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Nuuk - studentlife
and new adventures

Billede af lille isbjerg på eventyr i Nuuk fjord

A little over a week ago, I arrived in Nuuk and began a new chapter in my life. The first week has been spent settling into the city, getting used to my new surroundings, and adjusting to the shared flat I’ve moved into in Block 15. Both in the flat and at Ilisimatusarfik University, I’ve been welcomed by warm and friendly people.

Upon landing on the 25th of August, my first task was to travel from the airport to the Housing Administration’s central office (KAF) to collect the keys to my flat. A short taxi ride later, I found myself at KAF with my two suitcases and a backpack. I picked up the keys and was told that my new place was within walking distance. So, dragging my luggage behind me, I made my way through Nuuk’s semi-hilly streets to Lyngby-Tårbæksvej, Block 15. To my surprise, the flat was on the fifth floor – with no lift. Already hot and sweaty from the walk, I had to tackle the stairs in two rounds, lugging my 23-kilo suitcases one by one.

Inside, I was met by a spacious hallway. The flat has five single rooms, a dining room, two toilets, a bathroom, and a large kitchen. The first thing my tired eyes landed on was the view from the kitchen window.

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From the fifth floor, there’s an uninterrupted west-facing view over Nuuk’s fjord, its lively ocean, and the surrounding cliffs – a view that changes constantly depending on the weather. It was especially beautiful during the first few days when the skies were clear and the sun was shining. Watching the sunset was completely mesmerising.

In those first days, I spent hours walking – both around town and on a hike up Lille Malene, the mountain rising just behind the city and the airport. For me, walking is one of the best ways to experience life. It gives you time to see where you actually are and lets your thoughts wander. The same is true when arriving in a new place; the best thing you can do is walk around.

On Wednesday, the 27th, I went on a longer walk around the city and up the mountain. In the end, I covered 21 kilometres and 750 metres of elevation. I hadn’t quite imagined that Nuuk would have so many ups and downs, but it quickly becomes evident once you start moving around. Everywhere, there are steep staircases cutting through the terrain as shortcuts.
Up on the mountain, I enjoyed the warm sunshine and, because I set off early, I hardly met anyone else. The only exception was just before the summit, when the ground levels out a bit, where I crossed paths with a group of nursery children charging downhill. They had that wonderful sparkle in their eyes where everything is fun, and even the rocks’ potential dangers vanish in a naive glow.

On Friday the 29th, we international students met for the first time. Our international coordinator welcomed us with open sandwiches for lunch, cake, and a smart tote bag with the university logo.

At the weekend, a small storm swept in, so there wasn’t much chance for outdoor activities. Instead, I found my way to Nuuk Centre, where the outdoor shops were having a 50% sale. Naturally, I couldn’t resist having a look.

Exactly a week later – and with the turn of the month – it was September 1st. That marked the start of a new semester and a new intake at Ilisimatusarfik. Along with the other exchange students, I was invited to the headmaster’s opening speech and handshake ceremony. A fine event, which even KNR (Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa) reported on.

After the short ceremony, where all the new students were welcomed with a handshake, I made my way home again. It takes roughly 40 minutes to walk from Block 15 to Ilisimatusarfik.
On Tuesday, 2 September, teaching officially began – but more about that another time.

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