Handbook - DIS · The first chapter of this handbook deals with you and your roommate: From the...

Handbook

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Congratulations! You have been assigned a Rented Room because we are positive you will thrive in such a unique and independent setting.

DIS has interviewed and visited your Rented Room host and we are taking the time to place you in just the right apartment for you, based on your letters and the other information you have given DIS. Through sharing an apartment, you will gain an authentic feel of the life that many young people in Denmark live. We sincerely hope that you are looking forward to the exciting journey you are about to embark on.

In this handbook you will find guidelines to assist you in making your life in Denmark as pleasant as possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or questions in regard to your housing.

All the Best,

Mia PriskornManager, Host TeamDIS Housing & Student Affairs

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It is our department’s mission to support students studying at DIS by offering the highest standard of housing, guidance, and support within the study abroad field, while also ensuring a quality experience for our partners and stakeholders.

Our team is in charge of the recruitment of hosts, and the matching of students and their hosts. We are here to help you and your roommate when needed and you are always welcome to set up a meeting with us via e-mail. You can contact the host team, if you experience any problems or have questions in relation to living with a roommate. We can be reached during regular office hours Monday – Friday at [email protected]

Phone: (+45) 3376 5446 E-mail : [email protected]: DIS Vestergade 8

I believe that you learn from the whole experience when you study abroad. My team and I are here to help you get the most out of your time in Denmark. Sometimes you will experience cultural differences as overwhelming. That is when we can help you.

- Mia Priskorn, Manager, Host Team

CONTACT INFORMATION

Mia Priskorn Host Team ManagerMia holds a master’s degree in Anthropology from University of Copenhagen. She has done fieldwork examining the relations between international students and Danish families for her thesis that dealt with kinship in homestays. She also was an exchange student herself in Argentina when she was 18 years old. Mia has been with DIS since 2005 and in 2018 she gained her Master’s Degree in Conflict Mediation.

Lea Weber Host Team CoordinatorLea holds a master’s degree in Cultural Encounters and Communication from Roskilde University. She is specialized in multiculturalism and intercultural communication and has previously worked as a teaching assistant and external lecturer for the Child Development and Diversity Program at DIS. She has been with DIS since 2014.

Jesper HansenHost Retainment OfficerJesper holds a master’s degree in Political Science and a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Culture – both from Aarhus University. He is specialized in American Politics and Culture. He has previously worked with public and private fundraising as well as project management within sustainable development. Jesper has been with DIS since 2014.

The first chapter of this handbook deals with you and your roommate: From the first e-mail exchange you share to everyday communication

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Living in a Rented RoomLiving with a roommate is a two-way street. The DIS roommates are opening up their homes to you and we expect that you will make an effort to become a part of your new home. DIS students and their roommates often have valuable learning experiences together but nothing comes automatically: You have to respect each other, each other’s schedules, and have a curious and generous approach to each other.

Preparing for the SemesterA complete lack of nerves and thoughts prior to the semester would be concerning. If you have second thoughts before moving in with a complete stranger, you should commend yourself. You are displaying a natural reaction to a different and somewhat stressful situation. A representative from DIS has visited your new home to ensure that it meets the standards of our program and we are taking the time to place you in the right home for you, based on your letters and the other information you have given DIS, as well as the wishes stated by your roommate.

We hope that you will settle in to your new home nicely and that you and your roommate will learn a lot from each other. We sincerely hope that you are looking forward to this exciting journey that you are about to embark on.

Making ContactRemember that your experience abroad starts prior to crossing the Atlantic, and that the initial contact can make the first encounter smoother for both you and your roommate.Once you have received the information about ho your roommate will be, we recommend that you consider how to contact her/him. Your roommate may be one step ahead of you, but if you have yet to hear from her/him, we recommend that you write your roommate an e-mail, where you suggest that you talk on the phone or on Skype. Prior to your talk, we also recommend that you think about things you would like to ask your roommate; both about who she/he is, but also about practical matters about the household. You may want to make a list of topics you would like to cover in your conversations.

What if the e-mail bounces back?As you are e-mailing your roommate from abroad it sometimes happens that e-mails are intercepted by a spam filter: Try sending the e-mail from another e-mail account, calling your roommate, or contacting them via Facebook. If you are still having difficulties after trying these things, you are welcome to contact the Host Team for help to establish the connection.

By living in a Rented Room you will strengthen your intercultural communication skills by interacting with a young Copenhagener on a daily basis. You will furthermore acquire life skills such as keeping house and managing a budget.

The Rented Room Program thus fosters personal maturing over the semester and teaches students to see life from the perspective of other people.

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Who are the Roommates?Our roommates come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. DIS aims at offering a great diversity of roommates, in order to reflect the realities of Danish society today.

A roommate may be single or may be a young couple. You may also be living with several roommates. We usually pair our students with a roommate of the same sex. However, we sometimes match students of opposite sexes if we estimate that this match is the best. Also, some roommates may have other ethnic backgrounds than Danish. At DIS we believe that this enriches the exchange between the DIS Roommates and the student.

