So you’ve just arrived on Dutch soil, suitcase in hand, ready to study in the Netherlands. You may have some questions about what to do first — but fear not! Here are seven main things you need to set up once you arrive. 

“Should I buy a Dutch SIM card? How do I get health insurance? How do I even go about paying rent, for that matter?” — I’ve been through it all, let’s walk through it. 

1. Utilities for your apartment

One thing we know for sure is that at some point, you’re going to come home after a long day of lectures and want a relaxing, steaming hot shower. 

You’re also probably going to crave a warm mug full of something or other.

But imagine if the shower head’s water was freezing cold and the kettle refused to switch on because you forgot to arrange heating and electricity?

READ MORE | Utilities in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to gas, electricity, and water

This can be an issue that you’ll face if you have an exclusive rental contract (utilities not included in your rent) or have bought your own home. 

If so, you better sort out those utilities the second you arrive in your new home!

2. A Dutch bank account

Once in the Netherlands, you’re going to want some basic amenities. You know, food? A roof over your head? Clothes and IKEA furniture? You might even want to get a job upon your arrival. 

However, you may quickly realise that your foreign card doesn’t work for many transactions.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2024

Yup, we’ve all been there! That’s why opening a Dutch bank account pronto makes your life and daily interactions much smoother.

To set up a Dutch bank account, you can either make an appointment online or simply rock up to a bank with the following items in your possession:

• A BSN
• Proof of address (such as a signed tenancy contract)
• Residency permit if you’re not from the EU
• A valid ID 

Once that is done, the bank will send you a shiny, new pinpas (bank card) that’s ready for you to start swiping.

3. Internet and television

There will be times when, after a long day of classes, studying, and socialising, all you want to do is kick back your feet, turn on the telly (or Netflix), and chill. 

What do you need in order to do so? You guessed it, a good internet and television connection! Just like with your utilities, you will usually have to find your providers on your own accord.

READ MORE | Video streaming services in the Netherlands: the complete guide

The good news is that these two services are often offered as part of a package deal, meaning you pay a flat monthly fee, and in return, you get both working WiFi and television. Don’t need a TV connection? Geen probleem, you can also opt for an internet-only subscription.

From Ziggo to Odido to KPN, there are countless great providers out there, as well as various tools that let you compare prices, internet speed, and available television channels. Happy deal-hunting!

4. All the important insurances

Sh*t happens, even in the magical country of windmills, canals, and stroopwafels. 

The best way to be prepared for bad scenarios is by setting up essential insurances as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands. 

Most importantly, you should consider getting health insurance, liability insurance, and home contents insurance.

5. A Dutch phone plan

First things first, we would recommend getting your hands on a local phone number by purchasing a SIM card at one of the many Dutch stores available — Albert Heijn is one of them! 

READ MORE | Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

Depending on how often you call and use mobile data, you can pick and choose which Dutch phone subscription best suits you. 

The options are endless, but here are some of the more popular providers in the Netherlands: 

• Vodafone has some of the best coverage for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, especially in rural areas. 
• Odido is renowned for having very fast upload speeds — faster than all other providers in the Netherlands.  
• KPN has a whopping score of 980 out of 1000 points for its network, which was crowned the highest-scoring phone provider not only in the NL but also worldwide. 
• Simyo is handy in that you can use a “self-care” approach with its online-only services that let you manage your account by yourself.  

6. A social life

Take it from me: Moving to a new country as an international student can be tough. You have no family around you, no friends, and often you don’t even speak the local language. 

That’s why one of the most important things to set up as an international student in the Netherlands is a supportive social circle.

Making friends isn’t always easy, but these are some of my top tips for making friends as an international student: 

• Sign up for your university’s introduction week (I met some of my best friends there!)
• Take a class — be it in a sport, pottery, painting or cooking
• Join Facebook groups for international students
• Attend events planned by your university or student associations, such as ESN
• Interact with your neighbours and the people in your course

7. Your Burgerservicenummer (BSN)

To set up all of the most important services and utilities listed above, you’ll usually be asked to provide your Burgerservicenummer (BSN). 

Your what? A BSN, which translates to “Citizen service number” in English, is a number that helps the government process your personal data. 

Without this unique, personal sequence of numbers, identifying yourself for your healthcare provider, educational institution, bank, and employer is damn near impossible.  

In order to get yours, you must book an in-person appointment to register at the municipality where you will be living for the next four or more months. 

8. Your DigiD

Next up, in order to log in and out of all the various bureaucratic databases, you’ll need to set up your own DigiD. 

In short, the DigiD helps you verify your identification when you log into online portals. Think of it as the ID card that you virtually flash at a virtual bouncer — you’ll be needing it a lot. 

Want to log in to your healthcare website? DigiD required. Got to pay your taxes? DigiD alert. Need to access literally anything government-related? Bam! DigiD.  

You can register for a DigiD using the online DigiD application form. You must provide your BSN, the address you’re formally registered at, as well as your phone number. 

READ MORE | The ultimate guide to setting up your DigiD in the Netherlands [2024]

Once you’ve submitted the form, you should receive a letter at your address containing an activation code within three business days. Once you have inputted this code, your DigiD should be up and running! 

9. Any government allowances you’re eligible for

In the Netherlands, international students are actually eligible for a number of different Dutch allowances (called toeslagen). 

If you’re eligible, the government will help you pay for some of your most vital monthly expenses, such as healthcare, rent, and child-related expenses. 

Benefits you can claim from the Dutch government as an international student include:

• Huurtoeslag (rental allowance) 
• Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) 
• Kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) 
• Kindgebonden budget (child-related budget)

Depending on your situation, you may also be able to claim Dutch student finance, which gets you free public transport and makes you eligible to loan money from the government.

To access these benefits, be sure to log onto the Mijntoeslagen portal using — you guessed it — that DigiD of yours!

While moving to the Netherlands to study can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, there are plenty of people and services ready to help out as you traverse these cheese-filled lands. Go forth and conquer!  

Do you have any other advice for students who have just arrived in the Netherlands? Share your tips in the comments below!   

Are you finding yourself at a café, restaurant, or bar in the Netherlands and wondering how to order like a true Dutchie? 

While it’s usually taken for granted that a Dutch server will understand if you speak English, it never hurts to try your luck at a few Dutch phrases — and who better to practice on than someone who you’ll likely never see again? 

Whether you’re a tourist visiting the Netherlands for the first time or an international wanting to flaunt your Dutch outside of the classroom, this article will have you feeling confident by the time you ask for the rekening (bill). 

So, wanna have dinner with us?

In a rush? Jump to the section you need!

• How to get a table at a restaurant in the Netherlands
• How to order drinks in Dutch
• How to order food in Dutch 
• How to order dessert in Dutch 
• How to ask for the bill in Dutch

How to get a table at a restaurant in the Netherlands

Once you’ve found an establishment that tickles your fancy, you have a few options. If you’re in the area, you can drop by and reserve a table for later. Otherwise, you can call them up or reserve online. 

Making a casual request

It’s not always necessary to reserve a table in the Netherlands. Unless it’s a very popular restaurant or you’re dining out on a holiday (read, Valentine’s Day ), showing up should be just fine.

To be on the safe side, you may want to throw in a casual request before claiming a seat:

Likely the server will respond with “Jazeker!” (Sure!) or “Ja, hoor” (Yes, of course). 

Alternatively, you may have to wait to be seated, in which case you can ask: 

Again, the Dutch affirmative will likely be a friendly “Jazeker” or the more inquisitive “Ja hoor! Voor hoeveel personen?” (Yes, of course, for how many people?). That’s when it’s time to flex your Dutch 1-10 skills. 

Reserving in advance

Now, there are cases where we recommend not pushing your luck or rocking up to the restaurant entrance when you start getting hangry. 

READ MORE | Dutch courses in the daytime, evening, or weekend? UvA Talen offers them all online AND in-class

Dutchies are the champions of time management and are rarely found far away from their agenda. If you’ve got a hot date or an important business lunch, then we recommend adopting the Dutch attitude to appointments — punctual and pre-planned!

Just call the restaurant in advance and say:

After the restaurant has taken down your name and confirmed your reservation, all that’s left for you is to get ready.  

