Ahh, Maastricht. The metropolitan of Limburg. You’ll find plenty there! This beautiful city is the ultimate marriage of classic Dutchness and that southern European vibe.

Cute cobbled streets, pretty parks, and medieval monuments — Maastricht has a little bit of something for everyone.

Having been ruled by French, Spanish, Prussian, and Austrian powers throughout history, the province of Limburg has a distinct character compared to its northern Dutch counterparts, making for a truly unique experience when visiting Maastricht.

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out on the Maas River, exploring the mysterious Fort Sint Pieter caves, or just want somewhere pretty to walk around, Maastricht is the perfect destination for a casual day trip.

Can’t wait to explore? Jump to a spot below!

• Main spots to see in Maastricht
  • The Vrijthof: delicious food, lively atmosphere, and events galore
  • The Markt: the heart of Maastricht
  • Wyck: the place to shop, eat, and be seen
  • Sint Servaasbridge: an ancient beauty
  • Boekhandel Dominicanen: a bookstore built into a church
  • AlleyCat: bikes and coffee in one
  • Helpoort: the old city gate
  • Stokstraat: fancy stores and eats
  • Bonnefanten Museum: the place for art
  • Onze Lieve Vrouw Sterre de Basiliek: iconic Catholic church
  • Basilica of St. Servatius: the church Maastricht is known for
  • Lichtenberg ruins: the castle on the hill
  • Pinnic in the Hoge Fronten: food for fort!
• Food and drink to try in Maastricht
  • Zoervleesj
  • Maltese beer
  • Vlaai: the Limburg pie
• Fun tours and activities in Maastricht
  • Boat tours on the Maas River
  • Cave tour at Fort Sint Pieter
  • Soak up the Dialect
  • Kingloops: second-hand steals
• How to get to Maastricht

Main spots to see in Maastricht

There are many hidden gems to see on your day trip to Maastricht, including stunning architecture, comfy cafés, and pretty plazas.

But if you’re only here for a day, be sure to check out some of these main attractions:

The Vrijthof: delicious food, lively atmosphere, and events galore

This square has some of the best bars and restaurants in Maastricht, not to mention the irresistible Pinky’s waffles and ice cream!

Many annual events take place on this square that people from all over the country come to see.

From André Rieu concerts to Carnival to Christmas — if it’s happening in Maastricht, it’s happening at the Vrijthof. 

The Markt: the heart of Maastricht

The Markt’s central feature is the town hall, and major events in Maastricht tend to spill over onto this square from the nearby Vrijthof.

It’s another hot spot for many lekker bars and restaurants in Maastricht.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, you’ll find a local farmer’s market here, where you can buy fresh local produce!

Wyck: the place to shop, eat, and be seen

The Wyck is a trendy area you shouldn’t miss on your day trip to Maastricht — with stylish art galleries, vintage boutiques, and upmarket restaurants.

It’s one of the first areas you hit when walking towards the centre from the station, and it’s a rather stunning first impression.

Sint Servaasbridge: an ancient beauty

This is quite possibly the oldest bridge in the Netherlands, dating back to the 13th century.

Spanning over the Maas River, this old beauty connects the two halves of Maastricht, whereby you can walk straight from Wyck into the old town.

When the weather is good, this spot is perfect for taking pictures with the Maastricht skyline behind you, as it offers a great view of both sides of the city. 

Boekhandel Dominicanen: a bookstore built into a church

This 700-year-old Gothic church was converted into a bookstore in 2006 — and what a bookstore it is! Over 50,000 books are packed in the stone walls and shelves.

The nave is dominated by what is essentially a two-story bookcase that you can climb and walk around. Here, timeless literature blends perfectly into the living history of the church.

Books in English and other languages are also available, and a cafe sits snugly at the back — gezellig!

AlleyCat: bikes and coffee in one

If you find yourself in need of a coffee break AND a bike part, look no further than the Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee.

They pride themselves in serving ethical, speciality coffee, as well as anything to do with bikes really. Homely wooden tables, fresh cakes, and the cutest dogs are always there to welcome you when you enter.

READ MORE | 9 brilliant places to work or study in Maastricht

If you’re not in the mood for a coffee, they also have a delectable dirty chai latte which we highly recommend.  

Helpoort: the old city gate

Helpoort was the city gate of Maastricht during medieval times, and it still stands remarkably well-preserved today.

Dating back to the 13th century, as many things in Maastricht do, this is the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands.

Take a stroll through the gate and along the old wall for a scenic walk and a taste of Limburg history. 

Stokstraat: fancy stores and eats

Known for its historic appearance, Stokstraat is one of the oldest streets in Maastricht.

Today, it hosts luxurious fashion and interior design stores. Traditional Burgundian restaurants with the finest wines and quality food can also be found along this street.

READ MORE | 7 Dutch foods you need to try before you die

Burgundian food is typical in Limburg and is where the French influence comes through. This cuisine is from the region of Burgundy and tends to be meaty and full of rich flavours.

In Maastricht, you’re never far from a cafe, so of course, Stokstraat is a treasure trove of delicious cakes, teas, and coffees.

It’s within the pedestrian zone, so wandering along this street is a relaxing feast for both the eyes and stomach.

Bonnefanten Museum: the place for art

If you’re craving some visual art but want something different from the museums in the north, Maastricht’s Bonnefanten Museum is ideal for you.

Their collection spans from medieval right through to modern, contemporary, and conceptual art — and there’s always an interesting new exhibition taking place!

The museum even sometimes hosts international events and travelling art worth checking out.

Onze Lieve Vrouw Sterre de Basiliek: iconic Catholic church

In English, this means “Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea”. This Roman Catholic church is still active today, which is impressive considering it dates back to the fourth century!

READ MORE | 12 World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands: the country’s best monuments

Its beautiful Romanesque architecture is definitely worth seeing and is another reason why the culture and aesthetics in Maastricht are visually unique to the rest of the Netherlands.

Outside the church, you can find charming restaurants and a wonderful ice cream shop. 

Basilica of St. Servatius: the church Maastricht is known for

The broad chest of this magnificent church stands tall along the edge of the Vrijtof and is a recognisable feature of Maastricht which draws visitors from far and wide.

The mostly Romanesque style of this Catholic church contrasts the red Gothic structure of Saint Jan’s to its right.

For just a few euros, you can enter St. Servatius and climb the tower of Saint Jan’s for a great view of Maastricht.

Lichtenberg ruins: the castle on the hill

The “mountain of the Netherlands”, as locals call it (a hill, really), known as St. Pietersberg, is home to the Lichtenberg Castle ruins.

Just outside Maastricht, the ruins overlook the Maas River, and the walk up there is a scenic trail frequented by picnickers, dog walkers, and runners.

READ MORE | Hiking trails in Maastricht: 7 top routes for a walk in the wild

As the oldest castle ruins in the Netherlands, this is not one to miss for history buffs. Entrance is free with a voluntary donation, and the ruins are usually open from the end of April to the start of November each year.

In the summer, a restaurant opens up amidst the ruins, and it’s quite the lovely spot to sit and eat. 

Pinnic in the Hoge Fronten: food for fort!

Maastricht has many wonderful picnic spots, including the Stadspark, Céramique, and Griendpark.

But if you’re looking for something a little unusual, try laying your blankets on the grass of an abandoned fort!

The varying levels and heights of the fort sections make for an interesting maze to wander through — and also provide more privacy than the usual picnic spots. Very popular with the kids, this one.

Food and drink to try in Maastricht

The Dutch aren’t exactly famous for their food, but the interesting mix of European influences has created some delectable delicacies you don’t want to miss on your day trip to Maastricht.

There are many scrumptious eats in Maastricht, but the following dishes are traditional to the Limburg region.

Hearty stews, local brews, and oh-so-sweet desserts are all on the menu here. Lekker!

Zoervleesj

Zoervleesj is Limburgian for “sour meat” or zuurvlees in Dutch.

It’s a sweet and sour kind of flavour in what is essentially a beef stew. The unique taste results from marinating the meat in vinegar, and adding apple sauce and gingerbread.

Sounds weird, we know! But trust us, it’s great. Locals eat it with fries, and if you enjoy hearty meals with rich flavours, you will absolutely love it! 

Maltese beer

Any good meal needs a tasty beer beside it, and for that, Maastricht has a special treat. The historic Maltese beer is a full malt Dortmunder style beer and was one of the first speciality beverages in the Netherlands.

It has a dark colour with a rather strong taste and is very popular amongst tourists.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #99: Drink beer like it’s a national sport

Through the grapevine, it gives you the power of the gods, the wisdom of Aristotle, and oh yeah — a throbbing hangover in the morning. But don’t take our word, give it a try yourself!

The local brewery, called the Maltezer, has been crafting the beer at its current location since 1954. You can find it on the Maas in the Wyck district, not far from the Sint Servaasbridge.

Vlaai: the Limburg pie

If you enjoy apple crumble or cherry pie, this is kind of similar — but also definitely not the same.

Vlaai is a traditional pie or tart-like dessert from the province of Limburg, where Maastricht is situated, with a yeast-dough crust and usually a fruity filling.

Variations of it exist, including in the surrounding Belgian and German regions, but typical flavours include cherry, apricot, strawberry, and plum.

Eating a warm slice of vlaai with ice cream or vla (custard) is truly heaven.

The best vlaai bakery in Maastricht is the Bisschopsmolen, where you can also take part in workshops and learn how to make your own.

Using local wheat, they grind their own flour with the watermill, which is in itself a tourist attraction.

Walking past their bakery window is enough to make your mouth drool, trust us. You won’t regret stopping by!

Fun tours and activities in Maastricht

Done with the tourist attractions, and ready to see a different side of the city?

Geen probleem, there are many fun tours and activities for you to do on your day trip to Maastricht!

Boat tours on the Maas River

There are all kinds of sailing options for the Maas River, depending on the company you go with.

There are basic riverboat tours, but also breakfast, pancake, and Saturday night dinner cruises.

You can even sail into Belgium and back if you want to! Tours are in Dutch, English, and German, and can be combined with other tours in Maastricht.

Cave tour at Fort Sint Pieter

The underground caves beneath Fort Sint Pieter have a fascinating history. The 60 kilometres long tunnel system was originally a mine but was later used for shelter by locals during WWI and WWII.

Since then, artists of all kinds have left their marks on the stone, and remnants of life underground can still be seen.

The caves are cool, refreshing, and extremely tall, and the guides that can take you are very knowledgeable. It’s definitely an adventure you wouldn’t want to miss! 

Soak up the Dialect

As you may have noticed, Limburg has its own dialect that differs a little from typical Dutch. It’s considered a mixture of German and Dutch and is referred to by locals as plat.

READ MORE | Too bad, peanut butter! The top 10 strangest Dutch expressions

For example, they would say boeten instead of buiten (outside), and sjoon rather than schoenen (shoes). The Maastricht catchphrase is haw pin! Which means houd moed or “stay strong”.

