Erasmus Experience in Eindhoven, Netherlands by Ricardo

Why did you choose to go to Eindhoven, Netherlands?

Because I wanted to learn English and in Holland everyone speaks English, and also my courses were in English.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

In my case the scholarship was for 8 months, 250 euros each.

What is the student lifestyle like in Eindhoven?

There are many students in Eindhoven, there are two universities and one of them is very big. But well, the nightlife is not incredible, if you are looking for that, but Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays there are always good parties and until late!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Eindhoven to other students?

Yes, of course, it was the best year of my life, the city is not amazing, but after few months you will love, I am sure about that, it is a small city, you can go everywhere with your bike and people there are very kind. I would recommend you now!

What is the food like?

Dutch food is not so good, they don't have many different dishes and the ones they have are not so special. So, maybe the food is the worst thing in Holland, but this doesn't mean it is bad.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Eindhoven?

In my case it was very easy, my university there, Fontys Hogescholen, provided me a share flat. If you are going to Fontys I would recommend you to rent your flat with them, if not it would be really difficult to find something. People that went there without a flat they had to rent a room really far from the city center for example.

How much does it cost to live in Eindhoven?

For me it was 400 euros for the room and then depends on in how many days you go out, what you eat... but normally 900 per month, going out 3 days per week and travelling once per month.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Eindhoven from your city?

I'm from Madrid, the easiest and cheapest way is by plane, now Transavia flights from Madrid to Eindhoven, it is not so expensive and it is much better than Ryanair.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Eindhoven?

Well, there is just a street full of bars, pubs and discos, there are like 54 different and during Thursdays and weekends is always full. Stratumseind is the name.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Eindhoven?

I would say that there are not so many good restaurants, but there few Japanese restaurants that are not bad. Check it out by yourself!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Eindhoven in the future?

Enjoy as much as you can, the Erasmus experience goes so fast and it is just once in your life, if you are tired one day, don't stay at home, go out, do something, if not you will regret.