The vibrant "City of Smiles" is home to Aarhus University, ranked 100th globally and renowned for its cutting-edge research and diverse international community. The university reflects the rich cultural heritage and dynamic spirit of Aarhus. Iconic campus spots like the Math Canteen and Royal Library Canteen are celebrated for their delicious cakes and excellent vegan and vegetarian options. Every Friday, the campus comes alive with the popular Friday Bar, a beloved social tradition that brings students together to unwind and enjoy affordable drinks. Surrounded by cozy cafés, scenic parks, and tranquil lakes, Aarhus University perfectly blends academic excellence with local charm.
Meet Anežka Strnadová, a 23-year-old master’s student from the Czech Republic, currently studying Computer Science at Aarhus University (AU).
Her interest in international education started early with a high school exchange in Switzerland through AFS (American Field Service). Later, during her bachelor’s at Masaryk University, she joined a fully funded exchange to Juniata College in Pennsylvania, made possible through a direct university partnership.
"One semester abroad flew by," she says. "I wanted something longer where I could really immerse myself, culturally, academically, and socially."
That drive led her to Denmark, where she’s now embracing life at AU and everything Aarhus has to offer, from cutting-edge courses to seaside bike rides.
Why Computer Science at AU? Anežka shares her reasons:
"Like many students, I applied to several universities and was almost sure I’d go to Sweden,” She laughs “Uppsala was my number one, they also have a great reputation."
But that changed quickly. What set AU apart was how approachable and proactive they were from the start.
"While I barely heard back from other universities, AU’s computer science department kept sending me emails, hosting webinars, and sharing useful information. It felt like they genuinely cared."
Visiting the campus turned out to be the turning point.
"Attending the CS visit after I received my offer to study in Aarhus sealed the deal. We met the faculty, explored the city, and even visited Systematic, a local tech company. It showed how connected AU is to the industry. They also clearly explained the support available for finding student jobs, which was a big deal. In Sweden, I was told to have my finances sorted because jobs would be hard to find."
Beyond the campus experience, the study programme stood out too.
"Other universities had very basic courses, like intro to databases or operating systems. AU offered Human-Computer Interaction and Virtual Reality, which matched exactly what I was interested in."
But what made the biggest impression was the people.
"Everyone I met, from professors to students was so kind and approachable. It felt warm, supportive, and just right for someone moving abroad alone."
She smiles, reflecting on the decision
"Honestly, I was torn between AU and Uppsala. But once I saw what AU had to offer, it became the only choice that made sense."
Speaking further about her courses, she excitedly says
"In my first year, I found three courses especially interesting and would recommend checking them out in the course catalog. ‘Data Visualization’ with Hans-Jörg Schulz featured engaging lectures, while ‘Human-Centered AI’ with Niklas Elmqvist combined hands-on work building generative AI applications with discussions on how AI tools intersect with psychology, human behavior, cognition, and ethics."
She also highlights the group work aspect
"Another course I really enjoyed was the ‘Advanced AR (Augmented Reality) Project’ with Jens Emil Grønbæk. It was a half-semester game jam inspired by an ARoS exhibition, where we developed a game in teams of three, received industry feedback, and showcased our work at an EXPO. It was an intense but rewarding experience."
Outside of her studies, Anežka is active outside the classroom too.
"I volunteered at the student bar and joined social events. Aarhus is a student-friendly city, and it’s easy to meet new people."
She also works part-time.
"I had two student jobs: as a teaching assistant for a programming course and later as an onboarding mentor for international bachelor’s students. Both were great ways to gain experience and earn some income."
"Balancing studies, two jobs, and volunteering was definitely challenging. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend taking on that much, especially not in the first semester. But on the other hand, I have a friend who works full-time while studying computer science, so it really depends on the person."
When she needs a break, she heads to the coast.
"Aarhus has beautiful beaches! Den Permanente, Bellevue Beach, and the Infinite Bridge are my go-to spots in the summer."
For future students, here’s Anežka’s advice to make the transition smoother.
“Go to the orientation events! It’s the best way to meet people and feel part of the community. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything figured out, you can adjust your study plan later. Also, try to find groupmates who match your working style. And if you can, get a student job. It’s a great way to gain experience and meet people.”
As for what’s next, Anežka says
“I’d like to work in the tech industry, ideally in UX design or Human-Computer Interaction. I’m also open to doing a PhD someday, but for now, I want to gain industry experience.”