Of course, different towns and cities have different variations of this dialect.

About 750,000 people speak plat, although in Limburg they also speak general Dutch, and many people speak English well.

Locals in Maastricht are known for being friendly, so don’t be shy to say hello and have a go at plat! 

Kingloops: second-hand steals

If you’re a shopaholic and love a good bargain, or maybe you’ve started a more sustainable fashion lifestyle, Maastricht has many good-quality second-hand stores (kringloop winkelen) for you to browse through.

READ MORE | Studying in Maastricht: ultimate guide to Maastricht University and more

You can find anything from classic radios, record players, and type-writers, to timeless fashion pieces, and vintage furniture.

Take some time to wander through these shops, and you might be surprised by the gems you’ll find. 

How to get to Maastricht

You can get to Maastricht fairly easily by train, bus, or car. From Amsterdam, the train trip is about three hours and by car, it’s two hours.

The NS Dutch railway often has travel offers for those planning a day trip to Maastricht, such as a return day ticket to Maastricht for €25. 

Of course, there are many stunning places in the Netherlands to explore, and each one has its own unique character. But if you’ve already seen the major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, why not try Maastricht next?

Its charm will leave you wanting more!

Do you have more hot tips for Maastricht? Tell us in the comments below!

Getting your rental deposit back in the Netherlands should be pretty straightforward. But, alas, landlords are not always the fairy godmothers we wished they would be.

So, what can you do in the Netherlands if a landlord refuses to give your deposit back?

As an international moving to the Netherlands, handling large sums of money in a country you’re not familiar with yet can be nerve-racking, to say the least. You may be wondering if the deposit fee your landlord is asking for is normal, or if you’re being ripped off. And if they refuse to return it — what then?

Fear not, because even as a foreigner, there are some steps you can take to make sure you get your rental deposit back. 

What is a rental deposit and when do you need to pay it?

When you rent property in the Netherlands, the landlord or agency will generally require you to pay the first month of rent as well as a one-time security deposit before you move in. 

This deposit is to ensure that if you damage the space during your stay, repairs can be paid for by you, rather than costing the landlord or agency. 

However, if by the end of your contract, you have not damaged the rented space, you are entitled to receive this money back in full.

How much is a rental security deposit in the Netherlands?

Usually, the rental deposit will be equivalent to about one month of basic rent (not including utilities). 

However, in the Netherlands, there are no laws which set the maximum rental deposit amount. A deposit worth three months of rent, for example, is seen as acceptable in a Dutch court. 

How to get your rental deposit back in the Netherlands

Assuming you have maintained the place well, haven’t smashed any windows, cut through drain pipes, or caused any other damage, you are entitled to a full return of your security deposit when you vacate the property. 

Regular wear and tear do not count as damage which the landlord can keep your money for. But if it is agreed upon at the beginning of your contract, the landlord may deduct money from your deposit for unpaid rent.

READ MORE | 6 Things about getting your deposit back in the Netherlands

Ultimately, the tenant (you) are only responsible for inexpensive maintenance like painting the inside walls.

However, the landlord is required to pay for larger issues like water pipes or the heating system — unless they can prove you are directly responsible.

What a Dutch landlord can deduct from your rental deposit

What are those larger items? Some things a landlord can claim a portion or all of your rental deposit for include:

• holes in the wall from hanging photos
• broken tiles or fixtures in the bathroom
• clogged toilet due to misuse
• broken walls
• removing paint put up by tenant
• tears, holes or burn marks in carpets or curtains
• animal stains in the carpet cause by domestic animals or leaking fish tanks
• broken windows and window screens
• broken doors and locks
• appliances broken by negligence
• excessive filth in over or on stove by burners
• clogged drains from misuse or negligence
• broken or missing window blinds
• flea and pest extermination
• excessive mildew and mold in bathroom
• excessively filthy bathtub, shower, sink, mirrors or toilet

What a Dutch landlord cannot deduct from your rental deposit

The following things would be considered general wear and tear, which the landlord can generally not charge you for:

• faded paint or wallpaper due to sunlight,
• broken plumbing caused by normal use,
• dirty blinds and curtains,
• carpet wear caused by normal use,
• furniture marks on the carpet,
• warped doors caused by age, temperature or moisture,
• warped windows caused by the flow of the glass,
• dents in walls from door handles,
• broken appliances (if not from misuse),
• dusting,
• faded curtains,
• broken light bulbs,
• replacement batteries for smoke detectors,
• picture or pinholes in walls, as long as not excessive.

Passing inspections: how to avoid your rental deposit being kept

There are three inspections which should take place when you rent in the Netherlands: one at the beginning of your contract to record the condition of the space before you move in; a pre-inspection shortly before you leave; and a final inspection. 

First inspection (before moving in): make an inspection list and take photos

At the start of your rental contract in the Netherlands, you and your landlord/agency should walk through the space together and record the condition of the property in an opnamestaat (inspection list). 

Any holes in the walls, broken taps, or anything that can be listed as damaged must be noted.

If your rental is furnished or partially furnished, make sure to record the condition of any furniture too, and which items will remain for you to use.

It’s important for you also to take photos of everything at this stage. Photos and the inspection list will protect you in case the landlord later falsely accuses you of causing any damage.

Pre-inspection (before moving out): a chance to fix things

About two weeks before you leave the property, a pre-inspection should take place.

Here, the landlord/agency will determine if there is any damage done in comparison to the inspection list from the beginning of your contract. 

Again, both parties should be present for this. If the landlord/agency decides you need to make some repairs or complete any deep cleaning, a report will be drawn up detailing what needs to be done, which both parties should sign. 

Of course, if you do not agree with the report — don’t sign it.

But if you do, you legally have until the end of your contract to fix any issues. If the landlord doesn’t give you enough time to make these repairs, you are entitled to receive your deposit back in full. 

READ MORE | 6 Things about getting your deposit back in the Netherlands

Final inspection

This normally happens a few days before or after you have moved out and is a chance for the landlord/agency to check if you have made the required repairs.

Any repairs you did not make will be deducted from your deposit. The landlord can’t request new repairs at this point unless they did not see them in the pre-inspection.

But, if either no damages are listed or all damages have been repaired after the final inspection, you have the right to get your full security deposit back.

Of course, that doesn’t always happen.

What to do if a landlord/agency in the Netherlands won’t give you your deposit back

If the landlord finds damages that you don’t agree with or comes up with some crazy excuse for keeping your deposit, things can get pretty tense pretty quickly.

If after a month (or a previously agreed upon deadline) you still don’t have your deposit back, you’ll need to take some action.

Send a registered letter demanding your deposit back (aangetekend)

First, you need to write a registered letter (aangetekende brief) to your landlord/agency in which you demand the rental deposit back. 

In this letter, you should first explain in detail why you disagree with the landlord. Then, clearly state that you will take legal action if they do not return your deposit within five working days.

Send the letter by mail but be sure to keep a copy for yourself. If you would like to send it in Dutch (recommended) you can use a sample letter. 

If you still can’t get your deposit back, get legal help

If your registered letter is ignored or the landlord still refuses to pay, this is the time to get legal help. 

Keep in mind that if the landlord is accusing you of causing damage, they will need to provide photographic evidence.

With the photos you (hopefully) took yourself during the first inspection, you should be able to counter this.

Normally a letter from a lawyer is enough to scare a landlord or housing agency into paying up, as going to court could cost them more.

But if they’re adamant you don’t deserve your deposit back, then legal help may be the only way forward.

Bonus tips for before you move in

As difficult as it is to find accommodation in the Netherlands, you should check up on the agency before you commit to anything.

Check the Google Review and Facebook ratings of any agency you’re interested in working with because people are sure to post about any bad experiences they’ve had. 

If the agent tries to charge you one month’s rent as a fee to lease you the apartment, that’s a big red flag. This is the responsibility of the landlord to pay, not the tenant. It is illegal to charge renters. 

READ MORE ︱7 things to know when using a Dutch rental agency

Now that you know what precautions to take and what is in your right to ask for, we hope you won’t have any stressful situations when it comes to getting your deposit back. 

Have you had any bad experiences with landlords in the Netherlands? How did you solve them? Tell us in the comments below!

The Dutch changed the course of South African history, culture, and identity the moment they first stepped foot in what is now Cape Town. 

The history of the Dutch in South Africa is a two-sided coin. Many regard the Dutch settlers as pioneers in establishing trade routes and as the forefathers of Afrikaner culture.

Yet, their involvement in the slave trade and the invasion of African land cannot be overlooked. 

The influence of the Dutch, seen in the Afrikaans language, Cape-Dutch architecture, and the distribution of ethnic groups (among many other things) are still actively shaping South Africa as we know it today. 

The Dutch arrival in the Cape

While the Portuguese were the first Europeans to set foot in southern Africa, naming the area of today’s Cape Town as The Cape of Good Hope, it was the Dutch who established the Cape Colony in 1652.

Initially, the colony was to serve as a trading post en route to Asia, supplying the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ships with fresh food and water, and a place to stop for rest. 

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the land was already occupied by the Khoekhoe (or Khoikhoi) people, whose way of life revolved around hunter-gathering and cattle herding.

The Dutch traded with the Khoekhoe for a while, exchanging tobacco and brandy for fresh meat. 

But by the late 17th century, war had broken out between the United Provinces of the Netherlands and both Britain and France in mainland Europe.

British and French interests in the Indian Ocean pushed the Dutch to establish a permanent colony in the Cape to protect their trading routes. They began expanding settlements into the traditional grazing lands of the Khoekhoe. 

Conflict erupted as attacks and counter-attacks ensued between the Dutch and Khoekoe in what snowballed into the Khoekhoe-Dutch wars (1659–1660 and 1673–1677).

European diseases also decimated Khoekhoe populations, and they were increasingly pushed out of their lands.

The conflict was eventually resolved with a peace treaty, in which the Khoekhoe had to offer 30 cattle to the VOC annually and vow never to attack Dutch settlements again. 

By the end of the 18th century, without their grazing lands, the Khoekhoe social structure had collapsed and the ethnic group had virtually vanished.

Historians believe many of the Khoekhoe were forced to work for the Dutch, or acculturated with Bantu-speaking African ethnicities from the north. 

The Dutch slave trade in South Africa

Many employees of the VOC retired to the Cape Colony, where they were given land to farm on the condition they sell their crops to the VOC at a fixed price.

The farms were very labour intensive, so the Vryberghers (free citizens) imported slaves from Angola, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, and Asia (Dutch East Indies and Dutch Ceylon) to work the land. 

However, the also VOC owned slaves of their own, the first of which were brought from Angola in the Amersfoort and Hasselt vessels, establishing the Cape as a slave colony.

With poor living conditions, mortality amongst the slaves was high and the Dutch settlers were continuously importing new slaves to the Cape.

Over 150 years, around 40 slave voyages were sent from Cape Town, bringing back around 4,300 slaves who survived the journey.

