Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Jenna

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, Netherlands?

I chose Amsterdam because that is where the designer I had applied for an internship was based. I knew it was only a 45 minute flight from my home in England so it was comforting that the first time I'd move to live in a foreign country was not the other side of the world. I had also always wished to visit the city hearing great things about the place.

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

My placement was 10 months in total. I received £375 per month in total, which covered my rental accomadation out there.

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

It accommodates to students very well with many universities and collages at the heart of the city. They run international/ Erasmus events to help you meet new friends all around the world.

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

I never actually went to the university of Amsterdam as I did a placement in a company instead, however I made friends with students at the university and from hearing their experience I would defiantly recommend the university. In terms of the city I would recommend it 100%, it became my second home out there I love the place!

What is the food like?

The food is incredible in Amsterdam. It's such a big tourist location that there are plenty of great places to eat and buy food. With an 'Albert heijn' on every street corner, which is the Dutch version of our tescos and Asda supermarket, it's so convenient to shop for food. There's a wide range of normal supermarkets to organic shops and plenty of food markets dotted around the city.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Amsterdam?

I struggled to find accommodation in Amsterdam and did not find a place until I moved out there on my first weekend. However once I had moved there and met people I realised it is easier than I thought to find rooms to rent. A great Facebook page called ' Amsterdam apartments 4 rent' has daily posts of rooms available. If not there are student accommodation available around the city.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

My rent costs me 400 euro per month including bills. However I rented privately with a landlord and got pretty lucky with costs in terms of my central location. I was paying the least amount for rent out of the people I had met in Amsterdam so be prepared to pay between 400-900 euros if you do go through landlords or property companies. Student accomadation maybe cheaper however.

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

There are Dutch language courses available in coventry before you leave. I did not grasp the language very well in terms of speaking however I could translate the language as you become familiar with words very quickly. However I didn't have troubles with language out there as most Dutch speak very good English, and due to being an tourist attraction city, a lot of things are translated for english speakers.

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

Plane journey from my hometown in London was only 45mins and generally cost under 100pound for a return flight. Sometimes if you booked early enough you could get flights for 20pound for a single journey! When you arrive at Amsterdam schiphol airport trains or buses are so cheap and easy to get to the city centre. You can also get 10pound bus journey to Amsterdam from England if your on a budget but prepare for a long uncomfortable journey!

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

Amsterdam is buzzing with big squares full of bars and clubs. The main areas to hit are Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Also Dam square has a lot of bars hidden through side streets. If you want to escape the tourists however, cute bars around Albert cuypt market are buzzing with young locals, it was my favourite place to go on a Friday night!

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

I have an endless list of restaurants I love. You must visit the pancake bakery on prinsengracht (canal/street name) for a typical Dutch pancake. Bazaar restaurant on Albert cypt market is a buzzing Moroccan style restaurant which was my favourite place to go. Kanjil and de tijger is an amazing Indonesian restaurant. Greenwoods English tea room on single is a place to hit if your missing England for high tea with scones or an English breakfast, great place for lunch! There are plenty of hidden gems around Albert cypt in the south or lindengracht in the popular jordaan area.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Tulip fields in spring are beautiful make sure you go in April though they don't last all year! Take a canal boat, or do it yourself pedalo around the beautiful canals of the city. Hit museumplein for the famous Van Gogh museum plus other tourist sites. Go to dam square to see the palace or the Dutch version of Madame tussaude. There are plenty of parks around the city which are worth a visit, vondlepark being the main one. There are also many markets on everyday and weekend.

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

Get a bike! It's the easiest way to get from one side of the city to the other. Don't get ripped off at markets though, you don't want to pay more than70 euros as they tend to break or get stolen a lot. Invest in a good bike lock to ensure that doesn't happen!