Enjoy life with other young people

Find social communities in Sønderborg

The reason Sønderborg offers such great opportunities for young people is that they play a key role in creating them. You too can make a difference by joining a network – or by getting involved in voluntary work.

Whether you want to play music, join cooking communities, attend concerts, do something creative, or study together, there are excellent opportunities to do so with fellow students or other young people.

Social communities for students

If you are a new student at SDU Sønderborg, the Introteam SDU Alsion is ready to welcome you. The team organises events that make it easier to meet other students and get off to a great start in your student life. The social network starts from day one, giving you the chance to form friendships that may last throughout your studies.

If you are interested in European politics and community, you can join European Youth South – a pro-European organisation in Sønderborg that is part of European Youth Denmark. The organisation works to preserve and develop the EU through information and debate. It is not about being for or against the EU, but about how the EU of the future should look. The cross-political environment welcomes all shades of pro-European opinion, and the social side is just as important as the academic. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in inspiring talks, seminars, and campaigns where you can develop your skills and expand your knowledge of the EU – while forming strong relationships and friendships for life.

Mejeriet – youth house in the heart of Sønderborg

In the centre of Sønderborg, you’ll find Mejeriet, a youth house for everyone aged 15 to 30. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 15:00 to 21:00, as well as for various events and concerts. Mejeriet features a concert hall, a cosy lounge, two meeting rooms, a modern music studio, an inner courtyard, and a workshop room. All facilities can be booked free of charge if you are within the age group and follow the house rules.

Mejeriet is much more than four walls – it’s a vibrant space filled with events, concerts, and communities. Concert tickets cost money, but there are plenty of discounts, so you don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy great music. Missing a particular event or community? The team behind Mejeriet is ready to help you organise it, find funding and materials, and make it happen. The music studio can also be booked after a short introduction.

Sønderborg Ungdomsskole – free activities for young people

Sønderborg Ungdomsskole is a municipal service for all young people in Sønderborg Municipality from Year 7 up to the year they turn 18. All activities are completely free, though you’ll need to cover costs for trips and travel. The youth school offers leisure classes, travel opportunities, day trips, and operates 10 youth clubs across the municipality.

Here, you can take part in creative and academic subjects, sports activities, weekend courses, and much more. The programme is diverse – from babysitting courses and maths classes to confectionery workshops, vintage moped clubs, and ski trips. The school also organises Active Summer Holidays, giving children and young people the chance to try different activities through volunteer associations – and perhaps be inspired to join one.

The youth school is more than just activities – it’s a place where you can explore your interests, learn new skills, and meet other young people from across the municipality in a safe and inclusive environment.

Become a volunteer and make a difference

The Sønderborg area is full of dedicated people passionate about voluntary work. There are opportunities within social initiatives such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Save the Children, which offer homework help, social activities, and support for children and young people. You can also volunteer with Ventilen, which works with young people who feel lonely, or with SIND Ungdom, which supports young people with mental health challenges. In addition, there are volunteering opportunities in health promotion, elderly and disability care, fire and rescue services, and cultural events such as Ringriderfesten.

Sønderborg Volunteers is also a central part of the municipality’s vibrant cultural life. Sønderborg is known for hosting major events such as the Tour de France, Stella Polaris, Zulu Sommerbio, PostNord Danmark Rundt, and Folkefesten at Dybbøl Banke, which attract thousands of visitors to the area. These events are only possible thanks to the many volunteers who make everything run smoothly. Together with organisers and the municipality, volunteers ensure that events are successful and that Sønderborg remains a lively and attractive place to live and visit.

Everyone can sign up as a volunteer. Some tasks require strength, others organisational skills – and some just a great mood and a willingness to get involved. What all cultural volunteers have in common is their desire to make Sønderborg a fantastic place to live and visit. So, if you want to help create a great community through culture and collaboration, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Take the first step

Whether you’re new to Sønderborg or have lived here for a while, there’s always a place for you in the local communities. It can feel overwhelming to choose where to get involved, but the most important thing is to take the first step. Maybe you start by dropping by Mejeriet one afternoon, signing up for an event with the Intro Team, or volunteering at a local festival. Gradually, you’ll discover where you feel most at home and which communities make the most sense for you.

What makes Sønderborg such a great place to be young is the people who get involved – and now you can be one of them. Find the community that speaks to you, and help shape the life you want to live together with other young people in Sønderborg.