Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Jeffrey

What is it like to live in Amsterdam? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Amsterdam is a great city to live in. I am born in Amsterdam so I know the city very well. Amsterdam is not a big European city like Madrid, Paris or London, however the city is a very popular destination for many tourists and students. The city is special in it's kind. The streets are small but very entertaining and nice. You can't compare the architecture of Amsterdam with the architecture of cities like London, Rome or Paris, but it has some beautiful things. The city is more famous for their tolerancy for different people, soft-drugs and the canals that go trough the city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is wellknown of the student lifestyle. Amsterdam is the home of many great universities.
On thursday it is Students'night in Amsterdam. On this day most of the clubs and bars are free to enter for students. Also many stores has some students discount on their products. The student lifestyle is very nice in Amsterdam,with enough things to do.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam could be very expensive to live in as a student. I would recommend to get a shared place. To pay your own studio or room is very expensive.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Amsterdam? Is there any advice you can give?

It depends on the type of room you will be looking for. It could be very hard to find accomodation in the centre of Amsterdam. Like I said I would reccomend a shared accomodation, you will find them faster. I would advice to search for places in Amsterdam-Zuid (South-Amsterdam) or Amsterdam-Oost(East-Amsterdam). These are also nice places for students and most of the time less expensive. Like I said, Amsterdam isn't that big, so don't focus to much to live in the centre of Amsterdam. Amsterdam has a great metro,tram and bus network through the whole city, you won't be travelling more than 20 minutes to the centre, most of the time less.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very multi-cultural, like the city is. Most of the people won't like Dutch meals, because is very easy food. However I will reccomend to try Dutch candy and sweetness, like the 'oliebol', 'bitterbal' and 'drop'.
Most of the stores sell quality products so you can have your own nice meal. But also there are many great restaurants in Amsterdam, from French, Mexican, Italian, Korean kitchen and many more.

What places would you recommend visiting in Amsterdam?

I would reccomend the Dam square, Central station, Anne Frank House, Leidse square, a canal tour, The Red Light District, Rijksmuseum.

Is it good to eat out in Amsterdam? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Please see my answers above.

Is the nightlife good in Amsterdam? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is good in Amsterdam. I am used to it so for me it isn't that exciting any more. But for 'new' people it is very exciting. The best places are of course in the centre of Amsterdam, you can find many clubs around Rembrand square and Leidse square, to go clubbing these are the places to go. In the SouthEast of Amsterdam there are also many theaters for international and national artists, but often they throw a big party over there. Like in the Ziggo Dome and the Heineken Music Hall. I will reccomend every one to visit Amsterdam every year during the ADE (Amsterdam Dance Events). This event will be held every October for 5 days straight. During this event the city will be the stage for many world famous DJ's, they will perform at many clubs and there are many festivals spread out over the city.

What advice would you give future students heading to Amsterdam?

Make a good planning. Rent a shared room/appartment.