Going on exchange or studying in another EU country? How to send your things

A semester or a year abroad usually means one suitcase too many. The winter coat, the books, the bedding and whatever you buy along the way have to go somewhere too. Here's a practical guide to sending it all as a parcel from Denmark, so you can travel light.

1. What's worth sending?

Pack what you'll need for the first few days in your suitcase: documents, medicine, computer, charger and a few changes of clothes. Send the rest:

• Heavy things: books, shoes, winter clothes.
• Large, soft things: duvet, pillow and towels – but watch the volumetric weight (see below). Squeeze them into vacuum bags.
• Things you won't need straight away: extra clothes for next season, hobby gear.

The price depends on both weight and size. Carriers use volumetric weight = length × width × height in cm ÷ 5000, and you pay for whichever is higher: the actual weight or the volumetric weight. A box of 50 × 40 × 30 cm counts as at least 12 kg, even if it only weighs 5 kg. See current prices for your route.

2. When should you send the parcel?

• Send it once you have an address that can receive it. Many student halls have a reception or a parcel room, but not all of them accept parcels before you've moved in. Ask them first.
• DHL Express flies the parcel and often delivers the next working day in Europe. UPS Standard goes by road and is usually cheaper, but takes a little longer. You'll see the expected delivery times when you compare prices.
• Buy the label in good time: it's valid for 30 days after purchase, so you don't have to send the parcel on the same day.

3. How to address a parcel to student halls or student housing

Many parcels to students go astray because the name on the door doesn't match, or the room number is missing. Write:

• Your full name as the recipient – the name on your tenancy agreement.
• "c/o" and the name of the halls, if the parcel is going to a reception.
• Building, floor and room number.
• The country's postcode and address format. See the format in our country guides, for example send a parcel to Spain (in Danish), the Netherlands (in Danish) or Italy (in Danish).
• Your phone number, ideally a local one, so the driver can call.

Within the EU no customs papers are needed. The exception is areas outside the EU VAT area, such as the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla – contact us before you book a parcel there.

4. Pack it properly – and remember the rules for electronics

• Use a strong box, fill it completely, and tape every seam.
• Put a note with your name and address inside the box.
• One label per box. If you send several boxes, each one needs its own.

Electronics and batteries

• Loose batteries can't be sent: power banks, spare batteries and battery packs. Take your power bank in your hand luggage instead – and check the airline's rules.
• Electronics with the battery inside (for example an extra screen with a battery, a camera or a tablet) can be sent when switched off, protected against switching on and well packed. Since 2026 the battery must be charged to no more than 30%.

You'll find more tips in the guide to preparing your parcel.

5. How to send the parcel

1. Pack, measure and weigh the box.
2. Compare DHL Express and UPS on ohship.dk. You don't need an account, and you pay by card.
3. Print the label on ordinary A4 paper, and attach it with clear tape so the barcode is visible.
4. Drop the parcel off at a service point, or book a pickup with UPS or DHL using the tracking number on the label.
5. Track the parcel, and give the tracking number to the reception at your halls.

If your parents want to send you a parcel later in the semester, the steps are the same – they just use your address abroad as the recipient.

6. Frequently asked questions

Can I send several boxes at once? Yes, with UPS you can send up to 10 parcels to the same recipient in one booking. With DHL Express it's one parcel per order.

Can I send my computer? Yes, if the battery is inside, the computer is switched off and well packed, and the battery is charged to no more than 30%. Many people still choose to take their computer in their hand luggage.

Do I have to pay customs duty when I send to another EU country? No, not between EU countries. The exception is areas outside the EU VAT area, such as the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla.

What if the halls won't accept the parcel? Then the carrier usually returns the parcel to the sender, and the return costs are invoiced. So always check with the halls first.

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Sources: OhShip's own information (as of 4 November 2026): Frequently asked questions (DHL Express and UPS, batteries, several parcels per booking, volumetric weight, label validity, returns), the country guides (customs, address format). Check the figures again before the article is published.