Erasmus Experience in Rotterdam, Netherlands by Elise

Why did you choose to go to Rotterdam, Netherlands?

I chose the Netherlands as it was the only place in Europe that offered the course I wanted to do in English in an international setting. Specifically Rotterdam because when I got to the university I was in awe of the architecture and the vibrancy of the city. It's a city with everything in it and in reaching distance.

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

I do not receive any help from the government in helping pay for my university and living costs. It is expensive but I am lucky to get help from my parents and I have a part-time job on the side to help.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a student city. Not in the way that there are only clubs and social activities for students but in a way that they have thought about what students really need, like quiet places to study and explore and made them accessible.

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

Yes of course I would! I am in Erasmus University College which means I'm not on campus but would recommend the whole of Erasmus full heartedly!

What is the food like?

The food is beyond what I imagined. There are the main chains everyone knows but the longer you are here the more you really experience the true cuisine Rotterdam has to offer you. Lost places on Witte de Wit Straat and in Oude Haven.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Rotterdam?

Yes and no. I didn't find my accommodation through an agency, I did it online. The main cost was time as it took a long long time to find accommodation for 4 international students that was in our budget and not that far from the centre.

How much does it cost to live in Rotterdam?

Rent is the most expensive if we exclude tuition fees. The next most expensive thing as an international student is public transport. We don't get free or a discounted public transport card and there for it costs nearly 30€ to Amsterdam and back for example when it is free for most dutch nationals. If you know where to go, Rotterdam offers loads of cheaper or reduced prices places for food, clothing, activities and parties.

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

There are language courses offered at Erasmus and I took Dutch A1 when I first arrived. The Netherlands is the first and only country I know where everyone can speak English. This is perfect for the international vibe of the city and allowed me to feel settled quite quickly as I knew I could speak to anyone even with limited dutch.

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

By flying into Rotterdam/The Hague airport on 2 days of the week as it is much cheaper as then I don't have to pay for the train ticket from Amsterdam.

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

I would recommend the beer garden if you wanted to hang out with a pint of beer and friends in a cosy but vibrant outside terrace. Otherwise BAR is a really cool club/bar that is alternative and more international than other clubs. My favorite bar is WORM on witte de wit straat as it is so different and alternative from the others you can't help but fall in love with it.

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

Super mercado is really nice, Little V, Fenix food factory and hotel bazar are my favourite restaurants in Rotterdam.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

It's not that know but the Maastunnel is my favourite place to show my friends and family when they visit. To be able to walk under the maas in the same tunnel used before the war is incredible. Otherwise there is the maritime museum or the dock yard which is super cool to visit.

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

Get a bike as soon as possible! It's the easiest and cheapest way round the city. And with that bike buy 2 locks that look and feel super solid. Also get an OV chip card and ask a Dutchie to help you get to the correct website so you can have a personalised one :)))