Experience in Enschede, Netherlands by Anastasiya

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

Enschede is a small city next to the German border, that's why there are a lot of German students. Some of them are living in Germany and go to the University by the train everyday. It takes around 5-10 min, but the accommodation and food there is cheaper than in Enschede. The architecture is some mix of Dutch and German style. Actually, the city is cozy and pretty quite. The good point is that you will know almost every person there within a year, so it creates a special friendly atmosphere. Of course it depends on your personality.

What is the student lifestyle like in Enschede?

There are 2 main universities in Enschede: Saxion University of Applied Science and University of Twente. Saxion is located almost in 5 min from the city center by foot. There are a lot of international students from Russia to China and South America. This University is concentrated mainly on the practic knowledges, so there is a lot group work and projects. In spite of this, students still have plenty of free time. You can have a very flexible schedule. For example, you will have lessons just 3 or 4 days a week from 8:30 till 12:00. It changes every time. Twente is situated in around 20 min by bike from the city center. There is a huge beautiful campus nearby the stadium. Lessons at Twente are from 9 till evening every day, you are busy with projects, exams and studying. Twente is world famous University, so it's worth your time.

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How much does it cost to live in Enschede?

You can find a room from €300 to €500 in average per month, depends what do you need and want. For food, clothes and parties it was also around €300-€400 per month.

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

It's not that difficult to find it, but it's a small city so you have to put maximum efforts to find something which will fit you. If you are at the University of Twente, it'll be nice to live in the campus which is close to University buildings. It's way better to spend every morning 5 min on the road instead of 20 min.

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

Food is the same as in whole Europe. Good quality, suitable prices. There are 3 types of supermarket: Aldi (the cheapest one, but food there is sometimes really bad); Lidl (average supermarket with normal prices); and Albert Hein (which is considered to be the one with the high quality and the biggest range of food).

What places would you recommend visiting in Enschede?

There is a huge beautiful park in the city where you can enjoy your free time with friends or just chilling, walking and relaxing. In the city center there are 2 squares. There are some shops at one of them, and a lot cozy pubs at another one (with church in the middle. Now this church is a club. )

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

I really liked Cafe Extrablatt. There is tasty food, very friendly service, nice and positive atmosphere with a good music and suitable prices. It is situated in the city center. When it's warm there is a marvelous opened terrace in the backyard.

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

The night life is pretty fine, but don't expect something crazy and really funny. There are few pubs where you can also dance. A lot of students are going to Aspen Valley, but this one is boring and annoying. They didn't play full songs but change them every 1min. Also the service is not that good. Pub which I can recommend is Friends. It's small, but a good music is played there (before you will go, check when parties are there and what music is playing).

There is also an opportunity to go to the German nightclub Index which is really big! There are 3 dance floors with different kind of music. To get there you should go out earlier and catch the train to Germany, than take a special bus to the club. It's pretty fun to go there sometimes. Days for going out are Thursday and Saturday. Age limits: Thursday 18, Saturday 21; Index 18.

What advice would you give future students heading to Enschede?

Enjoy your time there as much as you can and meet as many people as you can meet. It's a great international experience to gain!