Support systems to help you succeed
Universal design for learning
DIS courses practice a universal design for learning, meaning they strive to create flexible learning environments that benefit all students.
In action, this means your courses will include a variety of ways to contribute to discussion and participation, as well as class materials spanning different mediums, so that you can learn and participate in the ways that work best for you while keeping standards high and content rich.
This also applies to testing. Most courses will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge through papers, presentations, and projects as opposed to timed, in-class, closed-book exams.
Academic Support team
The Academic Support team strives to foster an inclusive and intellectually stimulating learning community and helps you take advantage of all academic opportunities offered to you. They can assist you with the following:
- Assistance with course verifications for home institutions or other administrative requests
- Advising on academic challenges
- Registration services, such as dropping a course
- Advice about academic regulations at DIS
- Information about final exams
- Facilitate accommodations for students with verified learning challenges and management of testing arrangements
Current students at DIS can book a time for an advising session anytime during the semester through the DIS Navigate app.
Learning accommodations
Students who receive learning accommodations on their home campus can often receive similar accommodations at DIS.
Previous students have received accommodations including assistance with note taking, extra test time, or a reduced credit load.
Read more about academic accommodations and how to make a request.
Resources to enhance your learning
Canvas: our course platform
All course information will be organized through Canvas, including class schedules, classroom locations, course materials, assignments, and syllabi.
You will receive your Canvas login shortly after completing your Student Registration with DIS, and you will use this platform for all course-related activity and communication with your faculty.
Course materials, books, and libraries
Course materials are selected by your faculty and distributed to you during your first week at DIS.
All course materials are covered by your inclusive tuition fee, so you won’t need to worry about paying for anything once you’re here.
We aim to use e-books and online articles as much as possible, though there still may be physical books for some courses. Our collection of books and materials in our libraries can be borrowed to supplement your learning.
DIS Library Database
Our Library Database includes online academic research tools that you have access to as a DIS student, including JSTOR, EBSCO, our e-book collection, Danish/Swedish dictionaries, and more.
This database also allows you to search the catalog to find the physical copies of books you can borrow from the libraries at the Student Hub in both Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Academic regulations and expectations
Our academic regulations are comprised of two parts: our enrollment and grading policy and our honor code. As a student at DIS, we expect you to be familiar with, and follow, these academic policies and regulations during your time abroad.
Imagine, collaborate, and build at DIS
Throughout our buildings, you’ll find areas suited for collaborative group work, architecture and design studios, computer labs, creative spaces, and more.
There are also many cozy nooks and quiet zones around for you to do individual assignments in peace.
Local libraries
Libraries in Scandinavia are well-known for their beautiful building designs and their vast coverage of most academic fields. The majority of libraries are free and open to the public.
Local universities also allow guests in their libraries, so DIS students can study alongside local students in different parts of Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Read Jocelyn’s guide to Stockholm public libraries for bookworms
Read Daniel’s ode to the Black Diamond library in Copenhagen.
Recommended study spots
Get in the studious mindset to complete your work. Our past students have found delightful cafes, nature-filled parks, and culture houses that are ideal for academic work.