Erasmus Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by steinunn

Why did you choose to go to Amsterdam, Netherlands?

Mainly because of a course I'm taking at SAE institute in electronic music production and also because I heard that Amsterdam is a nice city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

There are many stores that offer around 10% discount for students which is very convenient. On every corner there are cafés and restaurants where you can either get your coffee in the day or a beer at night. The transport is also great, you can easily bike everywhere around Amsterdam and the tram has been helpful for me to travel to school.

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

Definitely, As I said earlier I study at SAE Institute which is very friendly and well equipped for my studies.

What is the food like?

The food is quite cheap if you avoid the central area where the prices are sky high expected for the tourists.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Amsterdam?

Yes, I found an agency that found an accommodation for me and when I signed the contract I paid an agency fee for around 1000 euros (which is for their help finding a place for me).

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

Me and my boyfriend cook a lot at home so it's around 120 euros per month for groceries. We go out maybe one to two times a week which is around 130 per month assuming we have 3 beers a night. Other costs are mostly just tram which is 2,90 euros per ride and going out to eat which is around 25 euros for us together.

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

Plane, from Iceland.

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

Westergasfabriek is an area which offers really nice places.

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

Watercant, Café koosje.