IT University of Copenhagen

Key Highlights

• Public research university with strong academic tradition
• large_city setting in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Respected institution with quality programs
• International student community with diverse perspectives

Student Life & Environment

Life at ITU centers on the iconic building in Orestad, a modern district of Copenhagen built on reclaimed land between the city center and the airport. The building itself was designed to encourage interaction, with open atrium spaces, informal seating areas, and glass walls that create visual connections between different parts of the structure. Students spend long hours in the building, working on group projects in dedicated rooms, coding in computer labs, or socializing in the cafeteria and common areas. The Friday Bar tradition brings students and faculty together weekly for drinks and conversation, building community in an environment that might otherwise become purely academic. Student organizations at ITU cover gaming, entrepreneurship, women in tech, international students, and numerous other interests. The university's tech focus means that many social activities incorporate digital elements, from LAN parties to hackathons to game jams where students create playable games in 48 hours. Sports and outdoor activities provide balance, with student groups organizing hiking, football, and other activities to break up screen time. Copenhagen itself offers endless entertainment options within easy reach by metro, with the Orestad station adjacent to campus providing direct connections to the city center, the airport, and residential neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan area. Housing is challenging in Copenhagen's tight market, but the university provides guidance and some guaranteed housing for international students.

Location & Surroundings

Copenhagen consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities, offering ITU students a quality of life that enhances their educational experience. The city combines historic charm with modern infrastructure, featuring bicycle-friendly streets, efficient public transit, and a harbor clean enough for swimming in summer. The Orestad district where ITU is located represents Copenhagen's newest development, with striking contemporary architecture, the national concert hall, and easy metro access to the rest of the city. The campus sits just 15 minutes by metro from the central train station and 10 minutes from Copenhagen Airport, making international travel convenient for students from across Europe. The Danish capital offers cultural attractions from world-class museums to the legendary Tivoli Gardens amusement park, alongside a thriving food scene and famously active nightlife. The startup and tech community is well-developed, with regular meetups, conferences, and networking events that students can attend to build professional connections. Living costs in Copenhagen are high by European standards, though lower than cities like London or Zurich, and students from EU countries can work without restriction to supplement their budgets. The city's international character means that English is widely spoken, easing the transition for students who haven't yet learned Danish. Cold, dark winters challenge some newcomers, but Danes have developed the concept of "hygge" (cozy togetherness) as an antidote, and students quickly learn to appreciate candlelit cafes and warm social gatherings.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at ITU is free for students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, a major draw for European students considering technology degrees. Non-EU students pay tuition ranging from approximately 7,500 to 15,000 euros per year depending on the program, with technical programs generally at the higher end of this range. Living expenses in Copenhagen run between 1,000 and 1,400 euros monthly for modest student living, covering housing, food, transportation, and basic personal expenses. The university offers a limited number of scholarships for non-EU students, and part-time work is available for those with valid work permits, though the demanding academic programs limit how many hours students can realistically work. Career outcomes for ITU graduates are excellent, with the university boasting some of the highest employment rates in Denmark. The tech sector in Copenhagen and across Scandinavia actively recruits ITU graduates, and the university's career services office facilitates connections through job fairs, company presentations, and networking events. Starting salaries for software developers in Denmark are among the highest in Europe, and graduates with specialized skills in areas like machine learning or cybersecurity command premium compensation. The university's emphasis on practical skills means graduates enter the job market ready to contribute immediately, rather than requiring extensive on-the-job training. Alumni have founded numerous successful startups, and the entrepreneurial culture at ITU encourages students to consider launching their own ventures alongside traditional employment options.

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