Erasmus Experience in Leeuwarden, Netherlands by Izabela

Why did you choose to go to Leeuwarden, Netherlands?

I chose to go to Leeuwarden, because I had heard about high level of education over there, in the Netherlands. Everybody speaks english there, which also made it much easier for me to communicate - both at school and in the regular life (in shops, pharmacy, at hospital).

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

My scholarship lasted exactly 5,5 months. I received around 330 euro per months and I definitely needed some more money, which I received from my parents.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leeuwarden?

Student lifestyle in Leeuwarden is quite cool. Personally I attended Stenden University, which I really loved. The classes were very interesting, the programme was broad, diversed and engaging. Apart from school, there were nights out (Club Noa, Club Red, Hemingway, Scooters etc.) which I remind myself with pleasure and longing. There were trips to the islands (Ameland). Erasmus committee was working hard to keep us all entertained and happy.

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

Yes, it was great experience to spend half a year in Leeuwarden and I will recommend to go there to everybody.

What is the food like?

The typicall dutch food is potatoes, carrots, minced meat, becon, some more vegetables and meat. And of course cheese and chips with mayo. I rather liked the food, but I missed polish bread (which is the best in the world) and my home cuisine. But you can live with dutch cuisine as well ;)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leeuwarden?

I found my accommodation on facebook page - Leeuwarden Housing Market. I paid 280 euro per month. I lived in a house, which consisted of 3 bedrooms on the first floor (mine was 6 square meters, the smallest one) and living room, kitchen, bathroom and small patio on the ground floor. It was very nice house, I loved it.

How much does it cost to live in Leeuwarden?

I can't really tell it. I think I calculated it once, but I can't remember right now, how much it was.

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

Dutch is a combination of english and german so if you are familiar with both languages you will learn fast. The pronuanciation is quite difficult, but still doable to learn. I attented a dutch course at my uni. With time I started understanding more and more of what dutch people were saying, but I didn't manage to express myself in sentences in dutch.

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

The easiest way is to travel by car. I was able to take as much important stuff as possible. I drove by car on my own from Poznań to Leeuwarden.

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

Club Red definitely, Scooters with karaoke nights, Hemingway.

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

Doozoo with sushi on the same street as Club Red. Also food market on Fridays was good for chips and cheese. La Place is nice too. Fire Cafe has some good burgers and snacks. Bagels&Beans for breakfast, hot chocolate and muffins. Most of the restaurants in the city centre are good quality, but not the cheapest.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are some museum, but the most interesting cultural sites are in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, den Haag. Leeuwarden is more for natural sites, with beautiful green areas in the city and in the suburbs of it (Grote Wielen, Kleine Wielen). And you can go everywhere by bike, make trips by bike or on rollerskates. Also iceskates are big over there. In winter everyone iceskates.

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

Be open minded, talk to different nationalities, spend time with erasmus people, don't stick to your own nationality, even though it is the easiest way to spend time. You go for studies abroad to meet new people, to learn about other cultures, and you really have to live it to the fullest :)