How to order drinks in Dutch

Alright, the first round is on us!

Once you’re comfortably seated at your table, the server will come to pick up your drink order.

“Wat willen jullie drinken?” (“What do you all want to drink?”) and “Kan ik iets voor jullie inschenken?” (literally, “Can I pour you something?”) are the two most common ways for the server to ask for your order.

So, here are some different ways to respond depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Ordering beer in Dutch

Proost! (Cheers!). Are you seated in a Dutch bar and wondering how to order a beer? Try this on for size:

Asking for a “wrong” coffee in the Netherlands — what??

The Netherlands may not be known for its coffee, but the Dutch sure love to drink it. True koffieleuters (coffee lovers)! 

Generally, coffees have similar names in various languages — have you ever heard of another name for “cappuccino”? No, right.

Just to keep you on your toes, though, the Dutch have a different word for a latte, which directly translates to a “wrong coffee.” 

READ MORE | Dutch at the workplace: your essential phrases for working in the NL

We’ve been told the name came about because lattes weren’t very popular in the Netherlands, and (especially older) Dutchies didn’t think of them as real coffee due to the amount of foamed milk.  

If you’d like to order one, real coffee or not, ask the following:

If koffie verkeerd doesn’t roll off the tongue, then rest assured that you can also just ask for a latte — your barista won’t bat an eye.

Appeltje Eitje! (Easy peasy!) 

Requesting the wine card

Craving something a little stronger than coffee? We feel ya!

Sometimes, the wine card isn’t already on the table, but in that case, you can ask: 

After the server asks if you’re ready to order

So, you’ve sat down, maybe ordered a drink or two, but are still studying the menu when the server approaches your table.

With a smile they ask you:

Or perhaps:

Panic. You’re not at all ready to order, but a simple “nog niet, wij hebben even een momentje nodig” (“not yet, we just need a moment”) should solve the situation. Seems too long? Just a “nog niet” with a smile will also get the message across.

Once you’re ready to order, you can respond with “Ja, hoor” and start listing your choices.

How to order food in Dutch 

Alright, you’ve decided, and now it’s time to get some food on the table! 

When you’re the first to order

If you listen carefully to the tables next to you, you’ll hear different ways to order in Dutch. 

So, if you’re the first to order at your table, try saying this:

When someone else has already placed their order

Okay, next one up! Another way to order is by saying:

If you’re ordering the same things as someone else, you can simply tweak the above sentence:

So far, so good! You’re starting to sound like a true Dutchie!

READ MORE | How to learn Dutch: the ultimate guide (by people who learned!)

How to order dessert in Dutch 

With the main course in your tummy, it’s time to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours! Or do it the Italian way, and order some coffee. 

Asking for the dessert menu

Likely, the server removed your menus after taking your other orders. So when dessert time rolls around, they’ll either ask you if you want to see the dessert menu, or you can just ask for it yourself. 

Satisfying your sweet tooth

Once you’ve found a to-die-for Dutch dessert, here’s how to order it. 

Essentially, you can just couple any of the ways of ordering you’ve learned so far with the dessert that tickles your fancy. So, here are the most common — and more fun — ways of ordering:

• “Ik wil graag de…” (“I would like the…”)
• “Voor mij, de…alstublieft.” (For me, the…please.”)
• “Mag ik de…graag?” (“Can I have the…please?”)
• “De…lijkt me lekker! Ik neem hem.” (The…sounds delicious! I’ll take that.”)

READ MORE | 17 facts about the Dutch language that will make you go ‘echt’?!

How to ask for the bill in Dutch

Once the last plate is polished off and you’ve taken some time to uitbuiken, it’s time to pay. There are a few ways to ask for the bill in Dutch:

Or:

Again, the trusty jazeker is the most common answer for the server to throw your way. This may be followed by “Wilt u pinnen of contant betalen?” (“Do you want to pay with card or cash?”). 

Overall, tipping is not compulsory in the Netherlands, but if you feel like you’ve gotten a particularly good service or would like to get rid of some cash, then it’s always appreciated by your server.

READ MORE | Tipping in Amsterdam: all you need to know 

Once you’ve paid your bill (and maybe left a tip), take a moment to pat yourself on the back because you just ordered your entire meal in Dutch!

If you stumbled on a few words or sentences along the way, don’t worry. Learning a language takes time, and learning how to tackle specific situations, such as ordering, in Dutch is a great first step. 

Go forth and conquer, friends! With these helpful phrases under your belt, you’ve achieved some important first steps to learning Dutch — and we’re proud of you.

What’s your experience of dining out in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Perhaps you imagined your dream college experience to take place in a cosy Dutch town that looks straight out of a fairytale. If so, ever thought about studying in Breukelen?

Sitting on the outskirts of Utrecht, Breukelen is a peaceful little village brimming with natural and historical beauty. As a student living here, you’ll enjoy being surrounded by lakes and rivers as well as lavish castles and mansions.

In fact, Breukelen’s only university, Nyenrode Business University, is located in one of the town’s castles. Talk about a Harry Potter experience!

What can I study in Breukelen?

If the idea of studying in Breukelen’s small-town setting piqued your interest, it’s time to move on to the next phase: choosing a study program!

Finding the right study program can be quite a challenge. However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and the very fact that Breukelen is home to only one university makes that decision much easier.

Whether you’re looking to establish a career in international business by getting a bachelor’s degree or further your education with a master’s, Nyenrode Business University offers a fair range of English-taught business courses for internationals.

The university degrees

Nyenrode has one exclusive bachelor’s degree on their Breukelen campus, namely a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration. 

It’s a three-year program which focuses on practical relevance, academic knowledge, and personal development.

You’ll gain tons of experience and get a taste of the real world of business, and you’ll get to expand your network by meeting some pretty snazzy companies and CEOs too.

READ MORE | Welcome to Nyenrode’s Breukelen campus (and yes, it’s in a castle)

However, if you’re on the hunt for a post-graduate study, you’ll be glad to know that Nyenrode has several master’s degrees and MBAs in Breukelen. Here’s a short run-down of each and what they entail:

Master of Science degree in Management (full-time)

The Master of Science in Management is a 16-month journey (including the pre-master) that prepares you for entering the labour market as a skilled starter.

You can deepen your knowledge with one of three specialities: financial management, digital business and innovation, and global business. 

Pre-Master of Science degree in Accountancy (part-time)

Nyenrode’s pre-master in accountancy offers a hands-on approach to working at one of the larger accountancy firms in the Netherlands. By the end of this study, you’ll be a full-blown professional in accounting!

Executive MBA

The Executive MBA is a two-year program consisting of 12 intensive modules, where you work with a group of like-minded professionals to broaden your views on business management and leadership.

Modular Executive MBA in Business & IT (part-time)

Nyenrode’s Modular Executive MBA is for the folks who wish to complete a business master’s degree but can’t find the time to do so due to, for example, a tight work schedule.

READ MORE | Studying in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

The program is three to seven years long, and it focuses on expanding your professional knowledge by learning how to set up your organisation for continuous technological growth.

What does it cost to study in Breukelen?

It’s no secret that studying in the Netherlands gives most international students true value for their money.

The average tuition fee for a non-EU student clocks in at €6,000 per year, which is not too shabby when you compare college costs in the US or the UK.

However, this all depends on the university — and since Nyenrode is a privately owned institution in the Netherlands, costs are higher.

To study BSc in Business Administration at Breukelen, you’re looking at an annual tuition fee of around €22,500 per year, excluding textbooks and additional material.

For a general master’s degree or MBA at Nyenrode, tuition fees vary depending on your chosen program. However, you can expect figures to reach anywhere from €30,000 to €50,000 annually.

Financial support to the rescue

Since the financial costs of taking a program at Nyenrode in Breukelen can burden those on a tight budget, many are often in need of financial aid. 

Luckily, scholarships are available to support students financially. The university currently offers two types that each grant a maximum of €10,000 per academic year.

READ MORE | Studying in Amsterdam: everything you need to know

Not looking to get a scholarship? Depending on your nationality, you might also be eligible for student financing through the Dutch government (a.k.a our one-true-love, DUO).

How can you find student housing in Breukelen?

If you’re completing a degree at Nyenrode University, you’ll have the privilege of being able to rent a room on the school’s campus in Breukelen.

