Student Exchange Programme

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Technical University of Denmark 

Important Webpages:

I.      DTU’s main website www.dtu.dk/English.aspx
II.     DTU’s Wireless Authentication https://auth.wireless.dtu.dk/index.cgi       III.    DTU’s CampusNet (Equivalent to NUS’s IVLE) https://auth.dtu.dk/dtu/index.jsp?service=https%3a%2f%2fwww.campusnet.dtu.dk%2fcnnet%2flink%2fnag.aspx%3fNagVersion%3dYes      IV.    DTU’s CampusMail (Equivalent to Mail@NUS) https://smail.campusnet.dtu.dk/src/login.php
V.     DTU’s Technical Knowledge Center (Equivalent to NUS’s LINC)  http://www.dtv.dk/English.aspx
VI.    DTU’s Course Catalogue http://www.dtu.dk/English/education/Course_Catalogue.aspx
VII.   S Train and Buses Route Planner http://www.rejseplanen.dk/bin/query.exe/en?ml=m&

N.B.: 1 SGD = 3.80 DKK (approximately)

I have written and compiled a list of frequently asked questions which I believe would assist anyone who is interested in going to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) for exchange. These series of questions are arranged in different sections.  Have fun reading!

Should I go to DTU?                                                                                                   
1. What courses are available in DTU? 

A: DTU offers both Bachelor and Master level courses. Information on the courses can be found at http://www.dtu.dk/English/education/Course_Catalogue.aspx.

It is best to choose the courses from your relevant department of study. Note that you can shortlist the relevant courses through the following methods:

a)  By Language (DTU offers most courses in Danish so please check carefully the language of instruction.)

b)  By Period of Study e.g. Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Jan 2006, Jun 2006 (DTU offers most courses only during one semester so please check carefully the study period.)

c)  By the departments offering the courses

d)  By timetable and exam dates.

To get more details about the course you are interested in, click on the subject code’s link on the list of short listed courses. Be sure to check whether you have the necessary pre-requisites.

2.  Do I need to be able to speak and write Danish should I choose to go to DTU for SEP?

A. Majority of the teaching stuff in DTU can speak English. As mentioned in FAQ 1, there are a number of courses conducted in English. Most of the Danish people have no problem speaking English, so everyday communication should not be a problem.

3.  Are the examinations in English?

A: The examinations are conducted in English if it is stated that the course is conducted in English.

4.  How can I convert ECTS Credits to Modular Credits (MC)?

A: In general 1 ECTS is equivalent to 0.8 MC. Hence, 5 ECTS can be mapped to 4 MCs, 10 ECTS to 8 MCs. Consult your department SEP coordinator for more details.

5.  How many courses should I take during 1 semester of SEP?

A: The number of modules you want to do really depends on yourself. But note that you are not to exceed 25 MCs per semester, i.e no more than 30 ECTS. For more information, please see http://www.eng.nus.edu.sg/sep/information.htm#policy.

6.  Can I take up a Danish language course there?

A: You can. During orientation week, registration forms will be given to you and you can choose whether you want to take the course. The Danish course costs approximately DKK 500.

7. How do I go about mapping the modules over?                                          

A: A tentative study plan is required prior to your acceptance as an exchange student by NUS and DTU. Try to look out for as many compatible modules as possible as there is a possibility that you may be forced to change your original study plan. Modular Credits can only be transferred after you have submitted your transcript upon returning to NUS.

 8.  How is the study life in DTU like?

A: There are in most courses no mid-term exams or other tests during the semester.

Except for group project work, attendance at classes is not compulsory at DTU. This means that you should have good self discipline. While SEP is a time for you to experience a different facet of life and network with other people of different nationalities, you must also ensure that you are able to keep up with your assignments.

9.  How do I know what the various timetable slots are?

A: Timetable group: The week is divided into 10 modules. A 5 point ECTS course covers one group, e.g. 1A, while a 10 point ECTS course covers 2 groups, e.g. 1A and 1B. Under timetable group there might be written E or F. E stands for autumn and F stands for spring.

10. Is it expensive to live in Denmark?

A: Yes. Denmark is one of the most expensive places to live in. Only beer is cheap. The following is a sample budget for 1 month.

