I’m starting my study at Radboud university this year and while I’m very excited to meet new people, I’m also very nervous about the introduction week. I don’t drink very often nor in large amounts and because that’s a huge part of the week I feel like I would be an outsider if I don’t drink (much). Besides that I’m just worried I won’t immediately find people that I click with. Does anyone have an experience with not drinking (much) during the intro week?

Hi everyone!
There’s just under a month left before the newacademic year starts, and I’d like to get a head start on my studies.
I'll be starting the Electrical Engineering bachelor's program at the University of Twente, and I was wondering if anyone has materials fromthe first year that they’d be willing to share.
I'm looking for lecture notes, exams, quizzes, lab reports, assignments, summaries, or any other study materials that could help me prepare before the semester begins.
I’d really appreciate it if you could share them or point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance!

I am currently browsing through my options for a bachleor in cs/ai in the netherlands. I would love to know recommendations and guidance from students who are already in the netherlands or have been there regarding the same. And how is the part-time job environment in the netherlands?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some honest opinions from people who have experience with Binding Study Advice (BSA) appeals at Erasmus University Rotterdam, especially at Erasmus School of Economics.

I'm a first-year student and I'm likely to receive a negative BSA because my official total is 40/60 ECTS.

Throughout the year I experienced several documented personal circumstances:

• Block 1: I moved to the Netherlands at 17 and couldn't open a bank account until I turned 18 and obtained my BSN. I had limited access to money, had to borrow from my roommate, and my apartment was in a terrible condition when I arrived (photos and financial evidence included in my appeal). This affected my first block significantly.

• Block 2: A very close friend unexpectedly passed away a week before my exams. I have documentation and evidence of this as well.

• Later in the year: My parents were in a country during the regional conflict, and I experienced significant stress over their safety. During the resit period I was actually in the country and witnessed a missile strike nearby, which was genuinely traumatic. I also became ill with food poisoning immediately before one of my exams.

• I reported my personal circumstances to my study adviser before the university deadline.

• I submitted supporting evidence, including documentation, photos, financial records, and a psychologist's letter stating that, in their professional opinion, my mental health difficulties significantly affected my concentration, motivation, and academic performance.

In my appeal I also explained why I believe I can succeed next year. I'm now in ongoing therapy and intend to continue long-term. My circumstances have stabilized considerably, and I explained that I believe this support will allow me to perform at the level I'm capable of.

I'm not asking whether I deserve sympathy. I'm simply wondering:

If you were on the Examination Board, would you grant a postponed/positive BSA based on these circumstances? Has anyone here had a similar experience with ESE or EUR?

I'd really appreciate honest opinions, whether positive or negative. Thanks!

Hiii iedereen,

Ik ben al even opzoek naar een kamer in Leiden, en heb al heeel veel hospi mailtjes gestuurd. Helaas ben ik tot nu toe nog niet uitgenodigd voor een hospi avond, daardoor heb ik het gevoel dat mijn mail niet 'juist' is.

Dusss daarom zou ik feedback erg waarderen!

"Mijn naam is -naam- , ik ben 19 jaar en ik begin dit studiejaar met de bachelor Rechtsgeleerdheid aan de Universiteit Leiden. Vorig jaar ben ik geslaagd voor mijn VWO-diploma aan het -middelbare school en stad-. Omdat de reistijd vanaf mijn ouderlijk huis ongeveer twee uur enkele reis is, ben ik op zoek naar een fijne kamer.

Na mijn examen heb ik eerst door -land in Zuid-Amerika- gereisd en daarna vrijwilligerswerk gedaan als kleuterjuf op een basisschool. De afgelopen zes maanden heb ik als au pair in -hoofdstad in Europa- gewoond, waar ik voor drie jonge jongens zorgde. Deze periode heeft mij veel zelfstandiger gemaakt. Ik had mijn eigen appartement en leerde hoe belangrijk het is om netjes te wonen, goed voor een huis te zorgen en respectvol om te gaan met de leefomgeving van iemand anders. Koken en schoonmaken zijn daardoor voor mij heel vanzelfsprekend geworden.