All roommates receive rent equivalent to what they would otherwise get for renting out a furnished room. The rent DIS pays includes utilities, such as water and heat. The rent does not cover your meals and in some cases you will be required to pay to use the laundry facilities. DIS will compensate you with a laundry stipend in those cases.

The ApartmentDIS has signed a contract on your behalf with your new roommate that guarantees you a furnished bedroom and usage of a bathroom and kitchen.

If there is a shared area, such as a living room or dining room, you must reach an agreement with your new roommate on the usage privileges for each space. The furniture within the apartment all belongs to your roommate; please be respectful of his/her belongings.

Who are the students living in the Rented Room housing option? • You are mature, independent, and you can

look after yourself.• You can cook and you understand that you

are responsible for paying for your own groceries.

• You understand that your roommate has his/her own life and won’t always be around; your roommate may even be away on vacation for part of the semester.

• You understand what it takes to live in a shared apartment and you will be respectful and responsible.

• You are prepared to do your fair share of house chores.

• You will wash your own clothes and dishes. You will also help pay for cleaning products, toilet paper, etc.

• You will clean your room thoroughly and regularly throughout the semester and when you move out.

• You will treat the apartment as if it were your own.

Getting to Know the House RulesIt may be the first time that you have to live on your own in a city. As you will be living with someone you have to find a way to function together. This will naturally pose some challenges, and there are house rules that you will have to follow. We suggest that you consult the section in this book about clear communication for suggestions for how to ask your roommate about house rules (see page 31).

DIS encourages you to engage in an honest conversation with your roommate. We suggest that you sit down with your roommate during the first week of your stay and discuss what your time together is going to be like. A good idea is to start by sharing why you have chosen to live with a roommate, the most important thing is however, that you both establish an open line of communication, and that you both are ready to ask questions if anything is unclear.

Your RoomYour room is temporarily yours. However, keep in mind that it is situated in your roommate’s home, and that you need to be able to “return” it in a nice state when your stay is over. Ask your roommate what she/he expects of you in terms of order, and be sure to read more about this important subject under Chores on page 27.

Studying Abroad with your Partner?You may be studying abroad with your boyfriend or girlfriend, and while your relationship is important, we kindly remind you to consider that your roommate only has agreed to rent out the room to one person. We know from past students that some roommates just love getting to know an “extra student” really well through their roommate’s partner! However, for a few roommates, having a student with a partner at DIS proved to be a challenge.Either their student was not home and engaging with the them as much as they were looking forward to, because the student was hanging out with her/his partner somewhere else. Or, to the other extreme, their student and her/his partner were sleeping over most nights and spending a lot of time together at the roommate’s home. Your roommate has only agreed to host you – please be attentive to both your roommate and your partner.

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All DIS roommates have this in common:

• They are excited about hosting and welcoming a new person into their home.

• They speak English at conversational level• The commute from their house to DIS is 30

minutes or less• They have a furnished room for you.• They all received a visit from DIS before

having their first student live with them.

Students have previously found it a good icebreaker to bring a present that tells something about who they are. Consider if your home state is known for a specific condiment or treat that will easily fit in your suitcase.

Please make the following clear to yourself and your roommate:1. What are your expectations for the

semester, and how much time do you think that you will spend on your roommate, homework, travelling, hanging out with your peers, immersion activities etc.? - Will you need to adjust your expectations?

2. When does your roommate expect you to be quiet on school nights? And on weekends?

3. Is it ok with your roommate that your boyfriend/girlfriend is spending the night?

4. Do you have to let your roommate know if you are not spending the night at home/travelling?

5. What are the laundry procedures?6. What are the cleaning procedures?7. How do you connect to the internet?8. Does your roommate use text

messaging for day-to-day communication? What are you used to back home?

Remember: Four months will fly by!Think about how much time you will spend on homework, doing activities with your roommate, traveling, hanging out with your peers, immersion activities, etc.

Also include time for sleeping, having meals and commuting in your plans.

Will you need to adjust your expectations?

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The following pages deal with challenges that students can face over the semester. You may not experience these but based on previous semesters we know that many students do face some of these.

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IsolationLiving with a roommate is different than being in a homestay or staying at a kollegium, and it is not uncommon to feel isolated at first. The closest DIS student could be miles away and you will have to find a balance between being abroad and staying in touch with people back home. Consider how you settle in to your new home and how you can make people back home a part of your experience abroad. That being said, you have to balance between home and away. Students from previous semesters have enjoyed introducing their friends and families back home to their roommate and their new home over Skype. Likewise, your roommate is also bound to enjoy a live introduction to your loved ones back home.

One of the greatest challenges you may face when living with a roommate is the feeling of missing out. You cannot avoid comparing your experience to the ones of students living in for example a Residential Community or at a kollegium surrounded by other students. Remember that no two experiences abroad are the same and that this is about you building a unique experience, not trying to copy what everyone else is doing. By living with a roommate, you get the opportunity to get to know people your age living in Denmark while having a high level of independence you would not have in other housing options through DIS.

