Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Benjamin

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, Netherlands?

I chose to go to Amsterdam to study at the conservatory of music as an exchange student.

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

The scholarship I received is as long as my duration of stay, about 250€ per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

The student lifestyle in Amsterdam is extremely enjoyable. The city is nice, people are welcoming and helpful, and its mixture of nationalities is unique. You will end having a drink with an Hungarian while taking language courses with a Polish person, sleep on a couch from an Italian friend and go to a party with an Indian tourist, just to name a few!

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

I would recommend the city of Amsterdam to all students who wish to be in a peaceful and open-minded environment. I suggest to anyone who has an interest in one of the fields of study offered by the University of Amsterdam to check what they have to offer in terms of courses, teachers and opportunities.

What is the food like?

The food is correct, although you will have to know a good restaurant or a vegan place in order to be satisfied.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Amsterdam?

Yes, accommodation in Amsterdam is quite a hard thing to deal with... Most of the time, you will have to pay for a housing agency or a website which offers services in renting a room, and you definitely have to know some people who could help you.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

The rent for a student is about 500 euros per month all inclusive, the transports can cost some money, but you can buy a bike and use it all the time.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Yes, the University proposes language courses for every new student, but you will have to pay some money for it. Dutch is quite a hard language to learn since you'll always be around non-Dutch citizens who you will speak English with, and most of the Dutch citizens speak perfectly English fluently.

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

The most economical way is the bus (Ouibus, Flixbus, Eurolines) which you can take from Paris to Amsterdam for about 20 euros. It will take more or less 7 hours to go from one city to the other.

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

The Melkweg, Paradiso, Sugarfactory, Bitterzoet, Leidseplein.

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

The Hummus House in Nieuwmarkt, Hoi Tin (also in Nieuwmarkt), the Vegan Junk Food Bar (near Vondelpark).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Stedelijk Museum, The Rijskmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rembrandthuis, Het Anne Frank Huis, Body Worlds, the EYE Filmmuseum, Het Concertgebouw, Het Bimhuis.

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

Take a canal cruise boat to visit the city from the water!

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