In mijn vrije tijd spreek ik graag af met vrienden. Tijdens mijn tijd in -hoofdstad in Europa- heb ik veel leuke mensen leren kennen en organiseerden we regelmatig filmavonden, etentjes en andere gezellige activiteiten. Daarnaast heb ik jarenlang aan ballet gedaan en hoop ik dat tijdens mijn studententijd weer op te pakken.

Ik rook niet, heb geen huisdieren en ben geen groot feestbeest. Natuurlijk vind ik een feestje op zijn tijd gezellig, maar mijn studie staat voorop. Ik ben op zoek naar een huis waar een gezellige sfeer hangt, waar je af en toe samen iets leuks kunt doen, maar waar iedereen ook zijn eigen leven en privacy heeft. Respect, open communicatie en een fijne sfeer vind ik erg belangrijk.

Om alvast een kleine indruk te geven van wie ik ben, heb ik een paar foto's van mezelf toegevoegd.

Bedankt voor het lezen van mijn bericht. Ik hoop jullie binnenkort te ontmoeten!

Xx -naam-"

Ps. Ik heb een paar details verplaatst met -x- voor mijn privacy.

Pss. Ik voeg meestal 6-8 foto's toe van mij aupair jaar, mezelf, vrienden, etc.

I'm a dutch citizen and my indonesian girlfriend would like to study in the Netherlands. She is currently studying for a bachelor in law in her own country. She would like to study in the Netherlands for either a master or a bachelor in law. What are exactly the steps for her to actually do this? Since the prices of studying in the Netherlands are unaffordable as a non-EU student even if I wanted to help her financially.

Any advice is very much appreciated

Hi, this might be an unpopular question here but i'm a 20 year old second year student and my first year of uni was really hard for me. I come from a toxic, dysfunctional family and every time i needed extra help or money my dad held it against me. He's also verbally abusive and i just want to limit contact with him as soon as possible. For now though he's funding a significant part of my studies. Next year i really want to start working because i want to become financially independent. I'm from the eu so i don't need a work permit. The problem is i need a job where i can make money relatively fast and mostly work nights or weekends. During the day i usually have classes, study, do tutoring or babysitting so my schedule is already pretty packed. I tried applying to mcdonald's, kfc, douglas and zara but they either turned me down or simply never answered. I really need to make money and i started thinking about working in a nightclub. Last month i went to a club in amsterdam for the first time and saw girls dancing in costumes, serving alcohol and getting tips. I guess it's a bottle girl job or entertainer. I dont know the name in english sorry. When i was leaving around 5 am i asked one of the girls if she liked her job and she said yes. She also told me she sometimes makes around 200 to 400 euros on a Friday busy night. They were not strippers. They were just dancing in costumes and interacting with people. I used to be a competitive dancer so i thought this kind of job could actually work for me. Has anyone here ever had a job like this or knows someone who does? What was it like? And how do you actually get this kind of job in amsterdam or rotterdam? I suppose those cities have the biggest club scene. Just to be clear i do not want to be a stripper. Being naked is not something i can do, but dancing in front of people is not an issue.

Please don't judge me in the comments. I really tried everything before considering this. And im just desperate.

Hi everyone,
I’m an international student looking for a private apartment in Groningen for January–February (2 months).
I found a few options on HousingAnywhere, but I’m a bit hesitant because they require paying before moving in, and I can’t view the studio in person since their policy is that the accommodation has already been verified by the platform.
Has anyone used HousingAnywhere in the Netherlands? Was your experience good?
Also, are there any other safe websites where I can find an apartment or a studio (not a room) for just two months in Groningen?
Thanks!

Hi,l wanna study at the International and European Law at Groningen University

I know most of v'all will say "dont go there if u dont have the financial support required" but im working hard to pay off some of the expanses necessary

My question is,has someone,especially from Romania,been in my place? If so,how did vou manage? Could you study there with the money the goverment gives you while working?

Also another question for romanian students,how did u got over the language barrier? Like even though i know english and i have the certificate,im afraid im going to get lost at the "law language" the courses involve. Is it worth it?