How Do I Combat the Feeling of Isolation? The first thing you need to do is to welcome that you are in a specific housing type. It is not constructive to compare your situation to the situation of someone in a different housing option, as all they all hold their own pros and cons. When you have accepted that living with a roommate might pose some logistical challenges for your interaction with other DIS students, you can start exploring the ways it opens up for new experiences. Be honest when you talk to your roommate and let her/him know if you feel isolated.

You are also encouraged to use your fellow students. Previous Rented Room students have enjoyed arranging weekly food clubs where they take turns cooking for each other. This is not just a great way to socialize with people but it also saves money. You are also invited to take advantage of many of the past time offers you have access to through DIS. On top of that, you are reminded that you have membership to the local student union, Studenterhuset. Here you can volunteer, attend socials and concerts, or just hang out after class. Finally please go to the DIS arranged events that will happen during the semester - and remember, DIS is here for you. You are always welcome to contact The Host Tem if you feel like you need to speak to someone.

Staying Connected It is a fine balance to both keep in touch with family and friends back home - and to invest time in your study abroad. Please bear this in mind throughout the semester and strive for a healthy balance.

Door CultureFor you, an open door might signal that people are welcome to come in and talk; a closed door on the other hand, could signal that you would rather not be disturbed.

This is however not always the case in Denmark. Especially during the winter, people might want to keep their doors closed at all times to keep in the heat. Please keep this in mind, and remember to ask your rommate if you are in doubt!

DIS will arrange a couple of social events for all students, and sometimes their rented room hosts as well, so that students living in this housing option can meet each other. The first weekend of the semester, DIS sponsors and arranges a Jump start event for everyone.

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Everything is new - Adjustment PeriodIt is completely natural to experience adjustment issues such as discomfort when moving to a new country, and that is most likely going to happen when settling into your new home. Perhaps you experienced a similar thing when you first moved away for college. Now you are in a new country, living with a stranger who speaks a language you don’t understand. When settling into your new home you may also experience that it takes an effort to adjust, not only to the way of living, but also to the pace and rhythm of your new setting. Do not worry: You are not the only one feeling this way, it is perfectly normal and the Host Team is here to help and support you if you need to talk to someone about it.

You will most likely also experience a feeling of information-overload during the first couple of weeks. This feeling will be compounded by jetlag and fatigue, connected with getting used to finding your way in a new city, getting to know new people and the unfamiliarity of a new language.Finally, it is a natural and valid emotion to feel homesick. Homesickness can be connected with thoughts regarding people you miss, your family, friends or a partner, but it can also be more general and circle around things you miss back home, such as living on campus, driving your car, or eating specific foods. These feelings are all part of a natural transition period into your new surroundings.

is actually criticizing them. On the other hand, it can also make some Americans feel like people from Denmark are being unnecessarily rude in some situations.

Another general feature that can be observed, is a lack of political correctness in Denmark. Danish is said to be loaded with irony and sarcasm, and it might be difficult for a newcomer to see through a rather harsh discourse. One explanation is the above-mentioned directness.

In addition, in Danish history multiculturalism is a relatively new phenomenon. This is in contrast to the US as a country of immigration and a strong civil rights movement.

The best way to handle these differences is to invite an open dialogue where you question what you have observed in a respectful manner. Here it is helpful if you explain how a similar utterance or situation could be interpreted by you. A general rule of thumb is trying to “stay on your own court”, and not to be afraid of entering into the contradictions and multiple voices and views of your own country.

Differences in ways of livingIt may be the first time you have to live with people from a different country. The possible differences between you and your roommate can be a great point of departure for learning and for having interesting conversations with each other, but it can also lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. When entering into a meeting like this, you will bring an intersection of identities, expectations about the other, and perhaps previous experiences of dealing with other people, other nationalities, and personalities. When approaching your roommate do your best not to consider her/him primarily as a ‘Dane’ that is expected to live up to a series of stereotypes about values, habits and quirks. Rather see her/him as an individual shaped by her/his personal history.

Some general features can however be carefully observed about people from Denmark, for instance in the mode of communication. You may observe that some people might tend to be a bit more direct when delivering a message, whereas, in some cases, people in America might prefer to wrap things up in euphemisms and polite terms.This can lead to some Danes feeling that they are receiving praise when someone

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1. Realize that what you are feeling may be connected with adjusting to a new setting. Do not be hard on yourself if things that usually seem manageable suddenly become overwhelming.

2. Try to learn the basics about Denmark and your roommate. Ask questions if there is something you do not understand or if something seems unclear.

3. Always ask yourself if you are stereotyping based on knowledge of Denmark, or if you are dealing with specific quirks of the person or the system you are dealing with.

4. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings in a respectful manner.