Located in a centuries-old castle, the campus consists of five buildings that feature 291 rooms, all fully equipped with furniture, toilets, showers, sinks, and kitchens.

However, if you’re looking to secure a spot outside of Nyenrode’s Breukelen campus, you’ll have to stick to the conventional ways of finding an apartment, and it all starts with these few tips :

• Check housing websites: Pararius, Funda, Kamernet, and Huurwoningen.
• Register for accommodation through student housing, like SSH and DUWO.
• Get help from a rental housing agency.
• Search for student housing in surrounding cities: Utrecht has a number of Facebook groups focusing on student housing, and the city also boasts some student hotels or hostels, like Student Experience, Hotel Jansen, and The Social Hub.

If all else fails when trying to find a place to rent in Breukelen, the town boasts some hotels and guest houses that you can also book temporarily. 

And if you’re a Nyenrode student, their Breukelen campus has two hotels that have almost 100 rooms for students to stay in: the Plesman Hotel and the Campus Hotel.

Is Breukelen an expensive town to live in?

Your decision to study in Breukelen can’t be made without considering one super boring yet ultra-important question: how much does it cost to live there?

We’re not going to sugar-coat it, living in the land of tulips can be expensive — just ask the ever-increasing energy and gas prices.  

Costs to rent an apartment in Breukelen

If you’re planning to settle down on Nyenrode’s campus in Breukelen, the costs to rent a room in one of the buildings can range anywhere from between €320 to €500 per month, depending on the type of room you pick.

However, if you’re on the hunt for a room outside of Nyenrode’s campus, but want to remain in Breukelen, here’s how much you can expect to pay for housing in the village:

• Apartment: anywhere from €100 per month
• Studio: from €900 per month
• Single room in a shared apartment: from €450

To stay in a hotel or guest house in Breukelen for a few nights, rooms can range anywhere from €150 to €250 per night. 

Cost to rent an apartment in Utrecht

If the costs to rent a room or stay in Breukelen exceed your student budget limits, you might also find solace in knowing that there are accommodation options in other cities.

Depending on where you decide to live and how generous your landlord or landlady is willing to be, here’s how much you can expect to pay for housing in the city of Utrecht, based on HousingAnywhere’s Index:

• Furnished apartment: average €1300 per month (including electricity, gas, water)
• Studio: average €950 per month (utilities included)
• Single room in a shared apartment: anywhere from €400 to €1200 per month 

Costs to…well…live (according to Dutch standards)

As a student living in Breukelen, you’ll probably want to indulge in a nice cup of coffee on your way to school some mornings —  or reward your good grades with a night on the town. 

Or perhaps you’d prefer to save up and spend some cash on a second-hand bicycle and make use of the lowlands’ superb bike paths.

Whatever it may be, to keep your finances in check, we’ve sketched out a brief overview of how much it would cost to live in Breukelen as a student — and yes, cheese is on the list.

How can you get a student job in Breukelen?

Breukelen’s small-town charm comes loaded with international eateries, boat tours, and gorgeous monuments to visit — but what good does any of that do if students can’t afford it, amirite? 

Here’s a quick list of popular student job choices in or around Breukelen:

HORECA (Hotels, restaurants, and cafés) in Breukelen

If you take a stroll through the village, you’ll find cute cafés and restaurants on basically every street corner. 

Head inside and ask if they’re looking for employees or reach out to them via social media. Who knows? You might just find yourself a job as a barista or a server!

READ MORE | Considering an MBA in Amsterdam? Meet Nyenrode Business University

And if you’re worried about not speaking Dutch, the Netherlands, as a whole, is a very international country, which means that basically everyone speaks English.

Plus, studying in a predominantly Dutch-populated town like Breukelen means that you’ll pick up the language in no time. Just mingle with the locals as much as possible!

Bike couriers

From Uber Eats to Thuisbezorgd and Flink, there’s a tremendous demand for bike couriers in the Netherlands.

If you apply for the job, you’ll deliver groceries, meals, or packages to people’s homes — and who wouldn’t love cycling through gorgeous and nature-filled scenery like Breukelen?

There’s one small snag with this job, though. To be a bike courier, you need to know how to manage the daunting (!) cycle lanes and get to know the Dutch traffic system pretty well.

Retail

If you’re a people person and prefer to work with clients on an hourly basis, then perhaps a job in sales will do you good!

Breukelen has many charming boutiques and department stores that are likely looking to hook you up with a contract. 

READ MORE | A guide to 6 streets to explore in Utrecht (that you maybe didn’t know about)

However, if you want a taste of the bustling city life, you can also find work with popular fashion stores, like ZARA, in the nearby city centre of Utrecht. 

What’s student life like in Breukelen? 

During your college hunt, you might be persuaded by the “go big or go home” mindset and feel compelled to study in a larger, more popular city.

But anyone who has spent time abroad will tell you that it isn’t until you get outside the concrete jungles that you get a real slice of Dutch culture.

With its quaint local shops, medieval architecture, and a strong sense of community — Breukelen is a great place to be for any student, and there are a number of reasons why:

Study spots are easily accessible

Breukelen’s serene atmosphere and secluded vibes make the village a utopia for any student looking to get into a good study session — giving you all the quiet time you need to concentrate.

However, if you want something with a little more background noise, students can also open up their textbooks in various cafés or beautiful parks around town.

If you’re a Nyenrode student and you’re looking for a study spot on the Breukelen campus, the university has a library building that’s chock-full of study areas and cubicles.

Student associations can be found nearby

One way to make the most out of your college experience is by joining a student association in the Netherlands!

Student unions are a perfect way to connect with new people, learn more about yourself, bulk up your resumé, and overall make life more exciting as a student.

Since Breukelen is just a stone’s throw from the centre of Utrecht, those studying in the small village can benefit most from the many student associations existing in and near Utrecht. 

If you’re a student at Nyenrode, you can join the school’s social club, the NCV. With over 41 committees to take part in, the association gives students an opportunity to broaden their personal and professional network. 

Diverse megacities are just a short distance away

While there are many perks that come with choosing to study in Breukelen, one thing that students might miss out on is the vibrant vibes and entertainment opportunities offered by large, metropolitan areas. 

Small towns also tend not to be as international as larger cities, so you won’t get to experience the melting pot of different cultures that big cities typically bring.

READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide

The upside? Major, more diverse cities, like Amsterdam, are not too far away, as it’s only a short, 30-minute train ride from Breukelen to the capital city.

The Dutch’s omnipresent transportation system makes travelling extremely convenient — so there’s no doubt that you can get the best of both worlds, no matter where you study in the Netherlands. 

Studying in Breukelen means you’ll be living in the beating heart of Holland, surrounded by charming shops, sprawling gardens, and elegant castles. 

Are you planning to study in Breukelen? Tell us in the comments below!

Studying in Breukelen: Frequently Asked Questions

Featured image: Arnoldius/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

Looking for a cosy spot to work or study in Amsterdam? We’ve found the best of the best.

Let’s be honest; sitting at the same desk and staring at the same walls every day for hours on end messes with your focus.

But if you’re living in Amsterdam, you have a ton of great options for studying and working outside of your home. Our team often come from Amsterdam and collaborated on this article to bring you the best of the best.

Oh, and it goes without saying, but all of these spots have top-quality coffee to help you power all your tasks!

1. Volkshotel: the student hotspot

The Volkshotel is a trendy spot for students in Amsterdam and at the top of our list. Located in central Amsterdam, just a stone’s throw from the UvA, the hotel has a werkplaats (working area) with plenty of indoor and outdoor study spaces and huge windows.

The best part? Big tables with loads of plugs.

Have a group project or need to schedule a work meeting? The Volkshotel has lots of meeting rooms that you can book for group sessions.

They even have work cabins! How gezellig is that? But heads up: you have to pay for the work cabins, and the prices can vary depending on the size. If you want free, it’s best to stick to the werkplaats.

2. Coffee & Coconuts: for film buffs

A former cinema built in the roaring ’20s, Coffee & Coconuts is now home to a huge, spacious café. It’s great place to study or work, especially if you want the feeling of an open space.