A Student’s Budget

Ok! I am going! What about my VISA?

 
1. Do I need to apply for a VISA?

A: You need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit application form at the Danish Embassy in Singapore requires the following documents: Your IC, passport and 2 passport sized photographs.

2.  Which are the places I can travel to if I have a Schengen VISA?
A: A visa valid for the Schengen States allows the bearer to travel to the Netherlands and the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden (as of Feb 2006).
 
3.  How much money do I need to prepare for Residence Permit application?
A: You are required to prove that you have a minimum amount. The Danish Embassy officers will advise you on this minimum amount as well as the cost of the Residence Permit application.

4.  How long does the whole application procedure take?
A: The whole application procedure should take around 2 months. It is best to apply once you have gotten your acceptance letter from DTU and notification that accommodation has been arranged for you.

5.  Where is Danish Embassy in Singapore?
A: You can find this from the web. http://www.ambsingapore.um.dk/en. You can also choose to download the residence permit form from the website http://www.ambsingapore.um.dk/en/menu/ConsularServices/ResidenceAndWorkPermits/  and fill it up before going to the embassy.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Embassy of Denmark
101, Thomson Road
# 13-01, United Square
Singapore 307591

Tel. +65 6355 5010
Fax +65 6253 3764

Embassy:
sinamb@um.dk

Preparations for my big adventure
 
1.      How much is housing rental?

A:      It varies with the student hostels / private accommodation and could range from approximately DKK 1,650 to 2,300. The rental includes utilities bill (water, electricity), central heating and internet if any.  It is necessary to pay one month's deposit to the Accommodation Office upon arrival. No meals are included in the rent.

Once a room is booked for you, you are expected to remain there your entire stay. If for some reason you have to move, one month's written notice of cancellation must be submitted to the host and the Accommodation Office before the 1st of the month - and then you have to pay for the following month whether or not you stay in the room.

2.      Where can I get access to the Internet? Will the house provide internet connection?

A:      Free internet is provided in Campus. The campus is wired and some places are wireless. Internet LAN points are provided in student hostels. For private accommodation, internet connection depends on your landlord.
 
3.      Does the room have central heating facility?

A:     Yes. All student hostels have central heating. The heating cost is normally included in the rental.
 
4.      How do I take care of my meals there?

A:    Dining out everyday is expensive. There is a main canteen but the food is expensive and the queues are long during lunch hour. The simplest and most economical way is to cook.

5.      How do I get money in Denmark?

A:     The most convenient way is to bring credit cards or net cards with cirrus or maestro logo and withdraw from any ATM. The first withdrawal of the month is free. Subsequent withdrawals will incur a $5 service charge for every cash withdrawal. You are advised to open a local bank account with Danske Bank. Do bring some Danish Kroner to tide you over during the initial period.
 
6.      Where can I get cheap air tickets?

A:      It helps most certainly if you book early. Look out for promotions offered by travel agencies from time to time. Take note if the flight is a direct or one that has a transit. Baggage allowance varies among the different flight operators.

Possible Flights
Direct: SQ from Singapore to Copenhagen

Indirect: Thai Airways (TG) from Singapore to Copenhagen via Bangkok.

Check the following website for airtickets:
http://www.statravel.com.sg/Airfares/Students/.
 
7.      Do I need to buy travel insurance?

A:      Yes. This is something you cannot save on.
 
8.      Shall I arrive before lessons start?

A:      As I have mentioned, it is better to arrive early so as to attend the orientation week. Also, if you are going to Denmark in January (Winter), you need sometime to acclimatize to the climate there. A word of caution: Try to coincide your arrival date with the commencement date stated in your rental agreement. If you arrive earlier than that, you are expected to find your own temporary accommodation. It is also better to arrive during weekdays so you can get your keys from the accommodation office. If you arrive on a weekend / after office hours during weekdays, get your buddy to collect the keys from you earlier.
  
9.      Where do I collect my keys from?

A:      You should email the accommodation office in advance to arrange for collection of keys upon arrival.

10.     What should I bring with me?

A:      The following list is a template of the things you may wish to bring. Do note that if you are going during Winter (Jan), you need to bring thick winter clothes of you do not want to be frozen. Your LT jacket or windbreaker is not going to be enough.
 