5. Take good care of yourself. Make sure that you eat well, get the sleep you need, and exercise on a daily basis.

6. Focus on the familiar parts of everyday life and daily routines and ask yourself how challenging situations can become routine.

7. Set goals that are attainable and commend yourself when you reach them.

8. Engage yourself with your roommate and people at DIS through various immersion opportunities.

9. Map out your support system: Who can you talk to about your feelings - in your rented room, at DIS, and when talking to people back home?

10. Maintain your sense of humor.

The DIS Care Team is trained to help you, and therefore has support services available to you throughout your time at DIS. To book an appointment, send them an e-mail at [email protected] with a brief description of what you would like to discuss with them, and you will be answered within one business day.

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The third chapter of this handbook deals with the practical aspects of living in a Rented Room. DIS expects that you will make an effort to become an active part of the household. This includes taking part in everyday chores, taking on the challenge of the commute and attempting to become a part of your local community.

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Commute When living with a roommate, you can expect a 30 minute commute from door-to-door in order to get to class. Unless you are from a big city it is most likely totally new that you have to take public transportation on a daily basis, and it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by this at first. DIS provides you with a transportation pass that covers the commute from your rented room to class. Depending on the location of your housing, you may also be able to use it for additional travels in greater Copenhagen. As a minimum you will be able to travel on all forms of public transportation in zone 1 and 2, which is the most central part of Copenhagen.

Get the Most Out of Your CommuteStudents from previous semesters have highlighted their daily commute as an opportunity to get some reading done. Others have made use of the free WiFi you find on many busses and trains. Regardless of how you choose to spend your daily commute, you are encouraged to do something constructive or worthwhile with your time, be it people watching or studying. Commuting is a condition when choosing to live in the city. A part of your daily commute may be riding a bike. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Danish traffic code and the advice on staying safe in the traffic that DIS provides in the section on cycling in Copenhagen on the DIS website and in the DIS cycle handbook.

Familiarize yourself with the online journey planner service journeyplanner.dk You can also download this service as an app for smartphones and tablets.

LaundryMost of you will have access to laundry facilities in the apartment or somewhere within the complex. For some of you this will be included in the rent that DIS pays, but for some of you it is not included. If this is the case you should already have received information on your laundry stipend that can be picked up at the Student Life Information Desk. Please keep in mind that the stipend is meant to go towards your laundry expenses for the entire semester.

Talk about the uncomfortableAs a point of departure, you can start out by asking your roommate about daily chores early in the semester. Use the section on Clear Communication to get inspiration for the conversation (see page 31).

There are some very basic guidelines that one can take for granted. For instance, it is considered customary to keep a certain level of personal hygiene that includes a daily shower (and change of underwear), as well as brushing your teeth in the morning and before going to sleep. Also that you keep your room clean and avoid leaving dirty plates, old food, waste and what else might attract bugs in your room.

DIS advices that you be curious and proactive when talking about cleanliness and order with your roommate. It can be difficult and uncomfortable for your roommate to have to keep reminding someone to clean the toilet or wash their hands before dinner, as cleanliness and personal hygiene can be considered, to some extent, taboo. So a good tip is to be extra alert and pay special attention to this subject. Having an open dialogue will avoid potential confusion and miscommunication.

Questions regarding chores

1. What are the cleaning procedures in your housing, and what chores are expected of you on a daily or weekly basis?

2. How often are you expected to to air out your room?

3. What are the laundry procedures in your housing?

Household ChoresWhen living with a roommate, you are expected to partake in everyday housework. Please consider the questions below when discussing this matter with your roommate.

A common theme in the challenges regarding household chores that reach us in the Host Team, is that students and roommates have different ideas about how to go about the most basic everyday tasks. This could for instance be that there are two different ideas about the acceptable level of cleanliness, the use of linens, and customs like when to use the toilet brush, etc. What is evident to one person or household may not be evident to someone else.

DIS advises that you make a schedule for cleaning the apartment together early on in the semester. This will help avoid confusion and possible miscommunications. It is also recommended that you offer to split the cost of the cleaning products with your roommate.

http://disabroad.org/copenhagen/student-resource/transportation-in-and-around-copenhagen/biking-in-copenhagen/

http://disabroad.org/copenhagen/student-resource/transportation-in-and-around-copenhagen/biking-in-copenhagen/

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Different RoutinesMany city apartments in Copenhagen only have one bathroom to share. For this reason, it may be necessary to coordinate your routines a bit, in order for you and your roommate to have time to both use the bathroom.

We also recommend that you discuss when you usually use the kitchen, so you and your roommate avoid standing on top of each other while cooking.

Finally you may have to discuss your daily schedule with your roommate. Some students tend to work at night when everyone is asleep. You are of course in charge of your own sleeping schedule but please make sure you do not disturb or wake up your roommate. The same goes if you get home late at night or if you have to skype people back home after your roommate has gone to bed.