Coffee & Coconuts offers a menu of mostly organic and locally sourced food, as well as freshly roasted beans from all over the world. All-day breakfast, anyone? And if you’re there until later in the day, you can switch from coffee to cocktails too.

This place is especially great for group projects or small meetings, as they have big tables and an inspiring atmosphere to get those creative juices flowing.

3. OBA: the cheapest place to study or work in Amsterdam

A free place to work or study in Amsterdam? With no pressure to purchase an overpriced coffee? That’s the magic of public libraries!

Amsterdam’s OBA is a huge library network. We particularly like OBA Oosterdok, a multi-level library close to Amsterdam Centraal with stacks of study nooks and desks.

You can just walk in, set up your laptop, and start ticking things off your to-do list. The Wi-fi is free — no library card needed!

4. Coffee Bru: colourful and cosy

This is the perfect coffee spot for socialising, meetings, and alone time. Coffee Bru has comfortable seats and a quirky atmosphere. They’ve nailed the perfect combination between loads of colour and just enough wood and plants to keep the place feeling gezellig.

On top of the friendly service, they have an amazing rotation of weekly filter and espresso roasts. You can even choose from two locations just 1500 metres away from each other — so if one is full, you can just hop on over to the other!

5. Startup Village: free coworking space

If you’re on the hunt for a dedicated coworking space with heaps of innovative people in a unique location, Startup Village in Amsterdam’s Science Park is the place.

Better yet? It’s coworking space is completely free!

But don’t stress; you won’t have to get through the day uncaffeinated. The nearby cafe Traiteur Ted’s will give you your coffee bean fix.

6. Back to Black: for pet parents

So you want to leave your house but don’t know anywhere that will let your dog, cat, bunny, hamster, or lizard join you? Well, Back to Black is a lover of all our fluffy (or scaly) friends!

As for the actual coffee, Back to Black boasts its own roastery and produces high-quality, sustainable coffee, which you can also purchase by bag to take home. They also offer barista and latte art workshops, so you know they’re not messing around!

The comfy layout is perfect for studying, with tons of seating to work solo, in a group, or with your dog.

7. Bocca: the minimalist’s dream

Looking for a clean, minimalist atmosphere for your focused work sessions? Bocca’s got your back. And they’re serious about coffee: they manage the entire coffee chain and doing it sustainably.

The café charges €6 per hour to get some work done there, but you do get a drink that’s included in the price.

8. Rum Baba Cafe: for a chiller workday

They call themselves “your happy eclectic home away from home”. Rum Baba is undeniably gezellig, and get this — they have their own bakery just a few doors down for your sweet tooth.

There’s plenty of seating, including a long wooden table perfect for groups. On sunny days, you can also work outside and take in that sweet vitamin D.

9. The Coffee Virus — A Lab: a coworking haven

A hidden gem, The Coffee Virus is discretely located in one of Shell’s old laboratories. It’s famous for its great coffee and amazing chai tea and offers a relaxed environment for studying or working in Amsterdam.

This cafe’s focus is to create nice and cosy spots to meet other entrepreneurs following the same paths as you. The Coffee Virus wants you to build some connections while having some yummy food and coffee!

10. Espressofabriek: something for everyone

Espressofabriek is known as the ideal meeting place in the heart of Westerpark. It has a spacious room with plenty of seating, perfect for silent studying.

There are three different locations in Amsterdam, so you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy!

11. White Label Coffee: focus on fair trade

This café has four locations in Amsterdam, each with long tables perfect for studying and several nice plants for all you plant lovers! Just don’t get too distracted snapping photos.

White Label Coffee focuses on quality in every aspect. From making the best cup of coffee to paying producers fairly in Rwanda and Brazil (cheers to fair trade!).

12. Lot61: serious about coffee

Their motto, “Stay caffeinated”, is something we can get behind. We will definitely need their delicious brews while we sit in their cafés for hours on end.

The nicest part of the place — you can watch them hand roast your coffee beans on their huge Probat roaster in the middle of the café. They have limited space for seating, so get there early for a morning study session. The coffee and rustic atmosphere are worth it!

13. Monks Coffee Roasters: good in the mornings

While all these places have delicious coffee, Monks Coffee Roasters also serves a mean brunch. Suddenly, sending emails at 9 AM doesn’t feel so bad with their pancakes or tacos sitting next to your laptop!

They also have loads of comfortable seating areas for you to focus on work whilst enjoying a nice cup of coffee. If you’re REALLY into coffee, they have a wide range of choices from Aeropress to French press.

14. Coffee Room: for late-workers

This is one of the few cafés in Amsterdam that stays open until the wee hours of the morning (ahem, 7 PM). If you’re in the zone while you work, you get to enjoy the lovely vibes of this café for a whole extra hour or two.

They’ve got big tables, small tables, a terrasje, counters, and a very eclectic collection of comfy vintage chairs. Oh, and a mezzanine! It’s the perfect level of seriousness (a lot of people around you will be hyper focused) and relaxed (a great playlist and super friendly staff).

15. Yusu Coffee: all things matcha

Yes, they do serve coffee, but they also make mean matcha and matcha-flavoured cakes, cookies — you name it! Plus, the whole vibe of the place is just… *chef’s kiss*.

Comfy couches, massive windows, and consistent colours (the green plates and cups are enough to make you feel like an influencer).

The modern look of the place is bound to motivate you enough to act like you have your life together and you definitely know what you’re doing at work. Not to mention, the staff are super friendly, and you can bring your pets!

We’re absolutely looking forward to grabbing a coffee at one of these places and procrastinating while pretending to work. Hopefully, you’ll do better. Good luck!

What are your favourite places to study or work in Amsterdam? Tell us below!

Moved to the Netherlands and need a DigiD? The process of getting a DigiD can be a lengthy and confusing one.

If you need some help navigating the waters of Dutch bureaucracy, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out how you can set up your own DigiD in the Netherlands — you can thank us later.

What is a DigiD?

A DigiD (Digital Identification) is an online identification you can use for websites and services of the Dutch government. It’s basically like having your own digital passport. Your DigiD account is linked to your BSN, you may log in with a username and password, the DigiD app or with your ID card.

Do I need a DigiD to live in the Netherlands?

Basically, everything you do in the Netherlands revolves around DigiD, so it’s definitely worth getting one.

Your workplace may ask for it and if you plan on studying in the Netherlands — for example, you want to apply for a master’s — you may need it for things like Studielink. DigiD is also needed if you want to apply for different types of allowances or do your taxes.

However, it’s not like you are going to be kicked out of the country if you don’t have one of these. For example, many international students on Erasmus exchanges are not required to have a DigiD. With that being said, life with a DigiD is certainly simpler.

How do I get a DigiD?

Applying for a DigiD is actually a rather easy process, but receiving one can take a bit of time. To get started, head to the government’s DigiD website. You can switch the website to English and click on “apply” or “activate.”

These steps will take you to the DigiD application form (now available in English), where you have to start by filling in your BSN number (the number you receive upon registering at your local municipality), date of birth, postal code, and house number.

Once you’ve filled in the form, you will have the option to choose different security verification measures.

READ MORE| Registration in the Netherlands: the complete guide [2021]

Text message authentication

You can choose to have text message authentication. This is not mandatory, but we recommend it just to save time, as some services do ask for text messages for security reasons, and it makes everything else much easier too.

This part is easy, too — just click “Ja” if you do, or “Nee” if you don’t. Again, click that “next” or, as the Dutchies say, “volgende” button and move on to the next page.

Your DigiD account: username and password

Now it’s time to create your DigiD! On this page, you will have to choose your username and password. Your username should be easy for you to remember (and none of that cringe stuff we used to do with our email names back in the 90s).

Always remember that this is also case-sensitive and you shouldn’t include spaces.

Your password should also be easy for you to remember (yet not so much so that people can guess it). You then need to retype the password.

If you want to be able to recover your password by text message or email, then tick the box underneath called “wachtwoordherstel.” Congratulations, you’ve got a DigiD! (…almost!)

Security validation for the DigiD

You’ll now find that your phone is going off. Unfortunately, it’s not your date texting you back, it’s DigiD. This is the code you should put into the form before continuing to the next page.

You’re also going to have a new email in your inbox, which isn’t from your crush either. It’s DigiD again!

