Ángeles' Erasmus Experience in Enschede, Netherlands

Why did you choose to go to Enschede, Netherlands?

I chose Enschede because I wanted to improve my English and almost everyone in Holland speaks it at a high level.

How long was your scholarship for? How much money did you receive to help with living costs?

My scholarship was for 9 months but it's also possible to do just 6 months. I received €720 a month, but you have to consider that this was two years ago and and depending on the region in Spain that you're from you may receive more or less than this. In fact, I don't think anyone gets as much as this anymore.

How is the student life in Enschede?

In general it's pretty good, there are parties in the centre every weekend. When the weather is nice the Dutch are keen to do outdoor activities like concerts barbecues, festivals... There's a lot of foreign students too so it's easy to make friends.

Would you recommend Enschede as a city and University to other students?

Enschede is a small city but big enough to find things to keep you entertained: theatre, cinema, restaurants, bowling alleys, pubs, swimming pools... As a Dutch city there's also a number of parks and outdoor areas. What's more, Germany is just 5 minutes away on the train, you can even go by bike if you want to cycle for about half an hour.

It's important to work hard and participate in class at the University. Attendance is also quite important here.

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How is the food?

I don't personally like Dutch food but there are plenty places to eat out in the city. Also, you can always cook whatever food you like best so in the end it wasn't an issue for me.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Enschede?

It's quite difficult, yes. Never pay for accommodation in advance without seeing it first or signing the contract. There are some student halls in Enschede, one only for engineering students and another two for everyone. One is near Saxion and the other is a little further away. If you attend Twente University, there is accommodation on campus.

The one near Saxion is called Macandra and it's cheap: €225 a month including gas, electricity and water but no internet. This you'll have to find from someone who also lives there or install it yourself, it normally costs around €8-10 a month if you share.

Try to find accommodation as soon as possible. Students here normally rent rooms in shared houses but some are unfurnished. Halls are a good option since they are all furnished. If you want to contact the halls closest to Saxion it's called Macandra and is the cheapest, the email address is [email protected]. However, I have to admit it's pretty shabby. The good thing though is that you have you have your own bathroom in your room so you don't have to share and a fridge, balcony, bed, desk, chair and wardrobe.

What is the cost of living in Enschede?

Holland is quite expensive to live in. The cost of renting depends on the size of the room but normally it's around €200-400 or more. Always ask if the price includes electricity, water, gas and if it's furnished.

How did you get on with the language? Did you attend a course at the University?

Holland is the best place to improve your English but you need to know the basics beforehand. I have to admit my English was horrible but now it's much better.

The University offers English classes as well as Dutch classes but they're quite expensive. For some erasmus students there's a free Dutch for beginners class but you'll need to ask your coordinator.

Personally I think Dutch sounds horrible. It sounds similar to German but with more guttural tones. The good thing, as I've mentioned, is that everyone tends to speak English and in fact, although I'm about to start my third year here, I haven't needed to learn any Dutch. However, I have decided to learn Dutch now since I want to spend more time here, but if you're only coming for one year it's not necessary.

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What's the most cost-effective way to get to Enschede from your hometown?

Holland has a good public transport system. Almost everyone travels long distance by train and takes the bus for short journeys. And of course they cycle. It's as if they were born cycling. To get a second hand bike is quite cheap, you can buy one from around €30. If you travel by train I recommend getting a 'Ov kaart' travel card at the station which will give you a discount. Shops here will also offer promotions for cheap train tickets.

Where do you recommend for a night out in Enschede?

The centre. Paddys, Molly Malone... There's places for everything from latin music to rock to rap to dance music...plus bars to sit and have a quiet beer. If you like football you're sorted, in Molly Malone they always put on matches from the Champions League when Spain are playing.

What about eating out in Enschede? Can you tell us some of your favourite places?

I don't normally eat out but there's a Argentinian place called "Poco Mucho" in the centre which is ideal. Surprisingly, Enschede has a "casa española": an association of Spanish ex-pats, normally older people but they're charming and you can eat tapas! It's like being back in Spain as soon as you open the door. And importantly over here, it's cheap too!

What is there in terms of cultural places to visit?

There's not a lot of cultural places in Enschede... however, you can catch a quick train to one of the many nearby cities. The good thing about Holland is that it's very small, you can travel across the whole country without it taking all day. It's obligatory to be here on Queen's Day, well actually now it's King's Day, the most important party in Holland. I normally go to Amsterdam for this but it's also good in Enschede.

Any advice for students going to Enschede in the future?

Bring warm clothes, by the kilo. The climate is quite grey and rainy but beautiful in autumn and spring. It will be worth it because its a good experience, you'll meet loads of people, including people from countries you never even knew that existed. Dutch people are very friendly and will help you with anything they can. The people in this city will greet you in the street even if they don't know you, despite the fact it's big enough that not everyone knows each other. Nevertheless, everything is to be found in the centre which I think is good since it means you don't need to travel around the city a lot.

Ahh I almost forgot, if you're already in Holland and you ask someone about Enschede, don't pronounce it how it's written, ask for 'Ensgede' otherwise they won't know what you mean!

And finally, good luck and have a good time travelling outside of your chosen Erasmus city.