As a halfway point between Asia and Europe, the Cape Colony also resupplied many VOC slave voyages passing through, including those which would go on to transport Africans to slave markets in the Americas.

The Dutch shipped between 550,000–600,000 Africans in the Atlantic Slave Trade alone. 

British rule and the Great Trek

Back to our history lesson: in 1795, the British invaded the Cape peninsula and took over the Cape Colony (including Cape Town) from the Dutch. 

Due to the British Slave Trade Act of 1807, the first wave of British settlers in the Cape (1820) were not permitted to own slaves, and the importation of slaves was banned in all British colonies.

When slavery across the Cape was abolished in 1834, the British also passed the Amelioration Laws, which allowed slaves to marry, purchase their freedom and receive basic education. This freed over 38,427 slaves in the Cape of Good Hope.

The Dutch Voortrekkers

The Dutch Vryburghers, however, were not happy about this. Tensions between the Dutch and British settlers grew, as the Dutch Boers (farmers) fought to keep their slaves.

Eager to rule themselves, in 1836 about 1,200 Boers (one-fifth of the colony’s Dutch population at the time) embarked on a journey across southern Africa known as the Groot Trek (Great Migration, directly translated), calling themselves the Voortrekkers (pioneers).

They are an important element of Afrikaner folk history.

The Voortrekkers split off in various directions, eventually founding independent Boer republics, namely the Transvaal (South African Republic), the Orange Free State, and the Natalia Republic. 

They travelled in wagons, over a distance roughly equal to that between Portugal and Poland, and lived semi-nomadic pastoral lifestyles.

Crossing semi-deserts, the Orange River (which they named in honour of the Dutch royal family) and the Drakensberg mountain range (over 3400m high, which they named for its dragon-like shape) proved to be a challenging journey that would mould Afrikaner communities into a tough and strong people. 

As they say in Afrikaans, “‘n Boer maak ‘n plan” (a farmer makes a plan), and it is this mindset that got the Voortrekkers across South Africa.

Conflict with African kingdoms

But as the Voortrekkers crossed over the Drakensberg into the fertile lands of Natal, they walked right into what is known as Mfecane — a period of war between the dominating Zulu Kingdom and smaller African kingdoms (1815–1840).

This period caused tribes to temporarily move into new territories, resulting in thousands of refugees, and an estimated two million people who died during these wars. 

But as the conflict died down and the tribes began to reoccupy their land, they found themselves face-to-face with the Boer intruders.

The Boers, of course, claimed that the land was unoccupied when they arrived, which would become the Empty Land Myth that says Europeans arrived in these lands at the same time as Africans.

This myth would later be used by Apartheid politicians to justify Afrikaner Nationalism.

As you can imagine, conflict erupted between the Dutch Boers and the various African tribes they encountered. Military skill thus became key for the Voortrekkers as they further invaded more lands.

Armed with rifles and long knives, the Boers drove tribes like the Ndebele further north and took their children as slaves. In some cases, peace treaties were formed. 

After winning the Battle of Blood River against the Zulu, the Voortrekkers declared the Republic of Natalia in 1838.

The Transvaal became an independent Boer republic in 1852, and the Oranje Vrystaat (Afrikaans for Orange Free State) followed in 1854, both of which had political connections to The Hague.

The Boer Wars

As the British Empire expanded, Lord Carnarvon (British Secretary of State for the Colonies) wanted to unite the British colonies, independent Boer republics and independent African kingdoms in South Africa into a confederation under British control.

In 1876, he realised that this could not be achieved peacefully. 

The Transvaal was in serious financial trouble after a war between the Boers and the Pedi — the largest African kingdom in the north of South Africa. Lord Carnarvon seized the opportunity, and the British annexed the Transvaal in 1877, renaming it the Transvaal Colony.

A couple of years later, the British launched the Anglo-Zulu war, while non-violent Boer opposition grew in the Transvaal. Dutch settlers still in the Cape Colony began supporting their brothers in the north as they protested for independence. 

The First Boer War

In 1880, a disagreement over taxes with the British became the final straw for the Dutch Boers.

Led by Paul Kruger and Piet Joubert, almost 10,000 Boers gathered and proclaimed the restoration of the Transvaal Republic — and so, the first Anglo-Boer war began. 

The red uniforms of the British made them easy targets for the skilled Afrikaner riflemen, who also knew the terrain better than the anglophones. The British suffered heavy losses at the battle of Laingsnek and Schuinshoogte, forcing them to retreat.

Reinforcements from Newcastle arrived and marched on a Boer outpost at Majuba, whom the Boers lured into the mountains and slaughtered. The embarrassing British defeat at Majuba in 1881 concluded the first war.

The Second Boer War

The discovery of gold in 1886 on the Witwatersrand, near Johannesburg, changed everything in the region and motivated the British to retake the land.

By 1890, South Africa was the largest producer of gold in the world, employing thousands of African and European people, and bringing prosperity to the Boer republics.

The Cape Colony, still under British rule, was no longer the strongest region in southern Africa.

Prospectors rushed to Johannesburg from all over the world, especially Europe. The Transvalers saw these Uitlanders (foreigners) as a threat to their independence and gave them restricted rights. This caused further strain between the British and Boer governments. 

Meanwhile, the British were nervous that the Transvaal would expand into territories on the coast. The Boers had access to a harbour in modern-day Mozambique, but they were yet to own any ports for themselves.

Control of the seas was the only advantage that the British had in southern Africa at this point, having earlier annexed Natal. 

In 1895, 100 British soldiers launched the Jameson Raid on Pretoria, without permission from the crown. They were overwhelmingly defeated by the Boers and reprimanded by British command. 

It was only in 1899 that the second Anglo-Boer war officially began. Anticipating a British attack, the Boers struck first, taking out major British towns in Natal. Well-armed and financially strong initial attacks by the Boers were successful. 

But when the British General changed, and new tactics were implemented, the tables turned. In 1900, the British took back their towns and marched 400,000 men north to the Boer republics.

Overwhelmed by the sheer number of men, the Dutch Boers lost control of both the Transvaal and Orange Free State. But they were not done fighting.

The Boers reverted to guerilla warfare, in a series of surprise attacks that dragged on for years. In response, the British initiated the scorched earth policy, whereby anything that could be used by the enemy was burnt to the ground.

Boer survivors were forced into concentration camps where many civilians died of hunger or disease. 

The Boers were forced to surrender in 1902, bringing an end to the final Anglo-Boer war. The Transvaal, Orange Free State, Natal and the Cape Colony were unified into the Union of South Africa in 1910 under the British Empire.

Apartheid

The system of racial oppression in South Africa, known as Apartheid (1948-1994), cannot be directly linked to the Dutch, as by this time, the Afrikaner communities identified themselves as distinct people.

But the ideologies passed down to them from the first Dutch settlers, slave traders, and Voortrekkers are evident in the white-supremacist policies of the Apartheid regime.

In short, Apartheid was a system that separated race groups classified by the ruling National Party (NP) into various zones around South Africa. Afrikaner Nationalism was at the heart of its ideology, which classed white citizens as superior. 

Inequality across the zones was substantial, and education and job opportunities for non-whites were limited, pushing them into cycles of poverty.

Non-white citizens were given fewer rights — including the inability to vote. Intermarriage between the races was illegal, and friendships with different race groups were considered suspicious. 

It is a painful and complicated chapter of South Africa’s history, which I will not expand on here. Even so, it is important to learn more about Apartheid in South Africa.

The Dutch had a majorly influential role to play in what would become the Republic of South Africa. What I’ve covered in this article is, of course, only the tip of the iceberg, but I hope you now know something about the Dutch and South Africa that you didn’t know before.

What do you make of the Dutch involvement in South Africa? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: Charles Davidson Bell/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Ever wondered why the Dutch wear orange to pretty much any national occasion when the colour is not even in their flag? The reason why Dutchies sport orange during the World Cup and on national holidays can be explained by history.

Perhaps you’ve been stampeded by the hoards of orange football fans that flood the streets during big matches or drowned in the explosion of orange that covers every Dutch city on King’s Day.

Well, as it happens, orange has been a national colour of the Netherlands for hundreds of years.

Why do the Dutch wear orange on King’s Day?

If you’re not familiar with the celebration, King’s Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands, where the entire nation dresses in orange, drink beer and celebrates the king’s birthday. And boy, do they celebrate. 

The canals overflow with boats of what look like oompa loompas drinking themselves to death, occasionally singing: Oranje boven, oranje boven, leve de koning! (Orange above all, orange above all, long live the king!).

READ MORE | What’s happening in the Netherlands on King’s Day?

The Dutch love for orange is tied to the Royal Family — the House of Orange-Nassau.

The lineage began with the famous William of Orange, who was crowned Prince of Orange in 1544. With his leadership, the colour orange became a symbol of the Dutch Royal family.

Who was William of Orange?

William of Orange, also known as William the Silent, was named heir to the county of Orange by René of Chalon, who himself died with no children.

Later, William went on to lead the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish occupation of the Netherlands during the Eighty Years’ War from 1568 to 1648.

His leadership was extremely influential in the rebellion, contributing to the official independence of the United Provinces of the Netherlands in 1648. 

He is known as the father of the Netherlands, and he’s the first ancestor of the current Royal Family, making him the founder of this era of the Dutch monarchy.

So his name, and the bright colour that goes with it, symbolise the Dutch state. But where did he get his name?

The town of Orange, France

Orange, historically known as Oranghien by the Dutch, is a town in modern-day southern France.

For many years it was a county state under the Holy Roman Empire before it became a part of France in 1713. This is where, in 1544, William of Nassau became Prince William of Orange. 

Why do Dutch football fans wear orange?

The dress code doesn’t only apply to the fans; the Oranje (the nickname of the Dutch national football team) will also be dressed completely in orange when they hit the field during national games.

The army of sports fans that follow the Dutch team is known as the Oranje Legioen (Orange Legion) and have an almost magical ability to turn every bar, stadium and street they hit completely orange.

This phenomenon is known as Oranjekoorts (Orange Fever), and it’s just as crazy as it sounds.

This love of orange is clearly not a small one, and it comes back to the same reason the Dutch wear the hue on King’s Day. Where orange originally symbolised the Dutch Royal Family, it soon became a symbol of Dutch national pride and the country at large. 

Why is the Dutch flag not orange?

Originally, the Dutch flag was actually orange, white and blue — designed by William of Orange himself. Dutch soldiers during the War of Independence even wore this colour to battle.

However, at the end of the war, the orange band was changed to red. Historians have a few theories as to why.

The first theory is that the dye used to stain the flag orange was prone to changing to a red colour over time, and so to avoid confusion, the flag was officially changed to red.

Other historians believe the change was a result of the 1654 English-Dutch defence treaty, which banned any member of the House of Orange from becoming head of the Dutch state.

