How to save money in Denmark

Living in Denmark can be quite expensive. There is no way of getting around that. Here is a list of money-saving tips for students headed to the land of Vikings:

1. Entertainment - The Best Things In Life Are Free

It can be hard to find something cheap to do in your spare time, but there are actually activities that you can do for free.

Firstly, if you are living in Copenhagen what better way of enjoying the summer than by diving into the Island Brygge Harbour Bath. Secondly, the ZULU Sommerbio is another form of entertainment that is free of charge. It is free outdoor cinemas that are being set up all over Denmark during the summer, where you can watch relatively new movies while enjoying a cold beverage.

Finally, many museums and other cultural activities are free of charge for students, which are perfect to start exploring when the weather gets colder. To stay updated on free, local activities it might be an idea to join a local Facebook group or similar digital local initiative.    

2. Student Discounts

Students make up a significant part of many Danish cities, both in well-known cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, but also in smaller cities like Odense and Aalborg.

Businesses want you and your friends to choose them over their competitors, so many of them offer good discounts if you have a student ID.

Your school will often be able to provide an overview of local student discounts, but it might be a good idea to ask businesses for discounts yourself. There are also different apps for your smartphone where you can find discounts - both if you are a student or not.

 3. Travelling

Enjoy your time at campus while you are studying in Denmark, but be sure to see the country when you have time to spare.

Travelling by bus is the cheapest alternative, but if you plan your trip two or three weeks in advance, you will very often be able to find discounted train tickets. The Danish state owned rail company DSB offers discounts to students, which makes it a little cheaper.

4. Grocery Shopping

Grocery stores do not offer student discounts, but you can still shop there relatively cheap, if you know what to look for.

Danish grocery chains compete fiercely with one another. Not only will they have big discounts on certain popular products, but they also have their own exclusive brands that they use to lure you inside.

Look for cheap store brands - they will cover all your basic needs and save you a lot. And consider meal planning so you shop less times (and thereby get less tempted) and focus on using up the ingredients already in your fridge or kitchen cabinets.

5. Madpakke - packed lunch 

Cooking food at home is quite popular in Denmark, and in order to save money many Danish students choose to do this most of the week.

Many students pack a lunch box that they bring to class instead of paying for lunch at the cafeteria or restaurant. Danish students have been used to "rugbrødsmadder" (open faced sandwiches with rye bread) as their madpakke for their entire upbringing.

If you can grow accustomed to the culture of bringing your own food combined with shopping for cheap brands, money will stay in your pocket. So, if you want to embrace the Danish food culture, and have a cheap lunch, you should try to bring some rugbrødsmadder.

Enjoy your time in Denmark — and saving money!

(Source: CupoNation and Study in Denmark)