Elena's Erasmus Experience in Leeuwarden, Netherlands

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Why did you choose to go to Leeuwarden, Netherlands?

Holland was my second choice and Leeuwarden was the only city my university offered. Going to Holland was really one of the best options since they speak perfect English over there.

How long did your grant last for? How much money did you receive?

I was there for 10 months. My university gave the students €350 a month to help us out (but this wasn't enough to cover rent). Holland is very expensive. You need to know where to stay and where to shop so your placement can be more or less cost-effective.

How is the student life in Leeuwarden?

Pretty good. Leeuwarden has two different universities (both next to each other). Stenden is much more demanding of its students than NHL. The city has a very important education system so there are a lot of students from all over the world studying there.

Would you recommend Leeuwarden as a city and University for other students?

If you like big cities and big crowds of people…Leeuwarden is definitely NOT the city for you. Leeuwarden is a small city where there’s no social life in the evening since everything shuts at 6pm. As the most northern city in Holland…it’s also one of the coldest! Forget about the sun if you go to Leeuwarden. It rains of 97% of the year. The education system is also completely different to Spain.

What is the food like?

In terms of traditional food, there’s not much other than their “Fries met Mayoneisse” (chips and mayonnaise) and a lot of fried food! Everything in Holland is battered and fried (like their famous Kroketen) But… you can still find all kinds of food in the supermarket. I recommend going to a restaurant to try one of their many soups!

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Leewarden?

It wasn’t difficult for me to find accommodation since my university gave me some options to choose from in my first semester. There’s a lot of student accommodation around Leeuwarden (I was in Kanaalstraat). In terms of renting a flat…a lot of Dutch people don’t want to rent to Spaniards. But asides from a few “weirdos” there’s no issues. If you’re lucky you can find a flat for a very good price.

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What is the cost of living in Leeuwarden?

It depends on how much you want to spend…There were some people who only spent €600 a month! I spent at least €1, 000 a month! Of course, my rent cost me €420 a month alone …and I have to admit that I spent a lot on food. Let’s be honest, if you go to Leeuwarden you’re not going to save much money.

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

Dutch…forget it! So difficult! That being said…there is a course for anyone who’s interested in learning the basics. The university offers it at the beginning of each semester. However, if you’re going to improve your English, Holland is the perfect place! Everyone speaks and understands English no problem.

What’s the most cost-effective way to get to Leeuwarden from your home town?

From Alicante, the best way is to fly Ryanair to Edindhoven or Amsterdam Central, and from there you can take the train to Leeuwarden (in reality those are the only options since Holland is a country of trains)

Where would you recommend for a night out in Leeuwarden?

Club Red and Hemingway pub! I have no complaints about the night life in Leeuwarden, there’s some good clubs. There’s also a street filled with pubs (unlike the clubs these places are smaller and play more rock music).

What about eating out in Leeuwarden? Can you tell us your favourite places?

They have a McDonalds! It’s in the V&D shopping centre. For breakfast, you have Bakerijj Bart (right in the centre, in a corner of the market square) For a snack there’s nothing better than a good hot “Chocomel” and a slice of apple cake in “Douwe Egberts Café”, one of the best cafes in Leeuwarden. And for a meal, go to “Paddy O’Ryan” (right in front of the best coffeeshop in Leeuwarden: Repelsteeltje).

What is there in terms of cultural places to visit?

There’s not much to visit in Leeuwarden except the main square (Oldhoven), the market square (right in the centre) and Leeuwarden lake is a little further out in the outskirts.

Any advice for future students in Leeuwarden?

Take your waterproofs and winter clothes, you’re going to need them. If you go to Stenden, prepare yourself for endless amounts of work. The music in Holland is strictly electronic (except some bars where they play pop-rock, alternative or dubstep). If you don’t know how to get around on a bike…well my friend, find yourself another city! But even so, with luck you’ll find yourself a good group of people to hang around with and you’ll have a great time in Holland! Good luck and be brave! :D