Receiving your DigiD authentication code

Next, you will have to wait to receive a letter to your address stating yet another code for you to put into the system. It should arrive at your address within 5 working days, however, for some people, it could take longer.

I’ve received my code for DigiD by post, now what?

Congrats, you’ve received your letter! Now you’re nearly done. Just head to the DigiD activation page (the same one as last time) and put your activation code into the box provided.

Now you can click “activeren” or “activate” to confirm and voila, you officially have your DigiD!

Tips when you have a DigiD in the Netherlands

Once all the hard work is done and you finally have a DigiD, there are a number of things that you should be aware of.

Ssshh, it’s a secret

First things first, your DigiD is strictly personal — you must not give out your details to anyone. If someone knows your DigiD, you should apply for another one.

It may need updating

If you do not use your DigiD for 3 years, then it will expire, meaning that you will have to apply for another one. Not sure when that will be? This information can all be found in your account!

Install the app!

DigiD has an app that helps to reduce the number of steps needed to authenticate an action. Instead of putting in your password, you can use a simple pin code, or you can scan a QR code on your computer screen.

Setting up the app is an easy process, and you can find all the necessary information on the Dutch government’s website!

Have you applied for a DigiD and do you find it useful? Tell us in the comments!

Almost all students are looking for ways to finance their studies in the Netherlands  — and preferably spare a little extra cash for drinks.  

But here’s a tip: if you study in the Netherlands, you might not even realise how much money you could be missing out on.

The Netherlands offers an aid system to help students finance their studies — and it’s not limited to Dutchies. 

This is the complete guide to student loans, financing, and scholarships in the Netherlands to get those benefits, stash some cash, and gain some financial knowledge.

Looking for a specific type of student financing? Skip to a section below.

• Paying for university in the Netherlands
• EU/EEA students: loans, financing, and scholarships
• Loans, financing, and scholarships for non-EU/EEA students
• Student jobs in the Netherlands
• Costs of studying in the Netherlands
• How to save money when studying in the Netherlands
• Student finance, loans, and scholarship in the Netherlands: frequently asked questions

Paying for university in the Netherlands

Of course, the first hurdle to cross when studying in the Netherlands is how to pay for university. 

Compared to some other countries, the Netherlands can be extremely affordable when studying abroad. But that’s not to say that Dutch university education is cheap.

How expensive your study will be and how much funding you can get for it is dependent on one major classification: whether you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss student or not.  

The difference between EU/EEA and Swiss students and non-EU/EEA students

Now, you might be wondering what on earth EU/EEA means and whether it applies to you. 

Tuition fees and student finance in the Netherlands differ if you are from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) or from a country outside of these areas. 

If you are from the EU/EEA, you can access most Dutch student financing that local students receive. 

On the other hand, if you aren’t an EU/EEA national, you won’t qualify for student financing from the Dutch government. You still have a few options to finance your studies, such as getting a part-time job or applying for scholarships. 

Take me to info for non-EU/EEA students!

EU/EEA students: loans, financing, and scholarships

Yep — even if you aren’t a Dutchie, EU/EEA and Swiss students can still apply for student finance if they study in the Netherlands. Here’s how!

Student financing (studiefinanciering) from the Dutch government

Student financing is a form of student aid offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education and Culture (DUO). 

DUO handles everything to do with studying in the Netherlands, including enrolling for higher education and registering your diplomas and qualifications. There are some baseline requirements you need to meet to be eligible for student financing:

• You are a Dutch national, have the same rights as a Dutch national, or are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, 
• You are registered for a full-time or dual degree programme in the Netherlands in a research-oriented university (WO) or a higher professional education university (HBO), 
• You are under 30 years old, 
• You are registered at a municipality. You have a BSN and a DigiD.
• You have a Dutch bank account in your name. 

There are four main types of Dutch student financing: 

• a supplementary grant, 
• regular loans, 
• tuition fee loans, and 
• a student travel product. 

Keep in mind that not everyone is eligible for all four, as each type has some additional requirements to qualify. 

So what are they? Let’s take a look!

Supplementary grants

The supplementary grant is a sort of monthly allowance the Dutch government gives you for your monthly living expenses. 

This grant can get you a few hundred euros for your monthly budget, depending on your personal situation. 

You’re free to spend it how you like — so whether you want to spend it on groceries, textbooks, or just beers on a night out, it’s up to you!

The best part is that the supplementary grant is a “gift” from the Dutch government, meaning you don’t have to pay it back if you graduate within 10 years of studying. 

However, you only qualify for this supplementary grant if your parents’ total income is less than €50,000 per year. 

You can check whether you qualify for this type of student financing through the DUO website. 

Regular loans

“What do you mean ‘regular’ loan?” Well, despite the name, a regular loan is similar to a supplementary grant. 

You can apply for a loan through DUO and adjust how much money you borrow per month. The money will be given to you every month as a secondary allowance. 

The key difference between a regular loan and a supplementary grant is that taking out a regular loan will incur student debt. You then make payments on this debt after your graduate.

There are a few requirements you need to meet to qualify for a regular Dutch student loan:

• You need to be an EU/EEA or Swiss national
• You have lived in the Netherlands for at least five years, or you are working at least 56 hours per month. 

It’s important to know that if you want to eventually buy a house, start a business, etc., in the Netherlands, your student debt will be taken into account when your bank calculates your borrowing potential and interest. 

Tuition fees loan

Tuition fee loans are for — you guessed it — your Dutch tuition fees (and your tuition fees only!)

Like a regular loan, you also have to pay back your tuition fees loan after graduating.

But luckily, the interest rates for tuition fees loans are low (typically less than 1% per year). Super!

If you’re eligible for student financing, you need to meet a few requirements to qualify for a tuition fees loan: 

• You are under 30 years old
• You come from the EU/EEA or Switzerland
• You study full-time or a dual course at a higher professional education university (HBO) or research-oriented education university (WO)
• You pay tuition fees in the Netherlands

DUO can give you more information about applying to finance your study in the Netherlands this way.

Student travel product

This type of student financing is for those travel buffs out there! The student travel product means you can use Dutch public transport with a huge discount. 

The student travel product tends to be the most common form of student financing non-Dutchies get.

READ MORE | The ultimate guide to taking a train in the Netherlands: from OV cards to saving money

Students can choose between a weekend or a weekday subscription for their student travel product. 

If you choose a weekday subscription, you can travel for free on weekdays and 40% off on weekends. 

The weekend subscription has it the other way around. 

If you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss national, you need to meet the following requirements: 

• You follow a full-time study programme at MBO (vocational education), HBO, or WO level. Even if you are under 18, you will get a student travel product  
• You must be younger than 30 when the student travel product starts.
• You, or your non-Dutch parent or partner from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, have lived in the Netherlands for five consecutive years or longer. 

And lastly, if you have a Type I residence permit (you can check this on the back of your ID card), use this handy tool by DUO to see whether you’re eligible for the product. 

How to apply for student finance in the Netherlands

So you’re applicable for student financing — hoera!

Now, how do you actually get student financing for yourself?

To apply for any student finance type, you typically need a valid residence permit and a BSN (citizen service number). Your local municipality will give you a BSN after you register in the Netherlands. 

To apply for student finance: 

1. Log on to the DUO website. You’ll need your BSN and DigiD to prove your identity.
2. Go to “Mijn Producten” (My Products) then “’Studiefinanciering” (Student Finance)
3. Click on “Studiefinanciering” at the top right of the screen. 
4. Find the “Nu aanvragen” (Request now) section for each type of student financing. 
5. Select the type of student financing you are eligible for and fill in the relevant details DUO asks you for. 

Scholarships to study in the Netherlands for EU/EEA students

If you aren’t eligible for student financing or just want an opportunity to get free money while you’re studying in the Netherlands, there are many scholarships available to EU/EEA students. Here are some of the most common ones. 

Erasmus+

The Erasmus+ Programme is one of the most popular scholarships in the Netherlands (and is not to be confused with the Dutch university, of course!). 

It’s intended to help both EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students find the perfect destination for a study exchange or a traineeship in the EU. 

Each university has a different way of providing scholarships to its students who go on a study exchange in Europe, and their requirements vary per university. 