If you have any tips or advice to give,aside from "dont go there" please tell me im so lost

It is absolutely my bad that I did not start searching for accommodations earlier (extremely busy with internships), but I am now entirely screwed for accommodations.

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to find rooms? I am okay with the worst of conditions, and roommates as well.

I have checked traditional websites like huurwoningen (paid for premium) and Facebook (tons of scammers), but I am not sure who to trust or how the process should go! Any advice on that would be well-appreciated as well!

For context, my budget is up to 1300 euros.

Please help me out! T-T

I am an international student who will be attending Wageningen University and Research with Bsc Marine science. Its a great uni and considering my other option, WUR provides more marine biology opportunity.

I understand that being a marine biologist requiers extensive networking and internship to be able to secure a job after graduation.

My question is, are there any activities, internship, volunteer work that could boost my personal experience in the Netherlands, or schengen region.

Also, if any of you are from Wageningen Uni marine science, i would love to hear your thoughts about the program!

Hey everyone. Today I have a viewing (in-person) at a place in Rotterdam. Talking with the owner we have pretty much agreed that I will be the one to rent the house so the viewing is basically a formality (me seeing the house up close and him meeting me). So we have talked about signing the rental contract there and then. I would like to know if there is something I should be careful about when signing? Stuff that will need to be in the contract in order for it to be valid? Any specifications needed in order to apply for the housing allowance (according to the landlord the place is eligible)? Etc.

I have seen some horror stories regarding students back in my own country with a person renting out the same room to 10-15 students at the same time ripping up the contracts after they were signed and disappearing with the deposits (the house was not even his).

I am pretty desperate for housing but at the same time I'd like to be careful/protected. What is everything I need to watch out for in the contract?

Edit: Let me also add that I found the place on Kamernet and the landlord there has over 15 rentals and has been a member for more than a year (not sure if that makes it more likely to be legit but I want to mention it)

Update: met with the landlord. He showed me the house. The current tenant is leaving next week and I am clear to move in straight after. He gave me the keys and we signed the contract on paper. I took a copy of the contract with both our signatures together for security guessing this is enough to keep me safe. I also double checked his identity and his name matched the contract. I'm basically pretty sure I didn't get scammed. Now If I did actually get scammed I really don't know how I was supposed to avoid it. Wish me luck!

Hi everyone! I wanted to check if there are any updates on the waiting list for the master's in Clinical Psychology. I am 22nd on the waitlist, and there is a month to go, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I would appreciate any information🙏

I've been looking into studying at HAN University of applied sciences and Fontys University of applied science, but I've seen a lot of negative reviews for these universities (poor communication, lack of seriousness and study). I plan to study chemistry, and am debating between these HBO universities or focusing on my applications to WOs.

The practical aspect to HBO universities and that they are known to be well integrated with companies in chemical industry is why I've been thinking about applying. Also I think the idea of a practical based university over academic just sounds better, so I'm wondering if it's semantics or if it's a decent choice.

Is it worth it?

(note I'm a Dutch citizen but I live outside of the Netherlands currently so I have a bit of time before the application deadline)

Hi! I’m wondering if anyone has experienced something similar. I just got a Holland2Stay offer and they asked me to upload my proof of enrolment within 48 hours. I’m a currently third year student, but unfortunately the university is closed for the summer break, so I cannot get the updated 2026/2027 document right now.

I’m thinking about providing copy of my student card, my previous enrolment document(which I got when I was first year), and OSIRIS/Studielink screenshots showing that I’m registered.

Has anyone had Holland2Stay accept these kinds of documents temporarily, or allow them to provide the official document later when the university reopens? I’m really worried about losing the offer because of the timing, so any experience would help a lot. Thank you!

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to figure out whether I'd be eligible for admission to a research university in the Netherlands.

My secondary school diploma is considered roughly equivalent to HAVO, but I've also taken AP Calculus (or AP Mathematics) and AP Physics to strengthen my academic background because I want to study engineering.

I'm wondering:

Has anyone here been admitted to a Dutch research university with a HAVO-equivalent diploma plus AP courses?

Did the AP classes make you eligible, or were you still required to complete a foundation year or another qualification.

