
This week I had my first shift at the volunteer run coffee shop, Studenterhuset ('Student House' in translation). Located in the center of the city, the space was taken over by Kobenhavn University students that wanted a space of their own for socializing.  They've turned it into a two story space with room for events, quiet study, parties and music shows run entirely by volunteers (you have to be a student) and a few paid responsibles.Â
They bait volunteers with the promise of 4 free drink tickets per 5-hour shift, free coffee, tea, and entry into all events otherwise, along with the chance to practice tending bar--And for international students like myself, the opportunity to spend time with Danes in a natural, non-creepy way. Â
The space is incredibly welcoming and seems to draw patrons beyond the academic crowd, all while apparently making a steady enough profit to expand their activites. Â With all issues inherent to food places and volunteerism aside, the venue seems a great success and a no-brainer idea. While they've struggled in the past (see article beneath the cut), this seems like an incredible alternative to the cool-ified cafeteria that is the typical student union (or is that just UTDallas?).Â
Just something to think about: A self-sustaining, living space.Â
Read the rest of this post »