Experience in Leeuwarden, Netherlands by Leon

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

I've lived in Leeuwarden for years, I am a Dutch boy. Leeuwarden is not a big city, it's more like a big town. The traffic isn't really chaotic here. In the centre there is the main shopping street and the area where most people go out. If you are going to come here you will know your way pretty fast, I'm sure of that.

I lived here for years, but I think Leeuwarden is still beautiful and it has a charm to it. I love walking around when it's dark and see the orange lights glowing out of houses, over the many waterways that the city has.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leeuwarden?

There is a nice student scene, I see many foreign students in bars and when I'm doing sports. In some bars there are many people from abroad. There are three main universities here: NHL, Stenden, and Van Hall. The first two have many foreign students! I see them all the time. I have had contact with different foreign students, and there were all positive about living here. There are also parties at certain times for foreign students.

How much does it cost to live in Leeuwarden?

I would say you can live comfortably spending 550-600 euros a month. That is from my own experience and includes rent, food, and other random expenses.

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

Not at all, there are flats with pre-furnitured rooms special for foreign students. People here speak English well (not everyone of course but many). My only advice I could give is inspect the rooms well and make clear agreements with the landlord. If you have the chance you should see the room for yourself before coming here to live.

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

You can get anything you want here, from tapas to Mexican food. My favorite dishes are Dutch, potato stew with andive and meat. I also love raw herring with chopped onion, you should try it! Aldi sells it for example.

What places would you recommend visiting in Leeuwarden?

I would visit the Rengerspark and the Prinsentuin, and of course the city centre. I would also visit the small streets just outside of the city centre. You might also like to go a little outside of the city to see the countryside, it's typical Dutch and very flat.

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

Yeah, there are good spots to eat out here. I have had great dishes at El Toro and at the Walrus (more expensive) but there are lots of good quality restaurants. However inform yourself about the price, because some are way too expensive. Also tipping is not done often here.

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

Yeah it is quite good. There are two great clubs, "The Red" and "Fire Palace". They are large dancings. There are also many other smaller bars to choose from. My favorites are The Red and cafe "De Steeg", a good atmosphere. A lot of bars are in the same street, you will see which one it is because almost everyone goes there. It's called "Oude Doelesteeg". I have gone to bar "Hemingway" but I didn't like that one much, many gangster types and cheap women. This is the only bar I didn't really like.

What advice would you give future students heading to Leeuwarden?

I would visit many places and see for yourself what the city is like. Try to experience a lot of things in your time here. Don't stay in your room all the time but make contact with others and make friends. Also go out some nights, it can be a lot of fun. And if you don't speak English very well, try to learn it.