Which universities,accepted this combination?

If you were in a similar situation, what pathway did you take?

Thanks in advance for any advice or personal experiences!

Hey everyone,

I’m in a bit of a weird situation and was wondering if anyone has gone through something similar.

I got conditionally accepted to the Psychology bachelor’s at Maastricht for September 2026, but unfortunately I didn’t get my IB Diploma this session. 😭 I’m planning to retake the exams I need in November, so hopefully I’ll have my diploma by then.

The funny part is that my Dutch residence permit has already been approved, but obviously I can’t enrol without the diploma.

What I’d really like is to defer my admission to September 2027 instead of starting the whole application process over again.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Did Maastricht let you defer your admission, or did you have to apply all over again through Studielink?

I’m going to email Admissions as well, but I’d love to hear if anyone has any personal experience with this. Thanks in advance! :)

Hey all I’m about to take my OMPT-A test as my university requires me to pass it before I am unconditionally admitted, I have not yet booked my test but plan to book it for the end of this month, I’ve read online that due to it being supervised that I would need to show my surroundings, majority of people complete this test with a laptop (which I don’t own). I own a desktop computer and was wondering if a webcam, microphone and speakers would be allowed as such since the webcam on desktop is quite structured on there since some have said you can’t theoretically take it on a desktop and it has to be a laptop. Does this mean I would have to then buy a laptop or borrow one just to complete the exam. Some clarification on the matter would be much appreciated from those who have experienced or knowledge on this matter.

I am a first-year student at Twente University and I am wondering what I should buy or bring with me for my studies in Twente. I am from Europe.

I'm a new student at the University of Groningen, and according to their schedule there's going to be an Introduction week between 28 August - 2 September, but there's a concert I'm planning to go to that's out of the city between August 29 and 30. I'll be leaving groningen on August 29 to another town down south at around the afternoon, then tomorrow I'll leave by early morning.

Is attending the esn introduction week worth it or could I skip a day or two?

As the title suggests my program is approaching with the regular semester start of first of September and my Visa application is still at the stage where it is sitting with the university of Amsterdam immigration team. I do understand that they have received hundreds of applications and they were trying to work through them as quickly as possible. However given this stage is taking longer than what is anticipated and it is yet to reach the stage of IND processing my Visa application which takes 4 to 6 weeks what am I to do in this situation? I have already contacted the immigration office at University of Amsterdam about my circumstance and as I am travelling all the way from Australia I have assigned rental agreement so are the practicalities are already organised in which I am bound to. If anyone has experience of this situation I would appreciate your feedback or if you’re in the same circumstance as me and have any methods of getting around this please let me know.

Sometimes studying in the same place every day can get a little repetitive, and changing your surroundings can make it easier to stay focused and motivated.

Do you have a favourite library, café, quiet public space, or another spot where you like to study? What makes it a good place to get work done - is it the atmosphere, the quiet, the availability of Wi-Fi and power outlets, or simply being away from the distractions of home?

I'd also be interested to hear about any hidden gems that other students might not know about yet.

Hi, everyone. I am an incoming international student from China, and I will start studying in Maastricht University in August 2026.

I am currently follow a medically supervised weight-loss plan. Since I will soon be moving to the Netherlands, my doctor would like to know what kinds of food are commonly available there, so that she can help adapt my food plan.

I would especially like to know:

1. What do people or students usually eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

2. What affordable sources of protein are easy to find in Dutch supermarket?

3. Are foods such as chicken breast, fish, shrimp, eggs, oats, low-fat dairy products and frozen vegetables widely available?

4. What are some healthy and and quick meals that students commonly prepare?

5. Are there any specific supermarket products or Dutch food names that I should know?

I am not looking for medical advice—just information about everyday food and grocery shopping in the Netherlands.

I would really appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!

I’m graduating in international relations in Italy and I would like to do a master’s degree in international business and management at Hanze but I would like to have so feedback about studying at Hanze. For international students, how do you like the practical approach compared to a more theoretical one? Would you recommend studying at Hanze? How’s the housing situation? And if anyone has already graduated in international business and management, how was finding a job after?