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.
We offer two Affinity Groups, facilitated by locals: LGBTQIA+ and Students of Color. The meetups, which take place throughout 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. 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
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.
Organizations
- QUKU
Queer Union Københavns Universitet, a student society primarily focused on the LGBTQIA+ students at KU. DIS students are welcome to join events. - Copenhagen Pride
- LGBT Danmark
Founded in 1948 by Axel Axgil, this is the biggest LGBT organization in the country. Find LGBT Danmark on Facebook - Queer Exchange
A Facebook group for community networking and helping other queers. - Out and About
Rainbow oriented news site (in Danish; use Google Translate on your browser) - 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.
Hear from DIS students: What is it like being a Black student in Copenhagen?
We sat down with three students, Nala, Keiddrick, and Kayara to discuss some of the realities of their Black experience at DIS Copenhagen. In this video, these students candidly reflect on their own expectations and experiences of studying abroad in Copenhagen.
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:
Bias Education and Information
Although we hope that you have not experienced a bias-related incident or discrimination, we do know that bias situations can occur within our community and in Copenhagen.
DIS takes bias incidents and discrimination very seriously, so we developed a tool for you to inform us about bias-related incidents involving you or another DIS student, whether at DIS or in the public.
Should you encounter situations where you feel discriminated against, e.g. by the police, at a nightlife venue, or elsewhere, find information about how to inform DIS here: