{"id":174697,"date":"2025-03-13T07:30:51","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T06:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/paa-udveksling-i-koebenhavn-de-foerste-uger\/"},"modified":"2025-03-14T13:48:33","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T12:48:33","slug":"bikes-bars-and-big-discoveries-an-exchange-student-in-copenhagen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/bikes-bars-and-big-discoveries-an-exchange-student-in-copenhagen\/","title":{"rendered":"Bikes, bars, and big discoveries: An exchange student in Copenhagen"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Exchange at UCPH<\/p>\n

20-year-old Landon Hildebrandt is a Canadian exchange student at the University of Copenhagen. The University Post is following him throughout his semester for insight into what it is like to be an exchange student at UCPH. This is the first instalment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

W<\/span>ith his red vintage racing bike, septum piercing, and wide-leg trousers, Landon Hildebrandt could pass for a local in the Copenhagen district of N\u00f8rrebro. But when he opens his mouth, it\u2019s English \u2014 not Danish \u2014 that comes out.<\/p>\n

The 20-year-old Canadian arrived in Copenhagen in early February. He grew up in Toronto but now calls Vancouver his hometown, and studies neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. This semester, however, he has swapped the Canadian mountains for Copenhagen\u2019s cycling lanes to spend a semester abroad at University of Copenhagen (UCPH).<\/p>\n

Cycling and psychology<\/h3>\n

University Post meets Landon Hildebrandt on a cold February day, with the sun shining from a cloudless sky and snow scattered across the Skjolds Plads square \u2014 not unlike a Canadian winter.<\/p>\n

\u00bbI\u2019ve lived in Montreal before, where it can get down to minus 20 degrees celsius in winter. But here, it\u2019s a different kind of cold \u2014 more windy and damp,\u00ab he says.<\/p>\n

In fact, the city\u2019s cycling culture was the main reason he chose to go on exchange in Copenhagen. Back home in Vancouver, he insists on cycling everywhere, despite the city\u2019s car-centric infrastructure. So the first thing he did upon arrival was buy a bike through Facebook Marketplace.<\/p>\n

The first week, I was quite overwhelmed and scared \u2014 maybe even a little pessimistic.<\/p>\n

Landon Hildebrandt<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Landon Hildebrandt decided to study neuroscience after reading a book in high school about the effects of psychedelics on the brain. The subject captivated him. He had always been interested in science, and excelled at it, so the choice felt natural.<\/p>\n

While in Copenhagen, however, he has put the neurons on hold in favour of a broad range of electives: He is following courses in social behaviour in animals, psychological mindfulness, and Danish film history.<\/p>\n

His diverse course selection reflects his curiosity. He is interested in a bit of everything and thrives on juggling multiple interests: art, music, basketball, photography, hiking \u2014 and, of course, cycling.<\/p>\n

Back in Vancouver, Landon Hildebrandt balanced his studies with a job at a wine bar and numerous hobbies and volunteer activities. Now that he\u2019s in Copenhagen, he hopes to do the same.<\/p>\n

Anticipation vs. reality<\/h3>\n

Your expectations and your reality don\u2019t always align. Landon Hildebrandt had a clear vision of what his exchange experience and life in Copenhagen would be like. He admits that he knew little about either the city or the country before setting foot in Denmark, but he had plenty of ideas about what exchange life would be like:<\/p>\n

\u00bbI imagined that the first week would be hyper-social. I thought we\u2019d be out every night, and I expected Copenhagen to be a busy, vibrant city.\u00ab<\/p>\n

Contrary to his expectations, he spent his first evenings alone in his apartment in N\u00f8rrebro \u2014 a challenging start:<\/p>\n

\u00bbI\u2019ve realised that I struggle with being alone. So I think I\u2019ll try to get better at spending time by myself.\u00ab<\/p>\n

But despite a slightly rough landing, he now sees things differently:<\/p>\n

\u00bbMy expectations were really high at first. The first week, I was quite overwhelmed and scared \u2014 maybe even a little pessimistic. But now I\u2019ve settled in more and started to find friends and cool places in the city.\u00ab
\n<\/p>\n

Longing and beauty<\/h3>\n

The boulevards in Vancouver are wide, the city is built for cars, and the buildings are made of glass and concrete. A fast-paced metropolis with a housing market that makes it hard to find a place to live. But the city is also surrounded by breathtaking nature, offering plenty of opportunities to escape into the wild, says Landon Hildebrandt.<\/p>\n

\u00bbI\u2019m surprised by how much I actually miss being out in nature. In Vancouver, most trees are evergreen, so even in winter, everything is green. And when it\u2019s winter, you can always go skiing or hiking. You just can\u2019t do that here.\u00ab<\/p>\n

On the plus side, he also highlights that eating out is much cheaper in Vancouver, thanks to a multicultural restaurant scene with flavours from throughout the world.<\/p>\n

READ ALSO: <\/strong>More international students to the University of Copenhagen<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

But what Copenhagen lacks in terms of nature and gastronomic diversity, the city makes up for it with its aesthetics and infrastructure. He was especially blown away by the excellent cycling conditions, which he describes as ten times better than in Canada\u2019s best cycling cities.<\/p>\n

\u00bbEverything is also much more beautiful here. The old buildings are absolutely amazing. There\u2019s really great design everywhere. And I also think Copenhageners have a really good sense of style.\u00ab<\/p>\n

Scandinavian reserve vs. the West Coast freeze<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s well-known among foreigners moving to Denmark that it can be hard to settle in and make Danish friends. Danes are often described as reserved, hesitant to welcome new people into their circles, and reluctant to speak English. The perception is backed up by studies, including The Expat Study<\/a> from 2020, which found that only 26 per cent of newcomers found it easy to make new friends in Denmark.<\/p>\n

Landon Hildebrandt had heard about this too. He has yet to experience it himself, however. In one of his very first classes, he struck up a conversation with a Danish classmate, who invited him to his birthday and bachelor\u2019s celebration at a bar. Since then, his Danish friend has given him recommendations for places to visit and experience in Copenhagen.<\/p>\n

READ ALSO: <\/strong>Three international students give their verdict: Copenhagen is a cool \u2014 but demanding \u2014 study city<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

He has also been positively surprised by how willing Danes are to speak English.<\/p>\n

\u00bbWhen I lived in Montreal, I found that if you don\u2019t speak French, it\u2019s almost impossible to get a job. So I find it really refreshing to come here and see that everyone speaks excellent English and has no problem using it. I don\u2019t feel as if I am being shamed for not knowing Danish.\u00ab<\/p>\n

At the same time, he is aware that Danish friendships don\u2019t come automatically, and that a big part of the exchange experience is that you quickly end up in a bubble with other international students. Apart from his Danish classmate, most of his new friends are from Canada and the US.<\/p>\n

\u00bbIt has definitely been hard to meet Danes, but I think it\u2019s more about the fact that I haven\u2019t moved in the same social circles as them.\u00ab<\/p>\n

He refuses to be guided by stereotypes:<\/p>\n

\u00bbThe idea that Danes are hard to reach can be dangerous because it keeps newcomers stuck in the belief that they can\u2019t get close to Danes \u2014 and then we might not even try. My experience is that it\u2019s an exaggeration.\u00ab
\n
\nHe explains that in Vancouver, there is a similar perception known as the West Coast Freeze \u2014 the idea that people on the west coast of\u00a0 Canada, especially in Vancouver, are reserved.<\/p>\n

\u00bbBut I don\u2019t necessarily think that\u2019s true.\u00ab<\/p>\n

Landon Hildebrandt is also not the type to stand by and do nothing. He has plans to volunteer for an organisation and would also like to work while he is here.<\/p>\n

\u00bbVolunteering, or getting a job, automatically opens up other social circles with more locals.\u00ab<\/p>\n

A lively university<\/h3>\n

Landon Hildebrandt has noticed several contrasts between his home university and UCPH. He describes UCPH as more vibrant, whereas schoolwork takes up much more space in Canada.<\/p>\n

\u00bbEverything seems a lot more fun and relaxed here. At my home university, I almost feel like people take it too seriously. Sometimes it feels like a job. I go to campus to study and leave as soon as I\u2019m done.\u00ab<\/p>\n

Here at UCPH, it feels like there are at least three bars on every campus.<\/p>\n

Landon Hildebrandt<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Another thing that has surprised him is the number of bars on UCPH campuses.<\/p>\n

\u00bbAt my university, we have one bar and sort of a club. Here at UCPH, it feels like there are at least three bars on every campus. I\u2019m really not used to that.\u00ab<\/p>\n

He also finds the teaching style more relaxed. At his home university, the daily routine is filled with constant preparation, assignments, and exams.<\/p>\n

He appreciates the teaching format, where smaller class sizes make it easier to participate and interact with lecturers.<\/p>\n

\u00bbThe teaching here is much more intimate \u2014 especially my science classes are different. In Canada, we\u2019re a hundred people in huge lecture halls, just sitting and listening without participating. Here, we have classes in small groups of twenty to thirty people, and I think that\u2019s really great.\u00ab<\/p>\n

\u00bbIt becomes everyday life\u00ab<\/h3>\n

The first few weeks have passed for Landon Hildebrandt, and he already feels much wiser about what studying abroad actually entails.<\/p>\n

\u00bbI had so many expectations, but honestly, I knew nothing about the place before I came. And I\u2019ve come to realise that, in the end, it slowly becomes everyday life here as well.\u00ab
\n
\nThe first hectic weeks have already given him many valuable experiences.<\/p>\n

\u00bbIf I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to say yes to everything and try as much as possible. And don\u2019t be too hard on yourself \u2014 especially in the beginning. Things will fall into place over time.\u00ab<\/p>\n

For Landon Hildebrandt, curiosity has been a great help. He has discovered new places by diving into Google Maps and finding events on Facebook. Already, he has his favourite spots in Copenhagen: Lille Bakery, Mayhem, Refshale\u00f8en, and Christiania.<\/p>\n

Before he hops onto his red bike, I ask him if he has been yelled at on the cycle paths yet. He replies that he has been confused by all the hand signals, but apparently, he hasn\u2019t annoyed anyone enough to get a scolding \u2014 something he had heard was also part of cycling culture here.<\/p>\n

\u00bbMaybe,\u00ab he says with a laugh, \u00bbit\u2019s just because I cycle with music in my earphones.\u00ab<\/p>\n

Just like a true Copenhagener.
\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Article","slug":"portrait_article","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":14,"taxonomy":"expression","description":"","parent":0,"count":796,"filter":"raw"},"enable_comments":true,"align_content":"aligncenter","feature_color":"","article_updated":"","layout_group":[{"acf_fc_layout":"Headline","use_post_title":true,"headline":"","style":"default","highlighted_words":"","text_size":"small"},{"acf_fc_layout":"Image","image":{"ID":174559,"id":174559,"title":"DSC_9196","filename":"dsc_9196-1-scaled.jpg","filesize":898850,"url":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-scaled.jpg","link":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/paa-udveksling-i-koebenhavn-de-foerste-uger\/dsc_9196-2\/","alt":"","author":"107","description":"","caption":"Landon Hildebrandt l\u00e6ser neuroscience p\u00e5 University of British Columbia i Vancouver. I for\u00e5rssemesteret 2025 l\u00e6ser han tre fag p\u00e5 KU.","name":"dsc_9196-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":174544,"date":"2025-03-11 11:10:49","modified":"2025-03-12 12:50:45","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1744,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-480x327.jpg","medium-width":480,"medium-height":327,"medium_large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-768x523.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":523,"large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-1280x872.jpg","large-width":1280,"large-height":872,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-1536x1046.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1046,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-2048x1395.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1395,"featured-soft":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-290x198.jpg","featured-soft-width":290,"featured-soft-height":198,"featured-hard":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-290x180.jpg","featured-hard-width":290,"featured-hard-height":180,"narrow":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-700x477.jpg","narrow-width":700,"narrow-height":477,"extended":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9196-1-990x674.jpg","extended-width":990,"extended-height":674}},"style":"full","text_placement":"metadata-below","image_link_url":"","image_link_title":"","caption_prefix":"","enable_alternative_caption":true,"alternative_caption":"Landon Hildebrandt is a student of neuroscience at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. In the spring semester of 2025 he is following three subjects at UCPH."},{"acf_fc_layout":"Standfirst","subject":"Study abroad","text":"Landon Hildebrandt, en 20-\u00e5rig canadisk neuroscience-studerende, har for semestret byttet Canada ud med Danmark for at navigere de k\u00f8benhavnske cykelstier og udforske udvekslingslivets mange facetter.","use_post_excerpt":true},{"acf_fc_layout":"Byline","is_author":true,"contributors":false},{"acf_fc_layout":"Content","content":"<div class=\"factbox\">\n<p class=\"factbox-header feature-color\">Exchange at UCPH<\/p>\n<p>20-year-old Landon Hildebrandt is a Canadian exchange student at the University of Copenhagen. The University Post is following him throughout his semester for insight into what it is like to be an exchange student at UCPH. This is the first instalment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">W<\/span>ith his red vintage racing bike, septum piercing, and wide-leg trousers, Landon Hildebrandt could pass for a local in the Copenhagen district of N\u00f8rrebro. But when he opens his mouth, it\u2019s English \u2014 not Danish \u2014 that comes out.<\/p>\n<p>The 20-year-old Canadian arrived in Copenhagen in early February. He grew up in Toronto but now calls Vancouver his hometown, and studies neuroscience at the University of British Columbia. This semester, however, he has swapped the Canadian mountains for Copenhagen\u2019s cycling lanes to spend a semester abroad at University of Copenhagen (UCPH).<\/p>\n<h3>Cycling and psychology<\/h3>\n<p>University Post meets Landon Hildebrandt on a cold February day, with the sun shining from a cloudless sky and snow scattered across the Skjolds Plads square \u2014 not unlike a Canadian winter.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbI\u2019ve lived in Montreal before, where it can get down to minus 20 degrees celsius in winter. But here, it\u2019s a different kind of cold \u2014 more windy and damp,\u00ab he says.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, the city\u2019s cycling culture was the main reason he chose to go on exchange in Copenhagen. Back home in Vancouver, he insists on cycling everywhere, despite the city\u2019s car-centric infrastructure. So the first thing he did upon arrival was buy a bike through Facebook Marketplace.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The first week, I was quite overwhelmed and scared \u2014 maybe even a little pessimistic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"quotee\">Landon Hildebrandt<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Landon Hildebrandt decided to study neuroscience after reading a book in high school about the effects of psychedelics on the brain. The subject captivated him. He had always been interested in science, and excelled at it, so the choice felt natural.<\/p>\n<p>While in Copenhagen, however, he has put the neurons on hold in favour of a broad range of electives: He is following courses in social behaviour in animals, psychological mindfulness, and Danish film history.<\/p>\n<p>His diverse course selection reflects his curiosity. He is interested in a bit of everything and thrives on juggling multiple interests: art, music, basketball, photography, hiking \u2014 and, of course, cycling.<\/p>\n<p>Back in Vancouver, Landon Hildebrandt balanced his studies with a job at a wine bar and numerous hobbies and volunteer activities. Now that he\u2019s in Copenhagen, he hopes to do the same.<\/p>\n<h3>Anticipation vs. reality<\/h3>\n<p>Your expectations and your reality don\u2019t always align. Landon Hildebrandt had a clear vision of what his exchange experience and life in Copenhagen would be like. He admits that he knew little about either the city or the country before setting foot in Denmark, but he had plenty of ideas about what exchange life would be like:<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbI imagined that the first week would be hyper-social. I thought we\u2019d be out every night, and I expected Copenhagen to be a busy, vibrant city.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>Contrary to his expectations, he spent his first evenings alone in his apartment in N\u00f8rrebro \u2014 a challenging start:<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbI\u2019ve realised that I struggle with being alone. So I think I\u2019ll try to get better at spending time by myself.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>But despite a slightly rough landing, he now sees things differently:<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbMy expectations were really high at first. The first week, I was quite overwhelmed and scared \u2014 maybe even a little pessimistic. But now I\u2019ve settled in more and started to find friends and cool places in the city.\u00ab<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"Image","image":{"ID":174553,"id":174553,"title":"DSC_9194","filename":"dsc_9194-scaled.jpg","filesize":628515,"url":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-scaled.jpg","link":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/paa-udveksling-i-koebenhavn-de-foerste-uger\/dsc_9194\/","alt":"","author":"107","description":"","caption":"","name":"dsc_9194","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":174544,"date":"2025-03-11 10:09:56","modified":"2025-03-11 10:10:18","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1726,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-480x324.jpg","medium-width":480,"medium-height":324,"medium_large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-768x518.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":518,"large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-1280x863.jpg","large-width":1280,"large-height":863,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-1536x1036.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1036,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-2048x1381.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1381,"featured-soft":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-290x196.jpg","featured-soft-width":290,"featured-soft-height":196,"featured-hard":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-290x180.jpg","featured-hard-width":290,"featured-hard-height":180,"narrow":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-700x472.jpg","narrow-width":700,"narrow-height":472,"extended":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-990x668.jpg","extended-width":990,"extended-height":668}},"style":"narrow","text_placement":"metadata-below","image_link_url":"","image_link_title":"","caption_prefix":"","enable_alternative_caption":false,"alternative_caption":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"Content","content":"<h3>Longing and beauty<\/h3>\n<p>The boulevards in Vancouver are wide, the city is built for cars, and the buildings are made of glass and concrete. A fast-paced metropolis with a housing market that makes it hard to find a place to live. But the city is also surrounded by breathtaking nature, offering plenty of opportunities to escape into the wild, says Landon Hildebrandt.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbI\u2019m surprised by how much I actually miss being out in nature. In Vancouver, most trees are evergreen, so even in winter, everything is green. And when it\u2019s winter, you can always go skiing or hiking. You just can\u2019t do that here.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>On the plus side, he also highlights that eating out is much cheaper in Vancouver, thanks to a multicultural restaurant scene with flavours from throughout the world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ ALSO: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/more-international-students-to-the-university-of-copenhagen\/\"><em>More international students to the University of Copenhagen<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>But what Copenhagen lacks in terms of nature and gastronomic diversity, the city makes up for it with its aesthetics and infrastructure. He was especially blown away by the excellent cycling conditions, which he describes as ten times better than in Canada\u2019s best cycling cities.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbEverything is also much more beautiful here. The old buildings are absolutely amazing. There\u2019s really great design everywhere. And I also think Copenhageners have a really good sense of style.\u00ab<\/p>\n<h3>Scandinavian reserve vs. the West Coast freeze<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s well-known among foreigners moving to Denmark that it can be hard to settle in and make Danish friends. Danes are often described as reserved, hesitant to welcome new people into their circles, and reluctant to speak English. The perception is backed up by studies, including <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordresearch.dk\/publications\/expat-study-2020\/\">The Expat Study<\/a> from 2020, which found that only 26 per cent of newcomers found it easy to make new friends in Denmark.<\/p>\n<p>Landon Hildebrandt had heard about this too. He has yet to experience it himself, however. In one of his very first classes, he struck up a conversation with a Danish classmate, who invited him to his birthday and bachelor\u2019s celebration at a bar. Since then, his Danish friend has given him recommendations for places to visit and experience in Copenhagen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ ALSO: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/three-international-students-copenhagen-is-a-cool-but-challenging-student-city\/\"><em>Three international students give their verdict: Copenhagen is a cool \u2014 but demanding \u2014 study city<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p>He has also been positively surprised by how willing Danes are to speak English.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbWhen I lived in Montreal, I found that if you don\u2019t speak French, it\u2019s almost impossible to get a job. So I find it really refreshing to come here and see that everyone speaks excellent English and has no problem using it. I don\u2019t feel as if I am being shamed for not knowing Danish.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, he is aware that Danish friendships don\u2019t come automatically, and that a big part of the exchange experience is that you quickly end up in a bubble with other international students. Apart from his Danish classmate, most of his new friends are from Canada and the US.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbIt has definitely been hard to meet Danes, but I think it\u2019s more about the fact that I haven\u2019t moved in the same social circles as them.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>He refuses to be guided by stereotypes:<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbThe idea that Danes are hard to reach can be dangerous because it keeps newcomers stuck in the belief that they can\u2019t get close to Danes \u2014 and then we might not even try. My experience is that it\u2019s an exaggeration.\u00ab<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"Image","image":{"ID":174562,"id":174562,"title":"Landon_r\u00f8dcykel1","filename":"landon_roedcykel1.jpg","filesize":288412,"url":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1.jpg","link":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/paa-udveksling-i-koebenhavn-de-foerste-uger\/landon_roedcykel1\/","alt":"","author":"107","description":"","caption":"K\u00f8benhavns cykelkultur var den prim\u00e6re grund til, at Landon Hildebrandt valgte at tage p\u00e5 udveksling netop i K\u00f8benhavn. Det f\u00f8rste, han gjorde, da han ankom, var at k\u00f8be en cykel via Facebook Marketplace.","name":"landon_roedcykel1","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":174544,"date":"2025-03-11 11:22:10","modified":"2025-03-11 11:23:51","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1024,"height":768,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1-480x360.jpg","medium-width":480,"medium-height":360,"medium_large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1-768x576.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":576,"large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":768,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1.jpg","1536x1536-width":1024,"1536x1536-height":768,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1.jpg","2048x2048-width":1024,"2048x2048-height":768,"featured-soft":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1-290x218.jpg","featured-soft-width":290,"featured-soft-height":218,"featured-hard":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1-290x180.jpg","featured-hard-width":290,"featured-hard-height":180,"narrow":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1-700x525.jpg","narrow-width":700,"narrow-height":525,"extended":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/landon_roedcykel1-990x743.jpg","extended-width":990,"extended-height":743}},"style":"narrow","text_placement":"metadata-below","image_link_url":"","image_link_title":"","caption_prefix":"","enable_alternative_caption":true,"alternative_caption":"Copenhagen cycling culture was the main reason why Landon Hildebrandt opted to go on exchange in Copenhagen. The first thing he did when he arrived was to buy a bike on Facebook Marketplace."},{"acf_fc_layout":"Content","content":"<p>He explains that in Vancouver, there is a similar perception known as the West Coast Freeze \u2014 the idea that people on the west coast of\u00a0 Canada, especially in Vancouver, are reserved.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbBut I don\u2019t necessarily think that\u2019s true.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>Landon Hildebrandt is also not the type to stand by and do nothing. He has plans to volunteer for an organisation and would also like to work while he is here.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbVolunteering, or getting a job, automatically opens up other social circles with more locals.\u00ab<\/p>\n<h3>A lively university<\/h3>\n<p>Landon Hildebrandt has noticed several contrasts between his home university and UCPH. He describes UCPH as more vibrant, whereas schoolwork takes up much more space in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbEverything seems a lot more fun and relaxed here. At my home university, I almost feel like people take it too seriously. Sometimes it feels like a job. I go to campus to study and leave as soon as I\u2019m done.\u00ab<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Here at UCPH, it feels like there are at least three bars on every campus.<\/p>\n<p class=\"quotee\">Landon Hildebrandt<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Another thing that has surprised him is the number of bars on UCPH campuses.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbAt my university, we have one bar and sort of a club. Here at UCPH, it feels like there are at least three bars on every campus. I\u2019m really not used to that.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>He also finds the teaching style more relaxed. At his home university, the daily routine is filled with constant preparation, assignments, and exams.<\/p>\n<p>He appreciates the teaching format, where smaller class sizes make it easier to participate and interact with lecturers.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbThe teaching here is much more intimate \u2014 especially my science classes are different. In Canada, we\u2019re a hundred people in huge lecture halls, just sitting and listening without participating. Here, we have classes in small groups of twenty to thirty people, and I think that\u2019s really great.\u00ab<\/p>\n<h3>\u00bbIt becomes everyday life\u00ab<\/h3>\n<p>The first few weeks have passed for Landon Hildebrandt, and he already feels much wiser about what studying abroad actually entails.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbI had so many expectations, but honestly, I knew nothing about the place before I came. And I\u2019ve come to realise that, in the end, it slowly becomes everyday life here as well.\u00ab<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"Image","image":{"ID":174571,"id":174571,"title":"D0551B58-B6E6-4D35-8816-0DC31A9F5B41_1_105_c","filename":"d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c.jpg","filesize":166979,"url":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c.jpg","link":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/paa-udveksling-i-koebenhavn-de-foerste-uger\/d0551b58-b6e6-4d35-8816-0dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c\/","alt":"","author":"107","description":"","caption":"Allerede nu har Landon Hildebrandt fundet nogle af sine favoritsteder i K\u00f8benhavn: Lille Bakery, Mayhem, Refshale\u00f8en og Christiania.","name":"d0551b58-b6e6-4d35-8816-0dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":174544,"date":"2025-03-11 11:32:52","modified":"2025-03-11 11:34:01","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1024,"height":768,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c-480x360.jpg","medium-width":480,"medium-height":360,"medium_large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c-768x576.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":576,"large":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":768,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c.jpg","1536x1536-width":1024,"1536x1536-height":768,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c.jpg","2048x2048-width":1024,"2048x2048-height":768,"featured-soft":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c-290x218.jpg","featured-soft-width":290,"featured-soft-height":218,"featured-hard":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c-290x180.jpg","featured-hard-width":290,"featured-hard-height":180,"narrow":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c-700x525.jpg","narrow-width":700,"narrow-height":525,"extended":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/d0551b58b6e64d3588160dc31a9f5b41_1_105_c-990x743.jpg","extended-width":990,"extended-height":743}},"style":"narrow","text_placement":"metadata-below","image_link_url":"","image_link_title":"","caption_prefix":"","enable_alternative_caption":true,"alternative_caption":"Landon Hildebrandt has already found some of his favourite places in Copenhagen: Lille Bakery, Mayhem, Refshale\u00f8en and Christiania. "},{"acf_fc_layout":"Content","content":"<p>The first hectic weeks have already given him many valuable experiences.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbIf I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to say yes to everything and try as much as possible. And don\u2019t be too hard on yourself \u2014 especially in the beginning. Things will fall into place over time.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>For Landon Hildebrandt, curiosity has been a great help. He has discovered new places by diving into Google Maps and finding events on Facebook. Already, he has his favourite spots in Copenhagen: Lille Bakery, Mayhem, Refshale\u00f8en, and Christiania.<\/p>\n<p>Before he hops onto his red bike, I ask him if he has been yelled at on the cycle paths yet. He replies that he has been confused by all the hand signals, but apparently, he hasn\u2019t annoyed anyone enough to get a scolding \u2014 something he had heard was also part of cycling culture here.<\/p>\n<p>\u00bbMaybe,\u00ab he says with a laugh, \u00bbit\u2019s just because I cycle with music in my earphones.\u00ab<\/p>\n<p>Just like a true Copenhagener.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"ArticleEnd"},{"acf_fc_layout":"Newsletter","lang_select":"en","identifier":"Newsletter","headline":"Get an email with our top stories","button_text":"Sign up here","class":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"OtherStories","headline":"","hand_picked_posts":false,"references":false,"category":false,"theme":false,"number_of_posts":"4","style":"default"}]},"taxonomyData":{"category":[{"term_id":2177,"name":"Academic life","slug":"academic-life","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2177,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":67,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":3792,"name":"Student life","slug":"student-life","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":3792,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":160,"filter":"raw"}],"post_tag":[{"term_id":7827,"name":"Canada","slug":"canada-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":7827,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":6327,"name":"cykeltur","slug":"cykeltur-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":6327,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":3647,"name":"internationale studerende","slug":"internationale-studerende-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":3647,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":1188,"name":"K\u00f8benhavn","slug":"koebenhavn-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1188,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":572,"name":"Udveksling","slug":"udveksling-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":572,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":3284,"name":"udvekslingsophold","slug":"udvekslingsophold-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":3284,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw"}],"post_format":[],"expression":[{"term_id":14,"name":"Portrait Article","slug":"portrait_article","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":14,"taxonomy":"expression","description":"","parent":0,"count":796,"filter":"raw"}],"translation_priority":[{"term_id":5468,"name":"Optional","slug":"optional-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5468,"taxonomy":"translation_priority","description":"","parent":0,"count":672,"filter":"raw"}]},"featured_media_url":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_9194-1280x863.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/174697","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/107"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=174697"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/174697\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":174816,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/174697\/revisions\/174816"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/174554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=174697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=174697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniavisen.dk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=174697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}