Erasmus Experience in Eindhoven, Netherlands by Estelle

Why did you choose to go to Eindhoven, Netherlands?

Because I wanted to improve my Dutch and I also really liked the times that I have been in the Netherlands.

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

I received 70% of the total Erasmus scholarship amount one month after my arrival. That represents 636€, so about 150€/month if we include the 30% scholarship left. I also received 70% of the BOMI scholarship (specific to France), which represents 1600€ (so around 380€/month). The duration of the scholarship is 6 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Eindhoven?

You can practise a lot of sports at the TU/e student sport center (about 70 different sports for 10€/month). You can also drink and partying in Stratumseind street, there are many different pubs and nightclubs, also snacks. You have lots of modern infrastructures all around the city, thanks to the Design Academy. You can walk around Strijp-S, a really nice place for design lovers.

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

I really recommend this city because people in Eindhoven are really nice, it's full of students everywhere and it's a dynamic city. Also, Fontys University building in Management and Business has been renovated last year, it's a really modern building inspired by Nordic design, you can find Frozen Yoghurt with topping at the entrance, lots of events inside the University...

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What is the food like?

You should try the kroketten, the stroopwafels, Hagelslag and the frikandel. It's typical from the Netherlands. Actually, it's not really healthy but you can find lots of biological food and vegetarian food. For biological food, I recommend you the Biological market every saturday. Really tasty cheese are available there.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Eindhoven?

No, the University booked my accomodation for me so it was really comfortable to find accommodation.

How much does it cost to live in Eindhoven?

About 600 - 700 € a month: I pay 350€/month for my accomodation, with gas, electricity, fast internet and water included. The cost of living in Eindhoven is approximately the same as in France and you can find lots of cheap shops such as Lidl, Blokker, Jumbo or Aldi.

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

We have 2 hours/ week to improve our Dutch but if you really want to learn Dutch you should download the Duolingo app, it's really convenient and you'll improve your Dutch faster. I also recommend you to go to the Expat' centre.

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

By bus or Blablacar, it's less than 15€ to go back to Lille from Eindhoven. By Bus, there is a change in Antwerpen (Belgium), but it's a really nice city to go shopping. In Eindhoven, if you want to travel, the best way is using a bike.

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

You can drink and party in Stratumseind street, there are many different pubs and nightclubs, also snacks. I recommend you Thomas night club. I also recommend you Santiago pub if you like to dance salsa.

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

Yes! Of course,

- La vita è bella, pizzeria with a real Italian cook

- Zoet & Zout for typical food

- Le Connaisseur for quality food

- Happy Italy for cheap food

- Brasserie 't Zusje

- Mood restaurant (Asian food)

- Mint restaurant (also sushis)

And finally : the student sportcenter for having a cheap and tasty meal! Best falafels and greek yoghurt ever.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

- The Philips Museum

- Van Abbemuseum

- The Strijp-S neighbourhood

- De Bergen

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Eindhoven in the future?

Eindhoven is the best place ever if you want to study, practise sport, partying and meet new people from all around the world!

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