Everything you need to know about relocating to the Netherlands as an international student — housing, registration, banking, insurance, and the scams to avoid.
The single most common way international students lose money in the Netherlands. How the scam works, what the messages look like, and what to do if you already paid.
What a room in Amsterdam actually costs, why the commuter towns are the real answer, and the order to sort housing, BSN, insurance and transport in.
The best student city in the Netherlands and one of the hardest to find a room in during September. Costs, the housing crunch, registration, and how to arrive prepared.
27 articles
A landlord who is working in London, Dubai or Nigeria and will courier you the keys. Why this specific story is almost always a scam, and how to prove it in ten minutes.
Marktplaats is excellent for furniture and dangerous for rooms. How fake listings, fake buyers and the Tikkie link scam work, and the rules that keep you safe on both platforms.
Cheaper than Amsterdam, better connected than most, and with a housing market that is tight but not hopeless. What a room costs and how to set yourself up properly.
A logistical guide to landing at Schiphol or Eindhoven airport, finding the train station, and estimating your travel time to your new city.
Protect your deposit. Learn the most common housing scams in the Netherlands, illegal agency fees, and why you should never rent a room sight unseen.
A breakdown of the best prepaid and contract phone providers in the Netherlands (Lebara, KPN, Vodafone) and how to set up your Dutch phone number.
A breakdown of the top platforms for finding student rooms, from Kamernet and Pararius to Facebook groups and university-partnered agencies.
Why you need a bike immediately, right-of-way traffic rules, and whether you should buy a used bike or get a monthly Swapfiets subscription.
A clear guide to the Dutch healthcare system, when you are legally required to buy basic Dutch insurance (zorgverzekering), and how to apply for the healthcare allowance.
Everything Non-EU/EEA students need to know about applying for a Dutch MVV and VVR residence permit through their university.
A student's guide to grocery shopping. We compare Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Aldi, and Lidl, plus tips on delivery and bonus cards.
Most Dutch student rooms come completely bare (without floors or curtains!). Here is how to furnish your room on a budget using IKEA, Marktplaats, and thrift stores.
Why getting a 10 is nearly impossible in the Netherlands, and everything you need to know about passing your first-year BSA credit requirements to stay enrolled.
Stand out from the crowd. Copy-paste these proven introduction messages to increase your chances of getting a viewing.
A step-by-step overview of the Dutch university application process, including Studielink registration, numerus fixus deadlines, and document requirements.
A complete guide to booking your Gemeente (municipality) appointment, required documents, and what to do if you don't have a permanent address yet.
How to read the Dutch train schedules, use the 9292 app, and understand the difference between Sprinters and Intercity trains.
Why your Visa or Mastercard might fail in Dutch supermarkets, and how to quickly open a local bank account to access the iDEAL payment network.
Learn how to tap in and out of Dutch transport using your debit card (OVpay) or how to apply for a personal OV-chipkaart for student discounts.
Do not wait until you are sick! Learn how to find a local GP through your university and why paracetamol is the standard Dutch prescription.
How to find English-speaking student jobs, hourly restrictions for Non-EU students, and how working affects your health insurance.
An insider’s guide to the traditional Dutch roommate interview process (hospiteren) and how to make a great impression.
A simple breakdown of Dutch rental laws, inclusive vs. exclusive rent, and what to look out for before signing your lease.
A fun but essential guide to Dutch directness and the cultural expectation of sending payment requests (Tikkies) for exactly what you owe.
An overview of university introduction weeks (like the AID, OWee, or INKOM), standard timelines, and why you shouldn't skip them.
A dedicated guide for European students on how to use your home country's European Health Insurance Card—and when you must switch to a Dutch plan if you get a job.
Learn why DigiD is your most important digital key in the Netherlands, how to apply, and why you must wait for the physical activation letter in the mail.
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