House-share or student housing in Copenhagen: find the option that suits you

In Copenhagen, a student has three ways to find housing: a room in a student residence (kollegium), a room in a house-share on the private market, or an apartment for themselves. House-sharing and residences are the most affordable. A one-room apartment costs on average 9,900 Danish kroner (DKK) per month in Copenhagen according to the BoligPortal portal (July 2026), a two-room apartment 13,800 DKK: at that price, sharing quickly becomes a necessity.

The Danish capital is by far the most expensive student city in the country. In cities like Esbjerg, Kolding or Aalborg, a one-room apartment rents for around 4,000 DKK. And competition for each available home is much stronger in Copenhagen, especially at the start of term: in summer 2026, 58,673 applicants received an offer of a place in Danish higher education.

Here is how to compare these options, what they cost and what to check before signing.

Residence, house-share or apartment: the three options

The student residence (kollegium)

Residences offer a single room, sometimes a double or shared room, with a shared kitchen or a kitchenette. For international students at the University of Copenhagen, the Housing Foundation Copenhagen publishes an indicative price list, based on spring semester 2026 prices:

• single room: from DKK 3,800 to a little over DKK 11,000 per month depending on the residence, with most offers between DKK 6,500 and 9,000;
• shared room for two: from DKK 3,300 to 6,400 per person;
• in some residences, administration fees billed each semester and monthly service fees are added to the rent.

Rent is paid quarterly, and access is through three booking sessions a year: late November for a spring start, late May for summer, late June for the autumn start. You must be invited into the booking system, which means being registered on the list through your university, and the length of stay ranges from one semester to two years. Rooms are booked quickly: do not miss the session that applies to you.

The room in a house-share

On the private market, house-sharing remains the most widespread option among students who have not found a place in a residence. Subletting is also very common, and many students start with temporary housing before finding something better. Bills (heating, water, electricity) are generally not included in the rent: have this specified in the listing and in the lease.

The apartment for yourself

At DKK 9,900 on average for a one-room apartment, a solo apartment is out of reach for most student budgets, unless shared. A two-room apartment at DKK 13,800 shared by two comes to DKK 6,900 per person, a level comparable to a room in a residence.