Experience in Breda, Netherlands by Chris Ehring

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

Breda is a smaller student city in the Netherlands and to say up on front it always depends up on you what to make out of it. Breda has a beautiful old city centre with a lot of cafés, bars and restaurants gathered around the market place. Life in Breda is rather laid back and it is easy to get into contact with the friendly locals.
Breda’s central station has very good connection to the rest of the country and it is easy to travel with the Dutch rail way system. I really enjoyed my 3 years in Breda and would recommend it to everybody who is not looking for a metropolis.

What is the student lifestyle like in Breda?

There are a lot of student parties going on, nearly every day. The local fraternities and sororities are additionally organizing a lot of events trough out the year. Therefore it is smart to get in touch with one of them to get up to date e.g. the biggest student association sv t'Kag.

How much does it cost to live in Breda?

I experienced Breda not as cheap. Especially when comparing groceries prices to Germany.

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

Housing can be sometimes very pricey because the demand is high. However if you look early and life a little outside of the city you can find very affordable accommodation.
Here it is smart to get intouch with the universety or look at facebook.

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

Duo to the many restaurants there is a big variety of different cousins. However typically Dutch is to deep-fry everything. My favourites are of cause the delicious Dutch fries and the kroketten.

What places would you recommend visiting in Breda?

In summer you need to go to the park. There are a lot of people sitting and having a BBQ. Also once a week there is a free life concert (but go early because it is always packed).
Else it is nice to sit on the terrace at the market or at the harbour.

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

Breda has some restaurants which offer a daily special on a very nice price. Else there are a lot of snack bars and other restaurants.

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

The nightlife is very good in Breda. The ferity is small but that makes it especially cosy. You have 3 bigger clubs that open until 4 o’clock and the rest are dance bars that are open until 2 o’clock.
The city is ruled by student associations which organize parties and events weekly and monthly.

What advice would you give future students heading to Breda?

Just enjoy Breda. It is a beautiful city with nice people and a lot to do.