate ticket to international student events, local welcome parties, and massive discounts across Europe (including special perks for Ryanair flights and FlixBus routes).

Student unions

Every major university in Denmark has a central student association (the equivalent of a student union). They are completely legal, have huge budgets and organize weekly events.

Studenterrådet (The Student Council)

There are at the University of Copenhagen (KU), Aarhus University (AU) and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). They are the largest organizations. They defend students' rights, organize concerts, opening festivals and job fairs.

PF (Polyteknisk Forening)

The student association at DTU (Technical University of Denmark), extremely strong for engineers and technical students.

The Friday Bars (Fredagsbar) – Danish Cultural Specifics

This is the most important opportunity for social integration in Denmark. Each faculty/department has its own bar or space where every Friday volunteers (students) sell beer and soft drinks at very low prices for students.

- It is the main place where international students make friends with Danish students.

- They are run exclusively by volunteer associations within the faculties.

Career and Business Organizations (International)

For students who want to find a part-time job in Denmark (especially essential for Non-EU who have limited work rights), these organizations offer business networking:

AIESEC Denmark

Present in major cities (Copenhagen, Aarhus). Helps students with internships, global volunteering and developing leadership skills.

Danish Students Abroad

(DSA) Although focused on expatriate Danes, their local network offers support and cultural exchanges for international communities.

Studenterhuset (The Student House)

In the big cities (Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg) there is a “Studenterhuset” – a huge café/cultural center owned by non-profit student associations.

- It is a cultural hub where students can go to study, drink cheap coffee, play board games or participate in international quiz nights.

- Opportunity: Students can sign up as volunteers at the bar or organizing events, which is the fastest way to get local connections.