Details

• Denmark
• MACEMS-17
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Start your housing search early, as Copenhagen is competitive. Apply for student residences and explore Facebook housing groups; but stay alert for scams. Also, review CBS’s offered courses in advance to ensure they fit your study plan and to be ready once registration opens. With early planning, your semester in Copenhagen will run much more smoothly.

2. Accommodation

Finding housing in Copenhagen can be very challenging, so don’t rely solely on the student housing options provided by CBS. Some semesters almost all exchange students receive a spot, while in others only about half do. Start early, ask family and friends for connections, and use Facebook groups; just stay alert for scams. I stayed in a shared apartment in Frederiksberg, which is where many exchange students also live (along with Valby). Living in Frederiksberg is especially convenient, as you can reach the university by bike within minutes. Expect high rents across all types of housing, including student residences, typically around €800–1200 per month. CBS is located in Frederiksberg, about 15–20 minutes outside Copenhagen’s city center, so if you choose to live downtown, be prepared for a longer commute by bike or public transport.

3. Academic life at host university

The CBS campus is spread across several buildings in Frederiksberg, so it feels less centralized than WU’s single-campus layout. Moving between buildings is normal and everything is well connected. Academically, the teaching style is similar to WU’s CEMS courses: small classes, interactive discussions, and a practical, MBA-like approach. Students and professors use the informal “du”, which creates a relaxed and open atmosphere. Attendance is usually not mandatory. Exams vary widely, ranging from group assignments and individual papers to oral exams based on written hand-ins or sit-in exams on CBS computers. Make sure to check typical exam periods early so you can plan around internships or travel and avoid scheduling conflicts after classes end. However, sometimes it is hard to understand what you are graded on since CBS insists on their learning objectives and checks if you met them. But sometimes it is hard to figure out on how to actually meet them.

5. Every day life in the host country

In Copenhagen you’ll mainly get around by bike, it’s the fastest and most convenient way to move through the city. Public transport is reliable and well connected, but also quite expensive. Many students choose Swapfiets for an affordable bike rental option. The city is extremely safe, supported by Denmark’s trust-based culture, and you can move around comfortably at any time of day. Social life is a major highlight. CBS hosts a big semester start party, which is a great way to meet other exchange and local students right at the beginning. Beyond that, the city is full of activities: swimming in the canals, saunas, great restaurants, FC Copenhagen matches, parks, bars, sightseeing, and concerts at Tivoli. Popular sports options include running clubs, padel, and of course daily biking.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at CBS was an amazing experience, shaped by Copenhagen’s vibrant student life and unique culture. I loved the interactive classes and the relaxed academic atmosphere. Biking everywhere quickly became part of daily life, and the city felt incredibly safe. Social activities were endless, from CBS’s semester start party to canal swims, parks, and concerts. Altogether, the mix of academic quality, city lifestyle, and international community made my semester truly special.