Most of the things are available in Denmark but are expensive. Ikea is a good place to start shopping for pans and bulky items.

Suggested list of things to take with you

Documentation
a)      Original Documents including acceptance letter, rental agreement, travel insurance coverage.  
 
1) Clothing
a)      4 pairs of Jeans
b)      3 Long Sleeve shirts
c)      5 T-Shirts
d)      10 pieces of Underwear
e)      2 Sweaters
f)       2 belts
g)      1 thick winter jacket
h)      1 Windbreaker
i)       1 Pair of Gloves
j)       2 Winter Caps
i)       5 Clothes hangers
 
2) Shoes
a)      1 pair of heavy duty boots.
b)      1 pair of track shoes
c)      1 pair of slippers
d)      5 pairs of socks (for both Summer/Nylon and Winter/Woolen)
 
3) Toiletries
a)      Tooth Brush & Tooth Paste
b)      Soap / Shower cream & Shampoo
c)      Comb/ brush
d)      Hair Gel
e)      Shaver
f)       Mirror
g)      Nail Clipper
h)      Tissue Paper packs and cotton buds.
i)       2 bath towels and 1 face towel
j)       Lotion and moisturizer

4) Miscellaneous
a)      Lip balm
b)      Raincoat / Umbrella
c)      Handphone
d)      Scientific Calculator
e)      Plasters
f)      Medicine (especially Panadol and Po Chai Pills)
g)     Stationery (including stapler, highlighter, etc)
h)     Swiss Army Knife
i)      Personal Cutlery
j)      Bed Sheet (Super single) + Pillow cover (you can buy quilt and pillow)
k)     Travel adapter
l)      Extension Plug
m)    Alarm Clock
n)     Laptop w Charger
o)     International Student Card

The voltage in Denmark is similar to Singapore, i.e. 230V, but the sockets are different. You need to bring at least one universal socket / socket converter.
Coupled with an extension plug, you only need one universal socket / socket converter to support all your electrical appliances.

You should also apply for International Student Card. You can do it in the STA office near Science Co-op. Bring SGD $15 with one passport sized photograph together with your passport and NUS matriculation card.

You can bring some Singapore packet spices should you want a feel of home in the event you get homesick.
 

Ok! I have arrived. Now what?

1.      How to get to DTU from Copenhagen Airport?

A:     If you arrive by plane, take the train from the airport to Copenhagen Central Station. This train runs every 10-20 minutes and takes 20 minutes to reach the Station. Then take the S-train to Lyngby Station and a yellow bus 300S Kokkendai Street / Naerum Street. You need to purchase 2 zones and 3 zones Clipcards. From the Airport to Lyngby, you need to clip 6 zones.
 
2.      Will there be anybody to help me settle down?

A:      Yes. If you sign up for the buddy program, a buddy from DTU will assist you in settling down.
 
3.      Can I use my Singapore hand phone there? Should I get a Danish number?

A:      Yes, if you subscribe to autoroaming. Subscription for short term is more expensive than prepaid cards. Prepaid cards can be bought from Fotex supermarket, shopping centers or hand phone shops. I survived without a Danish handphone line. 

4.      Is it expensive to call home?

A:     Yes, if you use your handphone. I communicated through Skype. By calling from one computer to computer using the internet, you can have video conferences with your family. Webcams, a good headphone with attached microphone is a good investment. Alternatively, you can buy credits to call from computer to a telephone.

5.      What is the most common transportation to go to University?

A:      Bicycles. You can take the bus and train if you are going to Copenhagen by purchasing 2 zones and 3 zones Clipcards.

6.  Where can I get a cheap bicycle?

A: It is best to buy second-hand bicycles from leaving exchange students. It normally costs between DKK 300 to DKK 800. A new bicycle costs more than DKK 1000. 

7.  Where should I shop to get the best deals?

A: ALDI: Vegetables, Biscuits, Fruits, Milk, Eggs.

    NETTO: Meat, Chips, Cereals.

    FACTA: Cakes, Potato Salads.

    FORTEX: Meat (Best Quality), Juice, Everything under 1 roof.

Bon Voyage! All the best for your SEP!

Contributed by:
Ong Zheng Wei Edwin (U036368X, ME Dept)
August 2006