Regensen

Facts

Denmark's most prestigious hall of residence

By Keld Grinder-Hansen, Cand.mag., Ph.D. (18 stories)

Regensen is Denmark's second-oldest student hall of residence after the Valkendorf from 1588. Since olden days, it has been Copenhagen's most prestigious student accommodation. Regensen was built in 1618-23 as housing for 120 students at the initiative of King Christian IV. The original building was lost in the Copenhagen Fire of 1728, but was rebuilt in its present form after 1730. The student life for which Regensen later became known arose in the late 1700s. The linden tree in the middle of the courtyard became a meeting point for student parties and discussions. In 1983, due to ailing finances, Regensen had to surrender its independent status and join other halls in Kollegiesamvirket, an association of student halls of residence.

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Student antics

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Story written by Keld Grinder-Hansen

Time / Periode 1625

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In his vaudeville, Genboerne (The Neighbours), from 1844, Jens Christian Hostrup (1818-92) portrays the epitome of uproarious student life at Regensen. While studying theology, Hostrup himself lived at Regensen and took part in the many student activities. Genboerne, written for a party and performed by students, describes the clash between the lofty academics of Regensen and the Philistine middle class. Eventually, the two groups are reconciled via the student Balsalt's alliance with the smith's daughter Rikke, which binds life to the idea", that is, unites realism and idealism. Hostrup wrote other vaudevilles in the same 'studenty' style such as Eventyr på Fodrejsen (Adventures on Foot) (1848) and En Spurv i Tranedans (A Sparrow among Hawks) (1866-67). And all the while, he was a minister in Silkeborg and later Hillerød. "