Erasmus Experience in Rotterdam, Netherlands by Alessandro

Why did you choose to go to Rotterdam, Netherlands?

My choices were about Barcelona, Zagabria or Rotterdam. I didn’t know about this city before, although my interest was to learn English so it was the best fit for it.

Once I get there, I soon realized how amazing that city is.

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

The scholarship endures for 5 months and Europe gives you 250€ per month.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Rotterdam?

They usually start the day at 8:30 nearly until the evening. Almost of the day-life is spent doing what is concerned with you. Services make you comfortable, they are a lot of modernized. When finished the workday, is usual to have beers or just spend some time together before returning home.

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

Absolutely. It suggested me like a small metropolis, with not much chaos and at the same time beautiful, modern, and with a calm approach.

The university as well cares a lot for his students, supporting you with everything you would need to do things well.

What is the food like?

The food is good. Quite international and you can find really everything you want.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Rotterdam?

Fortunately, it has been easy because through the international tutor I get in touch with a Dutch guy who for the same period has been in NY and he rented me is room.

At all, they first help you to find accommodation and using other tools (like this page) you can find a place to stay.

Source

How much does it cost to live in Rotterdam?

I came from Italy and it is a bit more expensive. If you want to have activities and hang out a lot, you're going to spend money.

If you use the university’s services you’re going to save a lot of money and enjoying their amazing arrangements.

I've been spending about 700€ per month included everything, considering an average student lifestyle.

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

Yes, there are courses available and free. Dutch is hard and I wasn’t interested in learning it.

Online linguistic support for exchange students also helps you.

Of course, the best way to learn for exams is by studying exams materials, to learn to speak in every day speeches is doing every day speeches, and so on.

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

Flight.

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

In the center there are a lot of activities super pretty.

Witte de Withstraat is one of the most common populated roads also for clubs.

There are disco club like VIP or Isabel so good.

Source

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

Not at all because I didn’t use to eat at the restaurant much. They're expensive and it wasn’t my first commitment. But I know that there are a lot of pretty good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Rotterdam is completely rebuilt after the 2nd world war. It has not much history.

To see there are the maritime museum and the center with its activities.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Rotterdam in the future?

Rent and use a bike, it is amazing how easily you can go through all the city within a few cycling. Prepare yourself for the cold, that I like at all but it isn’t the same for everyone.

Should also decide to not care much if you go wet due to rain or high humidity, at least you're going to be dry after a few minutes.

Enjoy the city, meet people (Dutch are easy), make use of University services and you'll have a lot of fun.

The city is very very multicultural so it has made me feel like I wasn’t an ex-pat.

I hope you will spend a great time in Rotterdam!

Source