Study Start Master's Programmes
The official semester start is September 1 for the autumn semester and February 1 for the spring semester. However, we encourage you to participate in the Foundation Course prior to semester start. We offer 3 types of introduction programmes to give you the best start as a new master's students:
Foundation Course
The Foundation Course is an introduction to the Danish culture and language, the unique study environment at Roskilde University, introduction to how to be a student at the university as well as to the characteristic problem oriented project work at Roskilde University. The course is free of charge for and runs from August 21 to August 30.
Read more and sign up for the Foundation Course
Introduction at your Master's programme
The programme introduction at your master's programme contains important information about courses and workshops. The introduction takes place August 31.
Find information about when and where in the information about your programme at kursus.ruc.dk.
Social Event at the Student House
Join this social event on August 31 between 14:00 and 18:00 as a completion of the introduction day at your programme. The Student House invites all new students to this event – there will be cake, quiz and barbeque for all participants.
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
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.
There are also other options such as Findbolig.nu, Findroommate.dk, Akutbolig.dk, Lejebolig.dk or Boligbasen.dk.
You can also check out our brochure ‘Getting Started’ for tips and tricks on finding accommodation.
It is very difficult to find affordable accommodation last minute. Therefore, we encourage you to use this or other safe platforms for booking prior to your arrival.
There are also groups on Facebook where you can look for rooms. However, you should be careful of scammers on social media.
Are eligible to receive Student Grant?
If you are not a Danish citizen, you must fulfil special conditions in order to be entitled to Student Grant (SU).
Read about SU at the website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science
If you are admitted to prerequisite studies, please note that you are not entitled to receive SU during these studies. If you are entitled to SU, you will only receive SU during the master’s programme.
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".
Guide to public transportation discount (pdf)
If you are admitted to prerequisite studies, please note that you will not be able to obtain the public transportation discount during these studies. You are only able to get the discount during your master’s programme.
Handbook for New International Students
You should read the handbook “Getting Started” with information for new international students. It offers information e.g. regarding student life at Roskilde University and your stay in Denmark including what to do before your stay in Denmark and what to do upon arrival.
Mentor Programme
The mentor programme is a face-to-face introduction to Denmark given by a current student at the university. The point is to give an informal introduction to student life at Roskilde University.
Mentors are very useful to have as a first connection after arrival. A mentor helps international students to have a much better experience at RUC.
Feel free to e-mail us at mentor@ruc.dk with questions, comments etc. about the mentor programme.
You can sign up to get a mentor at www.mentor.ruc.dk
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.
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.
Roskilde University on Flickr
See pictures of Roskilde University on Flickr
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.