3-months stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Maeva

What is it like to live in Amsterdam? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Amsterdam is the perfect city to live in if you're looking for a multicultural, open-minded, laid-back place, not too much crowded, with a really warm service in cafés/restaurants and a real care paid to your well-being in that kind of spots.

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

I wasn't really a student in Amsterdam when I came, even though I did learn Dutch at the Vrije Universiteit. I had no student status.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

Of course, it all depends on where you come from. I come from Paris so the food prices seem a bit lower, but the restaurants are incredibly more expensive, although I was almost never disappointed. Prices in cafés are more than ok. And again, the cafés are lovely.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Amsterdam? Is there any advice you can give?

I was extremely surprised when I realized the prices were the same, or even more expensive than in Paris. Plus there are not so many accomodations on the market so it is really not a piece of cake, especially if you don't want to spend to much money.

I recommend using the Facebook groups dedicated to rooms renting. You often have to pay for the services of most of websites...

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Well, I'm kind of disappointed because I wanted to taste traditional Dutch food but there are almost no typical restaurants in the city. Otherwise, food in the restaurants is most of the time really good. Of course, I'm not talking about these touristic spots. The website yourlittleblackbook has good tips for everything (food, concept stores, cafés).

What places would you recommend visiting in Amsterdam?

Just take a long walk (or a bike) and get lost in the streets! The architecture is so lovely. My favorite districts were the Pijp, the Oud West/9 straatjes, the Noord (the ferry is free to NDSM, use it! ) and also the Oost. Well, everywhere except the very center of the city, I guess.

Is it good to eat out in Amsterdam? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Definitely, even though it's not that easy to find a good spot (and not crazy expensive also) if you don't know where to look. For a breakfast/brunch/lunch, I would recommend 4 spots: Klaver 4 and Frederix just above the Pijp, Roasters and Bakers and Omelegg in the Pijp. Oh, good thing to know: Dutch people usually have a warm meal only for dinner, so be prepared to find a lot of spots with 'broojde' and other sandwiches (really good, by the way) for lunch. For a coffee: again Frederix, and in the 9 straatjes: Ree7 and Pluk. For lunch/dinner: Hummbar, Roest and Pllek.

Is the nightlife good in Amsterdam? Where is good to go?

I guess so! I'm not really a party person but I did go to some good concerts in OT301, the Melkweg...

What advice would you give future students heading to Amsterdam?

Enjoy this wonderful city! Don't hesitate to ask for help, even though they are really tall, they will be thrilled to be able to do something for you.

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