It’s best to consult with your study/exchange advisor to see the exact requirements and if you fit into them!

Hundreds of universities across Europe participate in the Erasmus+ programme, which makes studying abroad super accessible. You can be at any level of higher education to apply. It’s an offer you simply can’t refuse.

Erasmus Mundus Programme

This programme is intended for EU master’s students. With an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you must study in at least two countries as part of the programme for one to two years.

You need to have a bachelor’s degree at a recognised level, and all of your costs (tuition fees, travel costs, study material, and more) are covered!

Loans, financing, and scholarships for non-EU/EEA students

If you are a non-EU/EEA student, there’s bad news: you probably don’t qualify for regular loans, tuition fee loans, or supplementary grants in the Netherlands. 

But don’t let that discourage you!

There are other ways to finance your Dutch studies yourself, starting with private loans and scholarships. 

Taking out private loans

Because only Dutch, EU/EEA, and Swiss can take out a tuition fees loan, non-EU/EEA students typically have to take out private loans. 

If you’re interested in taking out a private loan, you should contact your university’s student advisor to see how this works and whether you’re eligible to take out a private loan from your Dutch bank.

You have to pay back this type of loan with interest after you graduate, but the catch is that it tends to have a higher interest rate (between 8-13%). 

This is a much higher interest rate than the regular loan a Dutch, EU/EEA or Swiss national can take out in the Netherlands. 

If you don’t want to incur student debt or feel like you have a great CV to show off, applying for a scholarship is another option — and it might be more up your alley. 

Scholarships to study in the Netherlands for non-EU/EEA students

As a non-EU/EEA student, you might find yourself feeling a little more pressed for money (international tuition fees are no joke). 

If you’re looking for other forms of student financing, the Netherlands has plenty of scholarships you can apply to, but you typically face some tricky competition. 

Here are a few popular scholarships for non-EU/EEA students in the Netherlands. 

Erasmus+

We mentioned it before, but this is a really good one! The Erasmus+ Programme is a scholarship for all students to fund their study exchange or traineeships abroad in the EU. 

Many higher education institutions in the Netherlands participate in this programme and have different requirements to join. It’s best to ask your study/exchange advisor to determine whether your university takes part and what the requirements are. 

You can study in one of a hundred partner universities across Europe for your exchange or traineeship, and the scholarship can cover a lot of your costs — what’s not to love?

MENA Scholarship Programme

This scholarship is intended for young professionals from the Middle East and North Africa to take short courses and training in a specific field of their choice. 

The Holland Scholarship

The Holland Scholarship is a one-time grant of €5000 in your first year of university, available to non-EU/EEA nationals. 

Many research universities and higher professional education institutions participate in the scholarship, so you might find your university there too!

The Orange Tulip Scholarship

Also known as the OTS, this scholarship is available for non-EU nationals from NESO countries (Netherlands Education Support Offices). 

You can find the exact list of countries and the other requirements for this scholarship on the NUFFIC website. 

How to find scholarships to study in the Netherlands

The scholarships above are just a handful of many available to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students — there are hundreds of scholarships waiting for applications out there!

Your university might also have specific scholarships for their students available, so be sure to check out what your university can offer you as soon as you can.

You can usually contact your study programme’s student advisors to help you find appropriate scholarships and finance your studies in other ways. 

Student jobs in the Netherlands

If you aren’t entitled to student financing, loans, and scholarships in the Netherlands, there’s another way you can finance your studies: student jobs! 

We get it, though; you might be concerned about work-school-life balance. 

A student job is almost always part-time, meaning you can work minimal hours and schedule around your study commitments. 

A bonus is that you often don’t need to speak fluent Dutch (or at all). 

This will probably come as a relief to internationals, but trying your hand at learning and practising Dutch is something we’d recommend! 

Best types of student jobs

There are a few student jobs you can find anywhere, regardless of the city you live in. For example, retail and customer service always need people to work part-time. 

• Retail stores
• Grocery stores
• Bike delivery companies (UberEats, Deliveroo, Gorillas, etc.)
• Hotels (as a receptionist or housekeeper)
• Call centres or help desks
• Your university
• Restaurants or cafes

How to find a student job

Your university is a great place to start looking for a student job to finance your studies. They may have some connections to employment agencies or a student portal to see their vacancies around the city. 

You can also google for student jobs in the Netherlands or your city or check websites like Indeed or Glassdoor. 

Student jobs and visas 

There are a few things to keep in mind regarding working and visas. 

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national, you do not need a work permit, and there is no limit to how many hours you can work while you’re studying. 

But if you aren’t an EU/EEA or Swiss national, there are a few restrictions. If you live in the Netherlands on a student visa, you need to confirm your working permissions with the immigration office of your university. 

Typically, your employer has to provide you with a personal work permit. With this, you can only work for a maximum of 16 hours per week during the year, or full-time during the summer months (June, July, and August). 

However, if you are studying at a higher education institution in the Netherlands and need or want to complete an internship for your study, you do not need a work permit. 

Instead, your host university, internship employer, and you can sign an internship agreement available through the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. If in doubt, it’s best to consult the Dutch government website for information on your specific situation. 

Costs of studying in the Netherlands

There are a few key costs to consider when you’re a student in the Netherlands. 

Tuition fees

Tuition is one of the major costs of studying at a Dutch university. The cost of yearly tuition fees depends on a few things:

• Whether you’re an EU/EEA student or a non-EU/EEA student
• Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s or a master’s degree
• If the university is private or public
• What kind of higher education you’re doing (research-oriented vs higher professional education)
• The type of study programme you are doing

So how much cash will you have to cough up? 

On average, a student from an EU/EEA country pays between €2,000 and €4,000 per year.

A non-EU/EEA student pays between €6,000 and €15,000 per year. 

Living expenses

Other than tuition fees, another big expense in the Netherlands is your housing and utilities. 

Before moving to the Netherlands, you should know that it’s notorious for its housing crisis, especially for students.

Finding a house in your city at an affordable price can be a real struggle, especially if you’re on a time limit. Your monthly rent will depend on a few factors, including: 

• Which city and neighbourhood you’re living in 
• If you want to live alone or with other people
• If you live in student housing or private accommodation
• Whether the rent price includes utilities (gas, water, and electricity, or GWL in Dutch)

READ MORE | Renting in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

An average student room is between €500 and €800 a month. On the extreme ends, students can rent rooms from as low as €350 to as high as €1500 per room.

Food

As a student, you can get by shopping once or twice a week at most. Depending on which supermarkets or grocers are available, you can get basic groceries for €50 to €60 per week. 

Travel

It’s easy to keep your travel costs down in the Netherlands because it’s super bike-friendly. A good bike will set you back around €100 and is the main form of transport for, well, everyone!

For longer distances, Dutch public transport is also exceptionally good and a fraction of the cost compared to Ubers or taxis. Owning a car as a student in the Netherlands is practically unheard of.

School supplies

Most Dutch universities have deals with publishers to print university textbooks at an affordable price. 

This means you’ll typically only pay between €20 and €50 per textbook instead of €100+. 

Other costs may include notebooks, writing tools, and licences for certain software (think statistics or Adobe Systems). If your teacher requires these, check in with your university: they can provide them cheaper than on the general market.

How to save money when studying in the Netherlands

Apart from student financing, loans, and scholarships, there are a couple of things you can do to copy Dutch stinginess and save money to pay for your study in the Netherlands. 

Buy your textbooks second-hand

Many people sell their textbooks second-hand online on websites like Facebook Marketplace or on Bol.com (the Dutch version of Amazon). 

There’s also a good chance your university or study programme association has a website where you can buy second-hand textbooks or new textbooks at student-friendly prices. 

Some study programmes organise book trades where students can directly buy books from each other. It’s a great way to meet other students and make connections too.

Rent just a room instead of your own apartment

You’ll be hearing this a lot, but we can’t say it’s wrong — accommodation and housing can be really expensive. When you’re on a house hunt, you’ll find listings for rooms instead of entire apartments more often than not. 

Renting a single room in a bigger apartment is a massive money-saver, especially since you can split the utility bill and other housing costs with your housemates. If you meet other students at your university, it’s also a chance to move in with people you know!

