Erasmus Experience in Leeuwarden, Netherlands by eko

Why did you choose to go to Leeuwarden, Netherlands?

I choose Leeuwarden because I have been accepted as a PhD student here, at Rijkuniversiteit of Groningen, Campus Fryslan. As my study is about sustainability and data science, I consider this faculty is one of the best in the Netherlands.

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

It will be 4 years, and the money I received is enough to help with all the living costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leeuwarden?

Student life style in Leeuwarden does not much different with other cities in The Netherlands. But, since in Leeuwarden there are only 4-5 universities, it is not as busy as other cities like Groningen, Amsterdam, or Rotterdam. Leeuwarden has 2 nice libraries, Tresoar and Dbieb. Tresorar is more modern building, very quite ; while Dbieb is located in a very historical ex-prison, which is also becoming one of the culture/language centre in the city. 

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

If you are interested in Sustainability, Leadership, Governance, Water Management, and Agriculture, yes, I would recommend Leeuwarden as the city to study, no wonder. 

What is the food like?

The food is average, nothing really special. You can find many dutch restaurant, Indonesisch, Thai, Spanish, Turkish, Italian, Indian, and many others. There are also some delivery services if you are not able to go to Restaurants and prefer just stay at home. 

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leeuwarden?

Nope, i just use facebook group to find accomodation. But it is quite tricky because finding accomodation is not easy in Leeuwarden. If you use makelaar, agency of course it needs costs.

How much does it cost to live in Leeuwarden?

For renting a room you could spend 300-450 euros. But, if you prefer a studio or an  appartment of course the price will be slightly higher. For foods , if you cook by yourself maybe 200 euros per month. For transportation not that much expensive because i used to bike everywhere except taking the train or buses to visit other cities.

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

Everyone speaks english in Leeuwarden. Besides Dutch, they also speak Frysk, the original language of Fryslan area which is one of the uniqe thing in Leeuwarden that you can not find in other part of The Netherlands. If you want to learn Dutch or Frysk, some universities provide it at the language centre, very helpful. Or, you could come to Dbieb, one of the library, every wednesday evening to meet the people and learn different languages at the same time, depend on your choice. 

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

Train or Bus, very easy.

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

At the City Centre there are many cafes and bars, de Prins, Fire cafe, and many others.

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

There are plenty good restaurants in Leeuwarden, depends on what cullinary you like.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Oldehove, Canal Tour, Westekerk, Fries Museum, Ceramic Museums, some Lakes and many others.

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

Its a beautiful city. Not big, but very peaceful and good for study.