Living in Nijmegen as an international student

What is it like to live in Nijmegen?

Nijmegen is a small town but it is cosy. Biking in the city is amazing (they named it the cycling capital of the Netherlands in 2016), unless it's raining, but then again everyone still bikes even if it's raining. There are many activities and organizations (including LGBT), but maybe you might feel a bit left out if you do not know Dutch. The weather can be bad, specially compared to Spain where I live, but you get used to. It is a good location in Europe because you can travel anywhere and it's cheaper than from Spain for example, and also you can visit different cities of the Netherlands by using grouptickets. You basically get a group of 10 people and together buy a groupticket (with a Dutch bank account, of course) and that way you can go to any city for 7 euros (in total). The groups can also be smaller, like 5, and you only pay 11. 50 euros.

There are also a lot of green spaces and parks which is nice.

How is the student life in Nijmegen?

After some months you realize that you know almost every international student (either because you're friends, acquaintances or just saw them around) since it's a small city. Personally I wished Nijmegen was a bigger city because that way there would be more international students and more oportunities to fit in better. It can get lonely if you do not find your group, but that happens seldom I believe. Dutch students are not that interested in meeting new people (or at least that was my impression of every class I've been to this last year) but they are very responsible with their work. The university is incredible, very focused on research (which is not interesting for my career, but still), and the facilities are really good.

Is it expensive to live in Nijmegen?

The rent is okay (I paid 310 a month for a flat in the center and then 350 for Hoogeveldt, one student residence (SSHN).

The food is also similar to where I come from, the only difference is the beverages. In Spain, for 80 cents you can drink a big glass of beer. Here you pay 2, 5 for a medium one. And the alcohol (non beer or wine) in the supermarkets are more expensive.

The bus costs 1. 5 euros one way inside the city and 3 euros outside (like a town near by, Groesbeek). Usually you'd buy the ov chipkaard (7. 5 euros) and then put money in it. You buy a bike (do not buy it right away, look for prices online on Facebook pages such as "Hoogeveldt - Nijmegen", where students sell many stuff they do not need anymore). You can get a cheap one for 30 euros, but maybe it's worth it to pay 60 for a fully working bike.

Was it hard to find a flat in Nijmegen?

I got accommodation from SSHN, but then I moved to the city center. It took me a month and a lot of rejections until I got a room. I used the site kamernet and paid 25 euros a month but it was worth it for me because that's how I found my flat. It's sad because many times they only accept girls, so men can have it harder. You can also try Housinganywhere.

What is the food like?

They have a lot of foreign restaurants (asian, turkish, italian) so that is good. They have a lot of types of bread and are big fans of fries with different sauces. I personally like Albert Heijn, but there is also Coop and the cheapest is Aldi.

What about the language?

95% of people speak English. It is nice, however, try to learn it or at least say the basic words in supermarkets or shops, such as "Hoi" (hi), "tot ziens" (see you) "dank je wel" (thank you) "alstublieft" (it can either mean please or thank you).

What places do you recommend to go out?

There are many pubs in the main road (molenstraat) such as El Sombrero. NDRGRND it's also good (also in molenstraat) and my personal favourite; de Onderbroek. It's a safe space for LGBTQ+, feminists, etc. They have a lot of concerts and parties so it's cool to check out.

Any advice for future students?

Do not be afraid to speak Dutch.

Buy a good bike. You can sell it in the end.

Be careful with paperwork. Give certificate of arrival as soon as possible when you arrive (before 10 days pass). Be aware of changes in schedules and classes and make sure your learning agreements are signed by you, your home university and the university here.

Join the gym, it's only 15 euros a month (or 100 a year which is amazing) and you can do everything (courses or even just go to exercise by yourself). They have tons of sports, courses and activities to do.

Travel around. You can hitchhike (it's pretty common in this part of Europe), or travel cheapely by train (7 euros), or even go on bike rides for different cities.

About student residences, if you can choose:

1. Go to Talia if you want to live in the city center and with less people (three other flatmates). It's about 420 euros a month I believe, and it's more like a flat than a residence. It's 14 min to university & gym by bike and around 8 by bus.
2. Go to Hoogeveldt if you want to live with more people (I lived with other 15) and close to uni and gym (4 min bike ride). I personally love it because you feel like you are more independent and you're close to things. And it's 14 min to the city center so it's not a big deal. It's also cheaper (350 a month).
3. Vossenveld can also be lovely, even though it's 35 min from the city center and 15 to the university. People living there love it.

And always remember this: it can get weird and alienating because of the culture shock, but remember that it is normal. It takes time to adjust, so keep an open mind at all times. It's not worth it to always say "but back in my home country... ". Take into account the different cultures and backgrounds, and always give a hand to say hi in case they are not comfortable with hugs and kisses.

And all the paperwork can be really, really annoying and stressful but you will get over it, believe me.

And that's all I believe!

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