Sustainable LivingMany people in Denmark aim at living a sustainable lifestyle and the state is actively trying to encourage it’s citizens to limit the use of resources through ‘green taxes’. It is common that the population of Denmark is very conscious about their use of electricity, gas, water, and heat. This is likely the case in your housing, too. Consider how this compares to what you are used to and do not be afraid of asking questions.

Bathroom Habits 1. Who uses which bathrooms when, and for how

long?2. For how long do you usually shower – and

does that work for your roommate?3. Where should you hang wet towels to dry? 4. Can you keep your toiletries in the bathroom,

or should they stay in your room?

Conservation of Resources • Avoid taking long showers• Do not keep the water running when you wash

your dishes, brush your teeth, or shampoo your hair while showering

• Do not have the heat on when you have a window open

• Remember to turn down the heat when you leave the house

• Remember to turn off electric appliances when you leave your room – the light, your laptop and so on—and unplug your cell phone charger whenever you are not charging your phone

• Only wash full loads of laundry. Wait till you can fill the machine – you will save water and electricity

Surviving on a budgetA challenge many students face over the course of the semester, is how to make ends meet. Prices are substantially higher in Denmark than they are in the U.S. There are, however, ways to get by without breaking the bank.

Food and General Housing SuppliesDIS provides you with a partial food stipend to assist with the cost of food throughout the semester. Your roommate is not required to buy food for you, however, you may choose to split the costs at times when you cook together. Regardless, it is a good idea to discuss how the cost of general housing supplies are to be split between you and your roommate. Use the first night to do so. Are you splitting the cost for toilet paper, cleaning supplies and food staples such as flour, salt and sugar?

1. Pack a lunch2. Buy a thermos and bring

coffee to DIS3. Use student discounts (see

more info on the DIS Canvas)

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Your room• Clean your room at least every two weeks

(incl. putting all items in their proper place, wiping all surfaces with a damp cloth, and vacuuming)

• Change and wash your linens every two weeks (if in doubt – ask your roommate!)

• Ask your roommate about which cleaning agents to use for which surfaces

• Open your windows and air out your room for 20 minutes every day (remember to turn off the heat when you open the windows)

Kitchen• Clean up the kitchen after cooking• Food that is usually stored in the fridge

must not be left out – it will go bad• Remember to check the expiration date on

food items• Take out the garbage when the garbage

can is full• Clean your dishes when you have eaten

Bathroom• Ask your roommate how the shower should

be cleaned after use• Remove hair from the drain every time you

have showered Laundry:• When preparing a load for washing,

remember to empty your pockets – having things in your pockets while washing can ruin your clothes and the machine.

• Do not wash white and colored items together: The colored clothes will stain the whites.

• Wash your colored clothes at 30 degrees centigrade and your whites at 40 degrees: towels and linen can be washed at 60 degrees.

Clear CommunicationDIS encourages you to engage in an honest conversation with your roommate during the first week of your stay. A good idea is to start by sharing why you have chosen to live with a roommate and what your expectations are for the semester. Be curious and ask your roommate to share her/his reasons for housing a DIS student and about his/her expectations for the semester. However, the most important thing is that you both establish an open line of communication, and that you both are ready to ask questions if anything is unclear.We recommend that you do your best to establish an open and respectful culture of dialogue where you live.

Whenever something bothers or surprises you, please do not keep it to yourself and risk that it develops into a problem. Instead, make it a habit to ask and express your expectations and possible concerns in a nice, constructive, and non-offensive way. Please remember that learning how to function well in a European housing environment means that you acquire skills that will benefit you, also later in life.

In the section on page 32 you find topics you and your roommate can talk about to make your stay as positive as possible – for the both of you! In order to avoid misunderstandings or unnecessary challenges caused by a lack of communication, it is a good idea to use these topics as a starting point for discussing how your new home functions, what you are used to, and what you expect of each other. We encourage you to look at these topics together and talk about how your everyday life is going to be.

Your roommate has received a similar list in both Danish and English and has also been encouraged to think about these topics. A month into the semester you will be encouraged to repeat the conversation – in general it is recommended to revise the clear communications section of this booklet on an ongoing basis throughout the semester to sort any problems that might arise.

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Daily Routines• What does your everyday look like?• What are your expectations regarding how much time we are going to spend

together? This fits/this does not fit my daily schedule and my expectations to my study abroad.

• How do you hope that our everyday will look like?• When do you expect me to be quiet on weekdays and on weekends?

Meals • Would you like to cook together once in a while? How often?• Do you eat at fixed times?• Is it okay for me to bring friends home for dinner?

Overnight guests• Would it be okay if my friends/family would like to visit? Would you have room

to host them?• When would you need to know so you can plan accordingly?• Is it okay if my girlfriend/boyfriend spends the night?

Utilities and chores• How does your laundry facilities work? Would you mind showing me?• How long do you usually shower for?• Where can I hang my wet towel after showering?• Where can I keep my bathroom supplies? • How often do you air out your house? How often should I air out my room?• At what temperature would you like me to keep my room?• Do you usually turn off the light when you leave a room?

