When Stanislava “Stanka” Valachová left Slovakia to start university, she had never been to Denmark before. But she knew she wanted a new experience, high-quality education, and a chance to meet people from all over the world. So, she packed her bags and moved to Aarhus to begin the Computer Science bachelor’s programme at Aarhus University.
“It was a big leap. I didn’t know anyone here. But now I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Computer Science wasn’t always the obvious choice.
“In high school we had to choose a direction. At first, I thought I wanted to study psychology. But after a month I realised it wasn’t for me - so I switched to programming. And I really liked it,” she explains.
Although she’s still exploring where the field might take her, she knew she wanted to study abroad.
“I wanted better opportunities, a better education, and the chance to grow. I was choosing between the Netherlands and Denmark, but Denmark made more sense - especially because of the admission requirements and cost of education- university is free (for European students) here.”
Aarhus University ended up being her only application.
“I applied pretty late, but I’m really glad I chose Aarhus. Even though I must travel to/from Copenhagen when I go home, I don’t regret it. It’s peaceful, the train is easy, and the quality of the programme makes it worth it.”
Coming from Slovakia, the teaching style in Denmark was one of the biggest surprises.
“In Slovakia, everything is very formal. You have to use titles, attendance is mandatory, and there’s a clear hierarchy,” she says. “Here, it’s completely different. The teachers are so approachable. You can talk to them like you would to normal people.”
She remembers her friend back home who once got yelled at for using the wrong title for a teacher.
“Here, no one would ever yell at you for that. It’s such a healthy environment. I really appreciate it.”
The academic expectations were new too – especially the independence.
“You have to organise yourself. No one checks if you show up. You have to keep up during the semester or you’ll fall behind,” she says. “But the weekly assignments help a lot. And the TAs (teaching assistants) are amazing - very patient, and always willing to help.”
Her favourite courses so far are Programming and Algorithms.
“Programming is easiest for me because I have some prior experience,” she says. “Algorithms is much harder — but really interesting. Even if I don’t fully understand everything yet!”
Like many international students, she had imagined Denmark as completely flat.
“I thought Denmark had no hills… and then I moved to Aarhus,” she laughs. “Aarhus has all the hills!”
Still, she bikes everywhere.
“I love cycling. When I went back to Slovakia, I asked, ‘Where are the bike lanes?!’ I really miss the infrastructure there.”
She currently lives in a dorm in Risskov with a shared kitchen - something she enjoys more than expected.
“It’s a very social experience. I like coming home and having people around. Most of them are Danish, and they’re really kind. If it’s a group activity they always switch to English so everyone can join.”
Aarhus itself has quickly become a favourite.
“I love being by the sea. I’ve never lived near water before. The city has everything you might want - nature, cafés, study places, events. You can always find something to do.”
Her friend group mostly consists of other international students from her programme.
“We’re very active,” she says. “We go to department events, Friday bars, the cinema, and many events organised for students. In the beginning we went to everything, but we had to start saying no because there were too many options!”
Even though the programme is demanding, she feels she can still find balance.
“I don’t feel like I need to study all day every day to keep up. I should probably study more,” she jokes, “but it’s manageable. I also have time for friends, events, and exploring the city.”
She’s planning to apply for student jobs after the first semester.
“Many jobs require Danish, so it’s tough at first,” she says. “But I’ll try again after exams. And honestly, I think it’s good that I didn’t work in the beginning - it gave me time to settle, meet people, and get into the programme.”
Even though she’s only in her first semester, she already imagines staying in Denmark for her master’s degree.
“I really like the study structure here. But I definitely want to do an exchange during my bachelor’s. Not because I don’t like it here, just to see even more of the world.”
As for what she wants to do after graduation? She’s still figuring it out.
“There are so many possibilities in computer science. I need more time to discover what I really enjoy most.”
Like many students moving abroad at 18 or 19, her biggest worry was whether she’d find a community.
“I was scared I would be alone,” she admits. “But that didn’t happen at all. Everyone is new, everyone is trying to make friends - you won’t be the only one.”
She strongly recommends joining the university’s Intro Days.
“It helped so much. Some of the people I met there are my closest friends. It makes the first weeks so much easier.”
Her advice to new students is simple: “Don’t close yourself off. Even if you’re shy or unsure, try. Find your people, explore the city, join activities. It makes everything easier – especially on the tough days.”
And her overall feeling about taking the leap to Aarhus? “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re considering it, just do it.”
1. Don’t isolate yourself — join activities and meet people.
“It makes everything so much easier. Everyone is new and looking for friends, so try to join events, talk to people, and find your group.”
2. Stay organised and keep up with the weekly work.
“You can’t ignore the material until exam season. Go to lectures and TA sessions — they really help.”
3. Start your housing search early and be open to dorm life.
“Accommodation can be competitive, but the student housing system is much less stressful than back home. And living in a dorm is a great way to meet people.”
