My Erasmus Experience in Maastricht, The Netherlands by Laura

Why did you choose to go to Maastricht, The Netherlands?

Choosing Maastricht was actually done a bit by mistake but I had visited Amsterdam a few years before and I'd really liked the city, the architecture, the atmosphere and more. So, the country did appeal to me and even though it isn't that far from France, you do see a change of scenery.

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How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

10 months, from the end of August to the end of June. I received several financial aids; one Erasmus grant of just less than 200€ a month, plus a mobility grant (which depends on the region your French university is in, as it doesn't exist everywhere and is only available for the students who fall into France's social criteria and who also normally receive a bursary) and I also received one other bursary. In total, I think I should receive 600€ a month.

What's the student vibe like in Maastricht?

Very good! There are a lot of foreign students, and not just Europeans. Maastricht University is really big and there are also other schools that host foreign students. There are bars and really nice clubs with different styles, atmospheres and music genres.

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

Yes! Maastricht isn't a very big city but the Erasmus community is really big and the atmosphere there is so good and lively. There is an airport that connects to lots of great destinations using low-cost airlines and the city isn't that far from bigger airports too, like Eindhoven. In addition, Maastricht is really very close to Belgium and Germany which means you can visit these two countries in particular on a budget!

What's The Netherlands' food like?

Not very good (except for the region's typical bakeries in Maastricht). However, you can find all the necessities in the supermarkets and by any means, doing an Erasmus exchange means that you discover more culture which of course means discovering the host country's gastronomy from your native house mates and Erasmus friends. So don't worry, you're covered in this aspect!

How did you find accommodation in Maastricht?

I found accommodation thanks to my university's partner school. I stayed in university residence where the majority of people were foreign students so the atmosphere was really good and it was just like everybody was your room mate!

What are living costs like in Maastricht?

I pay around 300€ a month for an all inclusive furnished bedroom, an individual bathroom of around 15m² in size and each floor of the residence includes one kitchen, one room to eat and one washing machine to share between 20 people.

I don't know the exact prices for renting a place in Maastricht but I think the average should be around 400€ for a studio and a little bit less if you share, but I'm not 100% certain at all.

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

We had a few Dutch lessons for beginners which the school organised but we generally just spoke English with other students, amongst ourselves, and even out and about in the shops since a very big part of the population in The Netherlands is bilingual.

What's the most economical way to get to Maastricht from your home town?

Travelling from Eastern France to Liège with Eurolines takes a few hours, then you just need to catch a train and you'll be in Maastricht within 30 minutes.

Where do you recommend to go out in Maastricht?

The Make, Meta (a very nice place), Alla (a must go-to), Cliniq, Highlander, De Beurs and John Mullin. Definitely do not miss the carnival period (the start of March) or Queen's Day at the start of April, nor the evenings in Liège, like Saint-Nicholas.

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And to eat in Maastricht? What are your favourite places?

There is an Italian restaurant in Market Square which is nice and cheap. There is also a bakery which makes its own flour using a mill, which is located in the city centre.

And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

I unfortunately didn't go see many cultural places, however the universities which host foreign students normally organise tours of the city during the first few days.

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Any advice for future students going to Maastricht?

As soon as you arrive, the first thing you need to do is buy a bicycle as the city is very bike-friendly and it's the easiest way to get about. Also, public transport is very expensive in Maastricht.

Make the most of it!