What If We Don’t Hit it Off?Living with strangers can be hard at times, especially when there is a language barrier as well. If you feel that you are entering into a conflict with your roommate that you are unable to solve yourself, we encourage you to contact the Host Team. All team members have experience with conflict resolution and are here to assist you. At

DIS we work with the relationship between the student and the roommate, and in the Host Team we prefer to take on the role as coach in the mediation rather than being an actual part of it. Every semester we are in contact with students and roommates, and we help them help themselves forward in their relationship with each other.

A housing conflict does in rare cases escalate to the point where either the student or the roommate will feel that there is no other option than a move. The Host Team is here to assist both parties through the conflict and we will give you tools to work with as well as some “homework”, in order to attempt to make it work. Only after a while and more than one meeting with the Host Team does moving become the next step. If we come to the conclusion that there is no other option than a housing move, you are required to let your roommate know that you are moving. So, bottom line, you will need to communicate your frustrations and difficulties in a civilized and proactive manner to your roommate at some stage – and it makes a lot of sense to do this early on in the process – and not wait until it all bottles up and you see moving away from the conflicts as the only solution!

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A semester at DIS is brief, and it will come to an end before you know it. The final weeks of the semester are very crammed with finals and program socials, and you may also want to find time to see some of the tourist attractions you have been meaning to visit since the beginning of the semester. As things get busy, you can easily forget your roommate. It is suggested that you find time to mark that the semester is coming to an end with her/him. It could be in the form of a dinner or another event where you have time to reflect on the semester you have spent together.

You also need to prepare yourself for returning home. You may worry about the re-entry. Many students report that they experience a similar sense of confusion upon returning home, as they did when they first were studying abroad. Often they also report that they have grown as individuals where the people that have stayed on campus are the same.

The best way to handle this, is to stay in touch with Denmark and your roommate, and to share your expertize on campus. The study abroad office at your school may need peer advisors that can prepare students for studying abroad. By sharing your experiences you will keep your memories alive and at the same time be able to reflect on them. You are also encouraged to explore organizations in the U.S. that work with youth exchange. Many of them are constantly struggling to immerse their exchange students, and you will be better than anyone to put yourself in the position of someone who has just arrived in a new country.

Finally, a warning! – If you keep feeling the reverse adjustment issues after coming back home, you may have caught the travel bug, which means that you in the future will be inclined to travel abroad and experience other countries.We hope that you have learned a lot and enjoyed your semester in Denmark, and to see you back some day.

The Host [email protected]

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Procedure for Full Year StudentsYou may be lucky enough to have signed up for a full year abroad. As a rule of thumb, we always match full-year students with hosts that have signed up for a full year, but you may wish to switch for another housing option and your host might also change perspective or plans.Regardless of whether you wish to switch to another housing option or whether you would like to stay in your current housing, you will be contacted by the Housing Office in the middle of the fall semester regarding your housing next semester – and your hosts will also be contacted. Once you have made up your mind and reported back to the Housing Office you will receive an e-mail with your specific housing, ten days prior to the second semester.

Resources

Insurance DIS has set up an insurance policy for you. This means you can get coverage for some expenses before your Danish national health insurance sets in, and that your belongings are covered in your housing and when you travel. The insurance also covers damages you may cause in your housing. Please note that the insurance of material goods only covers up to 5000 DKK per claim and that insurance does not cover negligence.

You can find all insurance documents on our website, along with examples, tips, and full instructions on the steps to take in filling them out and filing your claim. For more information regarding insurance, contact [email protected]

In Case of Emergency Numbers

Emergencies: 112 *This is the equivalent of 911 in the US. You can use it in case you urgently need the police, an ambulance or the fire department. The DIS 24-hour Emergency Line: (+45) 3067 1000 *This should only be used in emergency situations where 112 is not applicable.

Doctors You will be assigned a doctor in Copenhagen and the relevant contact information will be listed on your yellow CPR card. If you need help setting up an appointment, maybe your host can be of service. You are also always welcome to drop by the Housing and Student Affairs Office at DIS and ask. The usual time to make doctor’s appointments is 8–9 am. You can always call the medical emergency information line at 1813 if you think you need to speak to a medical professional. 24-hour Pharmacy: Steno ApotekVesterbrogade 61620 København VPhone: (+45) 3314 8266 Dentist: Doctor Henrik ErhardsenAmagerbrogade 442300 Copenhagen SPhone: (+45) 3254 4937 An emergency dental clinic can be contacted after normal business hours at:TandlægevagtenOslo Plads 142100 Copenhagen ØPhone: (+45) 3558 0251

MailReceiving mail at Your Danish Address

DIS students should receive all mail and packages at their Danish housing locations, as DIS does not accept personal mail. Here are a few good things to know about receiving packages in Copenhagen:

- Make sure the sender of the package always lists your Danish phone number and your email in the contact information, as that is what the local courier will use to communicate with you about your packages.

