Erasmus Experience in Rotterdam, Hector's Dutch Exchange

Why did you choose to go to Rotterdam, Netherlands?

It was the best out of the destinations I could choose from, and the Netherlands have always been a country that I wanted to spend some time in.

How long did your study abroad last? How much money did you receive to help you?

10 months, and you generally receive a 250€ stipend plus a scholarship, but this can vary a lot according to the community and the university.

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How is the student life in Rotterdam?

Very good, in my case I studied at Inholland Hoogschool, although I knew a lot of people from Erasmus University and other small universities in the city. There are countless activities for all the students to enjoy—sports, movies, visits to cities... and my Dutch classmates were very friendly, and I have made strong friendships with many of them.

Do you recommend the city and the University of Rotterdam to other students?

I definitely recommend it. It is a large city, but not too large; the parties are incomparable. As for the university, I had no complaints on my part; they treated me very well. I had to study but less than I had to in Spain.

How is the food of the country?

There are various typical Dutch dishes that are very good, but the majority of restaurants are Italian and Arabic. The food in the supermarkets, like in Spain, are of high quality but are more expensive. On Tuesdays and Saturdays there used to be a large market in Blaak where you could buy everything at a very cheap price.

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How long did it take for you to find accommodation in Rotterdam?

Not long, 10 days. I arrived on August 21 and by September 1, I had already found accommodation in the center of the city for 300€ a month plus expenses. I was one of the few that lived in the flat, so mine was the partyhouse.

How much does it cost to live in Rotterdam?

You can live with a little, or spend a lot. The accommodation is the most expensive, the supermarket is expensive, but you can find good deals and there are a lot of transportation options. If you want you can take the metro, but you can explore the city easily by bicycle.

How was the language? Did you take any course at the University?

In my university there was a Dutch course for one ECTS credit. I did not do it, and I did not learn how to say anything more than "thank you. " It was enough because everyone there speaks English fluently.

What is the cheapest way to get to Rotterdam from your city?

With Transavia from Madrid or Barcelona. It is like the Dutch Vueling.

With Ryanair, from Brussels (it costs 20€ more by train) but it only flies to Zaragoza.

What places would you recommend for parties in Rotterdam?

You can't miss Club Bed's Tuesday parties. On Thursdays, has an open beer bar for 10€ until 11PM. The rest of the days there are a lot of parties, and I personally recommend Beurs y Vief; they are the best bars. On Saturdays you have to pay, so we went out on weekdays and on Saturdays we went to Witte de Witthstraat, to quieter bars to drink beers.

And to eat in Rotterdam? What are your favorite sites?

The Bazar, for Moroccan food; the Happy Italy (they have some pasta dishes that are impossible to finish) and you cannot leave without trying Viva Africa (an authentic African restaurant). The kebabs after you leave are heavenly and the ones in Witte de Witthstraat are one of the best. Kapsalon is something that is only made in Rotterdam and it is the best food that they have in the city.

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And how about cultural sites?

There are many museums you can visit (one for free on Wednesdays) and walking through the city is like visiting a museum. The street murals are very interesting and the sculptures in the middle of the street make Rotterdam a city worthy of visiting.

Of course you can't leave without visiting the surrounding towns: Delft, Gouda, Leiden... all of them are amazing!