Theory three is that the new Dutch flag was based on the Bavarian coat of arms since, between 1354 and 1433, the county of Holland had been ruled by the House of Wittelsbach.

Regardless of the reason why, orange stuck around in Dutch hearts and continues to represent proud, loud Dutchness in all its quirks and charm. 

When not to wear orange in the Netherlands

Wearing orange in the Netherlands will certainly win you brownie points on almost any day of the year, especially during the football World Cup. Except perhaps this day — April 30. 

Before the king’s succession in 2013, King’s Day was, in fact, Queen’s Day in honour of Queen Beatrix. It was celebrated on April 30 but switched to April 27 when the king came to the throne.

Since the change, many tourists have still arrived in the Netherlands fully dressed in orange on April 30. These oblivious enthusiasts became known as vergistoeristen — mistake tourists. Oh, dear.

Toch weer vergistoeristen gespot in Amsterdam https://t.co/uUbfionzew pic.twitter.com/FHBfw95mwI

— AT5 (@AT5) April 29, 2017

The Dutch are not particularly nationalistic and don’t wear orange on Prinsjedag (Budget Day) or Remembrance Day either.

You might see a little orange on Liberation Day, but certainly not to the degree of real Orange Fever. The colour is mainly reserved for sporting events and King’s Day. 

Countries that use orange because of the Netherlands

As the Dutch gained political power and sailed across the globe to colonise and conquer, their influence left substantial marks in the places they went. This includes their use of the colour orange, which leaked into many flags, names and symbols we still see today.

The South African Boers and orange

Between 1652 and 1795, the Dutch East India Company controlled the Eastern Cape frontier of Southern Africa. Many employees of the company retired here and bought farmlands, as well as African and Asian slaves, to run the farms. 

But in 1806, the Cape colony fell under British rule, which abolished slavery in the region in 1834. The Dutch Boers (farmers) eventually grew tired of paying taxes to the British and refused to give up their slaves.

Thus, they departed on the Great Trek across southern Africa to establish their own settlements where they could rule themselves freely.

The Afrikaaner Boers thus established, among others, the Orange Republic, almost smack bang in the middle of modern-day South Africa.

It became an independent republic in 1854, and of course, its flag had orange and white stripes, with the Dutch flag in the top left corner, for which the Dutch king gave his blessing.

Fast forward past the Boer Wars, and the Orange Republic became the Orange Free State province under the Union of South Africa in 1910. Between 1928 and 1994, the Union of South Africa, which later became the Republic of South Africa, had the flag depicted below.

You’ll notice the orange, white, and blue stripes of the old Dutch flag, as well as the Orange Free State’s flag in the middle.

After Apartheid, this flag changed to the stunning multi-coloured flag that South Africa has today (with zero orange), and the Orange Free State simply became the Free State. But the Orange River, which happens to be the longest one in the country, kept its name.

Irish Protestants and orange

Steering back to Europe, the orange stripe in the Irish flag also has its links to William of Orange — believe it or not. This colour represents the minority Irish Protestants who supported William of Orange, and also were British Unionists. 

During the Battle of the Boyne, Protestant King William of Orange faced up against the Catholic King James II of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Irish Protestants, who were in conflict with their Catholic countrymen, opted to support William of Orange instead. As a result, they adopted the colour orange as a symbol of their Protestant Irish identity.

This is in contrast to the green of the Irish flag, which symbolises Catholic Irish republicanism. The white in the middle symbolises peace between these two groups.

Carrots and William of Orange

Did you know that the orange colour of your favourite root vegetable is of Dutch doing?

Carrots were originally purple, red, or white, but the Dutch bred the root to become the distinct orange colour it’s known for today. And, of course, this change in colour was a tribute to old William of Orange. 

READ MORE | 7 times the Dutch did it first: fun facts from the Netherlands

Still to this day, you can hear the history of William of Orange in the Dutch national anthem, and sometimes even see a strip of orange flown beside the Dutch national flag. 

What appears to be a random Dutch preference for all things orange actually has a very complex history of meaning behind it, one which has reached into the far corners of the globe and Dutch tradition alike. 

What do you think of the Dutch obsession with this colour? Tell us in the comments below.

Surf’s up in the Netherlands? You bet. If you can brave the chilly waters, there are plenty of great spots up the coast for you to hit the waves this season.

Keen to ride the waves, bask in the sun, and hang ten?

While the Netherlands may not top the list of the best countries to surf in, good offshore winds can create the perfect conditions to ride the waves. This is especially true if northwest and northern winds cause a swell. 

If you’re stressing about where you can catch the perfect waves, don’t fret!

We’ve hunted down nine of the best spots to surf in the Netherlands — and everything else you need to know. 

Never surfed before? No problem! Take a quick lesson from a local surf instructor and experience the magic.

Want to hit the waves asap? Jump to what you need to know!

• What you should know about surfing in the Netherlands?
• Best places to surf in the Netherlands

What you should know about surfing in the Netherlands?

Let’s not kid ourselves, this isn’t Hawaii we’re talking about. This is the North Sea, which means frosty toes are the price of a good shred. Wet suits and cold-water wax are required year-round.

Compared to other surfing spots in the world, Dutch beaches do require more patience for catching a solid wave. 

But they’ll certainly deliver the surfing fix you’re craving, and pushing through the cold will be totally worth it.

Underestimating the surfing culture in the Netherlands would be a mistake.

If you know where to go, strong waves and firing barrels could be lining up for you and your board — yewwww!

Best places to surf in the Netherlands

Okay, so we’ve clarified that you can indeed surf in the lowlands. But where should you head to first?

We’ve collected nine of the best places to surf in the Netherlands below so you can find the top spot to catch the waves.

9. Top Dutch surf spot: Noord Scheveningen

As one of the most popular surfing destinations in the Netherlands, Scheveningen is a must-see for anyone looking to cut some water.

About 20 minutes from the beautiful city centre of Den Haag, Scheveningen beach is easy to access and offers many restaurants and bars for that post-surf hangout. 

The waves are point break, mainly from the right, which makes for a great challenge. The beach is sandy but the seafloor does tend to have rocks, so this is not a recommended spot for beginner surfers.

Although swells are not exactly world-renowned, they do create some decent waves worth paddling out for any time of the year.

Scheveningen is pretty much the hub of surfing culture in the Netherlands. But if you want to go off the beaten track, here are a few suggestions for some lesser-known surfing spots.

8. Where to surf in the Netherlands: Texel

The island is host to a beach that runs uninterrupted for almost 15 kilometres. This makes for a less crowded surfing experience, as well as a picturesque landscape of dunes and countryside.

Here, you can expect steady winds and generally higher waves compared to other surf spots in Holland.

READ MORE | Exploring Dutch islands: a guide to visiting Texel

The conditions also make for a great kitesurfing and windsurfing destination.

7. Zeeland’s top surfing spot: Domburg

This scenic seaside town is located in the Zeeland province, which you can reach quite easily from Rotterdam. Domburg has no train station, so if you’d prefer to avoid the more touristy beaches, this is the place for you. 

Its beaches are known for strong, breaking waves, which are fast and come from every direction. The most popular banks are just south of Domburg, past the golf course, but there are plenty of good spots higher up if you’d prefer to avoid the locals.

One thing to be aware of is the jetty pilings at high tide.

A unique perk of Domburg is MadNes: the surf, skate, and music festival that takes place here every July. This year, the festival is hosted on beach Nes, Ameland from July 1-3.

6. Surfing beach close to Rotterdam: Hoek van Holland

This beach starts at the mouth of Rotterdam’s Europoort and continues northward towards Scheveningen, making it easily accessible for anyone in the south of the Randstad.

As another popular surfing destination in the Netherlands, many surf shops and schools can be found along this beach. 

Surfing conditions are good, with steady winds and strong breaking waves. However, pollution from the harbour does have an effect on water quality.

5. Popular surfer choice: Zandvoort

Watersport enthusiasts flock to Zandvoort in the summer for its beautiful golden beaches and clean waters. The long stretches of sand prevent overcrowding, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to serve the summer beach buzz.

The sea is calmer in spring and summer, but as Zandvoort is totally exposed to the sea, you can pick up some high winds here. Waves tend to be soft crumblers but can reform into stronger breaks.

All levels of surfers can be found here, but long boarding is more suited to the conditions.

4. A surf spot away from tourists: Camperduin

The coastal village of Camperduin in North Holland has a west-facing beach that leads into a man-made lagoon.

It’s one of the quieter surfing spots and its beaches tend to have a lot of space, even in summer. If you’re looking to shred some barrels, this is one of the best places to do so.

Some of the most powerful jetty breaks in Holland can be found here, enough to snap a board every once in a while. Do be careful of strong rip tides though.

3. Surf beach close to Amsterdam: Wijk aan Zee

A short 30-minute drive from Amsterdam, Wijk aan Zee is another favourite beach of the Dutchies.

Although it can get quite crowded, there are many surfing resources at your disposal here, including shops, schools, and hiring equipment.

Waves are of the beach break type, coming from all directions. With a soft-sandy bottom, conditions are perfect for beginner surfers as well as experienced shredders.

The huge jetties provide some wind protection but do be careful of riptides as you get closer to them. The water quality is not the best at Wijk aan Zee, but its location makes it a good option for Amsterdammers.

2. Popular Dutch tourist beach: Bergen aan Zee

Bergen aan Zee is a coastal town in the province of North Holland. Tourists love it here in the summer, but it’s an emptier spot as far as surfing goes. Although, local surfers are starting to catch on to this location. 

Bergen aan Zee experiences fairly consistent point break waves, but in the summer it tends to flatten out.

Swells come from both directions and the ideal time for a good shred is high tide. The bottom is sandy as well, so be cautious of rips.

1. Quiet surf beach in the Netherlands: Ouddorp

You can find this village in South Holland surrounded by beautiful countryside and miles of white beach sand.

It’s one of the quietest surf spots on the Dutch coastline, which is great if you’re looking for emptier waters. 

The waves here aren’t too intense, so it’s a perfect place for beginners. The beach break waves come from all directions, the seafloor is sandy and there are few safety hazards.

If you’re lucky, you might even see some seals in the water!

Did we leave out your favourite surf spot? Do you know more about some of the locations we mentioned? Tell us in the comments below!

Knowing how to prepare for a Dutch winter can be daunting, especially if you’re completely unfamiliar with the weather here. But adjusting to your new climate needn’t be so scary.

I arrived here from South Africa and had time to ask locals for advice on how to shop for proper cold-weather clothes before Dutch winter hit. Even so, my first winter here was incredibly tough.

In retrospect, though, there were a lot of simple changes that I could have made to a lot of icy misery.

If you’d like to avoid making the same mistakes that I did, here’s a handy guide on everything you need to know about surviving a Dutch winter!

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What to expect from a Dutch winter

Dutch weather is always somewhat sporadic and unpredictable, but one thing is certain: there will be a lot of rain.

You’ll know the cold season is on its way when the days get shorter, greyer, and colder. By the time winter is in full strength, the sun will be coming up at around 9 AM and going down at around 4 PM.

Average temperatures will be around three degrees Celsius (37.4 F), dropping to zero (32 F) (and below) at night and rising to a max of about six degrees Celsius (42.8 F) during the day.

So, with those almost-freezing temperatures, will our spirits at least be lifted with some drifting snow?

Well, in the past, it wasn’t uncommon for it to snow for a couple of weeks every year in the Netherlands. In recent years, however, this has become increasingly rare. (Thanks, global warming! )

Though that may sound depressing, the Dutch are experts at making the wintertime a bright, festive delight — complete with sugary comfort foods and cosy evenings inside.

Knowing how to dress during this time is key to surviving — and having fun during — a Dutch winter.

What to wear to survive winter in the Netherlands

Making sure you’ve got the right clothes for the season is arguably the most important thing. Luckily, however, you have plenty of choices when it comes to picking out garments in the Netherlands.

My biggest tip for winter clothes is to buy things here, and not before you arrive — unless you come from a cold country. What looks and feels warm enough at home simply won’t be the case when you get here. 

In addition to this, be sure to stock up on your winter gear before November hits, as these will typically be cheaper during the warmer months.

Even though winter technically only starts in December, if you come from a hot country, you’ll really start to feel it around the end of October, which is when you’ll see coats popping up in all the stores.

Are you looking for some handy tips on what to consider when shopping for warm winter clothing? I’ve got you covered!

The art of layering

This might sound obvious to those from colder climates, but to beach babies like me, it was not.

Staying warm in the winter is all about layering. You will constantly be moving from heated interiors to the freezing outdoors, and you need outfits that can accommodate both. 

Outside, you’ll need your coat, sweater, shirt and maybe even an under-shirt. Inside, on the other hand, you’ll likely want something suitable for around 19 degrees Celsius.

Here are a few options for women’s sweaters that’ll do a brilliant job of taking you from early autumn through winter:

A lightweight mockneck sweater from Amazon Essentials

You can’t go wrong with Amazon Essentials for affordable, comfortable knits that you can wash and wear over and over again.

Featuring a cotton/polyester blend, these sweaters are true-to-size, durable, and come in a range of flattering, neutral shades that are perfect for layering under cardigans.

Check it out

This organic cotton sweater from Scotch and Soda

Scotch and Soda is known for their trendy designs and stereotypically ‘Dutch’ aesthetic, so if you like chic sweaters that’ll still keep you toasty and warm, this is a brand to look out for.

Though pricier than Amazon Essentials, you can definitely feel the jump in quality in the fabric.

Check it out

And here are a few options for men’s sweaters to take you from early autumn to winter:

This simple crew neck sweater from JACK & JONES

Made from a comfy cotton blend, these best-selling crew neck sweaters are perfect for layering, but can also be worn on their own during autumn.

Are you hoping to dispel those winter blues with a pop of colour? In addition to a range of neutrals, these sweaters also come in a light orange, rich burgundy, and bright blue.

Check it out

A stylish v-neck sweater from Amazon Essentials

If you’re planning on layering your sweaters over shirts, then this v-neck sweater is a wardrobe must-have.

Machine-washing is easy-peasy with this soft cotton/polyester blend, but the fabric is also thick enough to keep you warm and toasty.

Check it out

Having sweaters and cardigans of different thicknesses is also key, depending on how deep into winter you are. For the depths of winter, look for cable-knit sweaters made out of cashmere, angora, or even merino wool (if you’re layering).

You might be tempted to buy thermal layers, but personally, I never wore mine because I quickly realised they made me too hot when I was inside or biking. If you‘re more sensitive to the cold, however, then you may find them handy.

Jackets and coats

Okay, this point is critical.

Do not do what I did — buy a €50 polyester coat from H&M. You have to accept that if you’re going to keep yourself properly warm in this country, you’ll need to invest in quality.

A decent new coat will cost somewhere around €100 or more, and spending the extra money will be worth it for your health and sanity. But buying second-hand is always a great option if you need to save money.

Before you make the investment, make sure your potential coat or jacket passes the following tests:

Fabric

First and foremost, check what the coat is made from before you buy it. I don’t care how fluffy it is; polyester will never keep you as warm as wool, cotton, or down feathers (around 800 fill is good for winter).

Any of the ski brands with fancy technologies are also quality options. Look out for insulation technologies like 3M Thinsulate, PrimaLoft and Under Armour’s ColdGear Infrared.

If you’re looking for some options from Under Armour, I can recommend:

A ColdGear Infrared puffer jacket from Under Armour (women’s)

Let’s face it, very few people would be buying a jacket in a dowdy design — no matter how warm it purports to be.

Luckily, there are many jackets (like this Under Armour puffer) that combine trendy aspects with staying toasty warm.

Check it out

A ColdGear Infrared down jacket from Under Armour (men’s)

It’s rare to find something on the more affordable end of Under Armour’s ColdGear Infrared range, which honestly makes this jacket a bit of a steal.

It’s also lightweight enough to keep up with your biking/jogging/walking habits — whilst providing all the warmth you’ll ever need on a cold, Dutch winter’s day.

Check it out

Coats made from these materials are often used for ski jackets because they are more compact, lighter in weight, and keep you warm in snowy weather.

In a pinch, nylon, flannel, cashmere and hemp will also do the job, but aren’t as popular.

Length

Your jackets and coats need to be cycling-friendly, which means turning yourself into a walking sausage is not going to work.

Either buy a coat that goes down to your jean pockets (mid-length), or a longer coat with a reverse zip or buttons that you can open up the bottom when cycling.

Rain and snow proof

Make sure the coat is waterproof and not just water-resistant. If the rain decides to bucket down, a water-resistant coat will simply not be enough — and you’ll quickly find there’s nothing worse than getting wet in the cold.

A waterproof coat will also prevent you from getting wet in the snow (should the snowflakes decide to grace us with their presence).

Shoes to wear during winter in the Netherlands

In the lead-up to winter, you’ll need light, waterproof shoes like sneakers or leather boots.

But for winter, get some thicker boots (fluffy insides are great!) which should also be waterproof.

Thick soles with good grip are important, so if there’s any ice, you don’t slip and fall. 

Accessories you’ll need in a Dutch winter

The cold air creeps into every opening it can find, and any exposed bits of skin will feel like they’re falling off if you don’t protect them.

Hence, you will likely need the following to survive winter in the Netherlands:

• Thick socks (or layer your regular socks!),
• a beanie,
• gloves,
• a scarf,
• legwarmers, and
• earwarmers!

Preparing for rain in the Netherlands

If you thought a waterproof coat was all you needed, think again.

Regardless of how you prepare for Dutch rain, you’re going to get a little wet, but there are ways to help keep yourself as dry as possible.

Storm-proof umbrella

I can’t tell you how many of my umbrellas have died miserable deaths at the hands of strong winds.

If it looks flimsy in the store, it ain’t gonna last, so don’t buy it. Get yourself a storm-proof umbrella.

They look like odd pyramids but make for a more aerodynamic design that won’t bend and break away in the wind.

Rain pants

A very particular area of your legs takes the brunt of the rain when you are cycling — your lap. But depending on the rain, your legs could get entirely drenched, and having cold, damp trousers for a while is never fun. 

The simple solution: rain pants! You can get these in different lengths (upper legs or full length), and they are basically raincoats for your legs that you can strap over your trousers. Trust me, they make a difference!

Some great options include:

These Columbia Storm Surge rain trousers (women’s)

For those who’d rather not be soaked and shivering in the latest Dutch rainstorm, these trousers offer a high-quality alternative to waving a magic wand and staying dry 24/7.

Plus, with Columbia’s breathable Omni-Tech construction, the interior of these pants is kept warm and comfortable — even in cold weather.

Check it out

These Columbia Rebel Roamer rain trousers (men’s)

If the thought of trudging through the office with damp legs after cycling through a Dutch rainstorm fills you with dread, these trousers might be just what you need to stay dry.

With fully sealable seams and an adjustable drawstring waist, they’re ideal for battling the gusty wetness that the Netherlands has to offer.

Check it out

At the end of the day, if you have the right clothes, your entire winter experience will be warmer, dryer, and significantly more comfortable.

How to avoid seasonal depression

The lack of sunlight during winter can affect your health in various ways, but one which is important to be aware of is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In short, this is a depressive disorder triggered by a lack of light. 

READ MORE | Seasonal depression in the Netherlands: what to do when feeling SAD

If you show any symptoms of SAD, consulting your GP is, of course, important. But there are some simple things you can do to help prevent this from happening in the first place:

• Try to get as much sunlight as possible. If the sun breaks through and you have a lunch break or a moment to spare, put on that coat and head out there!
• Physical exercise. Anything from walking, dance classes, gym or yoga will help.
• Light therapy. You can buy SAD lamps which mimic sunshine that you can have at your desk as you work through the day.
• Get into a sleep schedule and follow it. This will help your body adjust to waking up in the dark and feeling tired at the right time.
• Vitamin D supplements help replace the vitamins you would have otherwise been getting from the sun.
• Socialise and stay connected. Calling family and friends back home really helps, but making new friends here will also help you through the colder months.

How to make the most of a Dutch winter

Don’t be afraid, your first Dutch winter may seem daunting but it can actually be a lot of fun!

Christmas in the Netherlands is a whole new experience for those coming from the southern hemisphere. This is especially true of Christmas markets, which have an array of delicious food and drinks you need to try!

If you have kids, the Dutch have mastered many family-friendly winter activities. Outdoor ice rinks pop up all over the country, which are great fun regardless of your age. Even better — the Dutch canals sometimes freeze over for ice-skating too! 

READ MORE | Seven breathtaking places to hike around the Netherlands this winter

The Dutch are pros at staying inside in the winter, which makes cold weather the perfect time to embrace the Dutch concept of gezellig.

What would you recommend for surviving the Dutch winter? Share your tips in the comments below.

The Netherlands has an incredibly rich student life, where students are encouraged to take on extracurricular activities. These are mostly in the form of student associations (studentenverenigingen), sometimes known as Dutch student societies. 

For those of you fresh off the plane and settling into your new student life in the Netherlands, you may have already experienced the Dutch introduction week known as introductieweek.

It’s basically a bombardment of banners, leaflets, and free pens, during which tall local students convince you to sign up for student clubs.  

This can be quite overwhelming, and you might find yourself walking away wondering what exactly you signed up for. Was that an academic club, an association, or some kind of sorority or fraternity?

What kind of student associations are in the Netherlands?

Student associations in the Netherlands exist for almost everything. From soccer, politics, rowing, LGBTQ, history, art, street dance, debating, a religious group, vegans, international students, nationalities, and more!

