Students told to commute to studies

While there is tough competition for student housing in cities, there is still cheap housing available for students willing to commute

A record number of students are increasing the already tough competition for affordable student housing in Denmark’s largest cities.

According to the Ministry of Housing, there are only 64,423 cheap homes set aside for Denmark’s 247,260 students.

The lack of housing for students means that many have to live in temporary accommodation well after their studies start, which is unacceptable according to Jakob Ruggard, the chairman of the student’s union, Danske Studerendes Fællesråd.

“This should not be the situation in a country like Denmark where we hope to become the most highly educated generation ever,” Ruggard told public broadcaster DR. “If you don’t have a roof over your head and a place to meet your study group, you have the worst possible start to your studies.”

The housing spokesperson for the Socialdemokraterne, Jan Johansen, agreed that there is too little student housing to meet the demand in the cities, but countered that there is housing available for students who are willing to commute.

“Students may have to commute just like those in the labour market,” Johansen told DR, dismissing arguments that students perform better when they live near their studies. “Some people will have to commute in order to take their education because not everyone can live near their place of study. It is simply not possible.”

According to DR, while there are 9,000 students on waiting lists for student housing in Copenhagen there is housing available in the towns of Næstved and Helsingør which are about 45 minutes away by train. A railway pass for commuting students, Ungdomskort, costs 587 kroner a month.

Despite the long waiting lists, the Housing Ministry stated in a press release today that nine out of ten students don’t need student housing and manage to find their homes on their own by scouring the housing market.

The ministry stated that it was never the government’s goal that all students should be housed in student housing and that many will choose to live alone or with friends in apartments found on the open market.

Despite the success of most students in finding a place to live, the housing, urban and rural affairs minister, Carsten Hansen (Socialdemokraterne), stated that the the government would keep track of the situation.

“The government’s ambitious education policies have created more students and resulted in the need for more accommodation,” Hansen stated in the press release. “That is why the government has improved the opportunities for councils to build more housing for youths and students. We are already seeing these positive results.”




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.