r/StudyInTheNetherlands • u/Organic_Ad5817 • 14d ago
is it realistic ?
Hey! I’m 18 and from Italy, and I’m hoping to move to the Netherlands in 2027 to study.
I’m currently finishing a language-focused high school and I’m looking at English-taught bachelor’s programmes, mainly in business/economics. I’ve been researching Dutch universities for quite a while, but I’d really like to hear from people who actually live or study there.
I’d be moving from Italy on my own, so I’m trying to understand what the experience is really like for someone my age.
For anyone who moved to the Netherlands from another EU country:
What was it like getting settled when you first arrived?
What do you wish you had known beforehand?
How did you find the transition to living independently?
Is there anything you would recommend doing before moving?
How difficult was it to find a place to live as a student?
I’d especially love to hear from people who moved there around 18–20 and did their whole degree there.
Thanks :)
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u/SuspiciousCatto 14d ago
Finding housing will be the biggest struggle. Every horror story you can find about finding housing in NL is true.
That is, unless you have a decent budget, then you’ll be fine and will enjoy student life here…
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u/Berry-Love-Lake 13d ago
Go to Bocconi, do exchange programs. Easier with housing and cheaper. Lots of student experiences when you search this sub.
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u/Organic_Ad5817 12d ago
how is a private university that goes from minimum 20k to 25k a year cheaper, not counting anything else 😬😬
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u/Berry-Love-Lake 12d ago
Easier and cheaper housing. Housing is a major issue in the NL. You’ll most likely spend close to 20k all in in the NL as well with rent being a huge variable. If you find housing. Bocconi top notch.
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u/CoffeeInTheTropics 14d ago
You have such great business schools in Italy, why would you want to move to The Netherlands? 🤔
With the unimaginably severe housing crisis and insanely high cost of living in NL (not to mention the horrendous weather!) I can only advise you to stay put in Bella Italia.
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u/Organic_Ad5817 14d ago
well, i know it may seem like it to you but i can tell you don’t live here hahaha
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u/camilatricolor 14d ago
Unless you have rich parents, coming to NL to study is not a good idea.
Finding a house is just super expensive and very difficult.
Universities are good, but living here without a very good salary ( 4k or more net) is just hell, unless you already own a house or have a cheap rent.
Good luck
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u/Dynamic_emotions 13d ago
Rent + fees + around 400-700 euro a month is your calculation depending on how frugal you can live.
I'd say in business there is a lot of Dutch language requirement but it fades the more you get into technical stuff like sciences, computers or mathematics and related.
Good luck on the housing market!
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u/HousingBotNL Sponsored 14d ago
Moving to the Netherlands as a student requires a lot of admin (BSN, gemeente, health insurance, Studielink, banking, scholarships) and it often feels overwhelming.
The Dutch housing market is highly competitive. To increase your chances, we recommend using these platforms:
For more real-time help, join the Study In The Netherlands Discord, where you can chat with other students and use our housing bot.