- Keep an eye out for texts and emails from the courier. If they are in Danish, you can use Google Translate to read them. If they are sending you texts or emails, it is because they are important so do not ignore them

- To have letters delivered to your Danish address, you must ensure that your name is clearly posted on your mailbox. This is particularly important when receiving your CPR (Danish healthcare) card, because the mail service will not deliver this card unless the recipient’s name is clearly posted on the mailbox.

If you have packages delivered to your Danish address, you may need to schedule a time to sign for them, or else you will receive a slip in your mailbox with the details of when and where to pick up the package. This usually a nearby post office or grocery store that doubles as a package pickup point, and you may pick it up whenever it is convenient for you.

Address

Double check that you/the sender write your address in the correct format, and always include the following information:

- Your name

- Street address, building number and floor

- Zip code and City

- Denmark

An example of a written Danish mailing address is:

The street number coresponds to the number on the building (5 in the above example). This address above is for someone who lives at Vesterbrogade 5, on the second floor, in the apartment on the left of the hallway. The abbreviations below will help you read and understand the exact location of a building or residence:

If you leave out any of this information, you run the risk of your packages being returned to sender.

For more information, including specific customs details, please visit the DIS website: https://disabroad.org/copenhagen/receiving-packages-in-denmark/

Please note: It is not possible to send mail/packages to your housing location before Arrival Day

Jens JensenVesterbrogade 5, 2. sal t.v.2200 Copenhagen V

sal = floor t.v. = to the leftm.f. = middle apartment t.h. = to the right

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DIS strives to find the best possible housing match for each student, and we work hard to ensure that you have a wonderful and hospitable stay in your housing. We realize that your home in Denmark is where you prepare and recharge your batteries for classes. Where you live is a very important part of your study abroad experience in its own right. We expect the hosts to be open and welcoming to you, and to establish a positive relationship with you to mutual benefit. We put a great deal of effort into preparing our hosts for the encounter by paying them visits in their own homes and inviting them to workshops. They are committed to DIS because they want to open up their home to you and to enter into a relationship where you learn from one another. Please remember that you also have an ability to shape your housing experience. You should be open and frank and also respect your hosts and facilities. You should treat your DIS-arranged housing as if it were your own property, whether you live in a house, apartment, or in a kollegium room. The people you live with will see you both as an individual, a DIS student, and as an ambassador for your home university and country. When you show interest and respect your hosts and physical surroundings then you will also be met with interest, openness and respect yourself.

Resources, Should a Disagreement Occur.

As you might have experienced as a freshman at university, learning to live in a new environment requires some adaptation; every person has different habits and quirks. It is therefore important to keep open lines of communication between you and your host; however, if a disagreement arises in your housing, remember that the DIS Housing staff are here for you! We can support you by listening, discussing your

concerns, and developing constructive solutions to any matter you may experience in your housing situation.

We are also more than happy to step in as the third party to mediate discussion and help you reach a solution through dialogue. You can reach out to us at [email protected] with your questions or concerns.

Moving Procedure• Set up an appointment with the Housing

department • Talk with your housing coordinator about your

options • You do not get to choose between different

options • If a potential move has been decided, a visit

to the new location is required at your own expense

• After the visit, it is decided whether or not a move will be the right solution

• If a move has been decided you will sign a Moving Agreement that states how to leave your room and change your transportation pass

• If you are moved into a double room with no roommate, then please expect that you will be getting a roommate at some point and with short notice. You are therefore required to keep your living area clean and tidy

Moving policy during arrival period Housing & Student Affairs expects that students give their housing a fair chance. What may seem like a wrong match upon arrival could turn out to be the perfect housing. This is why we don’t make any moves during the first two weeks of the semester.

DIS Housing Policy

In order to support such an environment, there is a DIS Code of Student Responsibility that describes the kind of behavior we deem appropriate, the responsibility we give to you, as well as the behavior that is not acceptable, with regard to alcohol, drugs and smoking, disturbances, or other kinds of inappropriate behavior. In case of complaints DIS has procedures for reaction, including rights you have as a student.

The DIS Code of Student Responsibility serves to promote an environment that fosters a safe and enriching study abroad experience for all of you; academically as well as non-academically.While enrolled at DIS, including all events, field studies, study tours, housing etc. that take place from arrival to departure, students are expected to abide by: • The laws and customs that govern Denmark

and any other country the students visit • The DIS Code of Student Responsibility and all

DIS policies• The policies of the students home universities Students are expected to represent DIS in an appropriate way as well as their home university and their nation, and will be held responsible for failure to do so. This means that DIS holds you responsible for knowing the policies it informs you about and refers to. Student violating DIS Academic and Non-Academic policies will be subject to reviews and sanctions. DIS reserves the right to require students to withdraw from the program for failure to maintain appropriate standards of study or behavior in Copenhagen, as well as on field studies and study tours. Students dismissed from the program, from study tours, or other events due to inappropriate behavior are not eligible for a refund of tuition or study tour costs, etc. Information regarding violations of DIS Academic and Non-Academic Policies will be provided to the student’s home schools.

