Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Nils

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, Netherlands?

International and open sphere, good University, good economic/job prospects, biking, "magic" architecture

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

1 year, Master's, Receive Studiefinanciering

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

Student's houses (by big corporations), lots of activities, but no real "community", creative, not very intellectual

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

YES!

What is the food like?

Diverse, exotic (former colonies), expensive, lo-quality (all pre-packed in plastic)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Amsterdam?

+- 100 €

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

Basic: 780€ / month minimal, for all fixed expenses (maybe including food).

Good life: at least 1000€ / month

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

not much service, have to look for everything yourself, very disorganized. BUT: huge offer in (cheap) courses

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

Carpooling (mitfahrgelegenheit.de), or train

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

Clubs/party: Sugar Factory, Trouw, Doka, Tunnelraves...Ruigoord, ADM, Op de Valreep

Bars: Roest, Hanneke's boom, coffeeshops (in the "buurten", Katsu, Kashmir Lounge)

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

OT301, Buuf, DuLac, Kantjil en de Tijger

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

NEMO museum, Vondelbunker (collectief schijnheilig), NDSM Werf

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Amsterdam?

Check out everything in advance ONLINE. Nothing goes in personal, everything via website, or even Facebook (there's facebook groups for everything, from Bike-Trading to looking-for-a-room). Don't move too far away from university - be a little picky (the earlier you organize things, the more options you'll have)!