When Tetiana Herman moved from Ukraine to Denmark a few years ago, she continued her studies at an IB high school in Kolding. So, when it came time to choose a university, staying in Denmark felt natural.
“I already felt at home in the Danish education system,” she says. “The teaching style was something I really liked — open, informal, and focused on collaboration.”
Now a first-semester Computer Science student at Aarhus University, Tetiana is settling into university life in a city that’s new to her — and discovering both the challenges and the joys that come with starting a demanding degree.
Tetiana has known for years that she wanted to study computer science.
“I took a small coding course back in 7th grade in Ukraine, and it just stuck with me,” she says. “I loved mathematics, but I also wanted something more creative. Computer science felt like the perfect way to combine logic with imagination.”
Throughout high school, she kept returning to the idea.
“For three or four years I was pretty sure this was the direction I wanted. I liked the challenge, and I liked the feeling of making something work. Even a simple piece of code can turn into something visual or animated. That still amazes me.”
When she discovered that Aarhus University had begun offering the Computer Science bachelor’s programme in English, the decision came easily.
“It felt like perfect timing. A prestigious university, a programme in English, and a chance to continue my studies in Denmark.”
Starting university has been a big transition. Tetiana describes the academic load honestly but positively:
“It’s definitely challenging at the beginning. The amount of self-study is new, and there’s a lot to learn in a short time. But every week I can feel myself improving.”
The pace of the programme took some getting used to, but it’s also one of the things that motivates her.
“You cover so many concepts so quickly that it can feel overwhelming at first. But I like what I’m doing, and every week something clicks. It’s intense, but it’s doable.”
Her favourite course so far is Introduction to Programming.
“We got to make animations and drawings through code - my last assignment was a clock,” she says. “It’s so fun to see how text on the screen turns into something visual. It makes everything feel real.”
She’s also discovered how different the teaching culture feels compared to back home.
“What stands out to me is how informal and approachable the teachers are,” she says. “You can laugh with them, they joke around, and even if you give a wrong answer, they still value that you tried. It makes it so much easier to ask questions.”
Like many new students, she’s been figuring out what study methods work best for her.
“I’m someone who studies well on my own, but I still appreciate the study cafés, the TAs, and being able to ask classmates for hints when I get stuck. I am slowly finding my own rhythm.”
She has also grown to enjoy group work - even though it was unfamiliar at first.
“In Denmark, teamwork is a big part of learning. It took me a little time to adjust, but now I can see how much you gain from sharing ideas and solving problems together.”
Although Tetiana had already lived in Denmark, Aarhus was a new chapter.
“It’s so different from the smaller town I lived in before,” she says. “There’s so much happening - Friday bars, events, museums, cafés. I haven’t explored everything yet, but I love having the possibility.”
Tetiana enjoys exploring the Friday bars with her friends and has already discovered how different they can be from one department to another.
“There’s really a Friday bar for every mood. Some are louder and more like parties, and others are cozy and calm. The CS Friday bar at our department feels more like a pub where you can play games and relax with friends, which I really like.”
She’s also enjoying living closer to the sea.
“I love going to the beach and the seaside in Aarhus. Even when it’s cold, it’s really peaceful. It’s one of my favourite places to go when I need a break.”
On weekends, she likes to unwind at the gym or switch off her brain with something creative:
“I crochet toys and I love colouring. It’s calming - it gives me space to recharge”
Tetiana joined all three Intro Days, even though the first day felt overwhelming.
“I’m pretty shy, and I was moved between groups, so I ended up meeting two sets of new people in one day,” she says. “But by the second and third day, everything felt more comfortable.”
She smiles when she talks about her classmates now.
“I’ve found people I really like spending time with. Sometimes you just need more than one day to get to know everyone. We’re all in the same boat, and it helps when we help each other.”
Even though she’s just getting started, Tetiana already knows she wants to continue her studies after her bachelor’s.
“I’d love to do a master’s in something more specialised - maybe artificial intelligence or cybersecurity. Those fields really excite me.”
She also imagines continuing her life in Denmark, close to her family.
“For now, I feel comfortable here. I like the programme, the city, and the atmosphere at the university. It’s challenging, but it feels right.”
1. Start early with housing.
Aarhus is busy - if you can, start looking before you even get your admission letter.
2. Plan your budget.
Denmark is expensive, especially in the beginning when you need furniture (many student housings are unfurnished). Having some savings makes the first months much easier.
3. Don’t judge the programme too quickly.
The first weeks can feel overwhelming but give yourself time. It gets easier as you find your rhythm and meet people.
