Logistics
Arriving in the Netherlands: Airport Transit Times to Major Student Cities
A logistical guide to landing at Schiphol or Eindhoven airport, finding the train station, and estimating your travel time to your new city.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Resources
Guides
Step-by-step guides to the paperwork, money and daily logistics of moving to the Netherlands as a student.
Guides
23 articles
Logistics
Best Dutch SIM Cards for International Students (Comparison)
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Housing
Best Websites to Find Student Housing in the Netherlands
A breakdown of the top platforms for finding student rooms, from Kamernet and Pararius to Facebook groups and university-partnered agencies.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Logistics
The Ultimate Guide to Dutch Bikes: Buying Second-Hand vs. Renting a Swapfiets
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Healthcare
Dutch Health Insurance for Students: Mandatory Rules and How to Apply
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Pre-Arrival & Bureaucracy
Dutch Student Visa Guide: IND Process, Costs, and Timelines
Everything Non-EU/EEA students need to know about applying for a Dutch MVV and VVR residence permit through their university.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Life & Culture
Dutch Supermarkets Compared: Finding the Best and Cheapest Groceries
A student's guide to grocery shopping. We compare Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Aldi, and Lidl, plus tips on delivery and bonus cards.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Housing
Furnishing Your Dutch Room: Where to Buy Cheap Student Furniture
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Life & Culture
The Dutch University Grading System and Binding Study Advice (BSA)
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Housing
Templates: How to Write the Perfect Message to Dutch Landlords and Roommates
Stand out from the crowd. Copy-paste these proven introduction messages to increase your chances of getting a viewing.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Pre-Arrival & Bureaucracy
How to Apply to a Dutch University: Timelines & Key Deadlines
A step-by-step overview of the Dutch university application process, including Studielink registration, numerus fixus deadlines, and document requirements.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Arrival & Daily Logistics
How to Get Your BSN Number: Registering at the Dutch Municipality
A complete guide to booking your Gemeente (municipality) appointment, required documents, and what to do if you don't have a permanent address yet.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Logistics
Navigating Dutch Public Transport: Trains, Buses, and Trams Explained
How to read the Dutch train schedules, use the 9292 app, and understand the difference between Sprinters and Intercity trains.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Finance
How to Open a Dutch Bank Account as a Student (And Why You Need iDEAL)
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Logistics
OV-chipkaart vs. OVpay: Which Public Transit Pass Do You Need?
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Healthcare
How to Find and Register with a Local Doctor (Huisarts)
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Life & Culture
Part-Time Jobs for International Students: Rules, Visas & Best Gigs
How to find English-speaking student jobs, hourly restrictions for Non-EU students, and how working affects your health insurance.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Housing
Surviving a Dutch 'Hospiteeravond': How the Roommate Selection Process Works
An insider’s guide to the traditional Dutch roommate interview process (hospiteren) and how to make a great impression.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Housing
Understanding Your Dutch Rental Contract: Standard Rules and Hidden Fees
A simple breakdown of Dutch rental laws, inclusive vs. exclusive rent, and what to look out for before signing your lease.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Life & Culture
What is a Tikkie? Understanding Dutch Splitting Culture and Payment Etiquette
A fun but essential guide to Dutch directness and the cultural expectation of sending payment requests (Tikkies) for exactly what you owe.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Life & Culture
What to Expect During Your Dutch University Intro Week
An overview of university introduction weeks (like the AID, OWee, or INKOM), standard timelines, and why you shouldn't skip them.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Healthcare
Using Your EHIC Card in the Netherlands: Rules for EU Students
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
Pre-Arrival & Bureaucracy
What is DigiD? How to Apply and Activate Your Account
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.
Apr 21, 2026Read
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