Student of social sciences: »I honestly wish I had 48 hours in a day«

We had a really good start-of-term, and I think the first semester was a good setting for a strong academic and social community. I experienced it as a safe space where it was okay to learn, make mistakes, and put yourself out there. The social aspect is incredibly important. You really learn a lot from each other, and it was clear from the beginning that it wasn’t just about going to class — it was also about being part of something bigger.

There was also a good balance during intro week: Lots of fun and goofy antics, but without being exclusive — say, for example, if you don’t drink alcohol. The friendships, both within the class and with the tutors, have continued into our daily lives. It means a lot to always have a friendly face to say hi to on campus. I really feel like we’ve hit upon something special in the core group in my class.

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Always second-guessing

I was extremely uncertain when I had to choose a degree. I considered Political Science in particular, but also Danish, Philosophy, and History. But Social Science attracted me because it’s more flexible. I have many interests, and this way I can combine them. I have the option of taking a minor, which means I can build a broader academic profile. I think I’ll end up choosing Philosophy.

But the uncertainty still lingers. There are still days when I wonder if I should have chosen Political Science instead. But I feel at home in the Social Science environment, and I value its freedom. If I were to switch, it would be to get a more quantitative and process-oriented approach — but for now, I’m happy diving into political theory and getting a bit of everything.

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More than just lectures

I have a student job on a research project at the department called Anatomy of Empires, where I look at state formation and political control in different historical societies. It’s really exciting to dig into, and it also gives perspective on how varied the world has been — and still is.

You shouldn’t plan your life down to the minute. It drains you more than it helps.

In addition, I volunteer at Hippocampus, our little student-run café on the CSS central campus. It’s a fantastic place where you meet students from other programmes, play board games, drink coffee, and take a break from studying. It offers something different from the academic side of things. I can only recommend that new students join a student club — it gives you both a community and a place to belong at UCPH.

Balancing act

The hardest part of university is finding a balance. Going to classes, being social, earning money, working a student job, and still finding time to read and immerse yourself. I had more time in the beginning before I started working, and I can really feel the difference. Now that I both work and study, I often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. I honestly wish I had 48 hours a day.

I also wish the student grant was higher, so you could just focus on studying. Because it’s a privilege to be introduced to all this material and all these thinkers — but if you don’t have time to piece it together into a coherent understanding of the world, it can quickly feel fragmented.

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I think it’s about prioritising. What’s important, and what can wait? And then trying not to stress too much about everything. You shouldn’t plan your life down to the minute. It drains you more than it helps.

Speak up!

If I could change one thing about the programme, it would be more focus on oral participation. We have class-based teaching in half of our courses, but it’s still often the same people who speak up. I miss more students being willing — or daring — to join the conversation, and I wish there was time and space for it. It makes a huge difference when you feel like you’re part of the teaching, not just a passive recipient.

Maybe I just like the sound of my own voice, but it’s also about the fact that as students, we can actually help shape the teaching and the community. But it requires a format that invites that — and teachers who have time to give genuine feedback.

Find a corner you can call your own

This coming semester, I’m looking forward to digging deeper into the academic engine room. We’re going to take Microeconomics, which I hope will give me some new tools — and maybe also lay the groundwork for discussions about how economic models are used to better understand society.

I can definitely see myself as a secondary school teacher or as a teacher in the [traditional Danish, ed.] folk high schools. But I’m also open to all sorts of things. What matters most to me is ending up in a place where the work is meaningful and surrounded by good people. I believe you can do a lot with this degree if you’re curious and dedicated.

My best advice to new students would probably be to go to all the social events you feel up for. Make the university your home. Find a corner you can call your own — a reading nook, a café, or a student club. And remember that giving something to others as a volunteer is also a gift to yourself.

This article was first written in Danish and published on 19 August 2025. It has been translated into English and post-edited by Mike Young.