Housing agencies cover listings in plenty of student cities, so it’s only a matter of time and patience (and luck! ) to find accommodation that suits your needs. 

Apply for government discounts

There are a couple of government allowances you can apply for when you move to the Netherlands, which will save you a decent amount of cash. 

For example, there’s a rental allowance, healthcare allowance, child care allowance, and other travel discounts. 

These discounts usually don’t have to be paid back even after you graduate, but you need to check your situation’s exact requirements and qualifications.

Save on your travel costs

You have a few options for saving money and travelling. It’s good to know exactly which kind of ticket you need to travel around (so you don’t accidentally pay too much for what you need). 

The Dutch train service (NS) offers all kinds of discount subscriptions you can buy to travel at a fraction of the cost. 

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and want to explore the Netherlands while studying, the NS has a website for the best and cheapest train trips around the country!

Shop the sales

If you want to learn something about shopping sales, the Dutch are the masters. 

Your local supermarket will have weekly discounts for certain products (just grab a membership card), and you can save a lot of money. 

If you want to save even more money, shopping at a local market can save you a ton of money on produce — and it’s nice to help local businesses thrive!

Meanwhile, plenty of shops and restaurants in student cities have student discounts available. For example, you can often get a 10% discount on your purchase if you show your student ID at a bookstore or clothing shop. 

If in doubt, ask an employee if they give student discounts and keep that ID of yours in hand!

And that’s your complete guide to student financing, loans, and scholarships in the Netherlands. 

Hopefully, you’re feeling more knowledgeable about your financial options and how to best fund your studies! 

Do you have any tips for how to finance your studies in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2022, and was fully updated in August 2022 for your reading pleasure.

Student finance, loans, and scholarship in the Netherlands: frequently asked questions

Are you looking for an English language school that goes beyond the ordinary? Well, look no further than MixTree Languages. Why? What makes them different? Good questions — we’ve got the answers. 

Located right in the heart of Amsterdam, MixTree is not your typical language school.

It’s a non-profit cultural association, in which learning and community are combined. The classes are made up of adults from all corners of the world, who have moved to the Netherlands seeking new opportunities and connections.

At MixTree Languages, they understand the struggle of moving to a new country without a firm grasp of the English language. That’s why learning English is made super leuk (super fun) thanks to interactive learning methods, a multicultural environment, and motivating teachers. 

Ready to reach your language goals? Let us take you through a day in the life of a student at MixTree Languages.  

Meet MixTree Languages

It is no secret that English is a widely spoken second language in the Netherlands, making it one of the most important languages for expats to learn upon their move to the country of clogs and stroopwafels.

All of their courses, ranging from A1 to C1, share an innovative approach to learning which guarantees quick student success. How? By getting you to “activate your English” through speaking! 

Interactive learning — in the most fun way possible

Dry vocabulary memorisation with no real-life application? Nee. Lengthy lectures that lack engagement? No thanks. At MixTree, you’ll have none of that. 

How do I know this? I actually attended one of their English classes. While there, I noticed that the focus clearly lay on getting students to collaborate on tasks and actually talk to each other about the things that they are interested in. 

And let me tell you: a class where you share some laughs and great chats is a tried and tested way to genuinely enhance the learning experience and get faster results.  

Take it from someone who’s been there!  

To activate our English, we started off with an engaging vocabulary challenge before the students quizzed each other’s knowledge with questions they had prepared at home. 

As a whole, MixTree encourages lively discussions and provides a safe space to make mistakes while learning functional language. Once you have built your English confidence, not only Amsterdam but the Netherlands becomes yours to explore. Hoera!

Stay accountable with structured learning

MixTree Languages offers a wide range of courses to cater to its diverse learners. Whether you’re a complete beginner, know the basics, or only want to improve your business English, MixTree has your back. 

To ensure that you succeed in your language learning goals, all the fun is backed by highly-qualified professionals who have developed well-organised study programs.

Often students struggle with knowing where to start and how to filter all of the information available to them when learning a language. The structured approach used at MixTree provides a clear pathway for students to see real progress as they move up through the levels. 

On top of that, there’s also a flipped approach. This is where students are introduced to the material before class. This instils a sense of accountability among the students, while also giving them the power to guide their own language learning journey.

Enjoy a plan that actually fits your schedule 

As adults, we all have busy lives, and fitting a language course into them can be difficult. MixTree’s main courses, Intensive English and Morning English, are designed to accommodate a variety of schedules.

Intensive English is a 40-hour intense English course where students attend classes four times a week. This is the perfect course for anyone who wants to see quick progress. A new round of courses begins each month, making them more frequent than what most other schools offer.  

Can’t commit to 10 hours per week? Then Morning English is for you! As the name suggests, this course offers six weeks of learning through two morning lessons per week. It maintains the high-quality standards of an intensive course, while allowing you time to build long-term learning strategies.

READ MORE | Why are the Dutch so good at speaking English?

But there is much more to MixTree Languages! Besides their main courses, they also offer Online Evening Courses, Business English, One-to-One lessons, In-company English, and Academic English. To get a full overview of their courses, we recommend you check out their website.

A multicultural setting that fosters community

What is the result of people from all walks of life having meaningful and interesting conversations? A strong sense of community!

Kathleen, one of MixTree’s dedicated teachers, emphasises that the organisation is not just a learning resource, but also takes on a much more significant role in the life of its students: “It’s a first stop for many expats to get their lives started in the Netherlands,” she says. 

READ MORE | Making Dutch friends as an international: our 21 best tips

Brought together by their shared learning goals and international experience in this beautiful flat country, the students stay in touch with each other even outside of the classroom — be it through WhatsApp chat or social activities put on throughout the city by organisations that collaborate with MixTree.

People can connect with each other on a personal level, thanks to the friendly and inclusive atmosphere, helping students create a network well past the classroom.   

At MixTree Languages, various classes are provided at all stages of your English language-learning journey. And not to mention at some of the most affordable prices in Amsterdam! 

What this means is simple: MixTree’s benefits go far beyond the classroom and assist in various aspects of life in the Netherlands for internationals. 

Ready to learn more? Check out MixTree Languages’ Facebook and Instagram pages! 

You can also contact Mixtree via info@mixtreelang.nl or at +31(0)20 76 61 981, Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 6 PM. Good luck on your exciting new journey!

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.

Too much tourism, too much English on trams, and now too many students from abroad? As internationals, sometimes it’s hard not to adopt a growing sense that the Dutch government doesn’t like us very much.

Since voting to cut down on international students in 2019, the House of Representatives has been continually striving to keep non-Dutch citizens out of the Netherlands.

So far, any efforts by the Dutch government to do so have gone in vain. Much to their dismay, the country is brimming with internationals.

In fact, there’s even more of us

This year has seen a 1,200 increase non-EU applicants alone compared to last year — and remember, this is something EU internationals don’t have to submit. 

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) — i.e. the people tasked with handling non-EU student applications — say that sifting through additional forms is “daunting”. 

The latest development in this de-internationalization saga is the University of Amsterdam (UvA) demanding a €100 down payment for applications, purely to frighten off international students.

But why would the regering (government) want to exclude a group of people that enrich, diversify, and even fund their lives? (Think of those deliciously huge student fees for non-EU internationals).

I’m not necessarily saying the thwarting of immigration is a case of “biting the hand that feeds you”, but it’s also…not… not that?

The “reasons” they’ve provided

So what does the House of Representatives have to say for themselves? Here are the reasons both the government and Dutch universities have given to justify their decision — and here’s my hot take on their responses. 

The Dutch accommodation shortage

One reason that gets cited over and over again is the ongoing and persistently unpleasant accommodation shortage. 

You know, the one that has students scraping together an average of €715 euros a month? (If they’re lucky enough to find a room in the first place, that is.) 

Supposedly, by saying, “Don’t come here”, the government is just looking out for internationals, wanting to save them from the clutches of homelessness. 

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

After all, it seems that for them, this is the only viable option: limit the universities’ international student intake — as opposed to, say, building more student accommodation or imposing a price ceiling for money-grabbing landlords that capitalise on students’ desperation. 

Pff, that would be insane!

Too much work for university lecturers

Another complaint that can apparently be traced back to international students is the workload of university lecturers, who claim the excessive swarm of internationals with extra exams and papers to grade has them swamped.  

