Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Mana

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, Netherlands?

I chose to go to Amsterdam because leaving Paris I wanted to go in a smaller but still dynamic city. I was really attracted by the Dutch lifestyle, biking along the canals is such a pleasant thing to do. Also, I've heard a lot of friends talking about the city and it seemed so welcoming, friendly and chill. Plus, the university is providing a quality program, and my English communication skills increased notably.

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

I left for a semester, but I finally chose to stay 6 more months in order to do an internship. I received 1000 euros for the first semester, 800 were given to me at the beginning and the rest at the end of the first semester.

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

It depends on what you like to do, but you can find any type of party according to your tastes. The student association is really active, and you meet a lot of people through classes. You do have to work a certain amount of time though, a lot of readings are required but it's still pretty ease to find time to visit and enjoy the city in the meanwhile.

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

I would definitely recommend the UvA. Indeed, the classes are interesting, the teachers are helpful and listening, the campuses are really comfortable... But you have to expect personal work and reading a lot about theories.

What is the food like?

The Dutch specialities are quite... curious. I had some trouble to figure out what to eat at first but otherwise, I would say it's eatable. It's not the greatest thing on earth but you can still find some meals that are good. Dutch people love to eat healthy (toasts, salads... ) but in the centre, there are so many fast foods that sometimes it's hard to find the balance.

The food is also quite expensive at first but when you know where to buy it it's manageable.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Amsterdam?

I was lucky to be helped by the UvA. They put me in contact with the De Key society and I found something within a week.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

If you decide to live in a private flat it's going to be more expensive than in a student residence so I would advise the second choice, it's more fun and you meet more people. Otherwise, it all depends on your lifestyle. It's an expensive city but once again not that much for a north-European capital. The nightlife is expensive at first but as soon as you know some places it's becoming easier to save money.

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

The Dutch language is quite particular but as everybody speaks English you don't have to learn it. It can be hard the first month to get everything that everybody is saying but with the practice, classes and readings it becomes easier every day.

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

I used to live in Paris, so I could take every transport system. I chose the bus because I had so many luggage and friends accompanied me so we chose the cheapest solution (but also the longer). The train is a good way to come, or the plane also but they are more expensive.

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

There are a lot of bars and nice clubs for going out. The De Pijp neighbourhood is cool for bars, and places such as Rembrandtplein or Leidseplein are really dynamics. I liked the ones around Oosterpark like the Bukowski, or the Hannekes Boom next to Centraal Station.

The clubs are spread all around the city and it's easy to find one according to the kind of music you like. I used to go to the Sugar Factory for techno, and the bar Roest organises a lot of parties with different styles of music, perfect to dance.

The coffee shops are also everywhere so you can find one super easily.

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

There are also restaurants in every street. If you don't have a lot of time the Febo fast-food is a classic one, and if you're more attracted by the healthy food there is the Frenzi in the centre which is really good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I personally really enjoyed the NDSM, the street-art neighbourhood in the North. Otherwise the Hermitage museum and the Het Scheepvaartmuseum are interesting to learn about the history of the Netherlands.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

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Museumplein is a beautiful place with pretty buildings. The Nemo museum is nice but really focused on children so not really worthy.

All the museums are super expensive though, the average price is between 15 and 20 euros.

Otherwise you can find cool places across the city such as "Chinatown", the pagoda near Centraal, Rembrandtplein and its statues...

Getting lost in the city is always a good idea, you can discover many "secret" spots and cute streets.

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

I would, first of all, say that Amsterdam is a super stimulating city, with friendly and welcoming people. The two only things that can be negative here are the weather and the cost of life. Indeed, if you don't like the rain, the wind and the cold, it's not a city for you. Try to picture yourself on a bike under the worst weather ever, and if you can't handle it choose another destination. The weather can be really hard, but the first five minutes are always the most difficult and then you're on, so you just go.

You should also know that biking is the best solution to move, even under the rain and wind.

If you're prepared for the weather and the biking way of life, Amsterdam is a lovely and exciting city to live in.

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