DIS offers students a welcoming study abroad environment in Copenhagen and on study tours where you as an individual can reach your full potential within academics, as well as personal and intercultural growth. The DIS community is an inclusive environment that welcomes and actively supports diversity in the widest sense: race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, and social and economic status. Diversity is recognized as enriching for all of us — for students in the classroom, on study tours and at other DIS events, as well as outside DIS, in the housing situations and in encounters with the people of Denmark, and other Europeans during the study abroad semester. You develop your intercultural skills through open minded dialogues, not through rejecting the new and unknown – be it different food, different greeting habits, a different teaching style, or different values in life. Please, enjoy differences in experiences, values, and beliefs. Contribute to the DIS environment, where differing perspectives are articulated and discussed.

DIS Code of Student Responsibility

DIS Code of Student Responsibility is made up of three parts: 1. DIS Student Code of Responsibility

(general behavioral goals and norms) 2. DIS Academic and Non-Academic policies

(specific rules)3. DIS Sanctions and Ways of Appealing

(sanctions and procedures)

http://[email protected]

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Study Tour Policy (please see your study tour booklet) DIS Procedures & SanctionsIf the Code of Student Responsibility is violated then the following sanctions can be put in effect. The sanctions are usually followed consecutively but not exclusively. SanctionsThe student’s home universities may at any given point be notified of the violation/incident. Oral and Written WarningThe student is called in for a meeting and receives an oral warning that is followed up by an e-mail that states the inappropriate behavior and that an oral warning has been given. MeetingThe student is called in for a meeting to discuss the violation/incident and is issued a written warning and acknowledges the written warning by signing. Disciplinary ProbationThe student will receive a letter from Housing & Student Affairs stating that any further violation within a certain amount of time will result in dismissal from the program. DismissalThe student is asked to leave the DIS program without refund.Students have the right to appeal decisions and the appeals will be dealt with through the appropriate channels at DIS, depending on the case. The DIS appeal procedure for non-academic cases is available to students during their stay in Denmark. The student is required to file, in written form, his/her complaint with the Director of Student Affairs.

DIS expects all students to adhere to the following guides of conduct:

DIS prohibits alcohol on the premises unless it is during DIS sponsored social events; students may consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner in their DIS housing. Students who choose to consume alcohol do so with the knowledge that they remain responsible for their actions at all times. The use of illegal drugs is no more acceptable in other countries than it is in the US and is treated as a serious criminal offense. Marijuana, hash, ecstasy, and all other similar drugs are illegal in Denmark. Anyone in possession of drugs or using any type of illegal drugs, risks being arrested and will be expelled from Denmark and dismissed from DIS. Smoking in any interior area of the DIS buildings is prohibited. DIS is committed to treating all members of the community equally. DIS explicitly prohibits any form of illegal discriminatory harassment by any DIS student. This includes physical, verbal, graphic or written harassment. DIS also prohibits any damage to DIS property as well as disruptive behavior, which interferes with the ability to study or which creates as disturbance to other DIS students, staff, or faculty. Students must respect all copyrights and DIS prohibits downloading of illegal material on all computers at DIS and in DIS housing. Students who violate this may be subject to the full range of sanctions.

Non-Academic & Academic Policies

Apart from these general rules DIS also refer to its more specific policies that we ask you to familiarize yourself with. Please see below for more information: Academic Policy: www.dis.dk/academicpolicyHousing Policy & Quality Assurance: www.dis.dk/housingpolicyStudy Tour Policy (please see your study tour booklet)

http://www.dis.dk/academicpolicy

http://www.dis.dk/housingpolicy

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Index Academic Policies: 40, 41, 42, 43Boyfriend: 14, 32Budget: 9, 30Commute: 12, 26, 37Contact, Host Team: 4, 5, 9, 33, 36Cleaning: 14, 27, 30Communication: 9, 12, 14, 21, 27, 28, 31, 37Conflict: 4,21,28,33Copenhagen: 18, 26, 40Clear Communication: 12, 27, 28, 31

Door culture: 12, 19E-mail: 8, 9End of Semester: 35Food: 18, 20, 26, 30, 40Full Year Student: 36Girlfriend: 14, 32Host Team: 4, 5, 19, 20, 27, 33, 36House rules: 12Housing Policy: 37, 43Insurance 36Isolation: 18

Language Barrier: 10, 11, 33Meals: 33New Home: 8, 18, 20, 31Present: 13Partner: 14, 20Sustainable Living: 29Travel: 10, 14, 26, 35, 36, 38Moving: 33, 38

DIS COPENHAGENVestergade 7DK 1456 Copenhagen KDenmark

Phone +45 3311 0144Fax +45 3393 [email protected]

DISabroad.org

COPENHAGEN as your home, Europe as your classroom

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