Generally, Dutch student societies are divided into five different groups: 

• Social associations (Gezelligheidsverenigingen) — exist primarily to socialise and make the most out of student years.
• Study associations (Studieverenigingen) — with a focus on your degree area.
• Sports associations (Sportverenigingen) — for a particular sport.
• Religious associations (Religieuze studentenverenigingen) — for members of certain religions or faiths.
• Other associations (Overige studentenverenigingen) — anything else you can think of!

What are the perks of joining a Dutch student association?

If you want to integrate into Dutch life while studying in the Netherlands, joining a society is a great idea.

Of course, it’s not without challenges. But in general, you can take advantage of some sweet benefits. Here are just a few!

Networking and student life

Student associations are a quick way to meet people and make friends. You’ll have to be up for learning a new language and willing to throw yourself into all the parties and activities.

If that’s the case, then student associations will be a great way to meet some friendly people. 

Of course, for international students, breaking into those tight Dutch circles can be a little more complicated. Many internationals are master’s students and are only around for a year or so.

They have a reputation for taking their studies more seriously — I mean, none of us flew across the planet to fail — so they tend to have lower commitment levels to societies than local students. 

READ MORE | The student housing nightmare: a tale of discrimination, fraud, and protest

The result is that student associations sometimes put less effort into attracting internationals. Unfortunately, this can create a bit of an anti-international vibe. 

It’s also natural that many societies in the Netherlands operate in Dutch, making it difficult for internationals to feel included.

If you would like the benefits of joining a student association with a bit less pressure, opt into an international student association like ESN. Most of the students will be in the same boat as you, but there will also be some Dutchies floating around who love hanging with foreigners. 

Housing

As you may know already, there’s a nationwide housing crisis in the Netherlands, especially in student cities. 

Now we’re not here to say that joining a student association will score you an awesome place to live. However, finding a place to stay is easier when you’ve built up a network — especially if you have some Dutchies mixed into your social circles.

READ MORE | Dutch sororities and fraternities: yep, they exist (and are echt bizarre)

Meanwhile, some fraternities and sororities have student houses that will only accept members. 

Job market

In the student community, joining a student society is said to seriously help your career out.

I’ve heard stories of internships and other jobs being made possible because of a shared society membership with the employer (which many still boast about long after graduating). 

Obviously, you’re not going to magically get a job just because you joined a student association. But it certainly doesn’t hurt, especially considering that finding a job in the Netherlands as an international student can be pretty tough. 

How do I join a student association in the Netherlands?

The easiest way to take part in a student association is by showing up to introductieweek (introduction week). Here, almost all student societies will be represented and looking for new members — like yourself! 

If you happen to miss introductieweek, check in with your university to see if it has a list of student societies, or do a quick Google search. You never know what student association will catch your eye — and you may just end up making some killer friends along the way.

Are you, or were you, part of a student association while studying in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2021, and was fully updated in November 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Hold up — sororities and fraternities in the Netherlands? Isn’t that an American thing? Well, it’s complicated, but the Netherlands does have its own version, alongside a whole stack of student associations. 

Simply put, they are groups of students that get together for socialising, networking, and going kinda crazy.

They’re considered a gezelligheidsverenigingen (social association), often have strange traditions and strict rules, and members often even live together in sorority or fraternity houses. 

READ MORE | Student societies in the Netherlands: what you need to know

What are these Dutch fraternities and sororities?

You may have seen those guys with the gelled-up hairdo and the dirty classic ties. Het Korps is by far the largest student association in the Netherlands, with branches in every student city. It’s the oldest and most prestigious society, with weird traditions and often generational members. 

Membership fees are high enough to attract only the elite students since regular student budgets usually can’t afford it. If you see groups of girls all dressed the same or guys in identical suits, they’re probably from some branch of the corps. 

As a member of the studentencorps, you’re expected to have a high level of commitment, so maintaining social groups outside of this close-knit community is hard, but it is also why bonds made here are so strong.

READ MORE | 5 things to know about the Dutch student housing crisis

Famous chapters of this society are Minerva in Leiden (the King was a member there) and the — rather infamous — Vindicat in Groningen. 

Society life tends to be stronger in the smaller cities where there’s not much going on at night… The result is that associations in places like Rotterdam and Amsterdam have more of a snobbish atmosphere since fewer people are allowed to join. 

Hazing — yep, that happens in the Netherlands

All right, let’s get to the juicy stuff. Throughout my bachelor’s degree, stories about what goes down at some sororities and fraternities have made tongues wag and eyebrows fly. 

I’m not going to attempt to separate the rumours from the truth, but it’s no secret that student societies in the Netherlands have made the news a few times for hazing (ontgroening).

Hazing, to some, means “pushing boys to become men” through tasks that are (apparently) designed to bond people together. When these go too far, though, humiliation and physical abuse have sometimes resulted. 

In general, hazing has recently been limited at many universities, and there are now strict rules about what students are allowed to do during introduction weeks.

READ MORE | 7 handy things to know before starting your university hunt in the Netherlands

For example, minimum water consumption and sleep hours must be met, and first-year students are not allowed to drink alcohol at all. It makes you wonder what it was like before, right?

Traditions of fraternities and sororities in the Netherlands

As if hazing wasn’t weird enough, some fraternities and sororities have traditions and rules they must follow — or risk removal. 

One housemate I had was obliged to go drinking every Wednesday night, which seemed more like a chore for her when school got intense. So don’t underestimate them when they say there’ll be lots of drinking. 

Another Dutch fraternity has a rule that they have to wear the same tie every night out. That’s not so weird, right? Here’s the thing: they’re not allowed to wash it.

Some are in the fraternity for four or more years, and, despite wild nights out and countless beers spilt, that tie will never be washed. Gross. 

My personal impression

It began, as many university stories do, during my introduction week. There was a park filled with the colourful stands of the many student associations, and little innocent me was wandering through them, eating free ice cream.

“Hallo!” A perky girl jumped in front of me. Her eyes were so wide I thought they might pop out. She proceeded to ramble on about something I didn’t understand, so when she paused for a breath, I asked if she could switch to English. 

That popped her inflated face pretty quickly. “Sorry, we’re only for Dutch girls,” she said blankly. The heat sensors in the back of her skull caught on to another freshie, and she leapt upon the newcomer behind her, leaving me alone in front of the stand. 

After that first student associations fair, I was never particularly interested in joining what seemed to be nothing more than Dutch people getting drunk together. I’d see girls cycling out in matching uniforms every night, singing like deranged animals and barely scraping themselves into class the next day.

READ MORE | What language level is the Dutch integration (inburgering) exam in 2023?

I’ve had international friends and housemates who joined and complained that the drinking became too much for them — like my friend above, who was forced to drink every Wednesday. 

Going Dutch

To be honest, I think Dutch student societies were just too much of a culture shock for me. The typical Dutch attitude towards studies is “As long as I pass, it’s fine.” 

This is not what I grew up with at all, and when you’re an international, you have way more on the line when it comes to failing than Dutch students. You’re paying triple the fees, have uprooted your entire life for your education, and the government has grounds to deport you if your grades aren’t high enough. 

Spending tons of money to basically get wasted every week with Dutch students who didn’t really want me there anyway was just not for me.

I have, however, had international friends who joined sororities and fraternities and loved it. They met new friends, went on trips that sometimes got them jobs after university, and helped them assimilate into Dutch culture. So check them out for yourself and see what you think. 

If not, there are plenty of other ways to make great friends and have fun during your student years; I can promise you that. I made most of my friends at free drop-in sports clubs, my faculty’s magazine, oh and crying with fellow students at the back of the lecture hall (she laughs nervously).

Have you had an experience with a student society in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

This article was originally published in February 2021 and was fully updated in August 2023 for your reading pleasure.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how on earth the Netherlands is so flat, you’re not alone. 

When I take a train from Belgium or Germany back into the Netherlands, I know I’ve crossed the border when the horizon suddenly begins to stretch out in front of me, completely undisturbed by hills or mountains.

Coming from a mountainous country, the very sight of it gets the cogs in my brain turning — how is the Netherlands so flat!?

How did the Netherlands become so flat?

It turns out that a combination of geography and land reclamation from the sea is the key to explaining the ruler-straight horizon. Let’s take a look at how each of these works.

Dutch geography is naturally flat land

Most of the Netherlands consists of naturally flat, low-lying plains — hence the Nether-lands. This is to do with it being the drainage point of western Europe.

Four major rivers (the Rhine, the Meuse, the Scheldt, and the Eems) flow into the Netherlands and drain into the Wadden and North Seas via the Dutch coastline. 

How the Dutch reclaimed land from the sea

A whopping 17% of land in the Netherlands used to be under the water! Stealing this land back to build entire cities is one of the many reasons the Dutch are renowned for their engineering and water management skills. It’s also why much of Holland is so flat.

How exactly the Dutch achieved this is truly impressive. First, dikes were built to section off strips of submerged land and to prevent more seawater from flooding in. These areas were called polders.

READ MORE | Why the Netherlands isn’t under water (VIDEO INSIDE)

The seawater was then pumped out of the polders using windmills, and plants were used to stabilize the ground. Polder ground is rich in clay, fertile, and yes, very, very flat.

The following video has some great animations to show you this process:

Is the Netherlands below sea level?

You’ll wet your pants (thi-hi) if you think about this too much, but yes, 27% of the country lies below sea level (meaning about 10% of the Netherlands was already below sea level before the land reclamation).

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #124: Not care about the fact that they’re living below sea level

A baffling 21% of the 17 million Netherlanders reside quite blissfully in what used to be seafloor. This includes major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Delft. The lowest point is 6.7 metres below sea level! 

The Dutch dike system protects the Netherlands from flooding and other natural disasters. The Delta Works in the southwest of the country is one of the largest systems of dikes, locks, and storm barriers built to protect the country.

When dikes fail: Watersnoodramp

The flooding of 1953 was the largest flooding disaster in the Netherlands on record and is known as the Watersnoodramp. 

It was caused by a storm from the North Sea and killed over 2,100 people. Immense damage was caused to areas in the provinces of South Holland, Zeeland, and North Brabant.

The three-border region of Vaals, where the Netherlands meets Germany and Belgium, is the highest point of the country — but it’s still only 323 meters high. That doesn’t stand up to places like the Swiss Alps, which are up to 4,634 metres above sea level!

Is the Netherlands sinking?

You may have heard that much of the Netherlands is built on sinking ground, and unfortunately, this is true.

The continuous drainage that is required to keep parts of the country dry — now done by massive water pumps rather than windmills — is causing the land to sink up to seven millimetres per year. 

Climate change is also contributing to the nation’s downward drift. As the summers become warmer, the clay-rich land dries faster and thus sinks faster.

This can cause huge problems for Dutch infrastructures, like cracking foundations, destabilized roads, sinkholes, and an increased risk of flooding.

A few old canals and quays in Amsterdam have already collapsed. Many Dutch cities are reinforced with underground poles to try to fight this. Older houses were built on wooden piling, which is now rotting, often costing millions of euros to replace.

