Experience in Lelystad, Netherlands by Erik

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

Lelystad is a quiet city, and close to Amsterdam and Zwolle by train or car. Since this year they made a new railroad so you can travel to Groningen or all the way to VLissingen via Schiphol airport at once. In may there is the carnaval and Dance tour, that is a festival with dance music. There are many sport facilities around and 2 Nature Parks where you can walk through, and it is also close to Harderwijk where there is a big forest called Veluwe and in Harderwijk itself you have the Dolfinarium. In the city most people understand English and once you settle in you know where to go or find things.

As far for going out there are not many places although they are trying to change that a bit (I know as I live in this town), but if you like peace and quiet this is the perfect city for you, and as I said if you wanna go out, the big cities are nearby and it's better to go by train, because the last train in the weekend usually departs around 00. 00/01. 00.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lelystad?

The student lifestyle is very low because most students go to Amsterdam or Zwolle because there isn't an university in Lelystad, although there are many young people living here.

How much does it cost to live in Lelystad?

The costs are usually cheaper than the big cities because its a Village, and if you take an abonne on the train the travel expenses are also relativly low.

I think with rent you have to think about 300-600 a month when available and it also depends if you want to live in a house or appartement, and usually if you go to the social service you can ask if you can apply for a rent discount.

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

I think it is quite difficult because Lelystad is usually occupied by family's except for the bad neighboorhoods. I would suggest if you wanna stay here to do it temporarly and try to live with somebody.

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

The food can be quite nice, there is food from all cultures. My favourite dish is (as we call it in Holland) patat met een berehap you can get from the local snackbar.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Lelystad?

The Places I would recommend are the 2 nature reservates, dance tour, and bataviastad, where you can do the shopping cheaply.

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

You can eat out, and my favourite place is the 4 Engelen.

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

The nightlife is not so good, I would suggest to go to Zwolle, Amsterdam or Almere.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lelystad?

Try to make some chat friends, because the people are quite to themselves but once you know some people it's easier to make friends.

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