Study Start Master's Programmes
At Roskilde University, the Autumn semester officially starts on 1 September and the Spring semester starts on 1 February. In order to make the most of the introduction programmes and get settled in your new surroundings, you should plan to arrive about two weeks before semester start.
We offer four types of introduction programmes to give you the best start as a new student at a master's programme or for your prerequisite studies:
1. Foundation Course
Roskilde University wishes to give all international students the best possible introduction to your studies here. We therefore strongly encourage you to participate in the Foundation Course before study start, where you will be introduced to:
- the history and philosophy of Roskilde University
- the learning principles and approaches to studying and research
- practical information about the daily study life
Furthermore, you will get a helping hand concerning practical matters when moving to Denmark, and an insight into Danish culture and language. The Foundation Course is a chance to meet people and build a social network before study start. Participants have found the course to be of great value to their further studies at RUC.
The Foundation Course is an overall unique opportunity to get a good start on a successful stay at Roskilde University. Keep the dates in your calendar for this free, comprehensive introduction to RUC for all new international students, taking place from 20 to 29 January 2020.
Course description and sign up >
2. Introduction at your Master's programme
In addition to the Foundation Course, you will be able to get a hands-on introduction to your studies at your master’s programme. Details about locations and dates will be available in the information about your programme at study.ruc.dk.
3. Info café about Special Needs and Support
Wednesday January 29th from 3.15 - 5.15 pm, there will be an info café about Special Needs and Support for students with dyslexia, a mental and/or physical disability. You do not need to sign up for the info café. Please read more about the info café here.
4. Social event
At Roskilde University, we place high value on a good study environment. We believe that a good social network is an essential part of a good study environment in which our students can thrive. You have a chance to meet your fellow students at the Social Event at the Student House, where there will be snacks, free coffee and games. The Social Event will take place Friday January 31st from 2.30 pm in the Student House (building 13). You do not need to sign up for this event.
Practical Info for Study Start
At the web page “New Master's Student”, we have gathered all the information relevant concerning your study start: Introduction programmes, course registration, course dates, SU (student grant) and much more. The information is relevant both for students at prerequisite studies and for students with direct admission to a master’s programme.
Accommodation
Global network: Housing Anywhere
As you will soon prepare for your studies at Roskilde University, we encourage you to find a room before your arrival. Roskilde University supports the global network Housing Anywhere, which is a peer-to-peer platform where people can rent out rooms to international students.
Sign-up to receive a Roskilde University VIP profile on HousingAnywhere.com >
As a student, intern, PhD candidate, researcher, or visiting professor of Roskilde University you are entitled to priority access to all accommodation available on HousingAnywhere.com. The platform allows you to choose from rooms listed by local students or verified landlords and securely book prior to your arrival.
For more information, check the local guide on living in Roskilde
Keep in mind: The housing market in Roskilde is very seasonal. So if you don’t find a room listed right away check back regularly.
Do you need more information or have a specific question? Send an email to vip@housinganywhere.com and be treated with priority.
Links to tips and tricks on how to find accommodation
Check out our brochure Getting Started for tips and tricks on how to find accommodation.
You can find a lot of useful information in the International Students' Survival Guide to life in Denmark – also on how to find accommodation.
Are you eligible to receive Student Grant (SU)?
If you are not a Danish citizen, you must fulfil specific conditions in order to be entitled to Student Grant (SU).
Info about SU at the website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science >
NOTE: If you are entitled to SU, you will only receive SU during the master’s programme. If you are admitted to prerequisite studies, you are not entitled to receive SU for the duration of the prerequisite studies.
Public Transportation Discount
If you are a student at a master’s programme, you can apply for a public transportation pass known as an "Ungdomskort".
NOTE: You are only able to get the discount during your master’s programme. If you are admitted to prerequisite studies, you will not be able to obtain the public transportation discount for the duration of the prerequisite studies.
Handbook for New International Students
Read the handbook Getting Started with information for new international students. It offers a lot of hands-on information regarding student life at RUC and your stay in Denmark, for example, what to do before your stay in Denmark and what to do upon arrival and much more.
Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme is a face-to-face introduction to Denmark facilitated by current students at Roskilde University. You get an informal introduction to student life at the University. The Buddy Programme will also host common social events for all international and local buddies throughout the semester.
Register before semester start. We will pair you with a local buddy in a small buddy group. You will have a friend from day one. Somebody who won't only help you around campus, but also somebody to go for dinner, lunch, parties and all sort of things with. Also, many fun activities will be arranged by Roskilde University exclusively for the Buddy Programme.
Read more and sign up for the Buddy Programme >
Learning Danish
While most Danes speak English quite well, learning Danish while studying in Denmark will benefit you at your study place, in your social life and in terms of finding a job in Denmark.
Different options for Danish language courses are available depending on where you live. Check the website of your local municipality for more information.
Directions to Roskilde University
Get a map over Roskilde University campus and directions on how to get to Roskilde University
Survival Guide
Get the International Students Survival Guide to life in Denmark - made by students to students.
The Student House RUC
Student House RUC is an open and inclusive gathering place for all students at Roskilde University, where you can hold meetings, organize events, assembled on activities and meet for social and professional interaction.
International Club - Roskilde University
The International Club (IC) is a political but non-partisan and social organisation aiming to promote international students at Roskilde University. Visit us at Facebook.
Campus Roskilde University
Life at the university is more than attending classes and conducting research. On campus there are many facillities for sports and social time together, indoors and outdoors.
A short guide to Roskilde University
RUC on the go is a short guide to Roskilde University for new students. It follows the tradition of other travel guides that usually includes information about must-see sights, local lingo and historical highlights. In RUC on the go you find a phrase book, facts on the university, an introduction to the university’s political system, institutional accreditation and our educational model.