A report by the PBL, the Dutch Environmental Assessment Agency, predicts around €5.2 billion will be needed to restore weak foundations by 2050. Ouch!

How is the Netherlands preparing for rising sea levels?

Unlike some politicians with *cough* bleached cats for toupees *cough*, the Dutch government does not ignore climate change, nor do they plan on building any walls. 

READ MORE | The Dutch built cities on sinking land: how will this fare with climate change?

“We can’t just keep building higher levees, because we will end up living behind 10-metre walls,” senior government advisor Harold van Waveren told the New York Times.

Instead, the Dutch are building inland reservoirs to catch floodwaters in a project called Room for the Water. In this way, the Dutch hope to continue to do what they have always done best — that is, to live with water rather than fight against it.

But the Room for the Water project has received criticism too. The area of Noordwaard, once a thriving farm region in the southwest of the Netherlands, is now only a watery marshland after it was designated as a flood-catchment zone for the project.

Homes were demolished and people displaced, and some fear that with rising sea levels, this will be the fate of many Dutch areas in the future. Concerns have arisen over how sustainable the Room for the Water strategy really is.

So now you know: the Netherlands is flat both because of natural geography and because of land reclamation. And still fighting the natural forces of the world, the nation keeps pumping a lot of money, brainpower, and water into keeping its cities dry. 

Are you impressed by amazing Dutch innovation? Is the Netherlands doing enough to save itself from climate change? Tell us in the comments below.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2020 and was fully updated in August 2023 for your reading pleasure. 

So you’re considering studying in Maastricht. Great choice! You can look forward to making legendary student memories here, but first, there are many things to take note of when living in this Dutch city.

Studying in the Netherlands is a popular choice for many international students. I came to Maastricht from South Africa for my Bachelor’s degree. Flying across the world for my studies was a giant leap!

Whether you’re 20 hours or 20 minutes from this Dutch city, it’s worth understanding what you’ll be getting yourself into before you pack your bags and leave your home behind. 

The city of Maastricht

Maastricht will sweep you off your feet the moment you arrive, especially if you’re coming from outside of Europe. Medieval bridges, cobbled streets, and libraries built into cathedrals are all a part of the city’s unique charm. 

Although it’s classed as a city in the Dutch context, to most internationals, Maastricht feels like a quiet student town, with very few high rises and green countryside a short cycle away from the centre. The unusual amount of hills in the area also makes Maastricht a great place for a gentle hike.

But arguably, the best thing about Maastricht is its location. As one of the southernmost cities in the Netherlands, you can cycle to Belgium in 20 minutes, take a 30-minute drive to Germany or be in Luxembourg within two hours. 

If travelling around Europe is on your to-do-list, Maastricht is an excellent base-point as there are easily accessible airports in Maastricht, Eindhoven, Brussels, and Charleroi. 

Universities in Maastricht

Before you get to study in Maastricht, you need to make your school choice! The largest and most internationally known university in Maastricht is, of course, Maastricht University (UM). 

However, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Maastricht School of Management also attract many foreigners. These institutions offer very different studies, but all have good reputations.

Maastricht University

Maastricht transformed entirely with Maastricht University’s opening in 1976, now ranked as the 13th best young university in the world. But even when age is out of the question, Maastricht University ranks high at 145th in the world for 2023.

The advantage of attending a new institution is that the learning approach is more innovative and interactive than traditional universities, which rely heavily on lectures. UM is known for the Problem Based Learning system (PBL), which emphasises practical case studies and class discussions over lecture-based learning (although lectures do still feature in the courses). 

Degrees here range from Medicine to Art History but are often interdisciplinary — another great advantage. Combining politics and technology, economics and law, or philosophy and history (for example) is quite common.

Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

Zuyd Hogeschool is ideal for those of you looking to go into hands-on careers, like photography, healthcare, translation, and hospitality. For those of you who are more musically inclined, The Conservatorium may be your building of choice. Heavenly music pours from the windows at all hours of the day, making it a real musicophile’s haven.

At Zuyd, you can also study in fields of education, law, chemistry, and engineering, but the focus is on practical skills.

Maastricht School of Management

Dreaming of running your own hotel? Or turning your great business idea into a reality? Then the Maastricht School of Management (MSM) is for you. The degrees train you to work with people and manage organisations in any business context. Here, you’ll have a mixture of practical and theory-based assignments, as well as the opportunity to complete an internship in your desired field.

How international is it to study in Maastricht?

Maastricht University advertises itself as an international university, and they are not exaggerating. Around 22,000 students were enrolled in 2021, 56% of which were foreign students. An impressive 129 nationalities are represented in the university, but of course, the majority of which are EU citizens. 

But even with these numbers, the experience you have will definitely depend on the faculty you go to and the clubs you join. 

For example, at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FaSoS, where I went,) 77% of the students are international, with a good mixture of EU and non-EU citizens. You’ll take classes with Brazilians, Syrians, Italians, Australians, Koreans, Greeks, and Canadians — it’s incredible. 

The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is technically also very international, but around Maastricht the faculty is known as “mini-Germany” because most of students there are German. 

There are also student clubs like the African-Caribbean Maastricht University Society, where you can find plenty of non-EU students to connect with. But we’ll get more into student associations later.

Zuyd Hogeschool, however, is not very international. Of their 14,000 students, only about 11% come from outside of the Netherlands. This is because the school offers fewer degrees taught in English compared to Maastricht University.

But, perhaps surprisingly, it’s MSM that boasts the highest percentage of international students. Of their 1,320 students in the year 2020, 97% were foreigners.

In other Dutch cities, foreign students often feel excluded, but in Maastricht, international students feel like the majority, or something close to that. Similar cultures indeed tend to make cliques, but overall you’ll find people are drawn to this university because they’re internationally-minded and want to break cultural boundaries. Hence, you can immerse yourself in Dutch culture and your fellow foreign students’ cultures!

Overall, as I’m sure you can tell, there is a vibrant and diverse student community in Maastricht. It makes for a pretty unique student experience that I personally loved.

Do I need to speak Dutch to go to university in Maastricht?

There are many degrees taught entirely in English at all three universities, which is why the city draws so many international students. However, some studies will require you to study in Dutch in later years, like the UM medicine track.

Around the city of Maastricht, most locals you’ll encounter at supermarkets and banks speak English well, so you can quite happily live in the city for years without mastering Dutch (guilty). 

READ MORE | How long does it take to learn Dutch?

That being said, it definitely helps when it comes to checking ingredients and catching the right trains if you speak some basic Dutch, and learning the language always helps make you feel more at home here. UM offers free Dutch A1 courses to students for this reason.

Cost of living in Maastricht for students

Many internationals find Maastricht and the Netherlands in general pretty expensive, so being aware of the budget you’ll need here is essential. 

You should prepare to have somewhere between €800 and €1000 a month for student living costs in Maastricht. Depending on your accommodation you could quite easily live on €700 but having a little extra for buying furniture or unexpected expenses is always important.

Here are some typical expenses to give you an idea of living costs in Maastricht:

If you’re a non-EU student, the Dutch government sets a minimum monthly amount each year that you must prove you have to support yourself in the Netherlands. This number is usually calculated based on living in places like Amsterdam in the Randstad. I found that I didn’t need the full amount each month in Maastricht because it’s generally a cheaper city to live in.

How to save money as a student

Other than the general saving methods of living a little outside of the centre and avoiding eating out too often, there are some massive savings you can make as a student in Maastricht if you learn some local tips.

Housing and insurance

The most significant way you can save money are the toeslag allowances that the Dutch government gives to low-income earners — even if you’re not from the EU. These include subsidies for housing (huurtoeslag) and health insurance (zorgtoeslag), which can cut hundreds of euros from your expenses each month. 

Internationals will need a job or internship to qualify for the health insurance benefits, but this needn’t worry you. I got a small job at the university, working only six days of the year, and it qualified me for the zorgtoeslag.

Opting for a student room with more housemates is also cheaper than renting a studio or apartment. 

Travel

Forget buses or driving within Maastricht. The city is exceptionally bikeable, so once you have a bike (around €50-€120), you can go virtually anywhere you want for free.

READ MORE | Guide to buying your first bicycle in the Netherlands (from a bike expert)

But for those days when the rain is too much for you, or you want to explore the rest of the Netherlands, get yourself an OV chip card for buses and trains. You can buy it online from NS, but be sure to get the yellow personal one (not the anonymous blue one), with which you can purchase travel deal packages. 

Groceries

When it comes to the cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands, shop at Lidl, Aldi, or Jumbo and avoid Albert Heijn. Or even better, buy fresh vegetables, bread, and meat at the central market on Wednesdays and Fridays. Your carrots may not be perfectly straight, but they’ll be cheap as heck. For toiletries, head to Kruidvat and get the membership card, which you can build up points with to save money.

How to find student housing in Maastricht

Let me begin by emphasising that finding accommodation in Maastricht is hard, thanks to the Dutch housing crisis, which only gets worse each year. So start looking early and if you see something, snatch it up immediately — but beware of scammers in the process.

Maastricht University accommodation

If you are a bachelor student, an exchange student, or a Master’s student, you’re in luck, as you qualify for student rooms at the UM Guest House. The cheapest rooms here are around €12 per day, all-inclusive, in which you share common areas with over 10 people. 

Exchange students can stay for a minimum of three months. Bachelor and Master students can choose between an 11 or 12-month contract (or if you arrive in January/February, a six-month option is also available for you). 

The buildings aren’t fancy, the showers feel like public bathrooms, and, depending on the building, the rooms can be relatively small. But living here can be a lot of fun and will likely be much cheaper than private accommodation (if you can get a spot).

Private accommodation

Most students I know (including myself) found rooms on Facebook via one of the groups listed below. Do be cautious of scammers, though, and don’t send any money until you have a signed contract. Expect to pay around €400-450 for a room out of the centre in Maastricht.

Facebook groups for student housing in Maastricht:

• Rooms/Kamer/Zimmer in Maastricht
• Maastricht Student Rooms and Studios
• Apartments and Rooms Maastricht

SSH Student Housing is another option, and they have a building located right near the UM Guest House. They have short and long stay contracts, starting in January/February or July/August.

There are plenty of agencies around the city that can help you find accommodation, but these obviously come with agency fees and are not necessarily better than the Facebook groups. Maastrichthousing has mixed reviews, but I know hardly anyone who found a private student room through them.

You can also try Kamernet, but there is a joining fee and I found many rooms listed require you to be a member of a sorority or fraternity. 

Best areas in Maastricht for students

The faculties in Maastricht are scattered right across the city, so your preferred area will depend on where your faculty is. For inner-city UM faculties and Zuyd students, I recommend Mariaberg, Statenkwartier, and Biesland. Sometimes rooms around the Sint Pietersberg neighbourhoods are also affordable. 

For the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN), the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), and the Maastricht School of Management, I recommend Randwyck, Heugem, Eyldergaard, Heer or (if you’re lucky) Wyck.

