Building a Supportive & Open Community at DIS
DIS is dedicated to ensuring that all students have a platform for discussion and dialogue regarding diversity abroad.
New in Town meetups provide opportunities for students to learn about local culture while connecting with fellow DIS students. We offer two New in Town affinity-based groups, facilitated by locals: LGBTQIA+ and Students of Color. The meetups, which take place in the first weeks of the semester, seek to provide spaces for students to explore their identities and build community, while also gaining local insights.
You will find out more information about events, activities, and communities in the DIS Navigate App, which you will gain access to before the start of your semester.
Support with the DIS Care Team
If you are facing difficulties navigating a new culture, the pressure to succeed, changes in your financial situation, or any non-academic obstacles, reach out to the Care Team for support. Should you encounter situations where you feel discriminated against, e.g. by the police, at a nightlife venue, or elsewhere, the DIS Care Team can also provide emotional and practical support as well as guidance on how to file a complaint.
Learn how to contact the Care Team
Academic Advising
Resources at the Office of Academic Support are available to you; find more information about DIS Academic Resources.
Access Copenhagen’s Communities and Create Your Own
Prior to departing for your semester, research communities you feel you would identify with – these are a good start:
- Non-Binary People & Womxn of Colour Network Copenhagen
- Spanish- Danish Copenhagen Meetup group
- Spanish/Danish/English Exchange Copenhagen Facebook group
- American Expats in Copenhagen Meetup group
- Seek out groups on Boblberg
- The Danish Network for First Generation Academics (FGA)
FGA, or Netværk for Førstegenerationsakademikere, is a network that aims to create meaningful communities for First Generation students by promoting self-awareness and empowerment. Email FGA here
LGBTQIA+ Resources
Homosexuality is legal and widely accepted in Denmark. LGBTQIA+ people take part in public life. Several actors, politicians, and other prominent people are out and proud. Looking back in history, the world’s first same-sex civil partnership took place in Copenhagen in 1989.
The DIS LGBTQ+ Network is an initiative run by LGBTQ+ Homestay and Visiting Hosts based in Copenhagen. It is a forum for DIS LGBTQ+ students, Homestays, and Visiting Hosts to connect with one another and share stories and experiences. Join the DIS LGBTQ+ Network Facebook Group
Organizations
- BLUS
An organization for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer students. BLUS is based at Huset-KBH (five-minute walk from DIS) and they host events such as film screenings and political debates. BLUS works internationally and is associated with ILGA and IGLYO. Find BLUS on Facebook - Copenhagen Pride
- Homotropolis
- LGBT Danmark
Founded in 1948 by Axel Axgil, this is the biggest LGBT organization in the country. Find LGBT Danmark on Facebook - LGBT Ungdom
Ungdom, meaning ‘youth,’ this is a subdivision of LGBTQ Danmark that focuses on young people. Find LGBT Ungdom on Facebook - Pan Idræt
An inclusive and safe space to play sports - SABAAH
Sabaah is an organization for LGBTQIA+ people with minority ethnic background and allies - Womxn and Non-Binary People of Colour Network Copenhagen (Facebook Group)
For a comprehensive overview of LGBTQIA+ resources in Copenhagen visit Out & About.
Additional Resources
- African House
African House has a product range consisting of arts and crafts, afro-cosmetics, and food
DIS has received feedback on how the dryness of the air and harder water in Scandinavia makes textured curly hair dry out easily. Here are a selection of curl-friendly salons in Copenhagen:
For more information, check out Scandinavia Standard’s guide on where to go for curly hair in Denmark.