Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Sophie

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

Amsterdam is a beautiful city full of positivity and different cultures. People from the Netherlands are very open minded e. g. Gaypride, drugs etc. Dutch people are also very direct, if they don't like your clothes for example they will say it, so you know exactly what they are thinking. Museum square is my favorite spot in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is beautiful and just mindblowing, in the neighborhood of the Rijksmuseum are a lot of nice pubs and bars.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Amsterdam?

Student life is amazing. You can go out every day if you want. Every day there is another party. There are a lot of International students in Amsterdam and Dutch people are quite good in languages, which means that everyone can speak and understand English.

How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam?

Rent is most of the time around 500 euros, depending on the place where you are. The city centre is very expensive and more around 600 euros. A coffee is for example around 2,50-2,80 euros. And lunch 15-20 euros. So Amsterdam is not so cheap.

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

Yes! A lot of people want to study in Amsterdam and finding a room is very difficult. The best thing you can do is response at as many rooms as possible. And go to a student rent company, they can help you when your unknown in the city (e. g. DUWO).

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

The food is good, it depends where you eat of course. The restaurants around the busy places so Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and the Dam are not that good. But because there are so many cultures in Amsterdam there is something to eat for every culture. The restaurant ratings you find on TripAdvisor are most of the time true.

What places would you recommend visiting in Amsterdam?

All the squares (plein in Dutch) so Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, de Dam. And the Vondelpark, Anne Frank house (don't go inside it's too busy), Westertoren and of course the Red Light District.

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

Yes the food is good. And there are many places to choose from. I like the spots in the neighborhoods the Jordaan, Oud-Zuid, the Pijp and Oost. I like sushi at Genki, Sumo and Shabu Shabu and Tapas at Jottum. And you can get a delicious pizza at the pizzabakkers.

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

The nightlife is good. There are clubs like Air and Bitterzoet, Nyx and small pubs like Jantjes verjaardag, Bubbels, and Cooldown cafe.

What advice would you give future students heading to Amsterdam?

Buy first of all an OV chipcard, that makes traveling with the public transport way easier. And try to see as much as possible, because Amsterdam is too beautiful to stay inside.

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