Tips for finding student housing in Maastricht

Landlords prefer to meet potential tenants in person before signing any contracts, which is incredibly frustrating as a foreign student. My advice is to try sub-rent for your first semester, then find a long-term solution once you are in Maastricht.

Student life: what it’s like to study in Maastricht

University should be the perfect balance of hard work and fun, and in Maastricht you can count on getting both of those. However, no one wants to cross borders for their studies only to get an F, so allow me to be blunt about what you can expect from student life in Maastricht.

Workload

Maastricht University and Zuyd both have notoriously heavy workloads. I’m not saying you’ll have no social life, but be aware that you’ll have to master time management if you’re going to stay afloat here. 

The PBL system at UM means you’ll need to prepare for discussions on course content about three or four times a week, on top of assignments. Exams come every eight weeks to test content that is still fresh in your mind, rather than taking an exam on something you learned six months ago. But this also means you’ll be preparing for exams six weeks into every course. Hence, the importance of time management. 

Sport

You can get involved in many excellent sports at UM like bouldering, squash, sailing, and more. Sports clubs at UM fall under student associations, which means you need to pay membership fees to take part. But first, you need to pay the university for the general sports membership, which grants you access to the sports facilities and the ability to then pay for a specific sport. Ouch.

Of course, there are non-competitive sports groups that you can take part in at UM Sports, but these will still require the general sports membership. Zuyd students can use UM sports facilities but for a higher fee. Otherwise, there are always unofficial groups for sports like soccer and tennis on Facebook that you can join.

Student associations

Besides sports associations, Maastricht University has many student organisations, including social, international, cultural, and study-related associations. They’re a great way to meet fellow students and build up a network in the Netherlands.

For example, you could join an association on sustainability, like Extinction Rebellion Maastricht or Students for Climate Maastricht. See yourself in politics? Then perhaps the United Nations Student Association is for you. Maybe you’re a law or business student looking to network or are merely seeking a creative outlet where you can make friends. Either way, there’ll be plenty of student associations for you to choose from in Maastricht. 

Important things to know and do when moving to Maastricht

The moment you get here, there are some tedious but vital bureaucratic procedures that you need to make sure you organise. It may feel overwhelming at first but remember that the international desk at the student service centres is always there to help you.

Registering in Maastricht

Within five working days of your arrival in the city, you need to register at Gemeente Maastricht, the local municipality. You can do this online or in person, after which they’ll give you a burgerservicenummer (BSN) — basically a resident identity number. With this number, you can open a bank account, apply for health insurance, toeslag, and more.

READ MORE ︱Registering in the Netherlands: all you need to know

Opening a Dutch bank account

Using credit cards or international cards in the Netherlands is not easy, and until you open a Dutch bank account, you may have your card declined. It can take weeks for new accounts to be ready for use, so open one as soon as possible.

bunq is a popular bank amongst internationals because you don’t need your BSN number to sign up (unlike most other banks). It also provides services in English and other languages.

ING is another great choice because it is free for students and has an app that’s available entirely in English. Most students I know went with ING, but do your research and see what works best for you.

READ MORE︱These are the best banks for expats in the Netherlands

Health insurance

You’ve got a BSN and a functioning Dutch bank account; now it’s time to sign up for health insurance. It’s compulsory to have this in the Netherlands, but it can be overwhelming to set up for the first time by yourself. Make an appointment with UM’s SSC, and they will sit down with you and help you set it all up online.

READ MORE︱The complete guide to getting health insurance in the Netherlands

Student residence card (non-EU students pay attention!)

The Dutch take bureaucracy very seriously, so one thing you don’t want to stuff up is your student visa. How this works will, of course, depend on your nationality.

If you are a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you do not need an MVV or a residence permit to study in the Netherlands.

Suppose you are a national of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, the United States, or Vatican City. In that case, you are the favoured children of the gods and do not need an MVV visa — but you will need a study permit.

Finally, if you don’t fit into any of the above categories, you’ll first need to apply for the entry visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands. Your MVV is only valid for 90 days, after which you must switch over to the resident permit (VVR). The university will send you information about attaining the residence permit, which allows you to stay in the Netherlands for your studies’ duration. 

Maastricht University will apply for the VVR on your behalf, but you need to make sure you send in the right documents when they ask for them. Eventually, the university will make you an appointment to collect your resident permit (VVR) from the SSC.

Registering with a GP

This step is probably the least urgent of all, but as soon as you have your health insurance set up, find a general practitioner or huisarts to register with. Doctors here will only see patients that have registered with them. 

Be aware that Dutch doctors are extremely minimalistic compared to most other countries and will likely give you paracetamol before considering antibiotics. So if you have a cold or the flu, unless you’re practically dying, it’s better to just stay at home.

READ MORE︱The ultimate guide to going to a doctor in the Netherlands

How to find a student job in Maastricht (when you don’t speak Dutch)

On a student budget, earning some cash always comes in handy. Whether you want a little extra pocket money or need longer hours to pay your rent, there are some jobs available in the city for those that don’t speak Dutch.

Maastricht University has a range of jobs available for English speakers, for example, at the SSC or library. Then there’s the Mercedes-Benz Maastricht call centre, which hires many non-Dutch students. Cleaning for one of the many hotels in the city is a relatively easy option for foreign students too. 

Working for Thuisbezorgd is perfect for students wanting to tailor their work hours and is a pretty easy job in itself — delivering food around the city on your bike. If you’re lucky, you may get a job at a cafe or restaurant, but generally, these industries prefer people who can speak Dutch. 

Getting around Maastricht

I already mentioned the OV chip cards that you’ll need for the busses, but your first priority should be getting a bike (after all, this is the Netherlands). Biking with the traffic might intimidate you at first, but the city carefully maintains the bike lanes, the cars are cautious of cyclists, and cycling is often the fastest way to get around the city. 

How do I buy a bike?

When buying your first bike in the Netherlands, you’ll likely have plenty of choices. But since bike theft remains a rather large issue in the Netherlands, buying something expensive and shiny is not really the way to go. What you need is a safe, functioning, second-hand bike.

Your cheapest option is probably to buy a bike off Facebook, where you can get a decent second-hand ride for around €60 to €100. Note that if it’s any cheaper than this, or if the owner is also selling 10 other bikes at the same time, it’s probably a stolen bike — which you want to avoid. 

Otherwise, there are a few second-hand bike stores around the city who are a bit more expensive because they fix up the bikes before they resell them. Sometimes they also offer guarantees and free small fixes, so depending on what you’re looking for, these stores are also good options.

READ MORE︱7 Things that will get you fined while cycling in the Netherlands

How do I prevent my bike from being stolen?

First off, buy a good lock. A sturdy lock is something you don’t want to skimp on. A thin €12 lock is never going to be good enough in this country. Someone stole my first bike by snipping this way. So, the second time around, I paid €50 for a lock, and I still have the same bike three years later.

Second, never leave your bike unlocked. Simple as that. You might think you live in a safe neighbourhood, but bike theft is not something to underestimate in this city.

READ MORE︱Do’s and don’t of riding a bicycle in the Netherlands

Best study spots in Maastricht

Maastricht University has top study facilities and Zuyd students can also sometimes utilise them. These include the Inner City Library (ICL), Randwyck Library, the Student Service Centre (SSC), and the new Tapijn Learning Spaces, which they extended and renovated recently. 

Every faculty also has its own study spaces, and even the student gym has some. However, if you’re looking for something other than university buildings, there are plenty of peaceful spots around the city.

City Library Maastricht is enormous and has desks looking over the Maas river. Or you can motivate yourself with something hot to drink at one of Maastricht’s many cafe’s, like KOFFIE, Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee, Livin’ Room, and more.

Best places to eat and drink on a student budget in Maastricht

There are plenty of student-friendly spots in Maastricht to grab some grub with your friends or have a coffee that won’t break your bank account. However, I wouldn’t recommend eating out too often if you’re looking to save money.

Popular student restaurants in Maastricht

There are some legendary locations that every student goes to at least once in this city. In these places you can typically chow down a meal between €4 and €15. 

In fact, you’re not a real Maastricht student until you have been christened with the noodles of Dadawan, the mozzarella of Piano B, and the hot sauce of Bombass Burritos.

• BABS Bombass Burritos (create your own burrito)
• Dadawan (various Asian dishes)
• Piano B (pizzeria and SO GOOD)
• Ginger (Asian food, would recommend the chicken bowl)
• Tasty Thai (authentic Thai food in the city centre)
• With Love Burrito (they have vegan burritos too)
• Cato by Cato (only takeaway, probably the cheapest of all)
• A la Paco (tapas)
• Zondag (pretty street view of the wijk)
• Cafe Madrid (a little more expensive, becomes a bar at night)
• SAP (bagels and pancakes)
• Le Souk (sandwiches and pastries)
• Bim & Bap (Asian)
• De Gouveneur (specialty beers, a little more expensive)
• FAB (American classics)

Student-friendly cafes in Maastricht

There are days when you’re sick of the library, and your neighbours are renovating, and you just need the perfect cup of coffee to study over or relax with a friend. For that, it’s time to enjoy some of Maastricht’s best cafes.

• Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee
• KOFFIE
• Livin’ Room
• Zondag
• Pluk Cats & Coffee
• Preps
• Corner Bakery Maastricht

Maastricht student nightlife

Many restaurants in Maastricht become bars and clubs at night, but the city is a little dry when it comes to clubbing. The only real student club with consistently epic DJs is Complex, which hosts themed events that you can purchase tickets for. Otherwise, house parties are king in Maastricht.

What’s the weather like in Maastricht?

Maastricht features pretty typical Dutch weather, being somewhat sporadic and unpredictable. One minute it’s raining and the next there’s perfect sunshine. But in general, you can rely on the summer months wobbling up and down between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, while in winter it drops to 0 to 6 degrees Celsius. 

READ MORE ︱How to survive the Dutch winter: weather, clothing and more

Why I chose Maastricht University

People often ask me why I moved from the tip of Africa to Maastricht University for my studies, and there are many reasons.

I didn’t just want a piece of paper at the end of my degree. I wanted to travel, meet people from entirely different backgrounds, and understand world issues from a different perspective.

UM’s Problem Based Learning system (PBL) is not for everyone, but the discussions and debates it cultivated were invigorating for me in a Social Science setting.

I wanted a university that could offer me opportunities. My Dutch student visa gave me three years to explore the EU without constantly juggling new visas (some of you know the struggle I’m talking about). 

But most importantly, Maastricht University is one of the cheapest places to be an international student but still receive a high-quality education. 

No university is perfect. Some classrooms are prettier than others, and I did notice a lot of Dutchifying of English going on, even from lecturers. But overall, my experience in Maastricht was great. I would easily choose Maastricht University again and again. 

Does studying in Maastricht interest you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2022 and was fully updated in July 2023 for your reading pleasure.