Erasmus Experience in Maastricht, Netherlands by Emma

Why did you choose to go to Maastricht, Netherlands?

Maastricht wasn't my first choice, but I chose to put it on my list because it's the only university in Europe where you can study European Studies in English.

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

I am just here for a year, and I receive money from the French government and from my region in France. In total, it represents about 3000 euros for the whole year.

What is the student lifestyle like in Maastricht?

The student life here is very rich. You have many associations, the sport center is presents many different sports and activities. The students like to hang out in cafés, go to the libraries (which are very cute btw), meet in bars, etc... it is very easy to meet extraordinary people here.

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

Absolutly, living here is awesome, the people are very nice and this is a very international city. Everyone is very open-minded, everyone speaks english so it's very easy to communicate!

What is the food like?

Well, I am French, so the cliche wants me to only eat outstanding food... But still, the food here is very nice. As Maastricht is very close to Germany and Belgium, the food is very diverse and you can eat amazing traditional food from the Netherlands. But I won't lie, their croissants are desappointing...

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Maastricht?

Not at all. I went in Maastricht in June (3 months before the beginning of the uni. I visited many places I found on facebook pages (everyone use them, it's very efficient and safe). But don't look for it too late, the demand is very high and people struggle when they only look for an accomodation around the end of August-beginning of September.

How much does it cost to live in Maastricht?

I think I spend abound 500 euros/month, but I hang out a lot so most of this is beer... But the price are totally acceptable. the supermakets are not expensive at all. When you go out, the beers can be a bit expensive (around 4-5euros for a pint) except if you know where to go!

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

Dutch is a complicated langage. I tried to learn it on my own but I really struggle. But if you want you have free dutch lessons for foreign students.

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

I come from Grenoble in France. I usually take the bus to go back because it's very cheap (even if quite long). Otherwise, the plane or the train work too.

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

A night out in Maastricht isn't a real one if you do not go to at least one of these bars:

Pub quiz, beer pong are organized and you have a pool table.

Every friday, it's karaoke night and it's awesome. Not a commercial one, a friendly one in a very good atmosphere. Ask for your song and show you're talents while drinking a pint of Guiness in this pub.

this bar has more than 290 different belgium beers. And their food is amazing.

Then you have the night clubs on the market (3 of them, next to each other)

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

So can eat to maaaaany places, many different things. Italian, thaï, sushis, burritos, traditional, etc... I will only say a very few as you have so many really good places.

And when the market is on, you have many little trucks selling very good food too, and it's very chill to eat their while walking around the city.

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But one of the best thing in Maastricht is that you get used to the unexpected. You will always find this little pubs, that hidden restaurant ot this ultra-vintage-seasoned shop around the corner. The city is small but far from being poor-diversed.

Look around you, up and down, walk without earplugs. Listen. Smell. Look. Live this city. Maastricht deserves to be lived and enjoyed, to be discovered and loved.

The best way to discover a city is by getting lost in there. Well, get lost in Maasi, and tell me all about it.

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