Experience in Nijmegen, Netherlands by Rose

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

Nijmegen is a beautiful old city with a lot going on. Dutch people are generally very kind and open-minded. Most of them speak fairly good English, you do not have to master the Dutch language to study here. Every week there are parties and often you will find a festival or a fun fair in the city center. I would definitely recommend Nijmegen!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Nijmegen?

In Nijmegen we have a lot of student associations which you can join voluntary. They organise fun activities and sometimes provide housing for their member. Most of them are meant for Dutch students (but if you speak Dutch or want to learn you are welcome to join) and some primarily for foreign students (AEGEE Nijmegen, AISEC).

The study associations are related to a field of study (eg Marie Curie for physics, Synergy for business studies). You can join them for cheaper books, social activities, study related trips, career activities etcetera.

Finally there are the sports associations which you can join to play sports. For most sports it is not compulsory to join the association.

How much does it cost to live in Nijmegen?

Nijmegen is not cheap, count on at least 300-400 euros per month for rent and another 150-200 euros per month for groceries. The sports card cost around 15 euros per month and enables you to do almost every sport imaginable.

A beer will cost you 3 euros in a bar.

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

For exchange and master students the university housing association (SSHN) provides housing. This is the easiest and probably cheapest way to find accomodation. Make sure you apply and accept the offer in time. Foreign students are mostly placed in Hoogeveldt, Galgenveld and Talia (increasing order of comfort). All three are between "nice enough for a semester abroad" (Hoogeveldt) and "absolutely amazing" (Talia).

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

Dutch food is not that special. We do have stroopwafels, tompouces, pepernoten, pudding, poffertjes, friet met mayo, stamppot, snert (soup from peas with sausage).

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What places would you recommend visiting in Nijmegen?

• Waalstrand (small beach near the river Waal)
• Valkhof
• Doornroosje (great parties)

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

On wednesday, thursday, friday and saturday there are usually nice parties in the city center (eg in the central street Molenstraat) and at the student accomodation Hoogeveldt. Every Tuesday it is International Tuesday, organised by the international associations in Nijmegen.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Nijmegen?

Do not forget to join the Orientation Week, it is important to get to know the city and university. It also gives you a social circle because Orientation Week groups often organise trips and activities together after the week.