Hej is Danish for hello, and although it looks hard to say, it sounds pretty close to “Hey” when you say it.
I cannot believe it has been 3 weeks since I arrived in Copenhagen!! In some ways it seems like I’ve been here for months and in some ways it feels like it’s been a couple days.
Moving in was a whirlwind, but CBS has made the transition so easy! I had my buddy pick me up from the airport and help me move in which was so great because navigating the metro alone would have been crazy. This is funny to look back on because after only 3 weeks, the metro is like second nature.
I live in an only exchange student dorm called Katherine Kolliget and that was my best decision I have made so far. Everyone is so friendly and I’ve already made so many friends. Also, everyone is from all over the world so I have already learned so much about the world and also taught a lot of people about Texas culture (which they think is so fascinating) Try not to be nervous about the first couple of days because you have to remember that everyone is in the same boat as you and is trying hard to make friends! Making friends will happen naturally but also make sure that you say yes to everything! In my first week, I said yes to everything and have great memories that I wouldn’t have if I stayed in my dorm room.
CBS arranges a social week package and I highly recommend it! We had a traditional Danish dinner, international buffet, lake party, Copenhagen canal tour, and other stuff!!! It’s a great way to meet people in a structured setting. Also getting to Copenhagen 2 weeks early gave us a lot of free time to explore the city and be a tourist in our own city. I’ve explored Nyhavn (the typical colorful houses on the canal picture), Carlsberg Brewery, Louisiana Museum, and much more!! This has come with a couple hiccups like taking the wrong bus when the metro is shut down and also almost getting hit by many bikes.
On the topic of bikes, I highly suggest getting one!! This city is so bike friendly and I love using my bike! Taking the metro everywhere adds up and although it is cold, it’s not too bad to bike?everywhere. I would suggest watching youtube videos like I did about the biking laws and how to make left turns (it’s hard!!) Also, don’t get too upset when little kids pass you on their bikes… they’ve been biking as long as they can walk.
Classes have just begun this week so I am getting used to my professors and also 3-hour lectures!! Although we do get breaks, it has been a real adjustment from 50-minute lectures. I am taking retail marketing, foreign policy in the EU, international marketing and also consumer behavior. There are a lot of readings and also having my whole grade depend on just a final is slightly terrifying. But I enjoy my classes and am excited for the semester!
A couple interesting things that I have noticed that Copenhagen does:
1. The street lights turn yellow before the lights turn green also
2. People leave their children in the strollers outside shops while they are inside (so trusting!!)
3. Everyone speaks English which is so helpful!!!
This weekend I am starting to take advantage of the cheap flights in Europe and heading to Budapest!!
Farvel!! (Goodbye in Danish)