And let’s not forget the sweaty, stuffy lecture halls crammed full of promising young internationals who are apparently overly eager to learn the ways of the world. 

As a professor, it must be hard to know such an unreasonable amount of people are interested in hearing what you have to say.

Are internationals inherently less valuable? 

Do you believe these are the sole reasons why internationals are being encouraged to stay away? That’s up to you to decide. 

But riddle me this: If there was an overflow of Dutch students as opposed to internationals, would the government instruct them to take a hike as well? Would they put a halt to the education of their own citizens? 

Or maybe the House of Representatives would come to find that the room capacity and professorial workload suddenly weren’t such a big deal after all.

In fact, last year, the UvA attempted to set a quota ensuring that, while internationals were being excluded from their popular political science and psychology programmes, Dutchies wouldn’t be kicked out as well. 

See, they didn’t want to lose their budding Dutch uni babies along with internationals. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Yep, that’s a well-aimed slap in the face of foreigners. 

Now, I’m not saying every native of this country is on board with some kind of “Make the Netherlands Dutch again” scheme — after all, plenty of nationals are more than willing to help out internationals. 

READ MORE | Why are the Dutch so good at speaking English?

But after the recent campaigning to ban English announcements on public transport — courtesy of the Language Defense Foundation —  and the outgoing minister for education threatening to do away with English-taught courses, an icky feeling has surfaced in the pit of my stomach.

It’s almost suggesting there’s a “them” versus “us” — us being the competitors, space occupiers, accommodation snatchers, and alienated “others”. 

How do the Dutch really feel about the influx of internationals? 

If I didn’t know any better, I would say it seems like a significant portion of government and university staff alike don’t find some people’s overseas origins favourable. 

And if I really didn’t know any better, I would say a good few don’t think internationals are welcome.  

Could the driving force be patriotic pride? Concerns about the Dutch language and culture being lost to the looming peril of anglicisation? 

READ MORE | ‘No internationals’: A tale of exclusion in the Dutch housing market

Or are the reasons a bit like the ones behind the “no internationals” policy liberally applied all over accommodation listings by discriminating Dutch landlords — that is, they just don’t like us that much? 

We ain’t budgin’ 

You can run, but you can’t hide. The Netherlands has become a multicultural hub with internationals (like yours truly) lurking at every turn.

And frankly, this didn’t happen by accident either; Amsterdam has welcomed tourists with outstretched, mercenary arms for literal centuries — up until the last few years, at least.  

READ MORE | 19 super annoying things internationals do in the Netherlands

Not only that but according to Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) spokesperson Gijs Kooistra, Dutch university attendees would also benefit from a diverse, multicultural student body. 

Kooistra also notes that the presence of English-taught courses in Dutch academia helps yield “the best academic staff” from overseas *cough*…but you didn’t hear it from us.

While these opinions aren’t intended to stir the pot or create an even larger divide between pro and anti-internationals, maybe they will serve as food for thought.

How do you feel about the Dutch government and universities’ action to reduce the intake of students from abroad? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Do you want to advance your career at record speed? Or completely change directions? Either way, an MBA degree is the way to do it.

In the ever-changing Dutch job market, companies are always on the lookout for specialists who can bridge the gap between industry knowledge and strategic thinking. 

Could you be the missing puzzle piece a Dutch company is looking for? Jazeker, with a specialised MBA in an in-demand field!

First things first: What’s an MBA degree?

Good question. MBA stands for Master of Business Administration, and, as the name gives away, it’s a postgraduate degree in all things business.

You can think of an MBA as strapping a rocket ship to your career — it’s a degree that teaches you the secret arts of management, strategy, and finance.

Completing an MBA degree generally takes anywhere from 18 months (full-time) to four years (part-time), and often requires you to have some work experience before starting.

Is it worth it? Well, let’s put it this way: Employers love MBAs! In the Netherlands’ competitive job market, having an MBA can make you stand out in the big pool (or should we say canal?) of job-seekers. 

But what direction should you focus on to have the best chances of landing your Dutch dream job? What are the most in-demand MBAs Dutch companies looking for? Let’s see.

1. Engineering management

The engineering industry is booming across the Netherlands, making it one of the most in-demand fields in the Dutch job market. Naturally, an MBA in engineering management is as safe a bet as Dutch tulips blooming in spring.

In a country that was quite literally built below sea level, the workforce is always in need of engineering managers — not just to keep the country from sinking but also to help develop sustainable practices and cutting-edge solutions. 

READ MORE | 7 innovative Dutch projects for a sustainable future

Besides offshore engineering, the Netherlands is also big on all things innovative and sustainable. With an MBA in engineering management, you’ll have the right ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic business thinking.

With just a bit of time and effort, you’ll become a highly competitive professional in various industries — from real estate to telecommunications and healthcare. 

2. Healthcare management

Speaking of healthcare: another degree that is in high demand among Dutch companies is an MBA in healthcare management.

Like any other country, the Netherlands is no stranger to public health challenges like healthcare disparities and mental health issues. If you’re passionate about making a true difference in people’s lives, then this is the degree for you!  

READ MORE | Mental healthcare in the Netherlands: all you need to know for 2023

The pandemic showed the complexities of the healthcare sector worldwide and the importance of healthcare leaders who take charge. 

As a result, there’s a growing demand in the Netherlands for managers who can navigate the challenges of healthcare administration, policy, and innovation. Could that be you? 

3. Finance and accounting

From neobanks to well-established traditional ones to insurance companies — the Netherlands is home to countless thriving financial institutions. And guess what? They’re always looking for people with adequate know-how and skills to join their teams.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals

With an MBA in finance and accounting, you’ll gain those skills and more — and you’ll soon be a well-rounded specialist leader.

This degree is in high demand among companies, sought after for holders’ ability to fuel a company’s growth with their financial magic. Trust us, with these highly valuable qualifications, you’ll soon be in higher demand than pepernoten at Christmas time.

4. IT management

In our modern day and age, technology rules how we communicate, work, travel (and binge-watch our favourite shows).   

The Netherlands is no exception to this rule, and many multinational tech giants have made the land of clogs and stroopwafels their home, including Philips and Booking.com. What do these companies need? Talent! And that’s where you come in.

READ MORE | ​​13 companies in the Netherlands that hire internationals

With an MBA in IT management, you’ll know exactly how to efficiently use data, technological familiarity and business information to put a company’s strategic goals into action.

5. International marketing

Science, finance, and technology — these three are always top of the class when it comes to in-demand fields on the job market. But what if you want to do something a little more creative? Then an MBA in International marketing might be the one for you! 

As a key player in the global economic market, the Netherlands prioritises international trade and multicultural business environments. No matter the sector, companies must understand things such as consumer behaviour, branding, and international marketing strategies.  

It’s only natural that people with expertise in these areas can contribute significantly to a company’s growth. The result? People with MBAs in International marketing are much in demand!

6. Artificial Intelligence 

The recent popularisation of ChatGPT has made it clear that AI tools are rising in popularity in all industries. And by the looks of it, they’re here to stay!

What’s the best way to not lose your job to the power of artificial intelligence? By taking ownership of it! Especially in a time of uncertainty and scepticism around AI, many companies are looking for capable leaders and advisors — and you could be one of them.

With an MBA in Artificial Intelligence, you can get ahead of the trend. This degree is guaranteed to be not just in high demand but also highly versatile, as the trend of AI tools is expanding to all fields. 

7. Innovation and entrepreneurship

The Dutch are known for being innovators — and it comes as no surprise that the Netherlands continuously ranks among the world’s most innovative countries. 

Naturally, the Dutch job market reflects that, and the Dutch economy is the perfect cocktail of innovation-oriented multinationals and promising start-ups.

READ MORE | 8 Dutch startups that make the world a better place

An MBA in innovation and entrepreneurship equips graduates not only with all the knowledge to succeed in the hands of big companies, but even to start their own innovative venture.

Dutch companies are looking for professionals with specialised skills that align with the country’s economic priorities and global competitiveness. 

These MBAs address industry needs and equip graduates with all the know-how to excel in the Dutch job market. Ready to find out for yourself?

Which of these seven in-demand MBAs would you go for? Tell us in the comments!